Public Meetings - Memphis, Tennessee

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on October 15, 2024, at 9:45 AM. The meeting opened with a prayer by Dr. Lee Ramsey, the Pledge of Allegiance, and adoption of minutes from the October 1st meeting. Major agenda items included resolutions recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, approval of an honorary street name for Terry Don Douglas Sr., a high-profile debate over a planned development amendment to expand a Class III landfill at 3086 Cussia Street (which failed unanimously), and several other planning and zoning items. The council also approved quarterly financial reporting from MATA, a moratorium on certain storm shelter requirements, appointments to various boards, and fiscal consent items. The meeting concluded with public comments. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from October 1, 2024 meeting (moved by Vice Chairman Canale, seconded by Councilmember Warren, passed unanimously). - Consent agenda items (items 10-13) were approved: second reading of zoning ordinance 5918, engineering plans for Genesis of Wolf Chase and Peach Tree Development with bonds, and acceptance of public improvements for Future Lot Two, South of Brains Express subdivision. All passed unanimously. - Fiscal consent agenda (item 14): acceptance of $1,600 from Tennessee for in-service training, passed. - MLGW fiscal consent agenda (items 15-21): lease agreement for warehouse space, change orders for engineering services and software contracts, master asphalt paving program contracts (two awards totaling over $16 million), purchase order for computer equipment, and software licensing agreement. All passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - During the landfill expansion debate (Item 5), eleven residents and organization representatives spoke in opposition, citing concerns about odors, smoke, rodents, groundwater contamination, toxins, health impacts (asthma, cancer), property values, environmental racism, and lack of community notification. Speakers included Sylvia Martinez (Whitney Elementary), Jalen Prater (Girls Inc.), Sarah Houston (Protect Our Aquifer), Tara Miller, Peggy Boyd, Marvus Rogers, Adrienne Anderson, Reginia Dowell, Jonathan Reed (Fraser Urban Garden), Michelle Stewart (Memphis Shelby County Schools), and Latrice Adams. - Two speakers spoke in support: Robert Hooker (personal character of the Williamsons) and Rodney Greener (economic practicality/avoiding longer drives to Mississippi). - At the end of the meeting, two citizens gave general comments: Alice Hart (Know Thy Worth nonprofit) advocated for youth in underserved areas, and Joe Kent criticized MATA oversight and budgeting. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Resolution Recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (sponsored by Councilwoman Swearingin Washington): Passed by acclamation. Representatives from YWCA were honored. - Item 2 – Resolution Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month (sponsored by Councilwoman Cooper Sutton): Passed by acclamation. Baptist Memorial Health Care representatives spoke about services and mobile mammography. - Item 4 – Honorary Street Name for Terry Don Douglas Sr. (sponsored by Councilman Spinoza): Approved. Spoke about Douglas's life as a community pillar, longtime owner of Douglas Upholstery. Family members thanked council. - Item 5 – Planned Development Amendment for Landfill Expansion at 3086 Cussia Street (PD 24-05): This was the longest debate. DPD recommended rejection due to incompatibility with surrounding zoning and inconsistency with Memphis 3.0 comprehensive plan. Applicant (Lou Wardlaw, Carol Williamson) argued the landfill is necessary for the city's waste diversion goals, economically beneficial, environmentally compliant, and would ultimately donate 60 acres for public use. Extensive public testimony. Council debate centered on environmental justice, health concerns, and community opposition. Councilmembers noted the landfill's proximity to Whitney Elementary School and Girls Inc. farm. The vote was unanimous against. - Item 6 – Special Use Permit at 2895 Poplar Avenue (SUP 24-35): Reuse of former Wendy's restaurant. DPD presented, and the item passed after a re-vote to include all members. - Item 7 – Planned Development at 4701 Boeingshire Drive (PD 23-29): Held for three weeks (until November 12) to allow neighborhood to review renderings and further discuss. - Item 8 – Street Closure: Portion of Jackson Avenue and Lauderdale Street (SAC 24-04): For St. Jude expansion. Presented by DPD and St. Jude legal counsel. Approved. - Item 9 – Street Closure: St. Jude Place between Danny Thomas Blvd and Lane Avenue (SAC 24-05): Companion to item 8. Approved as amended (added option for hammerhead turn for fire access). - Item 30 – Resolution to Request MATA Quarterly Financials: Sponsored by Councilwoman Green. Passed. - Item 31 – MATA Appointments: Nine appointments approved. - Item 32 – Amendment to FY25 Community Grant Program: Approved. - Item 33 – Acceptance of $50,000 from Amazon for Tech/Rec Spaces: Approved. - Item 34 – Resolution Regarding Tourism Surcharge for Sheraton Hotel: Approved. - Item 35 – Resolution Requesting 12-Month Moratorium on ICC 500 Storm Shelter Requirements for Group E Occupancies: Approved (Councilwoman White recused). - Item 36 – Amendment to Insurance Fund Disbursement Process: Approved. - Item 37 – Amendment to Accelerate Memphis Program: Approved. - Item 38 – Resolution Accepting $100,000 from Living Cities for Breaking Barriers to Business B3 Initiative: Approved (Councilwoman Logan recused). - Item 23 – Renaming Lincoln Park Pavilion to Hazel Moore Pavilion (Third Reading): Approved. - Item 27 – Resolution to Prioritize Blight Service Repairs for Police/Fire Vehicles: Approved. - Item 29 – Ordinance to Decrease Limits on MLGW Contracts/Salaries (Second Meeting): Approved as amended (sunset clause removed). - Item 39 (Added) – Resolution to Create Parks and Environment Ad Hoc Committee: Approved. Key Outcomes - The landfill expansion (Item 5) was defeated unanimously (all 13 council members voted no). The council cited community opposition, environmental concerns, and inconsistency with Memphis 3.0. - Item 7 (Boeingshire Drive) was held until November 12, 2024 to allow community review of renderings and further negotiation. - Item 6 (Poplar Avenue special use permit) was approved after a re-vote (unanimous). - Items 8 and 9 (St. Jude street closures) were approved (item 9 as amended). - All consent items and fiscal consent items passed unanimously. - Item 35 (storm shelter moratorium) passed on roll call (10 yes, 1 recuse). - The council approved a resolution requiring MATA to submit financials quarterly (Item 30). - Appointments to MATA and the Groundwater Quality Control Board were confirmed. - The meeting adjourned after public comments and approval of same-night minutes for multiple items.

The meeting was scheduled for October 14, 2024, at 19:00 UTC. No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided, so no discussion, public comments, or decisions can be summarized.

The Memphis City Council met on October 1, 2024, at 10:15 AM (CT) to conduct its regular business. The meeting included approval of minutes, consent agenda items, MLGW fiscal items, a series of resolutions and ordinances, and public comments. Chairman JB Smiley presided. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the September 24, 2024 meeting were approved unanimously. - Items 2–5 were held to later dates: Items 2 and 5 to November 12, 2024; Items 3 and 4 to December 3, 2024. - Consent agenda items (6–8) were approved unanimously. These included: - Ordinance 5917 (second reading, sponsored by Councilwoman Swearington Washington). - Zoning ordinance (case Z24-05, first reading). - Resolution accepting termination of public improvements for sanitary sewer extension on Elvis Presley Boulevard and East Shelby Drive. MLGW Fiscal Consent Agenda - Items 9–16 were approved unanimously. These included: - Resolution authorizing up to $330,000 in matching funds for utility bill assistance (item 9). - Five contract changes/renewals for ISIT services, fuel supply, and transportation uniforms (items 10–16). Discussion Items Most items were voted on without debate. Key items included: - Item 17: Appointment of Erskine McCrate to the Police Advisory and Review Committee – approved unanimously. - Item 18: Resolution for up to $16 million in economic development revenue bonds for the city (District 7, Super District 8) – approved unanimously. - Item 19: Resolution approving use of $3 million (amended from $2.5 million) in compounded interest from Accelerate Memphis bonds for traffic engineering camera mesh project – approved unanimously after a caption amendment and revote. - Item 20: Resolution appropriating up to $1.5 million in PILOT proceeds for affordable housing – approved unanimously. - Item 21: Resolution accepting insurance proceeds for damages at 281 East Parkway North – approved unanimously. - Items 22, 24, 23, 25: Resolutions regarding quarterly updates from city departments, fire station improvements, a five-year lease for parking spaces, and acceptance of federal historic preservation funds – all approved unanimously. - Items 26, 27, 28: Resolutions related to the Sheraton Hotel purchase, including a $30 million bond, $1.5 million in tourism surcharge funds for earnest money, and transfer of the city's interest to the Memphis Center City Development Corporation – all approved unanimously (items 26–28 were sent from committee with no recommendation). Public Comments & Testimony - Joan Hart (178 South Grove Park Road, Bethel Grove neighborhood) spoke against the proposed hotel purchase, citing 300 missing teachers, low downtown hotel occupancy (60%), and 200 unusable rooms at the Sheraton. She also criticized spending on Memphis Animal Services (5.8 million), the bus crisis, and the lack of programs for youth. She urged the council to redirect funds to education, animal welfare, and community centers. - Kenyatta Harden (2763 Browning, 38114) spoke about his experience as a former employee of the Memphis Fire Department apparatus maintenance shop. He alleged racial discrimination and harassment from 2012 to 2017, leading to his termination in July 2017 without explanation. He noted that a third-party study documented the hostile work environment. He requested the council investigate his case. Key Outcomes - All consent and regular agenda items were approved unanimously, with no recorded dissenting votes. - The council amended item 19 from $2.5 million to $3 million and revoted. - Same-night minutes were approved for items 8, 9, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28. - The meeting was adjourned following public comments. Note: Agenda and minutes were not available for cross-reference; all information is derived from the meeting transcript.

The meeting convened at 19:45 on September 30, 2024. No agenda or minutes were available for this session. The only recorded statement from the raw transcription is a brief remark: "Well I will have to put any. No, I'm here." This suggests no substantive discussion or decisions occurred, and the meeting may have adjourned immediately after the opening.

This meeting of the Memphis City Council, held on September 24, 2024, began with a prayer led by Pastor Munger of One Accord Ministries and included ceremonial recognitions for Hispanic Heritage Month, the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, and Building Memphis's 25th anniversary. The council then conducted its regular agenda, which included significant land-use decisions, notably on a Whataburger drive-thru and a Racetrack travel center, along with numerous budgetary and procedural approvals. The meeting also included extensive public comments regarding the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) crisis. Consent Calendar - The council approved the minutes from the September 10, 2024 meeting. - Approvals by acclamation were made for resolutions honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, and Building Memphis's 25th anniversary. - The consent agenda (items 10-14) and fiscal consent agenda (items 15-16) were approved en bloc. Key items included accepting public improvements and a resolution amending an honorary street name for Glenda Baskin Glover. Public Comments & Testimony - MATA Funding and Cuts: Numerous citizens and advocates spoke about the ongoing MATA crisis. They urged the council to provide emergency funding (suggested $5-7 million) to prevent service cuts and layoffs. Speakers included bus operators, riders, and representatives from groups such as the MATA Union (ATU), the Micah Transit Equity Committee, and Better Transit for a Better Memphis. They criticized MATA leadership for lack of transparency and called for long-term solutions. - Whataburger (Item 5): Residents from the nearby neighborhood spoke against the proposed 24-hour drive-thru, citing traffic congestion, safety concerns for pedestrians, and inconsistency with Memphis 3.0 plan. Jerry Bradfield and Gordon Alexander expressed opposition. - Racetrack Travel Center (Item 6): Several community members spoke against the proposed Racetrack travel center, citing health concerns (asthma), increased crime, prostitution, and negative impacts on property values. Some questioned the adequacy of public notices and pointed out that only 7 people attended the public meeting. Supporters, including some residents and business owners, argued the development would replace a blighted hotel and improve safety with robust security measures. - General Comments: Joe Kent and others made general comments on various topics including the Brooks Museum funding and MATA oversight. Tara Miller, a social worker, expressed concern about the disingenuous arguments around the Racetrack development and highlighted Suicide Awareness Month. Joan Harp spoke about conditions at Memphis Animal Services, requesting budget cuts and better management. Discussion Items - Item 5 – Whataburger Drive-Thru at 1925 Union Avenue: The council discussed a request to modify a special use permit to allow a drive-thru restaurant. Councilman Carlisle, after noting the developer's efforts and concessions, moved to strike the drive-thru allowance and instead extend the special use permit for 730 days to preserve rights for hotel and townhome development. DPD staff explained their recommendation for rejection due to inconsistency with Memphis 3.0 future land use and failure to meet designated frontage standards. The applicant's attorney argued the company was a quality corporate citizen and had worked to accommodate DPD. After deliberation, the council voted to strike the drive-thru language (12-0-3) and then approved the amended resolution extending the SUP for 730 days (13-0-2). - Item 6 – Racetrack Travel Center at 3419 American Way: The council reviewed a plan development for a Racetrack travel center. DPD staff recommended approval, noting consistency with Memphis 3.0 and conditions including a landscape buffer. The applicant's team highlighted security measures ($900,000 annual budget), 24/7 security guards, and EV charging stations. Community opposition raised concerns about health, crime, and notification issues. Several council members supported the project, citing the benefit of replacing the existing crime-ridden hotel and the need for economic development. A friendly amendment regarding window transparency (front 45%, side 35%) was accepted. The council voted 11-2 to approve the plan development. - Item 7 – Drive-Thru Restaurant at 4615 Quince Road: The council approved a special use permit for a drive-through restaurant on a vacant former bank site. Councilwoman Dr. Easter Thomas asked about discussions regarding student employment and loitering; the applicant confirmed they would employ students and monitor for loitering. The item passed unanimously. - Item 9 – Motor Vehicle Sales at 5700 Mount Moriah Road: The council approved a special use permit for motor vehicle sales, with conditions regarding landscaping and no chain-link fencing. The applicant confirmed the existing use would remain. The item passed unanimously. - Item 33 – Brooks Museum Funding: The council allocated $500,000 from CIP for construction. Public commenter Joe Kent opposed the public funding, arguing it should have remained privately funded. The item passed despite the opposition. - Item 41 – More for Memphis Strategic Plan: The council adopted a joint resolution supporting the More for Memphis strategic plan, a guide for improving economic mobility for children and families. Councilwoman Logan expressed concerns about transparency regarding fund allocation, but the overall sentiment was supportive of collaboration. The resolution passed with one abstention. Key Outcomes - Item 5: Approved the removal of the Whataburger drive-thru and extended the SUP for 730 days (vote: 12-0-3 for the amendment, 13-0-2 for the main motion). - Item 6: Approved the Racetrack plan development (vote: 11-2). - Item 7: Approved the drive-thru restaurant (vote: unanimous). - Item 9: Approved the motor vehicle sales SUP (vote: unanimous). - Item 41: Approved the More for Memphis resolution (vote: 12-1-1). - Numerous budget appropriations and consent items were approved, including $500,000 for Pure Youth Academy (amended with same-night minutes) and $1,219,142.34 for the radio system upgrade. All agenda items were disposed of during this meeting.

The Memphis City Council met on September 10, 2024, at 9:30 AM to discuss routine approvals, several high-profile special use permits for gas stations, a planned development, and public comments on transit cuts. Key actions included the approval of consent agenda items, the rejection of two gas station proposals, and the holding of a planned development for further review. Consent Calendar - Items 15–18, 19–20, 21–31, 37–38: Approved unanimously. Included resolutions for engineering plans, fire museum donation ($150,000), police department donation ($2,000), MLGW contract renewals and purchase orders, and CIP budget amendments for West Georgia Avenue improvements and an Arts Memphis grant. - Item 35 (Zoo Maintenance Funding): Held for two weeks at the request of Councilwoman Swearingin Washington to obtain detailed maintenance plans. Public Comments & Testimony - David Allen Hall (Bishop, Life Together Inc.): Expressed support for a gun safety initiative to provide training and safety locks, citing high black-on-black homicide rates (64% of homicides are Black) and a personal story of a 15-year-old victim. Asked for council support and noted he applied for a council grant. - Gilbert Barnes Carter III: Proposed solutions for MATA transit system, specifically the elimination of routes along major thoroughfares (e.g., Route 7 in Southeast Memphis). - Dennis Lynch (Better Transit for Better Memphis): Urged funding to prevent service cuts, stating transit is essential for citizens to reach work, church, and medical appointments. - Kate Seats (high school teacher, transit rider): Opposed proposed cuts, noting that eliminating service after 7 PM would violate ADA regulations and harm disabled riders. Emphasized that MATA is in danger of a death spiral. - Annika Easley: Described difficulties with MATA paratransit and fixed routes, including long wait times and inability to work late shifts. - Dorothy Connor: Cited 40,000 riders via 901 Smart Cards, detailed delays up to four hours, heat-related illnesses, and insufficient service. Called for increased funding. - Tara Miller (licensed master social worker): Praised council for rejecting gas stations, noting her community (Frayser) has seven gas stations in a food desert. Promoted mental health awareness for Suicide Prevention Month. Discussion Items - Item 4 (SUP24-09 – 3745 Outland Road Gas Station): Applicant David Bray proposed a gas station with convenience store on a vacant lot. Opposition speakers (Randy Duga, Shantae Brown, Yasser Sale, Dr. Lynette Williams) cited crime, over-saturation (8-10 gas stations within a mile, 50% above national average), proximity to a daycare (less than 50 feet), benzene risks, and water contamination. The applicant pledged EV charging stations, solar panels, and security cameras feeding into the Real-Time Crime Center. Council amended the resolution to require at least three DC fast chargers and solar panels. The vote failed: 2 yes (Walker, Warren), 9 no, 2 abstain (Swearingin Washington, Chairman Smiley). - Item 11 (PD23-29 – 4701 Bourne Drive Planned Development): Applicant proposed six single-family homes (reduced from 11) on 1.9 acres. Louise Coleman and association members opposed, citing lot sizes not matching existing homes, potential contamination from a nearby leaking underground storage tank, and traffic safety. The applicant offered renderings after a hold. Council held the item until October 15 to allow developer to produce renderings and address property value concerns. - Item 7 (SUP24-12 – Used Car Sales): Approved with conditions including landscaping and screening. Passed unanimously. - Item 8 (SUP24-15 – 4471 South Third Street Gas Station): Applicant proposed a gas station with EV charging and a sandwich shop. Staff and LUCB recommended rejection due to inconsistency with Memphis 3.0 and over-concentration of gas stations. Councilman Ford opposed, citing ongoing redevelopment efforts and several existing stations. Vote failed: all no (Walker initially voted yes but corrected to no). - Items 9, 10, 12: Approved without significant debate. Key Outcomes - Item 4 (Gas Station, 3745 Outland Road): Failed 2-9-2. No further action. - Item 8 (Gas Station, 4471 South Third Street): Failed unanimously after correction. - Item 11 (Planned Development, 4701 Bourne Drive): Held until October 15, 2024, for renderings and community input. - Item 35 (Zoo Maintenance): Held for two weeks pending detailed maintenance list. - Consent Agenda and other routine items: Approved as listed. - Public Comments: Council received testimony on MATA cuts and gun safety but took no immediate action. - Meeting Adjourned: Motion by Councilman Warren, seconded by Councilwoman Cooper Sutton.

On August 30, 2024, the Memphis City Council held a press conference to address the gun referendum (Ordinance No. 5908) passed on July 23, 2024, signed by the chairman on August 6, and by the mayor on August 16. Council members, led by Chairman Smiley, announced that they had filed a lawsuit against the Shelby County Election Commission earlier that day (around 10:20 a.m.) after the commission refused to place the referendum on the ballot without a public vote. The council condemned threats from state officials to withhold sales tax revenue and expressed unity in their fight for gun safety and self-governance. Discussion Items - Chairman Smiley detailed the timeline: the ordinance was passed on July 23, signed by him on August 6, and by the mayor on August 16, then submitted to the election commission. He stated the council complied with all state laws and criticized the state’s threat to cut 40% of the city’s budget that goes to law enforcement, calling it bullying. He said, “We won’t back down, and we damn sure won’t be bullied.” - Councilwoman Jerry Green argued that the state’s actions are hypocritical, calling them “not patriotic” and “not pro-life.” She noted that over 70% of Tennesseans (including Republicans and NRA members) support the measures. She said, “Memphis has been shot and is bleeding out. … We are taking a stand on behalf of our governance independence.” - Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas cited the city’s need for stronger safety measures for children, questioning, “Why do you want us to be unsafe? Why do you want us to be poor?” She referenced Dr. King’s 1968 assassination and said the council is unified in not being “held hostage.” - Councilwoman Rhonda Logan shared a personal experience of being in a drive-by shooting a year ago, vowing to “fight like hell” for the people. She criticized the state’s “sharecropper tactics” and said, “You told us hope wasn’t enough … you told us to strategize … and then you send your dunes.” - Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton highlighted the absurdity of threatening to take resources from law enforcement while demanding more guns. She said, “Guns have more rights than women.” - State Representative Justin Pearson (District 86) called the state’s actions “racist” and “authoritarian,” noting that the city is majority Black and that similar attacks occurred with his expulsion and TSU’s board. He said, “We’re not going back to silence. … Over 71% of people want common-sense gun laws.” He praised the council as the first majority-woman city council in history. - Chairman Smiley clarified the decision to file suit: as chairman, he has the authority to act between meetings to protect the council’s rightful power. He expects a court hearing as early as next week. He also accused the election commission of violating the Open Meetings Act by acting without a public vote. Key Outcomes - Lawsuit filed: The Memphis City Council filed a lawsuit against the Shelby County Election Commission on August 30, 2024, challenging its refusal to place the gun referendum on the ballot. - Unified council: All 13 council members support the lawsuit, including Republican and moderate members, according to Chairman Smiley. - Next steps: The council anticipates a court appearance next week. Attorney Alan Wade was at the courthouse handling the filing. - Public records: A copy of the lawsuit is available through a public information request to the city legal office. - Continued advocacy: The council vowed to fight for gun safety and against state threats, calling on other cities to file similar lawsuits.

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on August 20, 2024, beginning at 9:15 AM. The meeting included approval of minutes from August 6, 2024, several recognitions, a public hearing on a gas station special use permit, extensive debate on a planned development involving a Whataburger drive-thru and hotel on Union Avenue, a planned residential development in Whitehaven, and numerous consent and fiscal items. The council also heard public comments and took votes on multiple resolutions. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from August 6, 2024, by unanimous vote. - Consent agenda item 10 held until September 10, 2024. Item 11B public hearing changed from September 10 to September 24, 2024. - Other consent items approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Tara Miller (LMSW, 3551 Carney Street) criticized the postponement of the gas station discussion (Item 4) despite community opposition, citing food deserts and crime concerns. - Josh Adams (Memphis Artists for Change) raised objections to new ID requirements for entry and difficulty contacting council members, particularly District 8 representatives. - Joe Kent (511 Flamingo) urged council to scrutinize MLGW’s $180 million excess gas balance sheet cash and warned of underfunding for MATA. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Honoring Robert Connect: Resolution honoring outgoing Public Works Director Robert Connect for 21 years of service, including oversight of a $350 million upgrade at the Te Maxon plant and pandemic-era initiatives. Passed by acclamation. - Item 2 – US Coast Guard Anniversary: Resolution celebrating the 234th anniversary of the Coast Guard. Passed by acclamation. - Item 3 – Honoring Dante Harris and TCAT Students: Recognized barbering and styling contributions to the community, including free haircut events. Passed by acclamation. - Item 26 – Charter Amendment (Third Reading): Ordinance to modify qualifications for mayor and council members. Passed unanimously (9-0). - Item 4 – Gas Station Special Use Permit (3745 Outland Road): DPD recommended approval with conditions. Community members spoke in opposition citing traffic, crime, environmental concerns (groundwater recharge zone), and oversaturation of gas stations. Councilwoman Walker described a disrupted community meeting and expressed concerns about blight. Councilman Carlisle raised environmental and redevelopment risks. The applicant offered EV chargers, solar panels, and fresh fruit. The item was postponed to September 10, 2024, for further community meeting. - Item 5 – Modification to SUP at 1925 Union Avenue (Whataburger, Hotel, Townhomes): Involved a time extension for a hotel SUP and approval of a drive-thru restaurant (Whataburger). Staff recommended approval of the time extension but rejection of the drive-thru. Community members (Gordon Alexander, Bradfield) opposed the drive-thru due to traffic, safety near Idlewild School, and character of Union Avenue. Developer Sean Massey stated plans include 20 townhomes, a five-story hotel, and the Whataburger, with construction starting in phases. Council debated separation of the two issues. The item was held until September 10, 2024, for further negotiation. - Item 6 – Planned Development at 4701 Boingshire Drive (Red Oaks): Proposal for six residential lots (reduced from 11) on a former gas station site with LUST history. Community members cited environmental contamination risks and opposed density. Councilwoman Walker supported residents. Developer offered lot sizes of 8,000–10,000 sq ft and house sizes 2,000–2,300 sq ft. The item was held until September 10, 2024. - Item 7 – SUP at 5225 Summer Avenue: Approved unanimously. - Item 8 – Joint Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Third Reading): Approved unanimously. - Items 27–35 (CIP Transfers): All approved unanimously, including funds for roof replacement at Skinner Center Pool, security cameras at Memphis Animal Shelter, O Allen Police Station HVAC, Liberty Park infrastructure, and police academy renovation. - Fiscal Consent Items (12–15): Items 12, 13, 14 approved; Item 15 (donation from Target) held for three weeks. - MLGW Fiscal Consent (16–25): Approved unanimously. - Same Night Minute Items (36–38): Included a $2.1 million ambulance lease, a $16.797 million one-time bonus for retirees (passed unanimously), and amendments to the Community Grant Program (increasing threshold to 50%, allowing one-time exceptions for capital improvements; total $2.6 million). All passed. Key Outcomes - Items 4, 5, and 6 postponed to the September 10, 2024 meeting for further community engagement and negotiation. - Item 15 (Target donation) held for three weeks pending confirmation of amount. - All other resolutions on the agenda passed with unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including the charter amendment, honorific resolutions, consent items, fiscal transfers, and same-night minute items. - The council adjourned following public comments.

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on August 6, 2024, with Chairman J.B. Smiley presiding. The meeting opened with a prayer by Dr. Keith Norman, who was also appointed Chaplain of the Day. The council observed a moment of silence for fallen MPD Officer Demetrius Johnson and injured Officer Bobby Fields. Several resolutions were passed unanimously, including honorary street naming, recognitions, land use approvals, and appointments. Public comments addressed public safety, transit, and transparency. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from July 23, 2024. - Consent agenda (items 14–18) including zoning ordinances and bond releases. - Fiscal consent (item 19) accepting a $35,000 grant from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office for bicycle and pedestrian safety. - Same night minutes for items 17, 18, 19, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35. Recognition and Honorary Items - Resolution to name a portion of Horn Lake Road (from Shelby Drive to Third Street) as "Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover Street" – passed by acclamation. - Recognition of Haley Litsey, a rising senior at Hutchison School, for academic excellence, leadership, and community service, including founding the organization "Her Image." - Recognition of Tabita L. Williams Dumas for over 40 years of dance education and 25 years of operating TL Williams Academy of Dance in Whitehaven. - Recognition of Steve Shular for over 40 years of public service with the city and county; declared "Steve Shular Day" in Memphis. - Ordinance renaming the Lincoln Park Pavilion to "Hazel Moore Pavilion" – passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Plan Development PD 24-06 (2606 Appling Road): Approved with additional restricted uses, including adult-oriented establishments, vehicle sales/service/repair, liquor stores, smoke shops, payday/title loan shops, dollar stores, and cell phone stores. - Special Use Permit SUP 24-08 (3487 Toppler Avenue): Gas station redevelopment approved with conditions requiring three EV charging stations and solar panel installation. - Appointments: Approved Chief Operating Officer Antonio M. Adams Sr., Chief Financial Officer Walter Person, EDGE President Joanne Massey, and several board members (Landmarks Commission, Board of Adjustment, Land Use Control Board). Councilman Carlisle praised the appointees. - Liberty Park Developments: Approved three 30-year ground leases: (1) High Five Entertainment complex, (2) mixed-use with multifamily and 12,000 sq ft of retail, (3) hotel. All items passed. - Fairgrounds Redevelopment: Resolution to appropriate $500,000 in CIP funds (item 34) approved. - Community Grant Program: Resolution to reopen the FY24 Community Grant Program for 15 days and amend FY25 program (item 35) was withdrawn after discussion over funding caps and minimums. - Motor Vehicle Registration Fees: Ordinance to amend fees (item 24) passed third reading. - Police Services CIP: $1 million appropriation for new Mount Moriah Station (item 29) approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Pastor Kenneth Van Buren (No Greater Law Ministries, Sherwood Forest) reported a church member was assaulted and carjacked; criticized interim police director Cerelyn Davis and called for the return of former director Tony Armstrong. - Christine Fox (244 N McNeil St) questioned language changes in item 13 staff report regarding consideration of plans approved in 2019. - Joe Kent (taxpayer) criticized the MRPP oversight hearing, demanded transparency on Accelerate Memphis allocations, and alleged mismanagement at Mud Island. - Johnny Mosley (Citizens for Better Service) and Sammy Hunter (co-chair, Memphis Bus Riders Union) thanked the council for attention to MATA, highlighted poor bus service, and called for accountability. Key Outcomes - All resolutions on the agenda passed unanimously except item 35 (withdrawn). - Appointments to key city positions and boards were approved. - Land use approvals (PD, SUP, street closures) passed with conditions. - Ground leases for Liberty Park developments approved. - Public comments were heard; no council action taken on them during the meeting.