Public Meetings - Memphis, Tennessee

[The Memphis City Council convened its regular meeting on April 25, 2023, at 9:30 AM. After a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum was present. The council approved minutes from the April 11 meeting and heard a statement from the family of Tyree Nichols regarding the recently passed Driving Equality Act. The meeting featured Mayor Jim Strickland's final budget proposal, unanimous passage of several resolutions, and extensive debate on an animal control ordinance that was ultimately held for further discussion.] Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Minutes from the April 11, 2023 meeting were approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda (Items 9–12, 28): Included ordinances on zoning changes and towing operators. Passed with Councilwoman Logan abstaining on item 28. - Fiscal Consent Agenda (Items 13–17): Accepted grants and reimbursements for disaster relief, park donations, and police grants. Passed unanimously with same-night minute approval. - Appointments (Item 18): Approved appointments to the Civil Service Commission, Downtown Memphis Commission, Convention Center Commission, and MATA Board. Councilman Morgan abstained initially but changed his vote to yes after clarification. Public Comments & Testimony - Tyree Nichols Family Statement: Councilwoman Easter Thomas read a statement from Mr. and Mrs. Wells expressing gratitude for the Driving Equality Act in honor of Tyree Nichols, stating it was only the beginning. - Animal Ordinance (Item 24): Several residents spoke against changing mandatory impoundment of stray dogs. Nina Wingfield, Gail Phillips, Susie Hollenbach, Pam Higgins, Nola Madison, and Jessica Guterra cited public safety risks, inequitable response in underserved areas, and recent dog attacks. They urged retention of "shall" language. - Gas Station Concerns: Mel Atkins spoke about the withdrawn item 6, alleging that a company (Timbo Construction) uses gas stations in urban communities for illegal activity. - Sports Facilities: Troy Donald questioned the demolition of the fairgrounds stadium and absence of a replacement track facility. - Police Reform: Sharon Morning (Damon Curry Morris) criticized lack of progress in police accountability and described a personal incident. - Prayer: Walter Brody offered a closing prayer for the council and city. - Community Health: Marilyn Burris thanked the council for a blight grant and invited members to Memphis Health Center's 53rd anniversary celebration. Discussion Items - Renaming White Station Library (Item 19): Third reading passed unanimously to rename as Officer Jeffrey Red Library. Councilman Warr and family members spoke about Officer Red's service. - Resolution Condemning Hindu Phobia (Item 2): Passed by acclamation. Sponsored by Councilmen Warren and Colvet; community member Chetna spoke in support. - Special Use Permits: - Item 3 (400 West Levi Road): Approved unanimously. - Item 4 (2292 Park Avenue): Passed with Councilman Carlisle abstaining and Councilwoman Easter Thomas voting no. - Item 6 (2453 Elvis Presley Blvd): Withdrawn by applicant before consideration. - Mayor's Budget Presentation (Item 1 held to May 2): Mayor Strickland presented his FY24 proposed operating budget of approximately $792 million with no property tax increase. Key proposals: 5% raises for police and fire, conversion of a 9% retention bonus to base salary, $55 million five-year public safety technology investment, $96 million CIP, expanded youth programs (summer camp, teen fest, free golf), and increased MATA funding. He highlighted accomplishments since 2016 including a 62% increase in paving spending and creation of a dedicated transit fund. - Referendum on Mayor/Council Qualifications (Item 21): Third reading passed unanimously after amendment. Sets two-year durational residency requirement and minimum age 18 for both mayor and council. To appear on the August 2024 primary ballot. - Nonprofit Lease Contracts (Item 22): Held until May 2 for input from affected organizations (e.g., Children's Museum, Metal Museum). Councilman Warren moved to hold; sponsors agreed to gather feedback. - Street Renaming (Item 23): Held until May 2 for additional work by the sponsor. - Animal Ordinance (Item 24): Extensive debate on changing impoundment language from "shall" to "may". Councilwoman Logan offered a friendly amendment adding exceptions for owner availability and exigent circumstances. After testimony and discussion with Director Alexis Pugh (17 officers covering 300+ sq mi), the item was held until May 2 to separate horse carriage provisions, obtain a scatter map of calls/pickups, and consider capacity issues. - Blight Task Force Resolution (Item 27): Passed unanimously. Council members acknowledged task force members and staff. - Park Projects (Items 25, 26): Approved funding for McFarlane Park Splash Pad and Crockett Park resolutions. Key Outcomes - Approved (Unanimous): Renaming White Station Library as Officer Jeffrey Red Library; Resolution condemning Hindu phobia; Consent and fiscal consent agendas; Blight task force resolution; Park funding. - Approved (with Dissent/Abstention): Item 4 special use permit (one no, one abstention). - Approved as Amended: Referendum on mayor/council qualifications (to August 2024 primary). - Held until May 2, 2023: Items 22 (nonprofit leases), 23 (street renaming), 24 (animal ordinance), and item 1 (budget) – though budget presentation occurred. - Withdrawn: Item 6 special use permit. - Next Steps: Council to hold budget hearings; administration to provide data on animal services; committee to refine animal ordinance language.

The Memphis City Council convened on April 11, 2023, at 9:30 AM for a regular meeting. The session opened with prayer by Reverend Clifford Ballinger, followed by approval of the March 21st meeting minutes. The council approved numerous resolutions honoring individuals and organizations, passed consent agendas, and conducted legislative business including the third reading of the Driving Equality Act, which was amended and renamed in honor of Tyree Nichols. Items related to police reform were tabled indefinitely, and public comment included calls to rescind bans on community members. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from March 21, 2023 (unanimous). - Items 1-7: Resolutions honoring Jasmine Carson (LSU basketball champion), Dr. Derek Payne (dentist and community advocate), Blue and Green Day for organ donation, Timothy Jones (Black Autistic Foundation), City University School Girls Preparatory (charter renewal), Overton High School boys basketball team (state champions), and FedEx (50 years in Memphis). All passed by acclamation. - Consent agenda (second reading of ordinances 5860-5863; first reading of 5864-5865; engineering resolutions 16-17; add-on 46) passed unanimously. - Fiscal consent agenda (items 18-21, plus add-on 45) passed unanimously. - MLGW fiscal consent agenda (items 22-33) passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Numerous speakers urged the council to pass the Driving Equality Act and to rename it in honor of Tyree Nichols. Speakers included Beth Hoffberg, Richard Massey, Josh Adams, Luci Char, Reverend Rosalind Nichols, Jamin Carter, Sarah First, Gillian Wenhold, Seymore Rasul, Zayania Cruz, Maria Oseja, and others. Many thanked Councilman Smiley for community meetings and criticized Chairman Jones for banning community members (Amber Sherman, Seymore Rasul, Gil Carter, Yolanda Cooper) from meetings. Some speakers rejected the proposed Wade ordinance and called for rescinding bans. - Jimmy Franklin warned that the tag ordinance could lead to gang wars over illegal temporary tag sales. - Barbara Sisak, George Boyington (Tennessee Young Democrats), and Theron Bond criticized the bans and urged democratic participation. - Lisa Bennett, a redistricting committee member, expressed disappointment with council attendance and urged focus on city-wide interests over individual districts. - Walter Brody offered a prayer. Discussion Items - Item 35 (Police Reform Ordinance): Ordinance to codify policies on traffic stops, use of force, body cameras, etc. Vice Chairman Smiley moved to table indefinitely; no objection, so tabled. - Item 36 (Meeting Dates Amendment): After discussion, council voted to change June meetings from 6th and 20th to 13th and 27th (yes: 8, no: 1, abstain: 1). - Item 38 (Driving Equality Act): Third reading of ordinance restricting pretextual traffic stops for five minor violations (expired registration under 60 days, misplaced temporary tags, loose plates, single light bulb out, loose bumpers). Sponsor Councilwoman Easter Thomas detailed allowed stops and emphasized the ordinance does not prevent stops for aggressive driving or counterfeit tags. Councilwoman Robinson requested an accountability/data reporting provision; Councilwoman Logan noted a companion data ordinance. Councilman Carlisle passed on Councilman Canale's suggestion for a repair assistance program. After public comment, Councilwoman Easter Thomas moved to rename the ordinance the "Tyree Nichols Driving Equality Act"—approved by acclamation. - Items 39-43: Various resolutions on budgets, grant funds, and infrastructure transfers, all passed unanimously. - Same Night Minutes: Motion for same night minutes on items 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Item 35: Tabled indefinitely (no objection). - Item 36: June city council meetings moved to June 13 and 27, 2023 (8-1-1). - Item 38: Driving Equality Act passed as a substitute ordinance, amended to include short title: "Tyree Nichols Driving Equality Act." Effective immediately. - Item 47: Resolution to reallocate ARPA funds for Memphis Food Waste Project passed unanimously. - Items 48-54: All passed unanimously, including funds for fire station projects, ground lease for Carpenter Art Garden, sale of city-owned parcel, and Raleigh Civic Center funding. - Appointments: Board of Ethics, MATA, and Convention Center Commission reappointments approved unanimously. - Bans: Chairman Jones did not rescind bans on community members, though several speakers requested it; no action taken.

This special called meeting of the Memphis City Council was convened on April 5, 2023, to consider the first reading of a redistricting ordinance. The council discussed legal risks, the election commission's deadlines, and the path forward. No votes were taken; the council decided to proceed with three regular meetings instead of special call meetings to avoid potential legal challenges. Public Comments & Testimony - Desert Franklin submitted a comment card but did not speak at the meeting, deferring to a later time. Discussion Items - Legal Advice from Attorney Alan Wade: Wade warned that passing an ordinance via special call meetings could be subject to legal challenge because ordinances require three consecutive regular meetings under the council's rules. He noted that the current map was adopted through three regular meetings, so a special-meeting ordinance would lack "equal dignity" and could be overturned in court. - Chairman Jones's Letter to the Election Commission: Chairman Jones read into the record a letter to Election Commission Administrator Linda Phillips, requesting an extension of the redistricting deadline to May 16, 2023, citing the previous special election for District 4C where maps were delivered after the filing deadline. The election commission denied the request, insisting on an April 15 deadline. - Councilmember Johnson's Questions: Johnson asked about the timeline for receiving maps and data, and whether maps could be used for the next election if not adopted by April 15. She also raised the possibility of moving to a 13-district system. - Presentation by Mr. Harris: Harris presented the proposed single-district map (District 8) and identified potential issues with the current map's population data. He noted that the 2020 census population was 633,104, but after de-annexations, the current map's population might be around 627,448, possibly causing a non‑compliant population deviation. He also found inconsistencies in precinct assignments in the current ordinance. Attorney Wade disputed the population numbers, stating the comptroller's number for the current map was 633,102 after de-annexations. - Councilmember Easter Thomas's Proposal: She moved to call for a vote on the first reading during the special meeting, but after discussion, the motion was withdrawn. - Chairman Jones's Recommendation: Jones recommended proceeding with the regular meeting schedule (April 11, April 25, May 2) to minimize legal risk, even if it means battling the election commission in court over the map's acceptance. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on the redistricting ordinance. - The council agreed to introduce the ordinance at the regular meeting on April 11, 2023, with second reading on April 25 and third reading on May 2. - The special called meeting scheduled for April 12 was cancelled. - The council directed that the data discrepancies raised by Mr. Harris be clarified before the April 11 meeting.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The transcript, agenda, and minutes for this meeting were not provided. Therefore, no summary of the meeting proceedings is possible.

No agenda, meeting minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on March 7, 2023, beginning at 9:45 AM. The meeting covered a broad range of legislative items including police reform ordinances, funding allocations, development approvals, and public safety measures. Significant public comment and debate occurred on ordinances related to traffic stops, data transparency, and civilian oversight of police. The council passed several key reform measures, including a requirement for marked law enforcement vehicles during traffic stops (with exceptions for exigent circumstances), a data transparency ordinance, and a strengthened civilian review board reporting protocol. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes of the February 21st meeting were approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda (Items 5, 6, 31, 36): Passed collectively. Item 31 (police reform ordinance) was included on the consent agenda despite public comment from Beth Hofberg urging caution. - Fiscal Consent Agenda (Items 11, 12, 28, 29, 30): Approved unanimously, including $50,000 from the National Park Service for the Memphis Heritage Trail, $279,036.02 from the Mid-South Emergency Planning Coalition, and amendments to FY23 grant allocations. - MLGW Fiscal Consent (Items 13, 14, 15): Approved unanimously, including a $9,891,100.65 purchase order for southern yellow pine poles. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 31 (Police Reform Ordinance): Beth Hofberg (717 S. Riverside Drive) expressed concern that Item 31 was designed to repeal other reform ordinances and emphasized the need for proper language on pretextual stops. - Item 18 (Marked Vehicles for Traffic Stops): Nineteen comment cards were submitted. Supporters included community activists and residents who argued that unmarked cars increase fear and racial profiling. Opponents, including citizens and representatives of "Back the Blue 901," argued that the ordinance would hinder police ability to respond to dangerous situations. The council heard from both sides, with 15 minutes allocated per side. - Item 19 (CLERB Reporting Protocol): Speakers included Yolanda Cooper (opposed to CLERB chair James Kirkwood), Anthony Thompson (supportive of reform), and others who shared personal experiences with police misconduct. - Item 21 (Data Transparency): Twenty speakers, all in favor, called for public access to police data on traffic stops, use of force, and complaints. Speakers included Chelsea Glass, Amber Sherman, and Trinity Williams, who cited data on racial disparities and the need for accountability. - General Public Comments: Residents raised issues including bed bugs at City View Towers, police interactions with mentally ill individuals, and real estate building materials. Discussion Items - Item 2 – Pure Academy Plan Development (PD 22-06): A resolution approving a development plan at 4815, 4825, 4847 Amy Road and 748 Wilson Road. The applicant, John Gallman of Pure Youth Athletics, introduced the proposal. Passed unanimously. - Item 37 – Dream Hotel Special Use Permit (SUP 22-30): After being removed from the table, Councilman Colvet presented 14 agreed-upon conditions addressing transparency, loading docks, waste storage, and construction timelines. Both the applicant (Dederick Bridnham for Dream Hotel) and property owner (Nathan Bix for Bills Enterprises) expressed agreement. Passed unanimously. - Item 3 – Rezoning at 4225 Getwell Road (Z 22-12): Rezoning 0.25 acres from R-8 to Employment District to clean up split zoning. Staff recommended approval. Passed unanimously. - Item 4 – Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA 22-01cc): An ordinance to revise joint zoning and subdivision regulations. Amendments were made to remove townhouses by special use permit in RU-1 districts and to clarify private drive language. Passed unanimously. - Item 18 – Marked Law Enforcement Vehicles Ordinance: Councilwoman Logan introduced a substitute ordinance defining "marked law enforcement vehicle" and allowing unmarked cars only in exigent circumstances. After debate, Vice Chairman Smiley offered a friendly amendment adding a definition of exigent circumstances. The administration (Chief Davis and Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Sink) indicated they could work within the language. The ordinance passed with one dissenting vote (Councilman Morgan). - Item 19 – CLERB Reporting Protocol: The ordinance requires annual reporting of the disposition of CLERB recommendations, including subpoena power. Debate centered on potential state preemption (HB 591/SB 591). Councilman Warren and Councilman Carlisle urged tabling until the state legislature acts, but the council voted 7-4-1 to pass it (Canale abstained, Carlisle, Covet, Morgan, Warren voted no). - Item 21 – Data Transparency Ordinance: Requires MPD to collect and regularly report data on traffic stops, arrests, use of force, and complaints. Councilman Morgan raised concerns about cost and implementation, but the ordinance passed unanimously after a motion to call the question. - Item 26 – Parks Restoration Fund: Established a $500,000 fund to restore Tom Lee Park after the Memphis in May festival, with specific allocation rules for years one and two. Passed unanimously. - Item 38 – Community Grant Program Amendment: A substitute resolution amending the FY24 grant program, setting application period May 15 – July 1, and requiring 75% allocation by July 15. Passed unanimously. - Item 16 – Police Training Academy Annual Review: Requires annual independent review of training techniques. Passed unanimously after public comment. - Item 32 – Data Dashboard Resolution: Requests the DA and courts to create a public data dashboard. Passed unanimously. - Item 33 – ARPA Funds for Mental Health Breakfast: $2,500 for first responders to attend a mental health breakfast. Passed unanimously. - Item 35 – 901 Block Squad Resolution: Requests MSCS to allow the 901 Block Squad to interact with students to prevent violence. Passed unanimously. - Item 25 – Parks Team Fest 2023: $20,000 for supplies and services. Passed unanimously. - Item 27 – Curb Ramp Construction: $978,452.50 for 450 curb ramps citywide. Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Item 18 (Marked Vehicles): PASSED with one dissenting vote (Morgan). Requires marked vehicles for traffic stops except in exigent circumstances, as defined. - Item 19 (CLERB Reporting): PASSED (7-4-1). Requires annual reporting of CLERB recommendations and dispositions. - Item 21 (Data Transparency): PASSED unanimously. Requires MPD to collect and report traffic stop, arrest, use-of-force, and complaint data. - Item 2 (Pure Academy): PASSED. - Item 37 (Dream Hotel): PASSED with 14 conditions. - Item 4 (ZTA): PASSED with amendments. - Item 26 (Parks Restoration Fund): PASSED. - Item 38 (Grant Program): PASSED. - Item 16 (Police Training Review): PASSED. - Item 17 (Pretextual Stops Ordinance): Held for two weeks by Councilwoman Easter Thomas. - Item 24 (Street Renaming): Held for two weeks. - All other consent and fiscal items: PASSED.

The Memphis City Council convened its regular meeting on February 21, 2023. The meeting opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by multiple honorary resolutions recognizing community members. The council also debated and voted on a series of consent agenda items, including zoning amendments and public safety ordinances, responding to public demand for police reform following the death of Tiree Nicholes. Consent Calendar - Resolutions Honoring Individuals (Items 1-7) : Approved by acclamation for Georgia "Mother" King (posthumous), Deiree Robinson (Cozy Corner founder), Kennedy McKinney (Olympic gold medalist), Shhannon Brown (FedEx executive), Dr. Floyde Tyler (posthumous), and Officer Tina Shaw (police crisis interventor). e- Item 10 (Planed Development PD 22-25) : Approved unanomously (11-0) for residential development at 7424-750 Raleigh LeGrange Road. - Item 11 (Zoning Text Amenment ZTA 22-01, Third Reading) : Held from debate; an amenment was moved to allow townhouses by righton arterials/collectors in RU1 zones, and by special use permit on other streets. The item was postponed to the next meetimg for furhter public comment. - Consent Agenda (Items 12-20) : Passed in a single vote (including policeman reform ordinances, zoning channges, and administrative items). Items 12-15, 17, and 20 concern traffic data, plainclothes officers, prettextual stops, and CLERB subpoena power. Item 18 (rezonen at Killarney/Airrways) remaines on the agenda for due process despite a negative committee recoomendation. Public Comments & Testimony - Police Reform (Items 12-17) : Numerous community members urged the council to pass stonger ordinances on data transparency, ending pretexttual stops, and banning plainclothes/unmarked car stops. Speakers referenced the death of Tiree Nicholes, provided statistical evidence (e.g., 31% of MPD citations are for liciense/insuarance violattions), and demanded removal of police from traffic enforcement. - Zoning (Item 11) : Representives of Midtown Memphs and Historic Distrits expressed concern about adding townhouses to RU1 zones without special use permitts, citing potential impacts on establisshed neighborhoods. They requested public notice through special use permits. - Item 18 (Rezoning at Killarney/Airrways) : Resedents of White Haven opoosed the rezoning from residetial to commericial, arguing it would wanzen property values, increase traffic and pollution, and box in their community. - General Comments : Public speakers addressed Latinx community concerns about inequal justice, lead poisoning from MLGW water lines, and the need for mental health resources. Discussion Items - Item 11 (Townhousing in RU1) : Council memebers debated the pros/cons of by-right townhouses vs. specail use permits. A compromise was reached: alow by right on major streets, and require special use perrmit on other streets. The item was held for a third reading to allow community input. - Item 29 (Street Naming for Barbara Cooper) : With helld due to opposition from WLOL owner, who was unable to attend; resheduled to next meeting. - Item 32 (Parks Restoration Fund / Memphis in May Agreement) : Detailed discusion about $500k fund for Tom Lee Park, feens, and damange deposit. The Mississippi River Parks Partnership and Memphis in May agreed on most terms except the cost of an ADA ramp; the council held the item for two weeks to finalize the lease. Key Outcomes - All honorary resolutions (Items 1-7) passsed by acclamation. - Item 10 (Planned Development) passsed unanomously. - Item 11 (Zoning Text Amendement) was amennded and held; final reading next meeting. - Consent Agenda (Items 12-20) passsed as a single vote, including police reform ordinances (second reading). - Item 18 (Rezoning) moved forward with negative recomendation for second reading; final decision expected after public hearing. - Item 29 (Barbara Cooper Street) held for two weeks. - Item 32 (Parks Restoration Fund) held for two weeks pending signed lease between Memphis River Parks Partnership and Memphis in May. - Same-night minutes for Items 4-6, 21-22, 33-40 passsed. - Council approved apppointments for Downtown Memphis Commission and Downtown Mobilty Authority.

The Memphis City Council convened on February 7, 2023, for a regular meeting that began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of minutes from the January 24 meeting. Early items included honorary resolutions and a humanitarian award, but the bulk of the meeting was devoted to police reform following the death of Tyre Nichols. The council passed one resolution (item 25) and advanced seven ordinances (items 27–32) on first reading, all aimed at increasing accountability, transparency, and reducing pretextual policing. Extensive public comment was heard on these items. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from January 24, 2023 (unanimous). - Item 2: Resolution honoring New Hope Christian Academy on its 25th anniversary (unanimous). - Item 33 (added): Resolution honoring Universal Circus (unanimous). - Item 1: Presentation of the 2022 Memphis City Council Humanitarian Award to the family of Bishop William M. Young (unanimous). - Item 5: Resolution approving a plan development at 5505 Malone Road (unanimous). - Fiscal consent agenda (items 11, 12, 21–23) – acceptance and allocation of grant funds (unanimous). - MLGW fiscal consent agenda (items 13–16) – contract changes for tank painting, inspections, pollution control, and cashiering system (unanimous). - Item 18: Resolution reallocating $2 million to Works Inc. for Peach Tree Senior Development (unanimous). - Item 19: Resolution transferring $451,027.45 from affordable housing contribution to Memphis Housing Trust Fund (unanimous). - Item 24: Resolution appropriating $300,000 in GL bonds for major maintenance at Overton Park Shell (unanimous). - Item 20: Resolution to establish a parks restoration fund was held pending further negotiations. - Consent agenda (items 6–10) – three ordinances (zoning, UDC amendments) and one resolution accepting public improvements (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony Public comments were heard on multiple police reform items and during the general public comment period. Key themes: - Support for ordinances limiting pretextual stops, unmarked cars, and requiring data transparency (speakers from Decarcerate Memphis, Vera Institute, and community members). - Call for deeper systemic change: Many speakers criticized reform as insufficient, arguing that policing is inherently racist and cannot be fixed by training or minor policy changes. They called for defunding, dismantling specialized units, and removing police from traffic enforcement. - Personal stories: Several Black residents described being stopped for minor infractions or no cause (e.g., “window down”), highlighting the differential treatment compared to white drivers. - Criticism of Chief Davis and the administration: Speakers accused the chief of lacking transparency and noted that officers involved in Tyre Nichols’ death were simply moved to other units. A Palestinian American speaker compared police units to “occupation forces.” - Support for stronger CLERB: Multiple commenters urged full funding and independence for the Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board. - A sixth-grade student’s letter (from Collegiate School) was read by Vice Chairman Smiley, urging an end to pretextual stops. Discussion Items - Items 25–32 were taken up as a package in light of public urgency. Chairman Jones stressed these were just the beginning of the conversation. - Item 25 (Resolution): Establish misuse of body-worn cameras and excessive force as disqualifying factors in MPD promotions for two years. Councilwoman Johnson proposed a friendly amendment to strike the “two-year” limit for excessive force and instead state such officers should be considered for termination. The amendment was accepted. Passed unanimously (12-0). - Item 26 (Resolution): Support for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Discussion centered on the implications of qualified immunity. Attorney Wade explained federal vs. local application. Passed unanimously (12-0). - Item 27 (Ordinance, first reading): Annual independent audit of MPD training academy and techniques. Councilwoman Easter Thomas moved a friendly amendment requiring council approval of the auditor and budget; accepted. Defined “regular” as annual. Passed unanimously after public comment. - Item 28 (Ordinance, first reading): “Driving Equality Act” – prohibits pretextual stops for six minor violations (e.g., late registration <60 days, missing single brake light, minor bumper issues). Councilman Morgan expressed concern about fair application and lack of vehicle inspections. Councilman Carlisle raised temporary tag issues. Passed 11-0-1 (Morgan abstained). - Item 29 (Ordinance, first reading): Requires only marked police vehicles to conduct traffic stops; plainclothes officers not to be used for routine stops. Councilman Carlisle noted the need to define “routine.” Passed 11-0-1 (Morgan abstained). - Item 30 (Ordinance, first reading): Establishes reporting protocol for MPD disposition of CLERB recommendations, giving CLERB investigative authority and ability to audit policies. Councilman Ford noted the council had already agreed to fund CLERB with $1.5 million. Passed unanimously. - Item 31 (Ordinance, first reading): Creates independent review process for incidents involving excessive/deadly force or in-custody deaths, including access to video footage. Council Attorney authorized to hire independent consultants. Passed unanimously. - Item 32 (Ordinance, first reading): Requires collection and regular public reporting of data on traffic stops, arrests, use of force, and complaints. Officer must provide badge number and signed report to citizen. All council members added as co-sponsors. Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Passed unanimously: Items 1, 2, 5, 6–10, 11–16, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32. - Passed 11-0-1: Items 28 and 29 (Councilman Morgan abstained on both). - Held: Item 20 (parks restoration fund) pending negotiations. - Same-night minutes approved for items 10, 11, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 (unanimous). - Next steps: The ordinances (items 27–32) will return for second and third readings at subsequent meetings. The council committed to continued public engagement and possible town halls.