Public Meetings - Memphis, Tennessee

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on September 26, 2023, at 9:15 AM. The meeting was chaired by Chairman Martavius Jones, with a quorum present. The council addressed a range of items including resolutions for planned developments, special use permits, consent agendas, fiscal approvals, and public comments. Key actions included approval of a planned development with new restrictive conditions, a $1.8 million appropriation for the historic Melrose School revitalization, and allocations of ARPA and grant funds.

The Memphis City Council convened its regular meeting on September 12, 2023, at 9:45 AM. The meeting included recognition of a councilmember's nomination to the TVA board, introduction of new staff, and unanimous or near-unanimous approval of all agenda items. Public comments raised concerns about a street project, MLGW transparency, and a suggestion for a spiritual consultant. Consent Calendar - Approval of the August 22, 2023, meeting minutes (unanimous). - Item 1: Resolution approving honorary street name change on Hillbrook Road for Reverend Dr. T. L. Taylor (passed unanimously, same-night minutes requested). - Item 3: Special use permit for a 12-child group daycare at 4757 South Third Street (passed unanimously after applicant presentation; councilman Canale later noted a caption error corrected to reflect child care). - Consent agenda (items 5–7): Includes setting a public hearing date for McLean Boulevard height variance (SE 23-01), approving engineering plans for Brooks Museum, and approving final plat for Homes Road truck facility. All passed unanimously. - Fiscal consent agenda (items 8–10): FY24 grant allocations, $4M HUD grant for Mississippi River floating dock, and $1,417,600 state grant for police training. Passed unanimously (Councilmember Easter Thomas abstained on item 8). - Add-on items (20–26): $250,000 for Pinch District infrastructure, $1.35M for speed humps, $1.9M and $300,000 for park improvements, $2M for fire station renovations, $322,437 for fire station canopy/patio, and $150,000 for Greater Memphis Chamber/Sound Diplomacy partnership. All passed unanimously. - Item 11: Appointments of Stacey Clinton to Memphis Civil Service Commission and Tanja Mitchell to Memphis Housing Authority (passed unanimously). - Items 14–19: Traffic signal equipment ($590,000), safety improvements ($250,000), firefighter gear grants ($635,327.27 and $171,761.42), personal protective equipment ($1,274,000), and a zoning text amendment on street renaming process. All passed unanimously. - Same-night minutes motion for items 1, 6, 7, 9, 10, 20–26 (passed unanimously). Public Comments & Testimony - Matthew Houston (3330 Lampier, owns vacant lot at 3327 Henry) expressed opposition to a project on National Street in District 5, claiming it would block intersections and restrict left turns from Lampier. He stated that the Heights CDC did not engage with residents and that requests for speed bumps were ignored. He characterized the project as possibly segregative. - Joe Kent (511 Flamingo) criticized MLGW for lack of transparency regarding a $16 million paving approval from a prior council meeting. He questioned MLGW’s move into paving, referenced the cobblestone landing contract, and urged the council to order a full report on all riverfront projects and spending. He also defended the council’s $1,800 expense at a restaurant as acceptable. - Walter Brody (4256 Ed Better Cole) suggested hiring a spiritual consultant to address crime, calling Memphis the “most dangerous city in America.” He led the council in prayer. Discussion Items - Item 12 (Ordinance 5881, third reading): Ordinance to amend Chapter 2, Article 2 of the city code regarding facilities and capital assets for council operations. Passed 11–1 (Councilman Warren voted no). No discussion recorded beyond motion. Key Outcomes - All resolutions and ordinances were approved with the exception of Councilman Warren’s no vote on Item 12. - Correction: Councilman Canale noted that the caption for Item 3 incorrectly stated “vehicle repair” instead of “child care”; staff directed to correct the minutes. - Public hearing for McLean Boulevard height variance set for September 26, 2023. - A full report on riverfront projects was requested by speaker Joe Kent; no council action taken on the request. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned after public comments and a prayer.

The Memphis City Council met on August 22, 2023, under Chair Martavius Jones. The council addressed a law enforcement resolution seeking ongoing Shelby County Sheriff's Office assistance downtown, a disputed apartment complex appeal, a pawn shop expansion near schools (held), two referendum ordinances, and multiple funding authorizations for parks, infrastructure, and MLGW. Public comment touched on housing conditions, downtown policing, police accountability, and tow truck rate increases. Consent Calendar - Minutes from August 8, 2023 – Approved as amended (contract number changed to 5445). Unanimous. - Items 7–11 (second reading of ordinance, engineering plans, supplemental agreements) – All approved on consent. - Fiscal Consent (Items 12–18) – Grant, paving contract, MLGW-related contracts – Passed collectively. - Items 19 (Animal Service Advisory Board appointment) – Approved. - Items 24, 33–38 (hazmat grant, weatherization, major maintenance transfer appropriations) – All approved. - Items 25–31 (Parks funding: Lester Community Center, tennis courts, Audubon Golf Course, Wolf River Greenway, Lichterman Nature Center, Memphis Zoo, Botanic Garden) – All approved unanimously. - Item 32 (comprehensive rezoning study) – Approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Mary Godwin (1081 Court Ave.) – Complained about mold and code violations at Memphis Tower (Millennium building), urged council to withhold funding until resolved. - Lucille Catron (979 Grand Ave.) – Criticized the council for focusing enforcement on Beale Street, arguing it pushed crowds elsewhere; mentioned her lawsuit and unpaid promises for the Historic Daisy Theatre. - Cassio Montez (503 N. 5th St.) – Demanded release of body camera footage in the fatal police shooting of Courtney Ross (August 11), expressed lack of trust in police, and called on council members to hold MPD accountable. - Joe Kent (511 Flamingo) – Requested resurrection of the riverfront steering committee and accused "elitists" of bullying businesses; argued crime will remain high as long as taxpayer money subsidizes private interests. - Angela Inman (4000 N. Watkins) – Representing tow truck owners, urged council to approve a rate increase, noting the current $31.25 per call is unsustainable. - Scott Westbrook (3966 Winchester) – Said drivers risk their lives, have not seen a raise since 2006, and cited rising costs for trucks, fuel, and insurance; asked for immediate action on the tower rate increase. - Paul Williams (3169 Ridgecrest) – Noted 35,000 accidents in 2022, argued the required $2 million insurance is prohibitive, and pleaded for a rate increase to survive. - Philanese Anderson (905 Mason St.) – Driver and office manager, said current rates cannot support drivers or new companies; urged council to help the tower industry. - Walter Brody – Gave a prayer. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Honor for Jim Jaggers – A resolution recognizing the 45‑year broadcasting meteorologist (WREG TV). Councilman Colvett read highlights; Mr. Jaggers thanked the council. Unanimously adopted. - Item 40 – Request Sheriff’s Office Downtown Assistance – Vice Chair Smiley introduced the resolution after MPD Deputy Chief Crow confirmed a good working relationship. Sheriff Floyd Bonner stated he has never refused MPD, but needs an official request. Several council members (Johnson, Colvett, Warren, Smiley) stressed permanent collaboration, noting that Memphis taxpayers fund the sheriff’s budget. Sheriff committed to providing resources; the resolution passed unanimously. - Item 2 – Apartment Complex Appeal (Anne Burgess) – Substitute resolution with nine conditions (max 399 units, emergency curb cut, preserved open space, right of first refusal for HOA, etc.) was presented by Councilman Colvett. Commissioner Erica Sugarman opposed, calling it a bait‑and‑switch. The substitute resolution passed 9‑1‑1 (Easter Thomas abstained, Swearingin Washington voted no). - Item 3 – Vehicle Repair Special Use Permit – Amended resolution, passed unanimously. - Item 5 – Plan Development at 3337 Overton Crossing (Pawn Shop Expansion) – Dozens of students and faculty from Memphis Business Academy and Memphis STEM Academy spoke in opposition, citing safety concerns, proximity to schools, and inconsistency with the city’s gun‑violence prevention efforts. Councilman Colvett noted a “trick bag”: a yes vote forces improvements; a no vote leaves the existing pawn shop unchanged. He requested the applicant consider prohibiting gun sales. The item was held for three weeks (to the next meeting) for further negotiation. - Item 20 – Referendum to Re‑establish Elected City Court Clerk – Councilman Warren explained the measure corrects a prior election error, allowing citizens to decide. Passed unanimously. - Item 21 – Referendum on Residency Requirement for City Employees – Would require all city employees (including MLGW) to live in Shelby County, with an exemption for first responders. Councilman Warren argued it would hinder MLGW hiring. The measure failed (5 yes, 3 no). - Items 24–39 – Routine approvals for grants, CIP transfers, and a use agreement for Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. All passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Jim Jaggers resolution – Adopted unanimously. - Sheriff’s Office assistance resolution (Item 40) – Approved unanimously; ongoing collaboration expected. - Apartment complex appeal (Item 2) – Substitute resolution with conditions approved 9‑1‑1. - Pawn shop expansion (Item 5) – Held for three weeks pending further discussions. - Referendum on elected city court clerk (Item 20) – Passed unanimously; will appear on a future ballot. - Referendum on city employee residency (Item 21) – Failed (5 yes, 3 no); not placed on ballot. - All park and infrastructure resolutions (Items 25–31, 33–38) – Approved. - Consent agendas – Approved as presented. - Public comment items – No formal action taken; the council listened to concerns about housing, policing, and tow rates.

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on August 8, 2023, at 9:45 AM. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, several consent agenda approvals, a significant discussion on a pawn shop expansion, and public comments on public safety and small business concerns. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the previous meeting. - Approved an honorary street name change for FedEx Corporation (Item 38) by acclamation, designating portions of Lt. George W. Lee Avenue and BB King Boulevard as FedEx One Plaza. - Approved a resolution honoring Tracy Bedea for her contributions to gospel radio (Item 1) by acclamation. - Approved Items 5, 6, 8-12, 13-17 (fiscal consent), 18-27 (MLGW fiscal consent), 35, 37, 28, 31, 32, 33, 34, and same night minutes (Items 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,26,35,37,38) as part of consent agendas. All passed with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Public Comments & Testimony - Commissioner Erica Sugarman (Shelby County Commission, District 12) spoke on Item 4 (held for two weeks). She expressed support for the city council's gun permit and background check resolution and the Playback Memphis program. However, she implored the council to vote against increasing apartment units from 279 to 579 at a development in District 12, citing the need for an MPD substation, flood cameras, and speed bumps. She reported that Sheriff Bonner stated the expansion would intensify crime. She also noted nearly 3,000 homeless students and 60,000 evictions in the last two years, and Memphis being labeled the most dangerous city. - Joe Kent (public comment) criticized the closure of the Guthrie Clinic, accused the city of bullying small businesses, and stated that Memphis needs 6,000 more mom-and-pop establishments. He also criticized the mayor for preferring out-of-state and international companies over local small businesses, specifically mentioning a Canadian company, Israeli companies, and an Arizona company. Discussion Items - Item 7 (PD 23-09) – Plan development at 3337 Overton Crossing Street to expand an existing pawn shop (First Cash / Cash America) from a non-conforming use. The Division of Planning and Development recommended rejection, citing inconsistency with the future land use and that expansion would perpetuate the non-conformity. The Land Use Control Board had approved it 4-2 with one abstention. - Council members debated extensively. Some opposed the expansion, citing the community's opposition (represented by Reverend Anderson) and the desire to force the business to improve without expanding. Others supported the expansion because it would allow investment, improve the blighted property, retain employees (approximately 5 from a closing store), and provide needed storage. The applicant stated that the business model requires additional storage to consolidate two stores, and without the expansion, they would not invest in improvements and might lay off employees. - Vice Chair Smiley and Councilman Jones questioned why the property had not been improved before. Councilman Morgan noted he would support Councilwoman Easter Thomas's opposition as representative of the district. Councilman Canale proposed a hold for two weeks to see if a compromise could be reached with the community. The motion to hold was seconded by Vice Chair Smiley and passed without objection, with requests for additional information on square footage of other locations, costs, and employment details. Key Outcomes - Items held: Items 2, 3, 4, 29, and 30 were held. Item 4 (apartment expansion) was held for two weeks; Items 2 and 3 were held indefinitely. Item 7 was held for two weeks to allow further discussion and community input. - Votes: All consent agenda items, fiscal consent items, and other resolutions (Items 5, 6, 28, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, and same night minutes) passed with near-unanimous support. Councilwoman Johnson voted no on Item 28 (reappointment of Michael Poldman to MLGW Commission); Vice Chairman Smiley, Councilwoman Swearington Washington, and Councilman Warren abstained. - Announcement: Councilman Carlisle announced that the governor called a special session of the General Assembly on August 21 with 18 topics; council members were asked to prepare legislative priorities for lobbyists. - Next steps: Items held for two weeks will return at the August 22 meeting.

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on July 25, 2023, at 9:45 AM. The meeting included opening ceremonies, unanimous approval of multiple resolutions and ordinances, recognition of community members, and farewell remarks for a departing staff member. Consent Calendar - Approval of July 11, 2023 Minutes: Unanimously passed (moved by Vice Chair Smiley, seconded by Councilman Carlisle) - Items 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 29: Consent agenda items approved unanimously, including referendum ordinances on re-establishing the elected City Court Clerk office and requiring city employees to live in Shelby County, a zoning ordinance, a land use control board notation, and a resolution accepting public improvements. Discussion Items - Resolution Honoring Reverend Alexander Gladley Sr. (Item 1): Sponsored by Councilwoman Easter Thomas. Approved by acclamation. The reverend’s brother spoke in gratitude. - Resolution Honoring Ari Morris (Item 2): Sponsored by Councilwoman Swearingin Washington and Vice Chairman Smiley. Ari Morris, a Grammy-nominated producer and engineer, was recognized for his contributions to Memphis music. Approved by acclamation. - Resolution Commemorating HBCU Scholarship Program (Item 4): Sponsored by Chairman Jones. The program awarded $448,000 to 84 students attending 25 different HBCUs. Approved by acclamation. - Recognition of Councilman Dr. Jeff Warren: Introduced from the floor by Councilman Canale, Councilwoman Robinson, and Chairman Jones. Honored for receiving the Tennessee AFP Family Physician of the Year award. Approved by acclamation. - Items 15-28: Unanimously approved, including: - Fire station canopy and patio project (Item 15) - Two-year license agreement with USFL at Liberty Stadium (Item 16) - Multiple drainage repair and infrastructure projects (Items 17-27, totaling over $18 million) - Sewer line rehabilitation (Item 28, $8,782,715) - Appointments (Item 11): Approved appointments to the Memphis and Shelby County Economic Development Growth Engine (Roderic Modeling) and the Downtown Memphis Commission (Raymond P. Brown). Councilman Carlisle praised Mr. Brown’s service. - Capital Improvement Budget Amendment (Item 14): Sponsored by Councilwoman Logan. Transferred $90,000 for sidewalk construction at North Lake Apartments on Covington Pike due to safety concerns. Approved unanimously with same-night minutes. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous with no opposition. - Items 3, 12, and 13 were held to August 8, 2023; Item 5 was held to August 22, 2023. - Same-night minutes were approved for items 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29. - No public comments were submitted. - The meeting adjourned with a farewell to Constance Brown, who left the council office for a legal position with the city.

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on July 11, 2023, at 9:30 AM. The meeting included approval of minutes from June 27, 2023, a street naming ceremony, zoning and development items, a major MLGW tree trimming contract package, a referendum on deadly weapons, and other ordinances. Public comments were heard on multiple items. Consent Calendar - Item 1 (Special): Resolution to rename Linville Road between Quince Road and Park Avenue to Fred D. Grinder Road in honor of Fred D. Grinder’s 50-year work anniversary and contributions to Memphis. Approved by acclamation. - Item 7: Resolution accepting public improvements for Overton Gateway North and releasing the bond. Approved. - Items 8-16 (MLGW Fiscal Consent): A package of resolutions awarding contracts for tree trimming, equipment, and professional services. Approved after extensive discussion (see Discussion Items). - Item 24: Resolution accepting a $102,639,945 grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) for wastewater, drinking water, and groundwater projects. Approved. - Same Night Minutes: Items 1, 7, 21, and 24 were approved for same-night effect. Public Comments & Testimony - On Item 2 (PD 23-09): April Bobo, co-CEO of Memphis Business Academy Charter Schools, opposed the expansion of a pawn shop at 3337 Overton Crossing Street, citing negative impacts on the neighborhood and the school’s efforts to revitalize the area. - On MLGW Contracts (Items 8-16): - Glenda Hicks: Provided historical data on tree trimming contracts, noting that ABC Professional Tree Services has received over $33 million since 2013 while starting pay remains $13.60/hour. Requested a pause on contracts 12420, 12428, and 12429. - Andrew Woods: Stated that tree overgrowth caused 60% of outages in the last four weeks and asked for a pause to investigate further. - Elizabeth Deerson: Argued that the city wasted $237 million on tree trimming over seven years while falling seven years behind. Suggested undergrounding lines and solar energy instead. - On Item 17 (Appointment of John R. Butler): Joe Kent opposed the appointment, criticizing Butler’s transparency record at the AgriCenter and MLGW President Doug McGowan’s leadership. - On Item 22 (Animals Ordinance): Susie Hollenbach questioned the inclusion of “exigent circumstances” language, arguing it gives too much discretion to animal control officers. - General Comments: Several citizens spoke on utility reliability, communication during outages, blight, and community safety. Speakers included Nicholas Nibley (IBEW local 474), Nate Rip, Pamela Moses, Karen Spencer McGee, Raysol Katron, Joe Kent, and Walter Brody. Discussion Items - MLGW Tree Trimming Contracts (Items 8-16): Council members debated the need for a five-year, $220 million tree trimming program to address a seven-year backlog. President Doug McGowan explained that vegetation management is the leading cause of outages (60% recently), and the contracts (awarded to ABC Professional Tree Services, Lewis Tree Service, and Kendall Vegetation Services) will allow MLGW to catch up to a three-year cutting cycle. Council members questioned starting pay, in-house alternatives, contract performance clauses, and the cost of undergrounding lines. The contracts were approved despite public concerns. - Item 18 (Tire Business Regulation): Ordinance 5875, aimed at curbing blight from used tire retailers, passed on third reading as a substitute. Councilman Carlisle asked for advance notice of significant floor amendments. - Item 20 (Deadly Weapons Referendum): Ordinance 5877, a referendum to amend the city charter to allow regulation of deadly weapons, passed unanimously. Council members stated it was an opportunity for citizens to voice their views on reasonable gun safety measures, even though state law may preempt enforcement. - Item 21 (Pension and Retirement System): Ordinance 5873 was amended on the floor by Councilwoman Robinson (changes to eligibility for deferred retirement benefits) and passed. - Item 22 (Animals and Horse-Drawn Carriages): Ordinance 5843 was amended to change language from “animal services officer shall have the authority to apprehend” to “the animal shall be apprehended,” allowing officers discretion to return dogs to owners when feasible. Passed. Key Outcomes - Street naming approved: Linville Road to Fred D. Grinder Road (by acclamation). - Item 2 (PD 23-09): Held for 30 days until August 8, 2023, without objection. - Item 3 (SUP 23-04): Approved with conditions (revocation if property maintenance code violated; gas station brand must be disclosed and any change approved by council). Vote: 11-0. - Item 4 (SUP23-10 solar farm): Approved with added condition requiring best efforts to allow school educational programming, subject to liability indemnification. Vote: 11-0. - Item 5 (PD 22-21): Held for two weeks until July 25, 2023, without objection. - MLGW Fiscal Consent (Items 8-16): Approved. Vote: 11-0 (with Councilman Ford voting yes). - Item 17 (Appointment of John R. Butler): Approved to MLGW Commission as non-voting countywide advisory member. Vote: 11-0. - Item 18 (Tire ordinance): Passed as substitute on third reading. Vote: 11-0. - Item 20 (Deadly weapons referendum): Passed on third reading; will appear on the ballot. Vote: 11-0. - Item 21 (Pension amendments): Passed as amended, with same-night minutes approved to be retroactive to June 30, 2023. Vote: 11-0. - Item 22 (Animals ordinance): Passed as amended. Vote: 11-0. - General comments: No actions taken.

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on June 27, 2023, at 09:45 AM. The council approved the FY24 annual budget and tax rate, rejected a proposed 29-cent property tax rate increase, approved minimal redistricting changes to cure a population imbalance, and passed numerous consent agenda items, MLGW contracts, resolutions honoring civic leaders, and public works funding measures. The meeting included substantial public testimony on transit funding, police spending, and redistricting. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approved: The June 13, 2023 meeting minutes were approved unanimously. The motion was moved by Vice Chair Smiley, seconded by Councilman Warren, and passed by a 13-0 vote. - Item 4 (passed unanimously): Resolution approving conversion of a public street located south of Walnut Grove Road to a private street (case MJR 23-09). - Item 5 (passed unanimously): Ordinance on third reading (Ordinance 5871, case Z 23-06) reclassifying land at the northwest corner of Airways Boulevard and East Person Avenue from Commercial Mixed Use-1 to Employment Use district. - Consent Agenda (Items 6–11, passed unanimously): Second readings of Ordinances 5875, 5876, and 5877, plus resolutions accepting public improvements and releasing bonds for Chick-fil-A 4615 (Summer Avenue, CR-5343), Captain D's (Getwell at Shelby Drive, Contract 5390), and BA Resource Center (Contract 5425). All had requests for same-night minutes. MLGW Consent Agenda (Items 12–16, passed unanimously) - Item 12: Cross Connection Control Surveys awarded to Mid-South Engineering Consultants, LLC in the funded amount of $2,099,250. - Item 13: Change 1 to Contract 12360 with HDR Engineering, Inc. renewing the water engineering contract for two of four annual renewal terms (October 13, 2023 through October 12, 2025) in a not-to-exceed amount of $4 million. - Item 14: Ratification of Purchase Order 7025167 to Hawkins Inc. (formerly Vertex Chemical Corporation) for sodium hypochlorite in the additional amount of $1,592,000. - Item 15: Purchase order to Rush Truck Centers of Tennessee for two-ton cab and chassis vehicles in the funded amount of $939,978 (11 vehicles, per MLGW response to Councilwoman Robinson's request for quantities). - Item 16: Purchase order to Stribling Equipment LLC for backhoe tractors in the funded amount of $1,364,859 (11 vehicles). Councilwoman Robinson requested that MLGW provide vehicle quantities for future presentations, which MLGW provided during the meeting. Resolutions & Ordinances Approved Unanimously - Item 32: Resolution amending American Rescue Plan Act allocations across all council districts (passed unanimously). - Item 33: Resolution amending the FY23 operating budget (passed unanimously). - Item 34: Appointment of Jennifer Sink as MLGW Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel — passed 12-1 (Chairman Jones voted no). - Item 35: Resolution amending the FY23 Capital Improvement Program budget, adding $1 million for Oklahoma Road improvement between Tula Tech and the Tennessee-Mississippi State Line (passed; Councilwoman Easter Thomas recused). - Item 23: Resolution allocating $150,000 of ARPA funds for the Shelby County Environmental Court to assist indigent elderly residents with property compliance (passed unanimously). Judge Patrick Dandridge, Shelby County Environmental Court judge, spoke in favor of the funding. - Item 24: Resolution transferring five parcels in District 6 to the Blight Authority of Memphis/Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority (passed unanimously). - Item 25: Resolution approving sale of city-owned property at 1417 Nicholas Street (passed unanimously). - Item 26: Resolution accepting $1,380,585.65 in ARA 2 funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury for the Division of Housing and Community Development to develop affordable housing in response to the pandemic (passed unanimously). - Items 27–29: Resolutions transferring and appropriating construction funds for emergency sewer line repairs (SW23202), CIPP annual sewer repair (SW2201), and stormwater CIPP repair (ST03222) (all passed unanimously). - Item 30: Resolution transferring and appropriating construction funds for sidewalk repairs (PW2320) (passed unanimously). - Item 31: Resolution providing $100,000 in grant funding from the FY23 stormwater program operating budget for clean water initiative and environmental book clubs for second and third grade students (passed unanimously). Honors & Resolutions - Item 1 — Doris Bradshaw Memorial: Councilwoman Easter Thomas presented a resolution posthumously honoring Doris DeBerry Bradshaw, known as the "mother of Memphis environmental movement," for her environmental justice advocacy, including work with the Community Action in Response Against Toxins team and cleanup of contamination from the Memphis Defense Depot. Marquita Bradshaw, her daughter, accepted the honor and urged the council to "set our own rules to protect our health from pollution" rather than waiting for federal EPA regulations, noting her mother died from the same toxins she fought against. The resolution passed. - Item 2 — Deborah North Cross Honor: Councilwoman Swearingin Washington presented a resolution honoring Deborah North Cross, lead plaintiff in North Cross v. Board of Education of the Memphis City Schools (1960), who helped desegregate Memphis City Schools and integrated Central High School in 1966. Ms. North Cross noted that this was her 72nd birthday and celebrated that the North Cross case set a precedent allowing prevailing plaintiffs to recover attorney fees in school discrimination cases. She invited Judge Higgins, Judge Heard, and her brother to the podium for a photograph. The resolution passed. - Item 3 — Witten Brothers Hardware: Councilmembers Swearingin Washington and Smiley co-sponsored a resolution honoring Witten Brothers Hardware Store, a family-owned business in the Orange Mound community operating since 1929. The store's owner thanked the council, noting "business is a two-way street." Councilman Smiley noted that at a community meeting, every resident in attendance spontaneously raised Witten Brothers as a business worth honoring. Councilwoman Easter Thomas also shared her personal connection to the store. The resolution was approved by acclamation. Public Comments & Testimony on Tax Rate Increase (Item 22) - Councilman Carlisle's proposal: Councilman Carlisle moved a resolution to raise the property tax rate by 29 cents for FY24, which would generate approximately $40.6 million in additional revenue. His allocation proposal was: 11 cents ($15 million) for Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), 8 cents for solid waste/clean city initiatives, 4 cents for the affordable housing trust fund, 4 cents for an opportunity youth fund, and 2 cents to the general fund. He estimated the impact on a house appraised at $73,000 would be about $10 per month. - Dorothy Connor (co-chair, Micah Transit Equity Team): Urged funding for MATA, citing route cuts, no-show buses, equipment failures, and low wages for drivers and mechanics. She also requested a joint city-county accountability task force to oversee MATA operations. - Leo Arnold (co-chair, Micah Transit Equity Task Force): Thanked Chairman Jones for proposing the tax increase, saying the city is "on the cusp of becoming third rate." He stated that 85 community organizations (faith-based, unions) support the increase, and warned the council would be held accountable if it failed. - Sammy Hunter: Expressed disappointment with the council's position, arguing transit funding is inadequate for a city as large as Memphis, and that poor transit access "adds to poverty." He challenged council members to ride the bus with him. - Dennis Lynch: Supported the tax increase, noting MATA buses were already failing to run that day and that driver/mechanic wage increases require more funding. He called for an accountability task force and referenced a "transit vision" plan. - Noah Nordstrom (new resident, educator): Described how lack of transit forced him to buy a car, incurring thousands of dollars in debt and nearly $500 in repairs. He argued Memphis is one of the most car-dependent cities in America and asked for transit expansion. Vote on Item 22: The tax rate increase failed. The vote was 2-10-1: Vice Chairman Smiley and Chairman Jones voted yes; Councilwoman Johnson abstained; all others voted no. FY24 Budget Debate & Adoption (Item 17) - Public Comments: - Joe Kent: Criticized the city's handling of rape kit funds, tax incentives, and press coverage of the budget. He claimed $45 million in shortfalls from sales ratio, $45 million in excessive tax incentives, and $23 million in lost growth compared to Chattanooga, Nashville, and Knoxville. - Amber Sherman: Opposed giving MPD nearly $300 million, citing inconsistent statements from the police chief about body cameras (automatic vs. manually activated). She said "the police lie" and urged the council not to fund the $55 million police technology package. - Trinity Williams: Urged the council to fund youth programs (art, STEM, after-school, summer) rather than police technology, referencing the Tyre Nichols case and community mistrust of police. - Alice Miller: Opposed increasing police funding, referencing the Tyre Nichols aftermath and questioning the city's priorities. - Joy Stewart: Opposed any budget increasing MPD funding, citing falsified reports, officers criminally charged, and arguing the root causes of crime are not being funded. - Motion to Divide the Question: Chairman Jones moved to divide the question to vote separately on police CIP/operating budget and executive divisions grants/subsidies from the full budget. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Easter Thomas, with objections from Councilmen Carlisle and Morgan. The motion to divide failed (2-10-1: Jones and Smiley yes; Logan abstained; all others no). - Final Vote: The annual budget and tax rate for FY24 (Ordinance 5872) passed 12-0-1 (Easter Thomas recused). Item 18 — Tax Bills for State Assessed Properties - Passed 12-1 (Chairman Jones voted no). - Public comment from Yolanda Cooper: Expressed disappointment about the tax vote and transit, asking council members "Am I my brother's keeper?" and stating the city was no longer thriving as it was when she moved there 27 years ago. - Items 17 and 18 were added to same-night minutes without objection. Item 19 — Redistricting (Minimally Necessary Changes) - Council Attorney Michael Wade's explanation: Due to a miscalculation by the mapping department, District 2 was deficient in population. The proposed ordinance moves 1,301 people (precinct 1301) from District 5 to District 2, affecting 7% of the population (38,000 residents), to bring districts back into balance. He stressed this is a race-neutral, one-person-one-vote adjustment and that race-based changes would require federal court approval under the consent decree. - Council concerns: Councilwoman Logan and Councilman Carlisle expressed concerns about changes to District 1 (Raleigh) and unclear information about District boundaries. Councilwoman Johnson asked about consequences of not approving (potential legal challenge and $4.1 million election cost). - Public comments: - Lexi Carter (Chair, Shelby County Democratic Party): Stated the party voted to reject the map and referenced recent Supreme Court rulings on voting rights. - Kizzy Jones: Urged the council to vote no, saying Cordova continues to be split unnecessarily and deserves its own dedicated representation. - Tawana Murphy: Disagreed with the map, saying "the original map is already jacked up." - Dr. Derrick D. Harris (redistricting committee member): Argued the map was wrong in the beginning, that the proposed "minimal necessary changes" preserve the status quo, and that Cordova, Raleigh, and downtown can be kept together without court involvement. He said the community should not be scared by race-based claims. - Vote: The redistricting ordinance passed 9-4 (Easter Thomas, Logan, Robinson, and Chairman Jones voted no). - Same-night minutes: A motion to suspend rules to add same-night minutes was objected to by Councilman Carlisle and Councilwoman Easter Thomas, but a subsequent motion to suspend the rules passed 9-2-1 (Easter Thomas and Logan voted no; Smiley abstained; Ford, Johnson, Morgan, Robinson, Swearingin Washington, Warren, Canale, Carlisle voted yes; Chairman Jones voted no). The item was then added to same-night minutes without objection. Item 21 — City Court Clerk Restructuring (Third Reading) - Ordinance 5874: Transfers the division of traffic violations bureau from the city court clerk's office to a separate division within the division of finance and administration, supervised by a deputy director appointed by the mayor and approved by the council, eliminating the Office of City Court Clerk as an elected office. - Attorney Wade: Explained the city court judges would nominate the appointee, and the mayor would formally pass the nomination to the council. The change is effective January 1, 2024, and does not affect the current clerk. - Councilman Smiley: Requested an ordinance for the August 2024 ballot to re-establish the city court clerk as an elected office via referendum, so the appointed position would only last one year if voters choose to restore the elected office. - Vote: Passed 9-2-1 (Johnson and Jones voted no; Easter Thomas abstained). Same-Night Minutes - Items 9, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 32, 33, 34, and 35 were approved for same-night minutes. Public Comments (General) - Dee Givens: Thanked the council for their work and agreed with Councilwoman Johnson about needing renovation in Memphis. - Dorothy Bowden: Asked about the city court clerk position and public understanding of the process. - Joe Kent: Criticized the appointment of John R. Butler to the MLGW board, stating he cannot answer public information requests regarding the AgriCenter operations, and alleged corporations (BASF, CNH Industrial, Helena Chemical) are not paying real property taxes. - Walter Brody: Offered a prayer and words of encouragement for the council. Key Outcomes - FY24 budget (Ordinance 5872) adopted: Passed 12-0-1 (Easter Thomas recused). - Proposed 29-cent tax increase (Item 22) failed: 2-10-1 (only Smiley and Jones in favor; Johnson abstained). - Redistricting (Item 19) passed: 9-4, with same-night minutes approved. - City court clerk restructuring (Item 21) passed: 9-2-1. - MATA funding: Received no dedicated funding increase as part of the failed tax rate resolution; the adopted FY24 budget did not include the 11-cent MATA allocation. - All other items on the agenda passed, including honors, MLGW contracts, public works funding, and property transfers. - Item 20 was held until the July 11, 2023 meeting.

The Memphis City Council held its regular meeting on June 13, 2023, at 9:15 AM. The meeting included approvals of minutes, consent agenda items, presentations, public comments, and several votes on ordinances and resolutions. Key topics included redistricting, budget allocations, MLGW call center contracting, and street naming honors. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved unanimously from the previous meeting. - Consent Agenda (Items 5-17): Passed unanimously after hearing public comments on items 6, 7, 8, and 9. Included ordinances on tire business regulation, towing fees, deadly weapons (first reading), and various engineering and plat approvals. - Fiscal Consent Agenda (Items 18-24, 51, 63): Passed unanimously (Councilwoman Easter Thomas recused on item 56). Included donations, grants, and budget transfers. - MLGW Fiscal Consent Agenda (Items 25-36): Passed 12-0 (Councilwoman Colvett present). Included a contract with DIRAD Technologies Inc. for a managed residential contact center (up to $18,391,600 over five years) and other procurement items. Public Comments & Testimony - Budget and Police Funding: Several speakers from the Moral Budget Coalition and community organizations urged the council to increase the property tax rate by 29 cents to generate $40 million for transit, housing, youth programs, and parks, and to reduce police funding. They argued the police budget already receives 40% of city funds and called for reallocating $28 million from the disbanded Scorpion unit. - Transit Funding: Representatives from Micah Transit Equity, Sierra Club, Bus Riders Union, and Citizens for Better Service advocated for $15.4 million in additional operational funding for MATA, citing long wait times, aging buses, and lack of shelters. They also requested a joint accountability task force. - Gun Safety: A speaker urged the council to enact safe storage laws and red flag laws, referencing the CDC's declaration of gun violence as a national health emergency. - MLGW Contract: A union representative opposed the $18.4 million contract with a New York-based firm for call center services, arguing the money should stay in Memphis to hire local workers. - Other Comments: Speakers addressed paper tag fraud, police accountability, and the need for a rental registry. One resident shared a personal experience of car theft and criticized MPD's response. Discussion Items - Item 38 – Redistricting Ordinance (Ordinance 5869): This ordinance proposed revising council district boundaries based on the 2020 census. After extensive debate, the ordinance initially failed on a 3-8 vote (Councilmembers Easter Thomas, Johnson, Logan in favor; others opposed). Later, a motion to suspend the rules and add the item to same night minutes passed, and the ordinance was approved as part of the same night minutes vote. - Proponents (Chairman Jones, Councilwoman Logan) argued the map consolidates downtown and Cordova into single districts, giving residents one voice, and that the process was transparent with community meetings. - Opponents (Councilmembers Morgan, Swearingin Washington, Canale, Carlisle, Colvett, Ford, Warren, Chairman Jones? Actually Chairman Jones voted no on the initial vote, but then supported the same night minutes addition) argued the changes would stifle dissent, remove core historic areas from District 4, and were not properly communicated to citizens. - Item 40 – City Property Exterior Modifications (Ordinance 5863): A motion to table this ordinance (which would require council approval for contracts over $3 million for city-owned property leased to nonprofits) passed 8-3 (Councilmembers Johnson, Logan, Swearingin Washington voting no; Chairman Jones no? Actually vote: Canale yes, Carlisle yes, Colvett yes, Easter Thomas recused, Ford yes, Johnson no, Logan no, Morgan yes, Smiley yes, Swearingin Washington no, Warren yes, Chairman Jones no. So 7 yes, 4 no? Wait count: yes: Canale, Carlisle, Colvett, Ford, Morgan, Smiley, Warren = 7; no: Johnson, Logan, Swearingin Washington, Jones = 4; Easter Thomas recused. So motion to table passed 7-4. The item was tabled indefinitely. - Item 42 – Monthly Litigation Reports: Passed unanimously. Requires the city attorney to provide a monthly litigation report to the council. - MLGW Call Center Contract: Council debated the $18.4 million, five-year contract with DIRAD Technologies. MLGW leadership explained it would handle peak call volumes, allowing full-time employees to focus on training and complex issues. Councilwoman Johnson and others expressed concern about sending jobs out of state, but the contract passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda and Fiscal Consent Items: All passed, including the MLGW contract and multiple budget transfers. - Redistricting Ordinance (Item 38): Initially defeated, but later passed as part of the same night minutes approval. The new district map will take effect for the next election. - Item 40 (City Property Modifications): Tabled indefinitely. - Item 42 (Litigation Reports): Approved unanimously. - Honorary Street Names: Approved for Firefighter David Pleasant (Mississippi Blvd) and State Representative Barbara Cooper (N. & S. Second St). - Juneteenth Resolution: Approved by acclamation, honoring 10 Memphians. - Minority Business Owner Recognition: Resolution honoring Glennelle Smith approved. - Coast Guard Captain Retirement: Resolution honoring Captain Ryan Rhodes approved. - Same Night Minutes: Approved for numerous items, including redistricting, grant acceptances, and budget amendments. - General Comments: Heard from several citizens on budget priorities, police accountability, and paper tag fraud.

The Memphis City Council met on May 16, 2023, at 10:00 AM for a regular meeting. The meeting included presentations from the Memphis Youth City Council, recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, several resolutions honoring community members, and legislative actions on zoning, animal control, towing, and city court clerk elections. Key outcomes included approval of the fiscal consent agenda, passage of an ordinance eliminating the elected city court clerk position, and the holding of an animal impoundment ordinance until July. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the May 2, 2023 meeting (unanimous). - Consent agenda items 8-13, 21, and 23: Included an ordinance amending council districts, a zoning reclassification, and various engineering plan approvals. A public comment was heard on item 9 (redistricting) from Jamin Carter, who commended the council for the pretextual stop ordinance but urged better listening to community voices. The consent agenda passed unanimously. - Fiscal consent agenda items 14 and 22: Approved a resolution accepting $285,364 in grant funds from the Tennessee State Library and Archives, and a resolution allocating American Rescue Plan Act funds for community development projects. Passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 6 – Plan Development at 10 By Field Drive: Denise Richardson (1088 Forest Ave) opposed the project, citing detrimental impact on elderly neighbors and insufficient parking (16 spaces). Dr. Lynette Williams (Executive Director of Accelena Lakeview Gardens CDC) presented 28 signatures opposing the project and noted the community had twice opposed it. Bernita Thornton (Thornton Realty, project sponsor) stated she was from the community and had incorporated feedback (no alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, late hours) and oriented the entrance away from residences. Despite her comments, the item failed. - Item 9 – Redistricting Consent Item: Jamin Carter (Micah) thanked the council for the pretextual stop ordinance but expressed concern about community members being excluded from public space during that vote, calling it a matter of justice. - Item 20 – Animal Impoundment Ordinance: Several speakers opposed changing \"shall\" to \"may\" in the ordinance governing stray dog pickup. Florine Madison, Susie Hollenbach, Gail Phillips, and Liana Morris all argued that changing the language would reduce accountability and endanger citizens, especially in underserved communities. Dr. Jennifer Carnes (veterinarian and chair of the Citizens Advisory Board for MAS) supported the change, stating it allows officers discretion for best outcomes. - General Public Comments: Marvin Williamson described the murder of his twin brother who intervened in a domestic violence incident, calling for stronger action against crime. Robin Joyce complained about out-of-state investors neglecting properties in her neighborhood near Rhodes College. Joe Kent criticized the EDGE board for public disinvestment and excessive incentives. Walter Brody offered prayer and called for community action against violence. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Memphis Youth City Council Presentation: Students Sasha Penn, Antonio Calvin, and Robert Washington Jr. presented survey results on youth safety and advocated for prayer or a moment of silence in schools. Councilmembers praised their leadership. - Item 2 – Mental Health Awareness Month Resolution: Councilwoman Logan read the resolution and noted 21,724 mental health calls were received by Memphis police and fire departments last year, with this year trending higher. The resolution recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month and encouraged participation in a NAMI walk on May 20. Passed. - Items 3-5 – Resolutions Honoring Citizens: Approved by acclamation: Andre D. Newsome (band director at Whitehaven High School), Reginald Tucker (Orange Mound Outreach Ministries), and Malvin Massey Jr. (jazz radio pioneer and WUMR general manager). - Item 6 – Plan Development at 10 By Field Drive: A resolution for a small commercial development in an existing neighborhood. After community opposition and a vote of 4 yes, 6 no, 1 abstain, the item failed. - Item 7 – Zoning Reclassification (0 Malone Road): Approved to change from conservation/agriculture to employment use district. Passed unanimously. - Item 24 – Ordinance Eliminating Elected City Court Clerk: Extensive debate on legal history. City Attorney Wade explained that the 1975 ordinance establishing an elected clerk was not properly adopted as a charter amendment, making it a regular ordinance that can be amended. The council voted 12-1 (Councilwoman Johnson abstained) to transfer the traffic violations bureau to the Division of Finance and eliminate the elected office, effective January 1, 2024. Discussion included that a referendum could place the question on the 2024 ballot for voters to decide. - Item 25 – Resolution on Residency Requirements: Chairman Jones proposed a resolution stating councilmembers must be residents for more than 30 days before election. After debate, a motion to table passed (8 yes, 5 no). - Item 26 – Fleet Fund Transfer: Approved $3 million transfer from fleet fund balance to cover FY2023 expenses. Passed unanimously. - Item 27 – Affordable Housing Dashboard Resolution: Requested the Division of Housing and Community Development create a dashboard tracking affordable housing units, funding, and eligibility. Passed unanimously. - Item 15 – Appointments: Approved appointments to the Memphis Public Library Board and Memphis and Shelby County Sports Authority Board. - Item 16 – Towing Ordinance Amendment: Allowed impounded vehicles to be stored on private storage lots. Councilwoman Johnson raised concerns about oversight. The ordinance passed as amended (with redline changes). - Item 20 – Animal Impoundment Ordinance (Third Reading): Debate centered on changing \"shall\" to \"may\" for impoundment of stray dogs. After public comments and discussion, a motion to hold the item until the first meeting in July (after budget adoption) passed without objection. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of May 2 meeting (unanimous). - Consent agenda (including redistricting, zoning, and engineering plans) passed (unanimous). - Fiscal consent agenda passed (unanimous). - Mental Health Awareness Month resolution passed (unanimous). - Resolutions honoring Newsome, Tucker, and Massey approved by acclamation. - Plan development at 10 By Field Drive failed (4 yes, 6 no, 1 abstain). - Zoning reclassification at 0 Malone Road approved (unanimous). - Ordinance eliminating elected city court clerk passed first reading (12 yes, 1 abstain). Will have second and third readings. - Resolution on residency requirements tabled (8 yes, 5 no to table). - Fleet fund transfer approved (unanimous). - Affordable housing dashboard resolution approved (unanimous). - Appointments approved (unanimous). - Towing ordinance amendment passed as amended (unanimous). - Animal impoundment ordinance held to first meeting in July (unanimous consent). - Same night minutes approved for items 11-14, 22, 26, 27.