Public Meetings - Memphis, Tennessee

The Memphis City Council convened its regular meeting on January 10, 2023, at 9:45 AM. The meeting included the adoption of prior minutes, recognition of community leaders, approval of zoning and land use items, consent agenda passages, fiscal allocations, appointments, and extensive public comment periods focused on towing industry concerns and a mental health crisis response program. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the December 20, 2022 meeting were approved electronically by a vote of 12-0 (Councilmembers present: Canale, Colvette, Easter Thomas, Ford, Johnson, Logan, Morgan, Robinson, Vice Chairman Smiley, Swearington Washington, Warren, Chairman Jones). - Items 8 and 9 (first reading ordinances on animals/horse-drawn carriages and Unified Development Code amendments) were approved without discussion. - Fiscal Consent Agenda (Items 10–21) Including: $400,000 grant acceptance for Orange Mound community land trust (Item 10); multiple MLGW contract changes and extensions (Items 11–21); all passed unanimously. Councilman Warren praised MLGW workers for storm response. - Same Night Minutes (Items 10 and 34) approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Mental Health Crisis Response (Item 24): Three speakers (C.K. Harley, MICA delegate; Reverend Judy Hoffman, St. John’s United Methodist Church; Marilyn Pavola, retired mental health professional) urged council to fund the Fire Department’s C.A.R.E. mobile crisis unit. They emphasized keeping mental health crises out of the criminal justice system and reducing police burden. - Uptown TIF (Item 34): Joe Kent (511 Flamingo) requested deferral for technical investigation, citing unanswered public information requests and questioning the use of TIF proceeds for non-public housing. He also criticized past CRA transactions. - Appointments (Item 22): Joe Kent spoke against Alan G. Crone’s appointment to Sports Authority, calling him a “civic failure.” - Towing Industry (Public Comment): Nine speakers (including Evan Miller, Wanda Culp, Rod Cornelison, Mike Mace, Scott Westbrook, Nathaniel Fripp, Angela Inman) expressed that the primary issue is not dispatch but delays at the city impound lot (2–5 hour wait times for a $125 flat fee). They urged against a third-party dispatch system (Auto Return) and requested rate increases (currently outdated 2006 rates, lowest in state). Some noted unpaid bills from the city (e.g., $45,300 owed to one company). They asked for a separate intake line for tow truck operators and better lot capacity. - Alcohol Sales: Raymond Neal proposed repealing Sunday alcohol sales, citing spiritual concerns. Walter Brody offered a closing prayer. Discussion Items - Item 24 (CARE Program Funding): A resolution to allocate $1.5 million from ARPA funds for mental health crisis teams was amended on the floor by Councilman Canale to draw from premium pay funds ($1.88M remaining) instead of MATA ARPA dollars. The amendment was approved, and the item passed unanimously. - Item 30 (Affordable Housing Fund Transfer): A resolution to transfer $451,027.45 to the Memphis Housing Trust Fund was held for two weeks by Councilman Canale to consult with Director Cash. - Item 34 (Uptown TIF Bond Resolution): Passed after public comment and roll call vote (12-0), authorizing the CRA to incur debt for the Uptown redevelopment plan amendment. - Item 22 (Appointments): Sarah Burnett was appointed to the MATA Board (clerk corrected agenda error listing “Blight Authority”). Alan G. Crone was appointed to the Memphis and Shelby County Sports Authority; Judge Jane Chandler was appointed as administrative judge for Municipal Court. - Towing Issue Discussion: Council members (Logan, Morgan, Johnson, Robinson, Chairman Jones) acknowledged the impound lot bottleneck. COO Shandale Ryan stated Chief Davis would review impound lot operations and return with a plan. Chairman Jones noted the administration is responsible for lot expansion, not council. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Items (8,9,10–21): Approved unanimously (12-0 on each roll call). - Item 24 (CARE Program, as amended): Passed 12-0. $1.5 million reallocated from premium pay to fire division for crisis response. - Item 23 (Fire Station 11 Renovations): Passed 12-0. - Item 25 (City Hall Cladding): Passed 12-0. - Item 26 (Coke Facility Adaptive Reuse): $8 million appropriated; passed 12-0. - Items 27,28 (Property Sales): 1498 Ethlon Ave ($1,500) and 1557 Florida St ($600) approved 12-0. - Item 29 (Land Transfer to School Board): 13.63 acres near Windbridge Middle School transferred; passed 12-0. - Item 30: Held two weeks to January 24, 2023. - Item 31 (Library Grant): $50,946 from United Way approved 12-0. - Items 32,33 (Drainage Improvements): St. Elmo/Argonne ($169,404.40) and Mill Avenue ($686,735.61) approved 12-0. - Item 34 (Uptown TIF): Passed 12-0. - Appointments (Item 22): All three appointments approved 12-0, with Sarah Burnett correctly for MATA Board. - Public Comment Follow-up: COO Ryan committed to presenting a plan to address impound lot issues by the first February council meeting. Tow operators were encouraged to compile a comprehensive list of concerns.

The Memphis City Council convened on December 20, 2022, at 9:45 AM for its regular meeting. The agenda included multiple honors and recognitions, public hearings on the Klondike Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district and the Sheraton Hotel tourism surcharge, zoning and land-use approvals, fiscal consent items, and other resolutions. The meeting adjourned after final public comments and a vote on same-night minutes. Consent Calendar The Council approved the following consent packages: - Regular Consent (Items 8-11): Authorizing a zoning use district reclassification (second reading), final plat for Hickory Trace Commons, engineering plans for Uptown Studio and Storage, and release of bond for Carolina Terrace Subdivision. - Fiscal Consent (Items 12-15 and 35-41): Accepting and appropriating funds including $100,000 from Living Cities for Contractors University; donation of 10 police e-bikes valued at $20,000; acceptance of a broadband mobile command case from Shelby County 911; acceptance of $53,623 for Youth Summer Experience Program; and several amendments to FY23 council grant allocations (Items 35-41). - MLGW Fiscal Consent (Items 16-23): Approving contract changes and awards including temporary employment services, environmental consulting, fleet maintenance, digger derrick trucks, and on-call consulting services. Honors and Recognitions The Council adopted four resolutions by acclamation: - Item 1: Honoring Lodia Yates, founder of LYE Academy, for her contributions to youth dance and the first Nike sponsorship of a dance team. - Item 2: Honoring Ruth Rawlins Banks for her community service through "Feed the Needy" and her role at Unity Missionary Baptist Church. - Item 3: Designating a portion of Appling Road as "Pastor Donald L. Johnson Street" to honor the senior pastor of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. - Item 4: Honoring Beverly Robertson for her leadership as CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, raising $2.6 million during the pandemic, and being the first Black woman CEO in the Chamber's 184-year history. Public Comments & Testimony Public comments were heard on two items: Klondike TIF (Item 25): Six speakers addressed the proposed Klondike Redevelopment Trust Fund: 1. Belinda Caroosh – Expressed 100% support for the TIF and stressed the need for affordable housing in the Klondike area. 2. Kathy Gray – Spoke on behalf of legacy residents, requesting elimination of the land trust, set-aside of lots for legacy residents, and property tax freeze to prevent displacement. 3. Vivian Bolden – Asked for a Klondike resident on the CRA board and an advisory board with approval powers over expenditures. 4. Rashawn Austin (The Works Inc.) – Supported the TIF, highlighting that the increment funds public infrastructure and affordable housing. She detailed commitments: free legal services, housing counseling, $73 million investment in North Side Square, and more. 5. Randall Garrett (Klondike Smokey City CDC) – Supported the TIF, emphasizing extensive community input over nearly a decade and urging unity. 6. Corey Davis (The Works Inc.) – Supported the TIF, noting it does not raise taxes or displace residents. He stated the TIF is expected to generate over $30 million in increment over 30 years, compared to $3 million for the Soulsville TIF. He urged approval to lock in the 2022 base year. Sheraton Hotel Tourism Surcharge (Item 26): Joe Kent – Supported the surcharge but criticized lack of transparency regarding tax abatements and the Holland Road TIF. General Comment: Walter Brody offered a closing prayer. Discussion Items Item 5 – Special Use Permit for Hotel (122 S Main St): Deferred to January 10, 2023 at the applicant's request. Item 6 – Street Vacation: Resolution approving the vacation and closure of portions of Still Street, Jefferson Avenue, and Durham Drive. Approved unanimously. Item 7 – Zoning Reclassification (North Bingham Area): Ordinance reclassifying land from Employment to Residential Urban 3 (third reading). Councilman Carlisle expressed concerns about the process regarding a pocket park but supported the development. Councilwoman Johnson noted residents said the park was not necessary. Passed 12-0. Item 25 – Klondike Redevelopment Trust Fund (TIF): After extensive public comment and discussion, the Council voted 12-0 to approve the ordinance with same-night minutes (to set the 2022 base year). A subsequent motion by Councilwoman Easter Thomas to form a joint ad hoc committee with the County to examine community voice was withdrawn after Councilman Carlisle suggested bringing a formal resolution on January 10. Item 26 – Sheraton Hotel Tourism Development Zone Surcharge: Third reading. Public comment heard. Approved 12-0 with same-night minutes. Item 27 – ARPA Funds Reallocation to Fire Division: Deferred to January 10, 2023 because comment cards were received. Item 33 – Blight and Illegal Dumping Task Force Short-Term Recommendations: Councilwoman Logan described committee amendments (target dates, reward program). Councilman Carlisle offered a friendly amendment to coordinate with Shelby County regarding state grant funds for litter ($300,000-$400,000). Amendment accepted; resolution passed unanimously. Items 42, 43, 44 – Parade/Race Routes, Playground Funding ($350,000), Hospitality Hub Grant ($500,000): All passed unanimously. Items 24, 28-32, 34 – Appointments, MLGW Tax Equivalents, Gold Star Monument, Crime Commission Plan, TBI Lab Support, Election Results: All approved. Key Outcomes - Item 7 (Zoning): Passed 12-0. - Item 25 (Klondike TIF): Passed 12-0 with same-night minutes. Joint ad hoc committee deferred to January 10 resolution. - Item 26 (Sheraton Surcharge): Passed 12-0 with same-night minutes. - Item 33 (Blight Task Force): Passed unanimously with friendly amendment. - All consent calendars and remaining items: Approved unanimously. - Deferrals: Items 5 and 27 deferred to January 10, 2023. - Same-night minutes: Approved for numerous items. The meeting adjourned after final public comments.

The Memphis City Council met on December 6, 2022, at 9:45 AM for a regular meeting. The agenda included honorary street name changes, a special use permit, zoning reclassification, a redevelopment trust fund for Klondike, MLGW budget approval, and multiple resolutions honoring community leaders. Several items were approved by acclamation, while one zoning item and the Klondike TIF were held for further community engagement. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – Minutes from the November 15, 2022 meeting were approved by unanimous vote. - Items 8–13 (Consent Agenda) – Ordinances, engineering plans, and bond releases approved en bloc (unanimous). - Items 14–17 (Fiscal Consent Agenda) – Grant funds and in-kind donations accepted (unanimous). - Items 18–21 (MLGW Fiscal Consent Agenda) – Contracts and purchase orders for gas, electric, and water infrastructure approved (unanimous). - Item 34 – Transfer of remaining CIP funds for various parks projects approved (unanimous). - Item 22 – Appointments to Memphis & Shelby County Airport Authority (Jack Salmons) and Board of Adjustment (April Bostick, Kevin Bruce) approved (unanimous). - Item 24 – Ordinance establishing 2023 council meeting dates approved as substituted (one abstention). - Item 25 – Resolution appropriating $580,000 for traffic signal improvements approved (unanimous). - Item 26 – Resolution approving acquisition of property at 0 Stonebrook Circle for $170,000 approved (unanimous). - Item 27 – MLGW FY23 electric, gas, and water operations and capital budget approved (unanimous). - Item 28 – Joint resolution supporting the More for Memphis initiative approved (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - Item 7 (Zoning Reclassification) – Lucille Alexander and Michelle Alexander spoke in support of the rezoning, emphasizing the need for a park for children. They expressed hope that the developer would donate land for a park, but acknowledged they had no formal plan or entity to manage it. - Item 23 (Klondike TIF) – Four residents spoke: - Kathy Gray (733 Speed Street) – Opposed, stating residents were not adequately informed about the TIF; only 2 of 40 residents she contacted knew about it. She expressed concerns about legacy renters, lack of homeowner opportunities, and concentration of control among a few organizations. - Rashawn Austin (377 Angeles, President of The Works Inc.) – Supported, detailing $13 million in private investment, home repairs for legacy homeowners, and a community land trust model. Noted existing homeowner assistance programs. - Corey Davis (589 North Second Street, The Works) – Supported, describing community engagement efforts (open houses, door-to-door) and arguing the TIF would fund infrastructure without displacing residents. - Charles Aldridge (733 Speed Street) – Neutral, seeking more information about the TIF’s impact on the community. - General Public Comment – Joe Kent (511 Flamingo) criticized workforce development efforts (Seeding Success) and called for a report on the $100 million riverfront investment; also questioned the transparency of the city budget and the Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Presentation of Memphis City Beautiful Slam Dunk Litter League Winners – Councilwoman Logan recognized winners: 1st place Klondike Smoky City CDC (1,500 points, 704 bags of litter, 337 tires, 469 volunteer hours), 2nd place Style Stuffers (1,106 points, 480 bags, 74 tires, 77 hours), 3rd place Orange Mound Blight Patrol (984 points, 436 bags, 147 tires, 183 hours). Approved by acclamation. - Item 2 – Honorary Street Name for Pastor Ricky Floyd – Resolution presented by Councilwoman Logan, citing Floyd’s community and youth work. Approved by acclamation. - Item 36 (actually Item 2?) – Resolution Honoring Tawan Stout Mitchell – Speakers (former Councilman Harold Collins, Councilman Ford, others) praised her 20+ years of service. Approved by acclamation. - Item 3 – Honorary Street Name for Jarvis R. Greer – Resolution sponsored by Councilman Colvet, honoring the retiring WMC sports director. Approved by acclamation. - Item 4 – Honorary Street Name for Pastor C.L. Mathis – Resolution sponsored by Councilwoman Easter Thomas, honoring his 30+ years of ministry. Approved by acclamation. - Item 5 – Resolution Honoring Doug McGowan – Approved by voice vote. - Item 6 – Special Use Permit at 999 Channel Avenue – Approved unanimously after favorable committee recommendation. - Item 7 – Zoning Reclassification (EMP to R3) at North Bingham – Public comments supported the development. Councilman Carlisle raised concerns about a promised park with no plan or funding entity, and about the Blight Authority’s property transfer process. He moved to hold the item for two weeks to allow stakeholders to develop a plan. Councilwoman Johnson noted the neighbors were not opposed to the apartments with or without the park. The hold was adopted without objection, with a commitment to bring the item back on December 20 with same-night minutes. - Item 22 – (Appointments) already listed under Consent Calendar. - Item 23 – Klondike Redevelopment Trust Fund (TIF) – Councilwoman Easter Thomas moved to hold the item for two weeks, citing insufficient community engagement about the TIF itself. Representatives from The Works argued they had held multiple meetings over four years. Councilman Carlisle suggested a community meeting facilitated by the council. Vice Chairman Smiley offered to organize a meeting with council resources. The hold was motioned, seconded, and approved without objection, with a commitment to hold a community meeting before December 20. - Item 28 – More for Memphis Initiative – Approved after public comment critical of Seeding Success. Key Outcomes - All honorary street name changes (Items 2, 3, 4) and resolutions (Items 5, 36) approved by acclamation. - Special use permit (Item 6) and consent agenda items approved unanimously. - Zoning reclassification (Item 7) held to December 20, 2022, for additional planning on the community park component. - Klondike Redevelopment Trust Fund (Item 23) held to December 20, 2022, with a community meeting to be scheduled before then to address resident concerns. - MLGW FY23 budget (Item 27) and all fiscal consent items approved. - Meeting dates for 2023 (Item 24) approved as substituted. - Councilman Carlisle noted that the Blight Authority will be asked to present on its property disposition process at a future meeting. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at approximately [time not specified in transcript].

This was a special ceremony to swear in Janet Swearing Washington as the newly elected Memphis City Council member for District 4, following the November 8, 2022 election. The ceremony was presided over by Judge Ernestine Hunt Dorse and included an oath of office, a certification announcement, and remarks from the new councilwoman. Swearing-In Ceremony - Judge Ernestine Hunt Dorse administered the oath of office, asking Councilwoman Washington to repeat the standard city council oath, which included support for the U.S. and Tennessee Constitutions and the Memphis charter, and faithful discharge of duties. - After the oath, Councilwoman Washington signed the oath documents. - Mr. Alan Wade, city council attorney, notified attendees that the election commission had certified the election results from November 8, 2022. Remarks - Councilwoman Janet Swearing Washington thanked attendees for their support, prayers, and encouragement. She promised to continue being a voice and advocate for her district and to work with her colleagues. Key Outcomes - Janet Swearing Washington was officially sworn in as the Memphis City Council member for District 4. - Attendees were invited to a reception in the Hall of Mayors.

The Memphis City Council convened on November 15, 2022, at 9:45 AM (local time) for a regular meeting. The meeting opened with a prayer by Reverend Calvin Whitlock, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a proclamation appointing Reverend Whitlock as Chaplain of the Day. The council approved the minutes from the November 1st meeting, adopted several resolutions and ordinances, and elected officers for 2023. Public comment was heard regarding a proposed long-term contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Consent Calendar - Minutes of November 1, 2022: Approved unanimously (13-0). - Consent Agenda (Items 8, 9, and 57): Approved after removing Item 7 for separate consideration. Included ordinances for land use, community redevelopment, and a Sheraton Hotel tourism development zone. - Fiscal Consent Agenda (Items 10–15, 49–56): Approved unanimously. Included grant acceptances from PetSmart Charities ($50,000), Best Friends Animal Society ($10,000), Petfinder Foundation ($750), DHS for Tennessee Task Force One ($181,350), DHS for Fire Services ($1,211,650), DHS for Police Services ($398,250), and eight council FY23 grant allocation amendments (each sponsored by individual council members). - MLGW Fiscal Consent Agenda (Items 16–36): Approved unanimously. Included contract changes for utility services, emergency storm restoration, substation engineering, gas engineering, cashiering system, and power supply consulting, totaling approximately $18.9 million. - Items 58–61: Approved unanimously. Item 58: $1,909,000 for four ambulances (DHS Assistance to Firefighters Grant). Item 59: $1,680,469.56 for training and safety devices (DHS grant). Item 60: fund transfer for police violent crime unit renovation. Item 61: $800,000 for improvements at Memphis River Park Partnership parks (districts 6, 7, super district 8). - Item 37: Appointment of Mario Walker to the Public Art Oversight Committee, approved unanimously. - Item 38: Ordinance amending council staff positions and classifications (third reading), approved unanimously. - Items 39–41: Housing and community development grants approved unanimously: $651,982.67 for affordable housing (item 39); $923,258 for weatherization assistance (item 40); $234,607 over three years for HUD Healthy Homes and Weatherization Cooperation Demonstration Grant (item 41). - Item 42: $75,000 grant to Clean Memphis for clean water initiatives, approved unanimously. - Item 43: Resolution accepting a sculpture from Cherokee Heights Civic Club into the city’s public art inventory, sponsored by all council members, approved unanimously. - Item 44: $5 million (GeoBonds) for local share of a new Bus Rapid Transit line connecting downtown to the University of Memphis, approved unanimously. - Item 45: $1 million (GeoBonds) for development of three on-street bus transfer facilities as part of the transit vision plan, approved unanimously. - Item 46: Resolution requesting trauma-informed care (TIC) training for all city employees (amended from “citizen-facing employees” to “all employees”), approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Dennis Lynch (347 North McClain, leader of Sierra Club and former member of MLGW’s Power Supply Advisory Board) spoke against signing a 20-year evergreen contract with TVA, calling it a “lock-in ball and chain.” He urged the council to stay with the existing five-year contract and reconsider later. He noted he would also present similar comments to the MLGW board. Councilman Carlisle and Councilman Warren echoed opposition, stating the inducements offered are not worth the long-term commitment. Councilman Warren expressed doubt that the MLGW board would approve such a contract. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Resolution celebrating Church of God in Christ (COGIC) 114th Holy Convocation, declaring November 15, 2022 COGIC Day: Councilwoman Logan and Councilman Canale read the resolution. COGIC representatives (Bishop Porter and Bishop Hall) spoke about the convocation’s return to Memphis, the building of 20 new affordable housing units (Vance Flats), and plans for hundreds more. The resolution passed by acclamation. - Item 2 – Resolution honoring Kate Bond Middle School Kodiak Bears (state champion football team): Councilwoman Logan highlighted the team’s undefeated season and 35-0 championship victory. Coaches and players were recognized. The resolution passed by acclamation. - Item 6 – Zoning change (third reading): Ordinance 5837 reclassifying land at the northwest corner of N 2nd Street and Hickory Avenue from commercial mixed-use and employment districts to residential urban district. Andrew Murray (CRA) explained the site will be used for housing and that a new bike trail (Bearwater Trail) will connect to the Chelsea Green Line and beyond. Councilman Warren asked about environmental testing for residual toxicity; Murray confirmed testing was done and fill will be brought in. The ordinance passed unanimously. - Item 7 – Klondike ordinance (consent agenda item removed): Councilman Carlisle moved to substitute the ordinance, striking the phrase “up to five percent” in Section C regarding incremental tax revenues. The amendment was accepted without objection, and the ordinance passed unanimously. - Item 46 – Trauma-informed care training: Councilwoman Easter Thomas proposed the resolution; Councilwoman Johnson offered a friendly amendment to extend training to all city employees (not just citizen-facing). The amendment was accepted, and the resolution passed unanimously. - Item 47 – Selection of 2023 Council Chair: Councilman Smiley nominated Councilman Martavius Jones, who was elected by acclamation. - Item 48 – Selection of 2023 Council Vice Chair: Councilman Warren nominated Councilman JB Smiley, who was elected by acclamation. Key Outcomes - Elected Officers: Martavius Jones elected Council Chair for 2023; JB Smiley elected Vice Chair for 2023 (both by acclamation). - Votes: All items on the agenda were approved unanimously (13-0), with the exception of items that were held or removed. No votes were recorded against any item. - Items Held: Items 3 and 5 were held for two weeks; Item 4 was held until the December 20, 2022 meeting. - Public Comment on TVA Contract: Council members Carlisle and Warren expressed strong opposition to the proposed 20-year evergreen contract with TVA, signaling that if the MLGW board sends such a contract to the council, it will be defeated. - Next Steps: The council will receive written comments from Dennis Lynch and will continue to monitor MLGW’s power supply strategy.