City Council - Regular Meeting

Sergeant at Arms, please call our September 15th, 2026 council meeting to order. The chaplain for today is Pastor Dwayne Hunt of Abundant Grace Fellowship. He was invited by Councilwoman White. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance after the prayer.

Good, good Father, we thank you for the blessing of this new day and the opportunity to serve you and to do your work by serving the people of this great city. Bless each member of this council, their staff, and every support personnel, and help us to remember that we are most like you and your son Jesus when we are serving others. We also thank you and ask you to bless their families who, although often unseen, support and sacrifice. Faithful Father, let this prayer be more than ceremonial. Let it truly invoke your presence into this great hall. Keep each member of this council aware of your presence as they exercise their responsibilities. Keep them ever aware that you require them to act justly, to show mercy, and to listen. Listen to you, listen to one another, and listen to their constituency. Remove every tendency to self-interest. Give them wisdom, discernment, understanding, and good judgment so that they will make good and honorable decisions so that we will live in a blessed and exalted city, that our economy will be strong and fair, that our homes and streets will be safe, that your poor will be protected with justice, and that our children and young people will have a bright tomorrow. And we come together against crime, poverty, hopelessness, ignorance, and intolerance. Bless Memphis, and we pray for one Memphis, because when we are one, nothing can be withheld from us. All of this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Pastor Hunt, if you'll come back to the front. Thank you so much for that beautiful prayer. Councilwoman White, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you so much, Madam Chairwoman. I say that I did a great job picking Pastor Hunt today. You did. Yeah, that was a prayer. That was so much needed. Thank you. I'm going to save that one to my little list of prayers. Thank you so much. And thank you for the sacrifice of serving in the way that you do to your church, to our community. We really appreciate you. And thank you for serving as our chaplain for the day. Yes, sir. Thank you.

Yes.

Thank you again, Pastor Hunt. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the roll.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Council Members Canale. Here. Carlisle. Cooper Sutton. Easter Thomas. Present. Ford. Present. Green. Logan. Present. Smiley. Spinoza.

Here.

Walker. Warren? Present. White? Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington?

Present.

Madam Chair, you have a quorum.

Thank you. I believe Councilman Ford-Canale has reviewed the minutes.

Yes, Madam Chair, thank you. I have reviewed the meeting minutes from September 1, 2026, find them to be in order, and move for their adoption.

It has been moved by Councilman Canale, second by Councilman Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screens for the vote to approve the minutes for the September 1st, 2026 meeting.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Welcome to the September 15th, 2026 regular meeting of the Memphis City Council. Meetings of the council shall be conducted in an orderly manner to ensure that the public has the full opportunity to be heard and the deliberate process of the council is retained at all times. The Sergeant at Arms Officer Young has meeting agendas available up front as well as comment request cards for members of the public wishing to be heard on the specific item. All those wishing to speak on an item must turn in their comment card to the sergeant at arms before the item is called. If you are not here to speak on a specific item, you can note that your request to give a general comment at the end of the meeting. As chair, I will only recognize citizens of Memphis that properly registered to speak by submitting a completed comment request card to the Sergeant at Arms. Members of the audience and persons addressing the council will not be permitted to engage in gossip, make defamatory, personal, slanderous, or profane comments, or use abusive or vulgar language. The chair of the council may maintain order by giving any persons who are in violation of the stated rules of decorum a warning to cease any violative conduct or in order to leave the council chambers or by giving an order for security personnel to remove any disruptive person in the council chambers who refuses to leave voluntarily. These rules are also posted on the doors as you enter the chamber, as you pick up comment cards. Holds will be item number three and item number 25. Items three and 25 will be held until October 6, 2026. Presentations one, two, 34 with items two and 34 with same night minutes. If you will please call our presentations.

Item number one is a resolution honoring Mr. Leon Lin in recognition of his 100th birthday. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Logan.

Councilwoman Logan, you are recognized at this time.

Good colleagues, good afternoon. Oh, I'm sorry, there's some device here. I'm going to ask Mr. Leon, Leon and his family, if they would come down as we recognize him. I am so excited to present this award. Colleagues, when you think of hometown hero, Mr. Leon personifies this, that term. And, you know, as a little girl, I grew up in this community. He was such a pillar in the community and he is one of the grand, grandfathers, grandmothers in our community that was an example and really kind of helped spark in me community service and engagement and understanding what that was for. So I am so honored and grateful. My grandparents are not here any longer. They all were in the same grade and age. And so I'm just honored to be able to share in his 100th birthday. If you all want to come on down, y'all can join us down here. Let's give him a hand. Thank you. I'm going to read the resolution into your hearing where Memphis City Council resolution, whereas Mr. Leon Lin is a lifelong builder, community servant, musician and man of faith whose remarkable life and contributions are being celebrated on the occasion of his 100th birthday. And whereas Mr. Leon Lynn was born in 1926 and raised in the historic black community of Brunswick in Arlington, Tennessee, he was shaped by a family deeply rooted in faith, hard work, and community service. His father worked as a commercial painter, and his mother, Natalie Griffin, was an influential community member who played an important role in helping establish New Rights African Methodist Episcopal Church. a congregation that would remain central to the Leon family's legacy for generations. And whereas Mr. Leon Leon began at just six years old, he sang in church and community groups, later performing with a quartet as a young man and developing a lifelong love for music and playing the organ. As a young man, Mr. Lynn learned the trade of brick masonry and dreamed of becoming a farmer. However, the racial barriers and discrimination faced by black farmers during the era led him to seek opportunities elsewhere. Determined to build a better future for his family, he relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where he spent approximately 10 years working on a major construction project. including the historic Cabrini Green housing development. And whereas Mr. Leon Leon returned to Tennessee, continued a distinguished career as a master brick mason, helping construct homes, schools, churches and businesses throughout the Memphis area. His craftsmanship helped shape communities across the region, leaving a lasting physical legacy that still stands today. Among his most cherished accomplishments was helping build New Rites African Methodist Episcopal Church alongside his children, family members, and fellow craftsmen. The church stands not only as a place of worship but also as a testament to the dedication of a family committed to serving its community through faith and hard work. And whereas Mr. Leon Lin's commitment to strengthening future generations extended beyond construction, together with his son James Lin and daughter-in-law Dorothy Lin, he helped establish Little Hands Learning Academy, an institution that has served thousands of children and families throughout the community. Today, Mr. Lynn remains actively involved in New Rights AME Church and continues to inspire those around him through his faith, wisdom, and vitality. And now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council hereby recognizes and honors Mr. Leon Lynn for 100 years of extraordinary contributions to his family, his church and the communities of Arlington and Memphis and beyond. His life stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, hard work, service and love. Be it further resolved that on this day, the Memphis City Council extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Leon Lin for his outstanding contributions and service to the Memphis community and in honor of his 100th birthday. Given by my hand under the gray seal of the City of Memphis this 15th day of September, Rhonda Logan, Memphis City Council, District 1. Thank you, and I so move.

I'm not a great speaker. All my life I believed in doing, not talking. So I'm just thankful to be here. And I thank you all for what you've done for me today. From now on you are my city.

Madam Comptroller, if you would show that vote by acclamation.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Madam Comptroller, before you call the next item, on behalf of the Memphis City Council, we have a person behind the scene who's always supportive, always has a standard of excellence. She's ready to serve. She sounds like someone on the news media. when she is pronouncing words for the city council. We want to let her know that we love her, we acknowledge her, we appreciate her, and that person is none other than Mrs. Valerie Snipes. We celebrate Ms. Snipes and this is just part one of your celebration, Ms. Snipes. Thank you for your standard of excellence. Let's give her a hand again.

I love you all so much. We love you more. Thank you, Alan Wade, for your unkind words. Are we ready for number two?

Yes, ma'am. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number two.

Item number two is a resolution approving an honorary street name change on Travis Road between Peebles Road and King Avenue for Elsie and Jesse Ford Senior in recognition of their lifelong commitment to the city of Memphis. District six super district eight, this resolution is sponsored by Councilman Ford Senior and there is a request for same night minutes.

Councilman Edmund Ford Sr., you are recognized at this time.

While they're coming down, I just want to say a few things. Today is the best day ever. It's my wife's birthday.

Happy birthday.

She's 21 years old. 21. All right. They don't get no older than that. Yeah, we've been married for 48 years, been together 52 years. That's not too bad. Congratulations. Not only that, I got my brother right here to read all of this. My eyes are bothering me. I'm going through a few things right now. My oldest sister passed. So I got to leave in the morning and go to New York. Hopefully I can bring her back to Memphis. My other sister, Joyce, she's not doing well either. She's in the hospital. So I'm going through a few changes with my family right now. So I need everybody to just pray for us, okay? Thank you. All right. Come on, I won't let you read it all. Okay.

Whereas when worthy circumstances arise, the Memphis City Council has seen fit to name certain public roads to honor citizens who have served the city of Memphis, and Elsie and Jesse Ford Sr. are undoubtedly such individuals. And whereas after marrying Elsie Irby, Jesse Ford Sr. purchased a small piece of land next door to where he was born on Travis Road. After obtaining a job as a carman with Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, he committed to building his home. It took four years and three children before they could move in. But finally, Elsie and Jesse Ford Sr. had the American dream, a home and a family. And whereas Elsie and Jesse Ford Sr. raised their five children in Walker Homes, West Junction, with love and faith in God. They worshiped at their neighborhood church, New Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Elsie and Jesse Ford Sr. set forth to fulfill voids in this Shelby County neighborhood with little or no city services. With all the attributes other Moore sought after neighborhoods had, These were circumstances that they knew they could improve to make their community just as good as or even better than others. And whereas Elsie and Jesse Ford Sr. were strong and faithful workers, Jesse Ford Sr. worked as a plumber every day before going to his regular job, and he was the first black member of the Shelby County Plumbing Board. He assisted in connecting hundreds of homes from Walker Homes to Lakeview Gardens and to the new sewer system for little or no compensation. Elsie Ford recognized the importance of supporting other community endeavors by assisting in gathering census information, working as a valued school crossing guard for the Shelby County Sheriff's Department, and diligently serving as PTA president at Ford Road Elementary School for more than 10 years. And whereas Elsie and Jesse Ford Sr. purchased and renovated many properties from owners who were migrating to less diverse areas, one property was transformed into a burger and barbecue shop known as Mel Jess Malt Shop, a place where local residents could afford to gather, enjoy a good meal, and create lasting memories in a community that might otherwise never have been graced with fast food franchise. And whereas, if it had not been for Elsie and Jesse Ford Sr.'s faith in God and their love for their beloved Walker Homes, these achievements may have never come to fruition. This loving couple will remain together in their home until their deaths, hers in 2017 and his in 2023. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Memphis City Council that Travis Road between Peoples Road and King Avenue be declared Elsie and Jesse Ford Sr. Road. in honor of their remarkable life and numerous accomplishments on behalf of the City of Memphis. Be it further resolved that the City engineers requested to affix suitable signs so designating this public road, given by Edmund Ford Sr.'s hand under the great seal of the City of Memphis this 15th day of September, 2026.

They had some of the best hamburgers, fish, malts, and all. I went to Mitchell Road School, but now when lunchtime came around, that's where we gathered. Then we went back to school. We wasn't supposed to have been leaving school, but we did to just go get that food, okay? And I just want to thank y'all. And we grew up together. all of us, but his mom, dad, the whole family, they were like one. And that's a good thing to say. I'm number 15. I got to go deal with my part of the family, but they were like one. God is good all the time when you just want everybody. And when mama was sick, everything else, hey, you know, nursing homes, all this, that, and the other way you put them, oh, no. Y'all took care of mama to the end, dad and all. And you know what? That's what we have to sometimes kind of do. take care of our family. And y'all deserve this street name, Dr. Mom and Father. Hey, and it's just good to see y'all. And then when we put it up, the rest of the family will be there. Thank you all so much, okay? Thank you.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call that item being approved by acclamation. Madam Comptroller, please call item number 34.

Item number 34 is a presentation honoring the 31st Annual Stone Awards. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Walker and there is a request for same night minutes.

Councilwoman Walker, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

You can stand here now.

Mr. Campbell Stanley. This is a very amazing man full of creativity. He has poured into this city, the Mid-South, the Greater South, and a portion of the Midwest for a few decades now. He's very passionate with his concern and care for the community. One time he lived on the streets. He chose to be homeless for two weeks to get a personal insight as to what that was like, to just give you an insight to his character and how deeply committed he is. And it's just with great pride and pleasure that I'm presenting this resolution today to you and the whole organization, many of whom are not here today, but I know you all represent a mighty, mighty organization. And I have to acknowledge my friend here, Emmett Superstar Brown. I know y'all remember him from the radio, you old heads in the room, all right. Memphis City Council resolution, whereas the Memphis City Council deems it fitting to recognize and celebrate those whose courage, sacrifice, and leadership helped advance the civil rights movement and secure greater justice, equality, and voting rights for generations of Americans, and whereas the 31st Annual Stone Awards commemorates significant civil rights watershed moments with special recognition of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and those whose leadership and sacrifice helped advance voting rights in the United States. And whereas the 31st Annual Stone Awards will take place on Sunday, October 10th, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee, commemorating the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice while bringing the historical gap between bridging the historical gap between younger generations and the civil rights pioneers who shaped this history. and whereas the 31st Annual Stone Awards draws upon Selma's central role in the 1965 voting rights movement, including Bloody Sunday and the Selma to Montgomery Marches. While connecting the histories of Selma, Tulsa, and Memphis, in the continued pursuit of racial justice, equity, and progress. And whereas the 31st Annual Stone Awards serve as both a remembrance of the past and a call to the future generations to continue the work of justice, service, and community building stone by stone. And whereas the Memphis City Council proudly recognizes the Ma Mustard Seeds, Ma and Nine Mustard Seeds Foundation, House of M. Timsey Museum, Memphis Foot Man. These are the subsidies, y'all. And the 31st Annual Stone Awards. for commemorating and connecting historical remembrance with education, empowerment, and community engagement. Now, therefore it be resolved that the Memphis City Council hereby honors and commends the 31st Annual Prestigious Stone Awards. and the two stone to Selma, Ma, and Nine civil rights leaders and four foot soldiers recognition for its continued commitment to preserving civil rights history, honoring those who helped shape it and inspiring future generations to carry forward pursuit of justice, quality, equality, and opportunity. Be it therefore resolved that the Memphis City Council proudly honors following 31st Annual Stone Awards honorees in recognition of their contributions, sacrifices, leadership, and legacies. And they are the Honorable Cheyenne Webb. Christian Berg, Mr. Chaplain Smith, Mr. Everett Woodson, Mr. George James, Diane Harris, Doris T. Cox, Roosevelt Goolsby, Bernard Lafayette Jr., Tommy Jones, Reginald E. Moore, Charles E. Mauldin, Call to Men Memphis, legendary Ruth Anthony Brown, legendary Carrington, Commissioner Henry E. Brooks, the late John Pearly Petaway, and also posthumously Claudette Calvin, Mr. and Mrs. Margaret Jones Moore, Bobby Papa Eaton Senior, and the Honorable Myron Lowry. Given by my hand, and under this great seal of the city of Memphis, on this 15th day of September, 2026, sign yours truly, Pearl Eva Walker, Memphis City Councilwoman, District 3. Congratulations, and may God continue to bless each and every one of you.

Congratulations. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call, will you please show that item number 34 is approved by acclamation with same night minutes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the consent agenda items six through 13 with same night minutes on items 10, 11, 12, and 13.

Our consent agenda begins with item number six, which is up for second reading. Ordinance number 5983 is sponsored by the administration. Item number seven is also up for second reading. Ordinance number 5984 is also sponsored by the administration. Item number eight, up for second reading. Ordinance number 5985 is sponsored by Councilman Spinoza. Item number nine is also a four-second reading. Ordinance number 5986 is sponsored by Councilman Warren. Item number 10 in our engineering division is a resolution approving the final plat for the Woodlands Plan Development Phase II, PD 2021-010, and accepting bond as security. There is a request for same night minutes. The contract number is 5501. Item number 11 is a resolution approving the engineering plans for the one and accepting bond as security. There is a request for same-night minutes. The contract number is 5502. Item number 12 is a resolution accepting public improvements for Northside High School development and releasing bond. There is a request for same-night minutes. The contract number is CRE. Item number 13 is a resolution accepting cancellation of Dexter Grove subdivision 2024-001 and releasing bond. There is a request for same night minutes. The contract number is CR5485. That concludes our consent agenda items number 13.

Councilman Canale, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'll move the consent agenda to the floor for its discussion and further adoption.

All right, there are no counsel in the queue to speak. It has been moved by Councilman Ford Canale, second by Councilman Spinoza. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote on the consent agenda.

Canale, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Easter-Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the fiscal consent agenda, items 14 through 15, with same night minutes on items 14 and 15.

Thank you, it should display momentarily. Item number 14 is a resolution to accept and appropriate grant funding in the amount of $88,800 from the state of Tennessee for in-service EMS training. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes. Item number 15 is a resolution to accept and appropriate grant funding in the amount of $1,023,200 from the state of Tennessee for in-service training. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration, and there is a request for same-night minutes. Madam Chair, that concludes our fiscal consent agenda.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller. Councilman Ford-Canale, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move the fiscal consent agenda to the floor for discussion and further adoption.

It has been moved by Councilman Gannelli, second by Councilman Warren. There aren't any council members in the queue to speak. Adam Comptroller, if you would please prepare the screen for the vote for the consent agenda.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, we will please call the Memphis Light, Gas, and Water Fiscal Consent Agenda item.

Thank you. That would take us to item number 16 on our agenda, a resolution approving the renewal and increase Contract number 12302, substation engineering services protection with Fisher and Arnold Inc. to renew and increase the current contract and the funded not to exceed amount of $1 million. Item number 17 is a resolution approving payment deposit of an invoice from Tennessee Department of Transportation for the Lamar Phase III, US 78 Rains Road, Perkins Road, interchange to SR 176 Getwell Road in the amount of $3,831,452.63 to relocate MLGW electric distribution facilities. There is a request for same night minutes for this item number 17. Item number 18 is a resolution approving the scope expansion, increase and extension, change number two to contract number 12621, best strategic placement with GDS Associates Inc. to expand the scope, INCREASE AND EXTEND THE CURRENT CONTRACT IN THE FUNDED AMOUNT OF $420,000. ITEM NUMBER 19 IS A RESOLUTION APPROVING PAYMENT DEPOSIT OF AN INVOICE FROM TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE LAMAR PHASE 3 U.S. 78 RAINS ROAD PERKINS ROAD INTERCHANGE TO SR 176 GETWELL ROAD IN THE AMOUNT of $716,454 to relocate MLGW gas distribution facilities. There is a request for same night minutes. Item number 20 is a resolution approving scope, expansion, and increase to contract number 10927, perpetual licensing agreement with Precisely Software Incorporated, previously Pitney Bowes Software Incorporated, to expand the scope and increase the contract value in the funded amount of $118,358. Item number 21 is a resolution approving the extension and increase to contract number 12552, Gartner Advisory Services with Gartner Inc. to extend and increase the contract in the funded amount of $233,000. Item number 22 is a resolution awarding a purchase order for CN7500KVA Transformers to Next Gen Power Inc. in the amount of $740,600. Item number 23 is a resolution approving the increase and extension to contract number 12103, workers' compensation stop-loss brokering with Willis Towers Watson of Tennessee Inc. to increase and extend the current contract in the funded amount of $418,066. And our final item, number 24, is a resolution approving the increase and extension to contract number 12314, broker of record for cyber insurance and other insurance coverages with Willis Towers Watson Southeast Incorporated to increase and extend the current contract in the funded amount of $252,000. Madam Chair, that concludes our MLGW fiscal consent items.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller. Councilwoman Walker, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met with a favorable recommendation and I so move.

It has been moved by Councilwoman Walker, second by Councilman Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen to vote for the MLGW fiscal consent agenda.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Easter-Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. That moves us to our planning and development items, items four and five. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number four.

Item number four is a resolution pursuant to chapter 9.6 of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code approving a planned development at the subject property located at 795 Tanglewood Street. This resolution is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development. The case number is PD26-07.

Councilman Spinoza, you're recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair. This item came downstairs with a favorable recommendation and also move. Also, we've got people present if any council member wants to see a presentation.

Okay. That item was moved by Councilman Spinoza, second by Councilman Warren. Are there any council members that would like to see the presentation again? Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote for item number four.

Canale, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin, Washington, yes. Please show Councilmember Cooper-Sutton as voting yes on this item. Please also show Councilmember Rhonda Logan as voting yes on this item. That's Cooper-Sutton and Rhonda Logan.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number five.

Item number five is a resolution pursuant to chapter 9.6 of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code, approving a special use permit at the subject property located at 525 and 529 South Main Street. This resolution is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development. The case number is SUP 26-09.

Councilman Spinoza, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. This item came downstairs with a favorable recommendation and I so move.

This item has been moved by Councilman Spinoza, second by Councilman Dr. Warren. There are no council members in the queue to speak. Is there anyone that would like to see the presentation again? Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for item number five.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Easter-Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. That will take us to our add-on agenda items in same night minutes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 29.

Item number 29 on our add-ons is a resolution to appropriate the sum of $950,000 funded by GeoBonds chargeable to the FY2027 Capital Improvement Program, CIP, budget for middle income housing infrastructure, CD01108. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes. This is item number 29. Councilwoman Logan, you're recognized.

Thank you, Chair. The committee may have recommended approval and I so move.

It has been moved by Councilwoman Logan, seconded by Councilman Dr. Warren. There are no council members in the queue to speak. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen to vote for item number 29.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Easter-Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

This item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 30.

Item number 30 is a resolution to transfer and appropriate $800,000 from Winchester Perkins project number PW1025 to Knight Arnold Jones Creek Bridge project number PW02039 to fund the construction of the Knight Arnold Bridge repair over Johns Creek, District 4, Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same-night minutes. Item number 13.

We're excited to complete these needed repairs. Councilman Smiley, you're recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met, recommended approval, and I so move.

It's been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilman Canale. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Canale, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, please call item number 31.

Item number 31 is a resolution to allocate and appropriate 2,388,000 in city council community grant funds to non-profit agencies for fiscal year 27. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council and there is a request for same night minutes.

Councilwoman White, you're recognized. Councilman Canale, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met, recommended approval, and I so move.

It has been moved by Councilman Canale, seconded by Councilman Dr. Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Easter-Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 32.

Item number 32 is a resolution approving an honorary street name change between Poplar Avenue and Walker Avenue on Patterson Street for MS-8 in recognition of their courage to advance the promise of equal education within the city of Memphis, District 5, Super District 9. This resolution is sponsored by Councilman Spinoza. There is a request for same night minutes.

Councilman Spinoza, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee recommends approval and I so move.

This item has been moved by Councilman Spinoza, second by Councilman Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen.

Canale, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen, Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, please call item number 33.

Madam Chair, we recognize the Stone Awards with our presentations earlier.

34. 34. Oh, excuse me.

Item number 33 is a resolution to accept safe streets and roads for all SS4A grant funds, authorize the required local match, and establish funding for the execution of demonstration and implementation projects. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes. Councilman Canale, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met, recommended approval, and I so move.

It has been moved by Councilman Canale, seconded by Councilman Spinoza. There are no council members in the queue. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen. Council, please cast your vote for item number 33.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Easter-Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. That moves us to our regular agenda items, items 26 through 28. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 26.

Item number 26 is an ordinance to amend ordinance number 5856 that establish rules and regulations relating to the operation and regulation of short-term rentals in Memphis by amending section eight compliance to detail enforcement of short-term rentals reported as a public nuisance. Up for third and final reading, ordinance number 5980 is sponsored by Councilman Spinoza. This was held from September 1st.

Councilman Spinoza, you are recognized. And then we have Councilman Warren in the queue.

Thank you, Madam Chair. You know, we're holding everything else today. I figure we might as well hold this until October 6th. A lot of work, a lot of time has gone into this. Everyone should have, kidding aside, everyone should have the cleanest, most updated copy available. I believe we just handed them out. Gee, are we about to send them? Okay, so I would, Madam Chair, request a hold without objection for October the 6th. Thank you.

Okay, we have a motion to hold. Can we get a second? All right. All those in favor? Any opposed to holding? Without objection, any opposed to holding? All right, that item will be held until October 6th.

And the updated document should be circulating now.

Madam Chair. Yes, sir. I was going to ask, could I be a co-sponsor of that?

All right. Noted. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 27.

Item number 27 is an ordinance to amend the Memphis Code of Ordinances to amend, consolidate, and adopt ordinances relative to blight remediation and neighborhood improvement. Up for third and final reading, ordinance number 5950 is sponsored by council members Green, Spinoza, and White. This was held from July 21st.

Councilwoman White, you're recognized. Item number 28.

I think we're gonna hold that one as well.

Okay.

But probably farther out than October 6th. Yeah, can we do two sessions? So what would that be after that one? October 20th. Thank you everyone for your assistance.

So we're holding item 27 until October 20th.

We wanna do the STR one first, and then we'll do the comprehensive one second.

Okay, without objection. Any opposed of holding that to October 20th? Okay, that item will be held until October 20th. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 28.

Item number 28 is a resolution accepting proof of publication of Referendum Ordinance Numbers 5966, 5977, and 5978. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.

Attorney Wade, would you like to give us some insight on this, please?

Yes, ma'am. This is a housekeeping item. These items were all passed by us, submitted to the voters, and approved. This resolution merely spreads on our records the results, the certified results showing that all of them passed the vote, so we will have a record that they were done. Typically, you have to go to the Election Commission's website to find out if those referendums pass, but this will put it in our records where it needs to be.

All right. Councilman Canale, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met, recommended putting these three on the ballot. And with that, I move it to the floor.

All right. It has been moved by Councilman Canale, second by Councilman Dr. Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. That brings us to our same night minute items. Councilman Canale, if you would please read the same nine-minute items into the record for us.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Those items will be 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34. And with that, I move it to the floor, Madam Chair.

It's been moved by Councilman Port Canale, seconded by Councilman Dr. Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screens to vote for the same minute items.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin, Washington, yes.

That item passes. Attorney Wade, you're recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chairman. Outside the normal scope of our normal activities, we received an alcohol appeal and a request for an expedited hearing due to various reasons. It was my recommendation that we hear it on the record without argument. And I have a complete copy of the record and it's all been submitted to each of you. And each of you will make your own individual deliberations and vote and provide them to me and I will pass them on to the parties. And I will give this to Ms. Snipes to add to the record.

Thank you, Attorney Wade. Well, that moves us to our comment cards. First on our comment cards is Ms. Glenda Hicks and then Kashawn Pearson. After Mr. Pearson, Maria Osega, okay. Thank you, Ms. Hicks.

Good afternoon, Glenda Hicks.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon, Glenda Hicks, co-founder 21st Century Memphis Orbust. I had entered a comment card for item number 30 And my reason for doing that was because I listened in earlier today in committee session, and certainly the conversations that occurred between council members concerned me because I understand that that 800, thousand uh was initially slided for or set approved allocated for a project that was nowhere near ready to go forth so that concerned me that money had been set aside for a project that obviously occurred in someone's head but there had not been any preparation for the utilization of those monies and i'm very concerned that we as a council do business in that manner. So of course the money's moved for an urgent need. So I'm concerned as to how we operate and I've expressed this before in terms of your procedural operations and how you all come forth on the day and discuss crucial business matters, make decisions seemingly on the spot for very crucial occurrences that impact the citizens of Memphis. So once again, I ask that you all would review your procedures on how you have committee sessions and minimal time to discuss very crucial matters. And also I must admit there is grave concern on another matter with all the congestion that has taken place at Holmes Road in Tullahoma because of XAI. That was a consideration that you all obviously did not give thought to because the school has impacted the students.

Thank you so much. Kashawn Pearson and then Maria Osega. After that, Reverend Keith Caldwell.

I'm Keyshawn Pearson, the Executive Director of Memphis Community Against Pollution. I'm here because I want you all to protect our air. Yes. I'm here because it is time for us to build an ark. The rain is coming. June 5th of 2024, a statement was made by Protect Our Aquifer, Young, Gifted, and Green, and Memphis Community Against Pollution because the rain is coming. Now people are finally listening because Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and other tech oligarchs are talking about an AI slowdown. But we have been here yelling to you for over two years that the rain is coming. We are paying the cost every single day for every turbine that they erect. In South Haven, there are over 50 methane gas turbines operating at this exact moment, contributing to the loss of life prematurely, as well as the degradation of our air quality. And we are here looking at air pollution studies by our own universities to dissuade the concerns and minimize the pain that people feel every single day. We need you to protect our air, protect our future, and doing so by passing the moratorium for the city of Memphis. It is past time to step up to the plate. It is past time to do something about a manic billionaire who sees Memphis as nothing else but a stepping stones. The last thing I want to leave you with is we have to address what ICE is doing in our communities. We have lost too many lives to death because they were murdered, black men were murdered, and our neighbors have been taken from us. We cannot be idle or silent as this current administration in the White House tries to take over our city. Thank you.

Thumbs up, thumbs down. Thank you. I see some people cooperating so nicely. Maria. Yes. Osega. Osega. Thank you.

Yes, ma'am. All right. It's my time started. All right. Well, good afternoon, City Council, Memphis City Council. My name is Maria Oceja. My address is 1000 South Cooper. And if you didn't know, today is the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month. So happy Hispanic Heritage Month. And I'm here today as a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. My family moved to Memphis in 1997, and I've been raised in Memphis and have grown to love this city, the people, and the culture. And I'm here today because 15 days ago, ICE conducted the largest raid in Memphis history in the heart of Beauclair. They took 121 people, leaving over 40 children behind without their parents. Some children's parents have already been sent back to their home country. We have now been left scrambling to pick up the pieces, trying to figure out how to support the children that have been left behind. Memphis City Council, as you plan to honor Hispanic Heritage Month and all the great contributions we have made to this city, I urge you to take a strong stance against ICE presence in our city. I urge you to take a stance against the unsafe task force and that you push MPD to stop collaboration with ICE. I do understand that this body has limited powers to do what I'm asking, but as elected officials, as representatives of our community, as parents and caretakers, I urge you to see the negative impact that ICE is having here in Memphis. We Memphians are going to have to deal with these repercussions of these children being left behind. Some children were lucky enough to be left with some family members. Other children were left with babysitters and are still with babysitters since August 30th. We are about to hit one year since the sitting president sent the task force here. And rather than truly reducing and solving crime, they've inflicted more pain and harm on our community. Please take a stance against ICE and the task force in Memphis. Thank you. Thank you.

Reverend Keith Caldwell, and then Lucci Chambliss.

My name is Reverend Keith Caldwell, 584 East McLemore. And I'm the president of MICA, Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope. And I'm standing here today as a person of faith to say that we are in a crisis with what ICE is doing to our Latinx siblings. We want to just say we are more than 58 organizations, churches, synagogues, mosques, people of goodwill, labor unions, and we know that what is happening here in Memphis is the testing ground for people having their civil liberties eroded. They came to Memphis to do it because it's a majority black city, and to see if we can get away with it in Memphis, we will export it across the nation, and we say no. We know that Memphis is a great city, It gets a bad rap and yet we are always coming back up. And what we can do is stand against this kind of totalitarianism that is happening. And what ICE is doing and abducting our people and requiring that they have papers on them is hauntingly familiar as a black person to have freedom papers. And I know you know what I'm talking about. So we just wanna make sure that we stand in solidarity because when America gets a cold, black folks get the flu. So we'll be next. Thank you.

Lucci Chambliss and then Tracy Woods and Brandy Price.

Hey guys, Lucci Chambliss, 38104. Early last month when Dr. Hazlett was killed, it seems like every elected official in the county was clamoring over themselves to condemn that killing on the news. Dr. Hazlett was venerated and celebrated and mourned by every office in this city, in this county, and a lot of state officials too. What happened to Dr. Hazlett was tragic and the response was appropriate, entirely appropriate. A few weeks ago during the first committee meeting when we were discussing the moratorium, tensions were high, as I heard they were today. A community organizer spoke out of turn and was immediately threatened with being kicked out by Commissioner Warren. Just a few minutes later though, Dr. Pearson also spoke out of turn. And instead of threatening to kick her out, Councilman Warren rushed from his seat to sit next to her and share his copy of the alternate ordinance with her. He was very respectful, bordering on brown nosing. And Dr. Pearson was owed that respect. I'm not arguing against that. But you all have made it very clear who this city cares about and who they don't care about. We don't need another pickleball court, but we do need the only roller derby team that we have, one that has been operating in a way that is not cost prohibitive to any Memphian for two decades now. Box Town, Westwood, South Memphis, they don't need more pollution. They need more resources. Our immigrant brothers and sisters don't need their families torn apart. They need to be left alone to keep working, going to school, going to church and raising their families. If Memphis invested in its people, in its poor people that is, like it does billionaires and other wealthy people, we would still be a powerhouse. Historically, Memphis is one of the most important cities in the entire country. From the influence on culture, to the influence on civil rights, to the influence on academia and medicine. The talent and intellect that Memphis led this country with just a few decades ago hasn't disappeared. It's just had a wall of poverty built around it.

Tracy Woods. Then Brandy Price. And then Jessica Miller.

Hello. So I sent you all two orders since I really don't know how it goes. Audience, then it turns to resolution about the overgrown hedges. If your fence is six feet, that's how tall your hedges should be, I think. And if my limbs hit your yard, I'm responsible is my tree. I need you all to change the audience on this because they're using the act of God. But if they keep the trim line, you know, off my fence, the act of God wouldn't affect me. And one of the... I see we just give me street names to anyone. I was hoping to see Ms. Green here so she can answer the question as to what made her think Lee Harris deserved a street name. You just giving them away.

We're not gonna talk about the mayor, thank you. She has a right. What do you say about the council? Thank you so much. Your time has expired. We will now have Jessica Miller. Brandi Price, go ahead, and then Jessica Miller. Yes, because you were disruptive, and if you keep talking, you're going to be escorted out. Thank you so much. Brandi Price, you're up.

Hello. You can hear me? Brandy Price at 38109. I just want to say God is good all the time. And God, nobody knows mercy like guys know how to give us mercy. And by the same time, no one knows how to dispense cruelty like men know how to dispense cruelty. I say that because we're now in an era where the UN has given up on climate change and has retreated. And in the meanwhile, we're at a deficit for water. And all the while people are here to talk about their families kidnapped by ICE and the air being destroyed, y'all sit here as though y'all hearts been hardened like the Pharaoh. So I'm not coming here tonight to speak to hardened hearts. I came here to speak to the people behind me, the youth. The people at home and the people who realize, hey, they don't work in the office all day. It's getting hot outside. Be real with y'all. And for those who mark the days that is getting hotter and hotter and hotter, I want y'all to remember today. I want y'all to remember those who hardened their hearts, who went against the moratorium, who were complicit in the ICE raids. I want y'all to remember them. And remember, these are the people who stole away your future. They stole away your peace of mind and your ability to have a safe place to live. So remember these hearts. Don't let them wash away this sin. This is a sin against the people of Memphis and the greater people of the globe. So remember these hardened hearts. Remember them, ladies and gentlemen. It's just really heartbreaking to just realize that, hey, there's so much that could be done in the city to bring it back and revitalize it, but they carry nothing but profit. So remember this day. So, yeah, God is good all the time. God forgives, but men don't.

Ms. Miller. And then Christine Fox and Joy Fairfield.

Good evening, City Council. I had something prepared, but as I sat here, my name is Jessica Miller. I had something prepared, but as I sat here and listened to resolution after resolution on street names and I really wondered if I had ever came before you all and let you know what I've been doing on a daily basis since July of last year. I'm part of the co-founders that co-founded the Immigrant Pantry through Indivisible Memphis. We've been making deliveries every week to the immigrant community here in Memphis. Last July to September, we averaged eight deliveries a week. As soon as the task force came in, we immediately shot up in our requests. We've averaged now 50 deliveries a week. Since this raid last week, my volunteers who do not get paid for this work made 81 deliveries to families who have been devastated by ICE and the raid that happened 15 days ago. I just wonder if y'all realize the humanitarian crisis that's happening in the city right now. There's children. I've stood in front of children that are crying because they're hungry, because they've been fed sugar water instead of formula. I've been standing in front of mothers that cry because they don't know what to do. I've emailed every single one of you about the pantry and I truly beg you all to reach out, look through your spam and look through your email boxes and reply back to me because I would love to sit down with you and show you the data. We've collected stories from our volunteers that you could read and share It would bring you to your knees to see what is actually happening in the shadows and in the dark in this city that you don't know about. And if you don't know about it, you can't address it. And I really urge y'all, I know you had the chance to make a resolution about the National Guard and it failed, but I really urge y'all to reconsider that.

Thank you so much, Ms. Miller. Christine Fox and Joy Fairfield and then Eunice Garcia.

Good afternoon. Christine Fox, 38112. I'm here today as a faith leader with Micah and as a 30-year Memphis resident who cares deeply about this community. Yesterday, I spoke before this county commission, urging them to take action to begin the process of removing the National Guard from Memphis and Shelby County. And I bring that same sense of urgency to speak to you today. Memphis is increasingly normalizing the militarization of public safety, And we need to ask ourselves where that path is taking us. We have seen this with the Memphis Unsafe Task Force. We have seen it with the presence of the National Guard. And we are seeing it in the continued and growing collaboration between ICE and MPD. When people see armed federal agents entering community spaces, as they did on August 30th at the El Corralón nightclub, trust in our government erodes. When people fear going to work and school or seeking help for a mental health issue because doing so puts them in the crosshairs of law enforcement, there is a societal breakdown happening. Memphis does not need military personnel on our streets. We need investment in people and communities. We need public safety policy that does not include communities breathing poisoned air or drinking contaminated water. You cannot say that you value Memphis communities while simultaneously exposing those communities to unchecked corporate development and increasingly militarized law enforcement. Some of y'all are out here acting like you don't even live in Memphis. You're allowing billionaires and developers, corrupt politicians and corporations to poison, exploit, and imprison our friends, our families, and coworkers. And for what gain? Corporations can't vote. Elon Musk can't vote in Memphis city elections. Neither can Bill Lee or Donald Trump. But we can. The people who are here in this room tonight can and will vote in local elections. And I guarantee you that we will remember. We will remember who spoke out against the militarization. Thank you.

Joy Fairfield. And then we will have Eunice Garcia. And then Reagan Murray and Carrie Yacomini. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm sorry, go ahead and repeat that.

Hi, I'm Dr. Joy Brooke Fairfield. I live at 1007 Philadelphia Street. Yeah, hi, I'm speaking today. I'm a professor at Rhodes College and I'm a resident of Memphis and I'm concerned about XAI and the various developments of data centers. So I'm here to support the moratorium and ask for greater transparency. I was doing a little bit of research before I came here just because I'm a professor and I like facts and data. So I was looking over all of the states that have been considering moratoriums and greater regulations like Maine, like New York, but also states like Texas. And then, of course, there's 300 plus moratoriums in cities and towns across the country. And a lot of them are cities and towns a lot like ours with sensible people in positions who have decided they needed to slow down this the sort of relentless march forward. So I ask us to sort of join those cities and become some of the people saying no. I was looking up some data from my undergrad institution, so I was reading the Harvard Gazette, and the Harvard Gazette has a lot to say about things like moratoriums. I was reading an interview with Ben Green, who's a professor at University of Michigan School of Information and Public Policy, and he says that it seems very clear that there is very little economic development that plays out at the local level when it comes to these data centers. So we know that we need economic development, and I just don't think this is it. I just don't think this is it. He also says that in all of these practices, transparency is the bare minimum. It seems like across the country, these corporations are trying to use people like you. They're trying to get city governments to sort of give them what they want. And I think that you all can be smarter and bolder and braver than that. And that we can ask for, as Ben Green says, the transparency that is the bare minimum. He says across the nation, so in cities like ours, everywhere else, the contracts are secretive, and when they even make them public, there's huge redactions, and DAs are being signed everywhere.

Thank you, thank you. And that was the focus and the purpose for the entire meeting this morning, to make sure that we have some regulations in place. Eunice Garcia, Joy Fairfield.

My name is Eunice Garcia. I am a native Memphian who is deeply concerned with the Memphis city government's complicity and Trump's white supremacist mass deportation agenda. I stand before you as a witness who has listened to approximately 3,000 calls received by Vecindarios 901, a local rapid response network for reporting ICE activity. These stories shared by fearful and indignant community members paint an undeniable truth. The Memphis Unsafe Task Force is targeting Hispanic and Black communities to criminalize people of color and low-income persons under the guise of making our communities safer. Memphians report being stopped by prejudiced Tennessee state troopers who failed to provide an explanation for why they are being stopped, only to then be detained by ICE. And for what? Because of a broken taillight? Is that all it takes to break families apart, violate due process rights, and place human beings into the profitable and vicious deportation machine in Mason, Tennessee, where we are currently seeing human rights violations? Additionally, calls demonstrate the clear over-policing of Hispanic neighborhoods, to the point that the Memphis Unsafe Task Force harasses the same areas on a daily basis, including Summer Avenue, Highland Street, Jackson Avenue, Winchester and Lamar Avenue to be exact, all of which are areas that constitute Black and Brown low-end communities. and they aren't arresting criminals like they want the public to believe. They are targeting Memphians outside of their homes, schools, restaurants, and clubs. And while it is not wrong to go to a club, it is both immoral and illegal to subject the entire Memphis Hispanic and Black community to oppressive authorities. Our communities are actively being traumatized and socially and economically fractured. Let me be clear that every time this government refuses to acknowledge the atrocities happening in our own streets, you are effectively silencing the public's voice. I am asking this government to listen to the people whose calls document what they are experiencing in their own neighborhoods, because public safety cannot mean making communities afraid to leave their homes and for black parents to fear their child.

Joy Fairfield and Reagan Murray. Okay, Reagan Murray.

Can y'all hear me okay? All right, I'm here to voice my disapproval for our city's ongoing cooperation with federal and military occupation, despite the harm that it has caused our community. And why are Mayor Paul Young and his police chief getting away with lying to the city about MPD's involvement with the Memphis Unsafe Task Force?

We don't want to do any insulting comments. For the mayors, please.

Just go to the seventh floor.

Ma'am, I'm asking you a question, but you're wasting my time. We're waiting on answers. Confirmed what we've been saying for months, which is that he was shot in the back. I'm trying to figure out why law enforcement is scarier of a black man's backside than actual criminals. We're also still waiting on answers as to how the unsafe task force is gonna be held accountable for murdering Jonah Neal during his mental health crisis. His most vulnerable time and he was met with violence instead of compassion. Are y'all really okay with this? Can the council members raise your hand if you're okay with what's going on in our city? Nobody? I wish y'all's actions aligned with that. So again, I ask, when we all stand up, when something terrible finally happens to somebody that you care about or you deem as important, time is running out and y'all are going down as one of the most sorry city councils we've had. We deserve answers and solutions and freedom of speech. Thank you.

Thank you. Karen Yagomeni and then Ricky Lewis.

Good evening, council. My name is Carrie Yakimini. I live in 38104, council district four and super district nine. I had a lot to say today, but I think it's changed and I think that's okay because of what's transpired. And as I sat there in the audience, I noticed that eyes were rolling. Council members walked out because they felt disrespected. But the problem is that it's not a place that we're not speaking from a place of disrespect. We are speaking from a place of hurt. We are speaking from a place of hurt that our neighbors are being killed, that our neighbors are being stolen. And it feels like when we have the flag of our federal government stepping on our backs, that we are looking for someone in the city to trust. And when so many of the city council members are looking at their phones, are looking at their screens, laughing, rolling their eyes, walking out, not hearing us, we don't know who to trust. And we are looking for leadership. And that leadership looks like putting a moratorium and ordinances. There is no reason why we cannot have both. Because a data center is already in operation and that needs ordinances. But we can stop new ones from forming for a year while we do the studies. And when we need to ask chat GBT if the air quality is worse, that means that council members have not gone down to the areas that are affected and smelled it for themselves. We are looking for leadership. We are begging for clean water. We are begging for clean air. Because when we have an exodus happening in the city, people are looking for a reason to stay. And people are looking for leadership to stand up for them when they are not afforded the privilege to leave. So I am asking you to please not treat this as we are being offensive to you, rather that this is like a town hall that you can afford us to listen to. Thank you.

Thank you. Ricky Lewis and then Michael Harris. After Michael Harris, Sarah Hody.

Good afternoon. My name is Ricky Lewis. I was here about six weeks ago and talking about light, gas, water spending and friends of getting contracts. And I'm giving you some more information of Timothy Davis with a friend that he's been friends with for decades from California. And the reason is because if we don't watch Memphis light, gas, and water spending, the light bills will go up, for the next two or three years. And everybody in here is gonna be complaining, even the ones out here and the constituents, your constituents. Unnecessary spending would have bills to go up. And that's all I have to say. But you told me last time to go to the board of Memphis Light, Gas and Water, I did that. And the reason I came here and I'm here now is because the city council signed the contracts. That's why I came here. Thank you. Who is his friend?

You said giving contracts to his friend. Who is his friend?

Timothy Davis.

I know who he is, but who is his friend? You said they're giving contracts to his friend.

I just gave you.

I'm looking at it, but... So every... So everything that you have highlighted, you're suggesting that these are his friends?

Yes, but the ones in black, that's the ones that he has friends with from California.

Are these text messages or emails? What is this? Email. Okay.

All right, thank you. And the last one was Hometown Hub for $5 million.

Can I also make one note? We don't approve the contracts of MLGW. Our authority over MLGW is limited to setting the salaries of... the individuals who work there, and also with the rate-making body as it relates to how MLGW conducts business on a day-to-day basis. That's up to the MLGW board. We don't have that authority. Our authority is limited by charter. Rate-making body is one. And then the second thing is set the salaries of those individuals who work there. over, I forget, what's the, I think it's like $200,000. Anybody over $200,000, we said. That's the authority of the city council. It's set by charter.

But your name was on it, that's why I came here. And back in the day, the city council was over the MLGW board. That's why I remember. Thank you.

All right, Ricky Lewis and Michael Harris. Oh, that was Ricky Lewis. Michael Harris and then Sarah Holding.

Amen. Come on, Mr. Harris.

Good afternoon, Michael O. Harris, 4314 East Ferroni Square, 38116. Madam Chair and members of the council, I'm here as a private citizen asking this council to take action on your land bank. On June 23rd, 2026, this council appropriated $400,000 for the agency. Seven days later, the land bank chair emailed staff of a temporary layoff and shutdown of operations, citing lack of funding. and not performance. 77 days later, the layoff and shutdown continues with no plan for what comes next. So please, who authorized this shutdown? And what is the plan for what the land bank will do next? You see, on June 16th of 2026, my email warned this body that immediate intervention was needed. Prior to that, former Chair Kathy Moore Cowan wrote Mayor Young on September 3rd of 2025, expressing her own concern about what was happening to the land bank, saying, and I quote, it seems almost intentional, end quote. No response was ever received by Ms. Cowan. So I later shared that email with all of you and with my board. The council has oversight responsibilities of this agency. However, since 2023, council continuity and engagement has been ridiculously inconsistent among our three liaisons that have been assigned to us. We've never seen them and they've never cared to participate with us. So it behooves this council to act and I implore you to do so now. It's been 77 days and Memphis deserves better and I yield.

sarah holding and then gacela guerrero and martha lopez marta lopez sarah holding 38111 this is more for of a general comment when a citizen reports city employees falsifying paperwork and harassment the expectation is the concern would be taken seriously On August 18th, a falsified code enforcement warning was posted to my door, photographed and removed by the employee. When confronted, I was warned that he would be following up with this warning. The violation, my recycle bin sitting on the street awaiting a missed pickup. It took 10 days and over 100 calls for the mayor to finally get Melanie Neal to email me. In the email, she denies the existence of this piece of paper in my hands, And she says, I must have been confused about the interaction, which she has seen the video of. Her employee made good on his word. He comes to my street multiple times a day or multiple times a week, sits in front of my house and ignores the rusted cars that have sit in my neighbor's house, unmoved for seven years. News Channel 3 has video footage from 2019 of these cars still there. Since reporting the harassment, the mayor's office no longer answers my calls. Philip, you sat in this room two weeks ago, took down my number, and blocked me as soon as I left this building. The city owns 300 properties, and I've been visiting them in my spare time. Common themes, overgrown weeds, tall grass, fallen trees, and trash heaps. On Sunday, I visited 26 locations within a five-minute drive of each other. None were maintained. There are things that make our city ugly. A recycle bin waiting for a missed pickup is not one of them. False violations and harassment make our city ugly in more than one way, and it's time for the city to clean up its own house before making allegations against its citizens. Thank you.

Gisela Guerrero and Marta Lopez, and then Dexter Britt.

Gisela Guerrero, 38105, and I'm gonna start with This little one.

Hi, my name is Scarlett and I'm sad because the ice took my mom and I just want to say I'm sad because they took my mom and I hope my mom is okay over there. I love her and I hope she has a good day over there.

Where is she?

In Honduras.

And how do you feel about that?

Sad.

What do you want to say to your mom?

I want to say I love her so much. I want to be with her.

Thank you, Scarlett. My name is Gisela Guerrero. I'm lead organizer with MICA.

I was there that evening of the raid on August the 30th.

It's a terrifying moment, nothing like we've seen in Memphis before. This raid happened in City Council District 5, in Super District 9. I wanted to also mention, I don't know if many of y'all know why Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15th. It's because it's Independence Day for five Latin American countries, Mexico, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. It's really difficult to celebrate Independence Day when we don't feel very independent, very free, very liberated in Memphis right now. We are about 14 days away from the one-year anniversary of the Memphis Unsafe Task Force being here in Memphis. Here's the impact in that year. Out of 20,426 arrests made, only 37 were for violent arrests, 187,838 traffic stops, about one for every three Memphians. 121 detained by ICE on August 30th, six deaths due to the Memphis Unsafe Task Force. And the cost of the National Guard, if it continues through the end of the year, will be $319 million. And that's the National Guard alone, not the task force, not the agents, not Tennessee Highway Patrol. Thank you. Thank you.

Marta Lopez and Dexter Britt.

So Chairwoman, I'm gonna need to translate for her, unless y'all have a translator?

No, that'll be fine.

Okay, so we might go a little bit over time, just because of translation. Okay. Go ahead.

My name is Martha Lopez. My name is Martha Lopez.

I am a grandmother. Two of my daughters were taken during the ICE raid on August 30th, and their parents were taken during that time as well. All four parents have been taken by ICE since last year, and I have now been left in charge of eight grandchildren.

The children need their parents. We need to stop this now because the children have been separated.

I have a one-year-old, a four-year-old, a 10-year-old that were separated from their parents.

One of them is in Honduras.

One of them is now in Honduras.

Another one is detained in an ICE detention center.

And my grandsons have been left abandoned without their parents. Our Latino community is suffering from the separation and it's mainly the children that are suffering. You all need to do something so the children are not suffering from this type of separation. I ask that you do something for our community. Us Latinos, we are not criminals and we're hardworking people and I just ask that you do something for the families and the children.

We are not criminals. Thank you.

Dexter Britt, and then Makisha Allen and Sarah Houston. Just a moment, Councilwoman Cooper-Sudden.

Thank you. I wanted to share with the babies out there that we hear you about your parents and your mommy. I can't even imagine what that feels like or what that looks like. I am a black woman. And my grandmother was 98 years old, so she grew up in the Jim Crow era, and some of her siblings were taken from her from way, way back. So that is a trauma that lasts forever. But Councilwoman, Dr. Michaelin Eastern-Thomas and myself will be presenting a resolution asking the task force to exit and leave. And Giselle and I, we talked about Hispanic month and we don't feel it's appropriate to do the resolution for Hispanic month until we do the task force and ask them to leave. And then we will do the Hispanic resolution for Hispanic month. And so I wanted those babies to hear that. We hear you, we hear your little voices. I can't imagine being separated from my mommy, anyone in my family. I want you to know that I am praying for everything that's happening here. Prayer conquers all. As Brandy said, God is good, and God is good all the time, and he's merciful, and he's merciful to all of us. And so I wanted to share that with those babies to let them know that we hear you. I'm sorry, Councilman Smiley, did you say something? So I wanted to share that with you all to let you know that will be happening at our next council meeting with the approval of our chairwoman. And I think that she would be more, and this body would be more than happy to be a part and sponsor all of that. So thank you. Thank you, chair, for that opportunity.

Councilwoman Easter-Thomas, you're recognized.

Thank you, Chair. I just want to echo what my colleague Cooper Sutton so eloquently said. I know sometimes it looks as though folks aren't listening. I think one is I told Ms. Guerrero that I'm glad you all came and actually brought the people that you brought and are allowing us to listen as intently as each of us differently are about the certain things that are going on. I think Ms. Miller said that when you don't, know things, it's hard to address them because you're not knowing them. So thank you Cooper-Sudden for agreeing to that and Chair for agreeing that they can go on the next meeting. As Cooper-Sudden said, hopefully that will be more of a council effort if we can. And also to Ms. Miller, Ms. Miller, right? In the pink, okay. In this budget, Councilwoman Green and I placed monies in the council stabilization fund directly for immigrant food access. I don't see anyone from the city administration in the audience. However, if we can get your information, I know you told us this in an email, but if we can get your information. So we can send it to the city administration to see if that can be supported by the funds we already approved in this fiscal year's budget.

I would appreciate working with you, Councilwoman, on that. The only roadblock that we've had and the reason why we've continued the way we have is because sometimes because of the way funds are allocated, understandably with the oversight and everything, there's documentation and things that are required that causes an accessibility issue to a lot of the clients that we serve but I would love to get with you and see if there's something we can work on.

I think we can at least ask and request for our mayoral administration to help work that out. Yes, ma'am.

I'm trying to see where Summer was. Is Summer still here?

She's at the New Memphis Institute, but we'll get one of our other great analysts to help get that information. Teamwork.

All right. Dexter Britt and Makisha Allen.

My name is Dexter Britt and 38133 area code. Thank you, Councilwoman, for expressing that connection to black history. And I know many black Americans know the feeling of mass individuals abducting people, our people and terrorizing our communities. So I used to teach at Kingsbury High School, and I'm currently a co-chair with MICA, the Immigration and Inclusivity Committee. And I was there the night of the raid. And I just want to put y'all into what took place, kind of let you see the scene. So as you arrive, you kind of hear this muddled commotion and lights sporadically flashing. You see ICE agent cars sporadically parked and blocking the street. You then come up and you see a former student who is expressing their frustration towards these ICE agents who have set up a perimeter around the bar. The agents, these agents are wielding zip ties, assault rifles, pistols, mace canisters, smug faces, laughing in the face of the community. You give them a look, this former student saying, be careful, right? Because you are concerned for their safety. And they diagnose this look. And before you can get a word out, they tell you, you can't tell me to stop. They have my mom. And they're right, right? You have never seen yourself in that situation. A situation where you get a call in the middle of the night where your mom is being abducted and driven away to an unknown location. After you sit with that, you begin to take in the scene. Mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, other close family, friends, crying out for their family members, yelling their name, communicating last minute messages, screaming at the agents. Some of what you hear is in a language you don't understand, but the language of pain and heartache need no translation. We implore you to use the leverage of power that you do have to do those things you are committed to do. Thank you.

Thank you. Malkisha Allen, Sarah Houston, Charmin Murley, and we'll end with, we don't have a last name. Erica, you get the last name on here.

Malkisha Allen, 38106. All right, so I'm a lawyer, right, licensed attorney, so I know a little bit about the law. I know that every person inside of the United States has due process rights, no matter if they're a citizen or if they're undocumented or anything in between. So I know that the Memphis Safe Task Force and ICE violate people's due process rights every single day. I also know that although your power is limited, it is not zero. What's the point of sitting in those chairs if you don't listen to your constituents? You cut off the mic on my neighbor. What she had to say is important. You are subjected to criticism. That's why you were elected. I have another question. What is so important the child must talk about it while citizens are talking? Councilman Smiley, Councilman Ford, what's so important? Also, no disrespect Councilman Ford, but we are using time, energy and resources to rename a street after your parents. I did not hear anything extraordinary that they did. What about these kids parents? energy, and resources to go towards them. You can cut my mic. I don't care. I don't even want to talk to y'all. Y'all, it is up to us.

That was not his parent. Cedric, thank you. We will now have Sarah Houston, Charmin Murley, and then Miss Erica. Thank you. Out, out. Sarah Houston, Sharman Murley. Okay, she's not here. Okay.

Council, Sarah Houston, 38103, I serve. Thank you. You may proceed. Thanks. Sarah Houston, 38103. I serve as executive director of Protect Our Aquifer. First, I just want to mention, tomorrow we're going to be delivering a petition with over 1,000 signatures to MLGW board. Can't say I don't disagree with her, so, you know, just let it go. Thank you. All right, all right, thank you. All right, tomorrow, tomorrow morning, 8.30 in the morning, hope to see y'all. MLGW board meeting, we're delivering a petition with over 1,000 signatures because MLGW plans to raise water rates. If you look at our water rate structure, the more industry uses, the cheaper it is per gallon. XAI right now is paying 19 cents per 100 gallons, we're paying 32 cents. So this is an equity issue that we've been thinking about at Protector Aquifer since 2022. And this petition is ahead of the budget. Y'all are gonna be seeing the MLGW budget and there's a lot going on. So are y'all still listening or what's going on? All right. So I wanna make y'all aware because y'all are gonna be approving the MLGW budget and we need to make sure that these commercial water rate structures are equitable. We do not wanna see our residential water rates touched unless we start seeing a progressive water rate structure. I also wanna say we support this data center moratorium. Period. And I really urge each one of you to come on as co-sponsors. We have four co-sponsors. If you're going to vote yes, be a co-sponsor. This is something that is so important. You'll have a lot of really serious issues going on right now. We're talking about some very serious immigration stuff going on right now. Y'all need a pause on data centers. Let's do a study. Y'all heard about air pollution. We could poke holes in the air pollution study all day long. Y'all need a study, not just about air, not just about water, about labor, about pilots, about tax incentives, about all these different aspects of data center development. So get a pause, think about all these other big issues y'all gotta deal with. Let us get to work on a study. Let us get to work on what a good joint ordinance is gonna look like. We need the city and the county together on this. We need the whole county regulated. We need to make sure that the city council, the health department, the county commission, everybody's working together on this. Protector Okafor plans to be there every step of the way, but we need a moratorium, we need a pause, and we need y'all to work together. Please come on as a co-sponsor. Thank you. Thank you.

We will now have Sharmin Murley.

Sharmin Murley, 38117. And I am In awe, I'm humbled and a little embarrassed because I have a very simple message and mine is that I'm here tonight to support the moratorium on data centers, especially one in South Memphis. There is not a data center near my home, may never be one, but I'm here to speak out against the extraordinary pollution and exorbitant use of our resources, not the least of which is our water, which we are abundantly blessed in Memphis. Not every community has the water that we have. And I'm sorry, but it seems like a pure waste to use it on a data center. I, support everything that was been said before me much more eloquently than I ever could say it. We have a duty and a privilege of being stewards of this resources that we have. And it's my hope that you will approve this moratorium. Thank you for your time.

Thank you. That concludes our comment cards. We will entertain a motion to adjourn. It's been moved by Smiley, seconded by Ford Canale. Thank you. The meeting is adjourned. Everyone have a safe evening. Thank you for coming out.

We missed somebody. Missed somebody. We missed a comment card. Comment card missed. There's a comment card missed.

Y'all missed a comment card.

You don't have a card, but you can go ahead and tell us your name. I did have a card. Well, I don't have your card, but we are going to allow you the time to speak.

My name is Erika Alegria. My mom was detained on August 30th, and my sister was detained as well. I also had an auntie and a few uncles and cousins that were detained. I am now left with five siblings. Me as a 25 year old, I'm now left with them. I'm left with their trauma. I'm left with their tears at night telling me what time is my mom coming back? I'm only 25. I wanted to live my life, but I can't. I've been taking care of my siblings since I was an eight year old. I've learned to change diapers. I've learned to do bottles because my mom has always had to work. And it frustrates me so much that us as Memphians didn't do nothing that day. I was there, I witnessed everything. I heard the chains that they put on those people, on everybody, on my mom. They zip tied them like animals. They're not animals. They're human beings. They're my mom, they're my sisters. And that hurts because now I'm left with them telling me every single I don't even I didn't even want to cry because I'm not a victim and I don't want to be seen as a victim. because they tend to always victimize us. But no, I don't want to be seen as a victim. I'm somebody that's bold enough to speak up for my family, and I'm somebody that's bold enough to stand up and raise those kids. And I'm teaching them that voting, and I'm teaching them about going to protests, and I'm teaching them about their amendment rights, and I'm teaching them to love everybody. Not just one-sided love, but to love everybody. Me as a 25-year-old, I didn't have my mom's love, but I'm trying to give that to them, even though my mom's not here. I'm trying to do that. I couldn't leave. I couldn't live my life. I couldn't go to college. I couldn't do this because I have to take care because I had to leave me, myself as the last person in my family to take care of. Now I have five kids to think about. I'm asking that you guys will do something about it, please.

Where's the humanity?

Thank you so much for coming and sharing.