City Council - Regular Meeting

Mr. Morris, please lead us in prayer. Go to the podium.

Shall we pray? Dear God, first of all, we want to give you thanks for this day and for the many things that you've done for us. We actually look upon this meeting and give grace to every person that's here, the leadership of this city. We thank you for what they've done thus far. So we ask you for peace today and that you would guide our efforts and give us good success. We give you praise and glory. In your son's name we do pray. We all can say amen.

Thank you. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilman Spinoza, you're recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Greetings, be it hereby known that Chaplain Arnel Morris, in recognition of a life of exemplary qualities, outstanding service to the city, meritorious involvement in humanitarian affairs and demonstrated concern for governmental process has been appointed Chaplain of the Day of the Memphis City Council. and is hereby entitled to all the honors, rights, and privileges and prerogatives appearing to the office and to the display of this certificate given under this seal this 26th day of May, 2026, signed by Chairwoman Janice Swearengin-Washington and myself. Thank you, Madam Chair. Good to see you, sir. Thank you for all you do.

Thank you so much. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the roll.

Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. Councilmembers Connelly. Here. Carlisle. Cooper-Sutton.

Present.

Easter-Thomas.

Present.

Ford. Present. Green. Logan. Present. Smiley.

No question.

Spinoza.

Here.

Walker.

Present.

Warren.

Present.

White. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington. Present. Madam Chair, you have a quorum.

Thank you. Councilman Canale, I believe you've reviewed the minutes.

Yes, Madam Chair, I have reviewed the meeting minutes from the May 12th, 2026 meeting and find them to be in order and move for their adoption.

It has been moved. by Councilman Ford Canale, second by Councilman Spinoza. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Councilmembers, you may cast your votes. And please cast your votes for the minutes. Canale, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin, Washington, yes.

if that item passes. Welcome to the May 26th, 2026 regular meeting of the Memphis City Council. Meetings of the Memphis City Council shall be conducted in an orderly manner to ensure the public has the full opportunity to be heard and the deliberate process of the council is retained at all times. Our council staff has meeting agendas available upfront with Mr. Clay. Clay, please raise your hand. as well as comment request cards for members of the public wishing to be heard on a specific item. All those wishing to speak on an item must turn in their comment card to staff before the item is called. If you are not here to speak on a specific item, you can note that your request to give general comments at the end of the meeting. As chair, I will only recognize citizens that properly registered to speak by submitting a completed comment request card to council staff. Okay, items 28. No, that's gonna be withdrawn. We do have a presentation. Colleagues, I wanna take a point of privilege to recognize Mr. Mason Todd and his beautiful family that are joining us here today for his innovation, compassion, and commitment to serving others through technology. Where are you? Mr. Mason, where are you? Come on down and your beautiful family. Come on, family. Mason's work in developing an AI-powered health application focused on helping low-income families access healthcare resources reflects not only impressive talent, but also a deep understanding of the importance of equity and community impact. His initiative demonstrates how young leaders are already helped shaping a stronger and more connected future for our city and beyond. On behalf of Councilwoman Logan, congratulations to Mason Todd on his outstanding accomplishment and for using innovation to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Councilwoman Logan, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you, Chairwoman, and to my colleagues. I am so excited today to present this resolution on behalf of the Council. I was watching the news and I happened to see this clip about this incredible young man who was using his talent and abilities, God-given talent and abilities, to help those across the world. And I think it's the Africa app, Africa Health app, correct? And so he wasn't just talking about it, but as they say, he was being about it. And he has done a tremendous work. And I was at that moment just impressed to acknowledge him. We always want to acknowledge and celebrate our hometown heroes. And so this young man, we encourage you. We appreciate you and want you to continue using your vision and your innovation forward. for good, for not just here locally, but worldwide. And so hopefully this will be motivation to other young people to think worldwide and to think beyond themselves. So thank you so much. We have a resolution that I want to read. And I also want to say my church member, Mr. Mays, came up and said, hey, y'all recognize my grandson. I said, what? And I said, you all right then, you all right for something, huh? But he is such a wonderful young man and so humble. So we want to read this into the public's hearing. Memphis City Council Resolution, whereas it is with great pride and admiration that this recognition is presented to Mason Todd for his outstanding innovation, leadership, and commitment to improving the lives of others through technology and service. And whereas Mason Todd has demonstrated remarkable innovative and forward thinking creativity through the development of an artificial intelligence powered health application designed to assist low income families in accessing healthcare resources and support. and whereas his work reflects a meaningful commitment to addressing real-world challenges faced by underserved communities and highlights the importance of equitable access to healthcare information, guidance, and services, and whereas through his innovation, compassion, and dedication to community impact, Mason Todd exemplifies the positive difference that young leaders can make when they use their talents and education to uplift others and create solutions that benefit the public good. And whereas Mason Todd's achievement serves as an inspiring example of excellence, determination, civic-minded leadership, demonstrating how technology and innovation can be used responsibly and thoughtfully to strengthen communities and support families in need. And whereas his accomplishments bring pride not only to those who know and support him, but also to the broader community while encouraging other students and young innovators to pursue their ideas with purpose, integrity, and a heart for service. Now therefore be it resolved that the Memphis City Council does hereby recognize and celebrate Mason Todd for his exceptional accomplishments, innovative spirit, and dedication to creating meaningful solutions that positively impact the lives of others. We extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes for his continued success, future endeavors, and the lasting impact of his work within the community and beyond. given by my hand under the great seal of the city of Memphis this 26th day of May, 2026, Rhonda Lovett, Memphis City Council, District 1, and we congratulate you. I want to acknowledge his mother and family, grandmother and grandfather.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please show that approved by acclamation. Thank you. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number one.

Item number one is a resolution recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. This resolution is sponsored by Councilman Canale.

Councilman Canale, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. If I get the alliance votes, great. So colleagues, as most of you know, the month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the great folks at Alliance do so much in that space to help so many Memphians on a daily basis. So we want to thank you for all that you do, and thank you for coming down and receiving this recognition. They are certainly not the only ones that do the work in Memphis, but they are a big part, and they are a valuable piece to our city, and we definitely need it for those that are struggling. So whereas mental health is the foundation of our overall well-being because it shapes how we care for ourselves, how we show up for the people we love, and how we participate in the life of our community, And yet mental health challenges remain among the most common conditions Memphians will face in their lifetime, affecting two in five adults, one in six children, and one in three teenagers. Whereas while mental health has long been a struggle for many in our community, we have witnessed a sharp rise in anxiety, depression, and a sense of disconnection from one another, especially among our young people. And this crisis has been made significantly worse by the prolonged isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. And whereas we affirm as a community that treatment works, that recovery is real and that no person should ever feel shame or fear in reaching out for help. And we renew our commitment this month and every month to confronting the stigma surrounding mental illness and removing every barrier that stands between our neighbors and the high quality care that they deserve. And whereas we recognize and deeply honor the mental health professionals, advocates, faith leaders, first responders, parents, teachers, coaches, and the countless friends, family members, and neighbors who give of themselves every day on the front lines of this crisis. And we pledge as a community to stand with them by unifying our efforts to educate, raise awareness, and expand access to prevention, early intervention, and treatment resources for all Memphians. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the month of May in the city of Memphis is hereby recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, given by my hand under this great seal of the city of Memphis and our chairwoman, Janice Swearengen, Washington, really on behalf of all of the Memphis City Council, thank you for all that you do.

Thank you, guys, so much. I know some of you on the city council. Hello. Dr. Warren's my doctor. I have to say that. You're a great doctor. And you're awesome. Councilwoman Cooper Sutton, she came out and toured. And you guys, if you need my cell, a lot of the commissioners have it, reach out to me if anybody needs help. We just opened up our 24-hour, seven days a week, children's crisis stabilization unit, jail diversion unit, 24-hour walk-in center. And that's exactly what we do for adults. Over the weekend, I was told we had 43 of our 45 beds full. And we had 13 people walking in from crisis on the streets. We are the largest jail provider in the entire jail provider, jail diversion, jail diversion provider in the entire state. People need immediate access to treatment. They do not need incarceration. And that's my heart, 34 years straight, and I hope to keep doing it. Thank you so much, guys. I love the work. Thank you. And I'd like to acknowledge my chairman of the board, Quentin Robinson. You can't do your job without a good board chair.

Thank you so much for your service.

Thank you.

Good evening, Councilman Connelly, other members of the Memphis City Council. We certainly appreciate your support and advocacy on behalf of Alliance Healthcare as we endeavor to provide services to as many individuals in this community as we can, especially those that are underserved. So we appreciate your thoughtfulness and we also appreciate your financial support We receive monies from the council to construct our new youth facility as well as our adult facility. So just thank you so much. And it's truly an honor and a pleasure to be able to work with this great organization, serving the needs of our folks in the community who need assistance for mental health services and substance abuse disorders. So thank you so much for your partnership.

Before we move to our next item, we would like to acknowledge that we have Councilwoman Patrice Robinson in the audience. If you'll please stand at this time. Thank you so much for your service. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number two.

Item number two is a resolution approving the honorary street name change on Horn Lake Road between West Shelby Drive and West Holmes Road for Dr. Gerald Rayburn, District 6, Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Cooper Sutton.

Councilwoman Cooper Sutton, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you, Chair and my esteemed council members.

You stand up here like me.

Your beautiful wife and daughter, come on. Come on, don't be afraid, come on. And all of the church members. The Memphis City Council resolution, 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 The Reverend Dr. Gerald Rayburn Sr. is certainly befitting of this honor. And whereas Reverend Dr. Gerald Rayburn Sr., a faithful servant of God, visionary leader, gifted gospel preacher, and beloved community pillar, was born on April 23, 1946, in Hernando, Mississippi, to the late Mr. C. G. Rayburn and Ms. Elsie Rayburn and rose from humble beginnings as one of 10 children to become a powerful voice of faith and hope throughout the city of Memphis. And whereas Reverend Dr. Gerald Rayburn Sr. is a devoted husband, to Bonnie Rayburn and a loving father to Gerald Rayburn Jr. and Stacy Rayburn, amplifying the values of faith, family, integrity, and unwavering commitment throughout his life and ministry. And whereas after receiving his education at Delta Center, Center High School in Walls, Mississippi, Reverend Dr. Gerald Rayburn Sr. answered the divine call upon his life by pursuing theological training at the William Herbert Brewster Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, where his passionate preaching and electrifying spirit earned him the unforgettable name, Fabio Rayburn. And whereas the Reverend Dr. Gerald Ray Braun has faithfully dedicated his life to the work of the gospel, beginning his ministry in 1976 and answering the pastoral call to Mount Moriah Baptist Church in East Tennessee, Before beginning, called in 1977 to lead Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, where his dynamic leadership transformed lives, strengthened families, and expanded the ministry far beyond the church walls. And whereas under Reverend Dr. Gerald Rayburn Sr. anointed leadership, Mount Sinai Baptist Church flourished spiritually and numerically, resulting in the establishment of the new Mount Sinai Missionary Church and the expansion of countless outreach efforts designed to uplift the hurting, feeding the hungry, encourage the disencouraged, and bring hope to the community. And whereas for than 40 years, the Reverend Dr. Gerald Rayburn Sr. has stood boldly as a beacon of truth, compassion, and righteousness, preaching with conviction and power while reaching multitudes through his ministry. Broadcast on 1340 WLOK radio station, ensuring that the message of Christ REACHED BEYOND JUST HIS COMMUNITY. AND WHEREAS THE CITY OF MEMPHIS WISHES TO HONOR THE REVEREND DR. JAEL RAYBORN, SENIOR, OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS AND LASTING LEGACY BY BESTOWING A SYMBOLIC RECOGNITION NEAR THE CHURCH THAT HE WILL LEAVE A LONG LIFE LEGACY, LIFETIME OF DEDICATED SERVICE AND UNDENIABLE IMPACT. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Memphis City Council that Horn Lake Road and Hernandez Drive between Horn Lake Road and West Shelby Drive and Horn Lake Road and West Holmes Road shall be designated honorary as the reverend. Dr. Gerald Rayburn Sr. Drive. Be it furthermore resolved that the city engineer is requested to affix suitable signs detonated to the public road. Adopted Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Yolanda Cooper Sutton, Memphis City Council Super District 8-3. This is for you, sir. And I'm going to give him an opportunity to say a few words. But if you're hungry on Sunday mornings, you'll get you some grits, some biscuits, sausage, bacon. Orange juice, apple juice, and some water, and some jelly. This man still fix breakfast every Sunday morning, whether you are a member or not, at his church. You can go eat breakfast, and he don't even make you stay there to listen to him sing. But I wanted to share that he's still serving the community with a hot breakfast. Pastor?

And I'm just grateful to be honored like this. And we're just grateful for our church family. As she forestated that we have been there. And we do a community service every Sunday morning. And it's not for the church. It's for the whole community. If you... It doesn't matter whether you're homeless or if you're poor, if you're rich. I look for all of y'all to come by and have a hot breakfast on Sunday morning. Amen. Seven o'clock. Breakfast is hot and ready to go. And I just want to say thank you.

Madam Comptroller, we will please show by acclamation that that has been approved. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. Madam Comptroller, please call item number three.

Item number three is a resolution honoring and recognizing Peyton Gibson, Carter Holmes, and Ty Miller as prize winners in the 2026 C-SPAN National Documentary Competition. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman White. This was held from May 12th.

Councilwoman White, you're recognized.

Thank you so much. Good afternoon, council members, and thank you so much, audience. I have up here with me some more of our students whom we are very proud of. Today, we proudly recognize three outstanding students from T-STEM Academy at East High School, Ms. Peyton Gibson, Mr. Carter Holmes, and Mr. Ty Miller for earning national recognition in the 2026 C-SPAN Student Competition. We're also recognizing their mentor, Mr. Marshawn Calvin. Is he here? He's not? Okay. Well, tell him that we shouted him out as well. We are recognizing them today as young leaders who use their talent, creativity, and voices to produce The Pursuit, which was a documentary that explored immigration reform and the experiences of DACA recipients with compassion, courage, and purpose. Their work reminds us that excellence is achieved when preparation meets opportunity. These students reflect the excellence that we want to see out of our students, the innovativeness, but also the courage and the boldness to speak on issues that are impacting people on a daily basis. We also have already stated recognize their mentor, Marshawn Calvin. I'm not going to read the resolution, but I do want to say that we are so proud of you all for taking your ideas, for using your voices and your vision, and you all turned it into something powerful enough for the nation to notice. And we want you to know that we notice it here in Memphis, and we celebrate you. One thing that I always tell young people, and maybe this will be good for every person in the room, is to be a thermostat, not a thermometer. A thermometer only reacts to the environment around it. A thermostat sets the temperature in the room. Leaders do not wait on the world to change. They walk into rooms and change the atmosphere themselves. And that's what you all are already doing. Keep setting the standard, keep raising expectations, keep believing that what starts in Memphis can impact the nation because it can and you all did it. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council hereby honors and congratulates Peyton Gibson, Carter Holmes, and Ty Miller of Memphis East T-STEM Academy for earning national recognition in the 2026 C-SPAN Student Camp National Documentary Competition and commends them for their outstanding documentary, The Pursuit, as well as their commitment to education, civic awareness, and excellence in storytelling. Be it further resolved that the Memphis City Council extends its appreciation to the advisor, Marshawn Calvin, for his dedication to mentoring and empowering students to achieve such academic success. Congratulations, you all.

Congratulations. Madam Comptroller, if you will please show that confirmed by acclamation.

And we're also joined by their wonderful parents up here too. Congratulations and thank you, parents. Yeah, let's take a quick picture.

One, two, three. Thank you so much.

Thank you, Madam Chairwoman.

Well, Robin said, I need a photo.

Good looking girl. We're going to move to our public hearing part. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number four.

Thank you. Item number four from our divisional planning and development 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 2342 Frazier Boulevard. This resolution is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development. This item was held from May 12th. The case number is SUP 26-03.

Councilman Spinoza, you're recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee met, recommended approval. I believe Councilwoman Easter-Thomas would like to speak on it, but I'll move it.

All right, it's been properly moved by Councilman Spinoza, moved by Councilman Dr. Warren. Councilwoman Easter-Thomas, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Councilman Spinoza. So I did have, so when we met in committee, two council meetings ago, four weeks ago, in PNZ committee, I did have questions. And I also had a withholding of my vote for said questions. Since then, I was able to talk to Mr. Kent and meet Mr. Sonny Child, who are standing right here before us. And also, was glad to learn about that there are other restaurants similar to this one that is coming to District 7, that they are active in the community, that they have a standard of non-cold violations and just doing what they said that they were going to do. And so knowing that we'll be able to uphold them to the standard they set their sales to, And then we also have a way of holding them accountable as well. I'm glad to support this project and ask my colleagues to do the same. This was not what I said in committee. So I just want to be clear that I helped supporting the project, especially with the renderings that we have, and that we'll be able to just be in contact and communication if anything goes wrong, but I'm sure that they won't since Mr. Kent assured me earlier. So thank you, sir.

Thank you. And I would like to attest that I belong to an organization and we had a meeting at one of your restaurants at another location this weekend. And the customer service was fantastic. The food was wonderful. Everything was clean. So I just want to thank you for your high standard of excellence. Dr. Warren, you're recognized.

I just want to thank my colleague, Easter Thomas, for taking a teacher's perspective, getting more information, and actually changing your mind. So people that say we never change our minds, the reason we change our minds is we get more information and we think about it. So thank you for thinking and bringing that to us and changing your mind. Thank you. So when I do it, back me up.

All right. Yeah, please remember this, Dr. Warren.

I remember it. I think it's a sign of good governance. Thank you.

Councilwoman Walker, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to concur with your comments and also Mr. Kent and his company. They have poured a lot of positive energy, a lot of wonderful investments into District 3. And I just want to thank you for that and best wishes on this project. And I yield the floor.

With that being said, Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

I'm having some questions.

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

That item passes. We'll move to our consent agenda items, which are items number five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10, and 11. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the consent agenda items, beginning with number five.

Item number five is an ordinance for the designation of a qualified public use facility creation of the 33 Beale Street Tourism Development Zone tourism surcharge and otherwise providing with respect to the foregoing. Up for first reading, ordinance number 5972 is sponsored by the Downtown Memphis Commission and Central City Revenue Finance Corporation. Item number six is an ordinance pursuant to Chapter 9.10.1 of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code, approving a street name change at the subject property located between E.H. Crump Roundabout and Metal Museum Drive. Up for first reading, this ordinance is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development. The case number is SNC 26-02, ordinance number 5973. Item number seven is up for second reading. Ordinance number 5971 is sponsored by the administration. From our engineering division, item number eight, Resolution approving the engineering plans for Tournament Trails Center Plan Development County and accepting bond as security. There's a request for same night minutes. The contract number is CR-5495. Item number nine is a resolution approving the final plat for Oakland Estates Plan Development phase three and accepting bond as security. There's a request for same night minutes. There is a request for same-night minutes. The contract number is CR-5496. Item number 10 is a resolution accepting public improvements for Fill and Go South 3rd Street, SUP 20-12, contract number 5475 and releasing the bond. There is a request for same-night minutes for this item. Our final item on our consent agenda is number 11. It is a resolution approving supplemental agreement number one for Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, contract number 5447, and accepting bond as security. There is a request for sign night minutes for this item also. Madam Chairwoman, that concludes our consent agenda items.

Councilman Connelly, you're recognized.

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

It has been moved by Councilman Ford Canale, second by Councilman Spinoza. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Kennelly, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearington-Washington, yes.

Thank you, that item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the fiscal consent agenda item.

Thank you. Our item is number 12, a resolution to accept a donation in the amount of $90,692.98 from the Eloise Bishop Aerobical Trust for the Memphis Animal Shelter to authorize expenditures for heartworm treatment, adoption subsidies, and related services for shelter animals. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same-night minutes and that concludes our fiscal consent agenda items.

It's always exciting to get a donation. Councilman Ford-Canale, you are recognized.

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

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

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

And item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the MLGW fiscal consent agenda items 13 through 27 with same night minutes on item number 18.

Carol, that's why we experienced some minor technicalities.

Yes, ma'am.

Item number 13 on our MLGW fiscal consent is a resolution awarding contract number 12660, Drill Pier Foundation Installation to Chris Hill Construction Company, LLC, in the funded amount of $1,205,865. Item number 14 is a resolution approving the scope change and increase to contract number 12649, Nutanix Support and Maintenance with CDW Government LLC to expand the scope and increase the current contract in the funded amount of $313,532.52. Item number 15 is a resolution awarding contract number 12645, NERC Consultant to GDS Associates Inc. in the funded not to exceed amount of $1,980,000. Item number 16 is a resolution approving the scope change and increase to contract number 10332, ABB Software Maintenance with Hitachi Energy, formerly ABB Power Training and Development Company Incorporated, to expand the scope and increase the current contract value in the amount of $1,113,362. Item number 17 is a resolution approving the payment for street cut permits to the city of Memphis in the amount of $2,500,000. Item number 18, resolution awarding a 36 month purchase order for asphalt to Lehman Roberts Company in the amount of $1,330,000. Please note there's a request for same night minutes on this item. Item number 19, resolution awarding contract number 12677, network maintenance to Logicalis Inc. in the funded amount of $729,621.66. Item number 20, Resolution approving the increase and renewal to contract number 12545 Veritas Net Backup Renewal with Thomas Consultants Inc. to increase and renew the current contract in the funded amount of $227,248.68. Item number 21 is a resolution approving the scope expansion and increase to contract number 12069 ARC FM Viewer Replacement with SSP Innovations LLC to expand the scope and increase the current contract in the funded amount of $20,000. Item number 22, resolution approving the increase and extension to contract number 11594, Power Plan Maintenance Agreement with Power Plan Inc. to increase and extend the current contract in the funded amount of $2,814,188.38. Item number 23 is a resolution awarding purchase orders for four-wheel drive trucks with service bodies to Landers Ford Inc. and Nashville Automotive doing business as Sarah Chevrolet Buick GMC in the amount of $948,499.20. Item number 24 is a resolution awarding a purchase order for four wheel drive backhoes to Stribling Equipment LLC in the amount of $1,706,625. Item number 25, resolution approving of increase to contract number 12371, system furniture with office interiors to increase the current contract in the funded amount of $1,500,000. Item number 26, resolution awarding contract number 12662, Billing Services Assistance to Hometown Hub LLC in the funded amount of $5,709,705.67. Our final item tonight is number 27, resolution approving the increase and renewal to contract number 12533, division copy fleet with Konoka Minolta to increase and renew the current contract in the funded amount of $117,720. Madam Chairwoman, that concludes our MLGW fiscal consent items.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller. Councilwoman Walker, you are recognized at this time.

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

It has been properly moved by Councilwoman Walker, second by Councilman Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Canale, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Easter-Thomas, yes. Green, 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 add-ons and same-night minutes, items 31, 32, and 33.

Starting with item number 31, which should slowly display on the board. A resolution to accept additional grant funds in the amount of $1,303,991 from the US Department of Justice through the United States Marshal Service of the Western District of Tennessee. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration and there is a request for same night minutes.

All right, thank you.

Councilman Canale, you're recognized.

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

All right. It has been moved by Councilman Canale, second by Councilwoman Green. Madam Comptroller, please prepare the screen for the vote.

Canale, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Green, 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 regular agenda items, items number 28, 29, and 30. Madam Comptroller, please call item 28. 28 and what, add 32? Did I skip 32? Okay. Item 32, Madam Comptroller. We have such a fabulous staff. Thank you all.

I couldn't do without them. Item number 32 is a resolution allowing the mayor's veto of ordinance number 5969 to stand and establishing an impasse ordinance review committee. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by council members, Swearengin Washington and Smiley. And there is a request for same night minutes.

Councilman Canale, you are recognized.

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

It has been moved by Councilman Canale, seconded by Councilman Spinoza. Madam Comptroller, please prepare the screen.

I'm about to. This is the vote for item number 32 regarding the mayor's veto of ordinance 5969. Canale, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Easter-Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Will you please call item number 33?

Item number 33.

Thank you. Item number 33 is, please see the revised add-on agenda. Item number 33 is a resolution to schedule an impasse presentation before the whole council. All council districts sponsored by the Memphis City Council. There is a request for same night minutes.

Let's get a point of clarification. Councilman Smiley.

All right. So item number 32 was the resolution to allow the mayor's veto to stand and create an impasse committee to put together an impasse process to create an impasse ordinance. Item number 33 on the revised agenda, which some of the council members do not have, is the setting of the date of the impasse process. hearing for ASME in June 8th. But it's the June 8th hearing of ASME's impasse. So this was item number 33 on the revised agenda. I know those of us on this side, we don't have it. All right, council members.

Let's get a motion.

Move it.

It's been moved by Councilman Smiley, seconded by Councilman Dr. Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen.

So again, item number 33 is setting the hearing date for impasse for AFSCME Labor Unit is June 8th.

So item number 33 is a resolution to schedule an impasse presentation before the full council. All council districts sponsored by the Memphis City Council and there's a request for same night minutes. Thank you very much.

We will show that in the records. And here are the votes for item number 33. Kenali Epstein. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes. That item passes.

That pulls us to the regular agenda items. Item number 28. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 28. That's a joint ordinance about the public-private partnership. Withdrawn. Councilwoman Easter-Thomas, you're recognized. Thank you, Chair. I'd like to withdraw item number 28. Madam Comptroller, if you will please show that item being withdrawn. Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 29.

Item number 29 is a resolution to amend the fiscal year 2026 general fund operating budget in the amount of $575,000 for the Memphis Parks Division. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. Councilwoman White, you're recognized at this time.

We can wait. She's worth the wait.

The committee met and recommended approval and I so move.

We appreciate your move.

It has been moved by Councilwoman White, second by Councilman Smiley. Madam Comptroller, please prepare the screen for the vote.

Canale, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, 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 item number 30.

Item number 30, which should appear momentarily, is a resolution, fiscal year 2026, third quarter budget neutral adjustment. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration.

All right, we do have some comment cards for this item. Ms. Dorothy Connor. After Ms. Connor, we have Marley. Madam Comptroller, if you will please put two minutes on the screen.

I'm Dorothy Connor. My address? No, just your name.

Dorothy Connor. Yes, ma'am. Go ahead.

As a volunteer of the Better Transit for Better Memphis, We ask the vote to increase the City of Memphis investments in public transit from 32 to 52 million for the next fiscal year. Public transit is a public good that spurs economic development. The American Public Transit Association estimates that every dollar spent on public transit produces $5 in growth in the gross domestic product. The extra 20 million invested in public transit can expect to see 80 million in the GDP growth. Downtown businesses have reported to members of the Better Transit for Better Memphis that they are financially hurting and looking at closure due to the current state of public transit in the downtown area. Memphis lags far behind peer cities in per capita investment in public transportation. We would have to double our budget to catch up with Birmingham, Alabama. We would have to quadruple our budget to catch up with New Orleans, Louisiana. This request for an extra 20 million, that is 52 million total for next year, is an investment that will start getting us back to these economic development benefits. Thank you for supporting community development. Let's get on the bus with public transit.

Thank you so much for coming down and sharing your thoughts. Marley.

Thank you, Madam Chairwoman and City Council. My name is Marley Yaneegas, and I'm here as a volunteer with Better Transit for a Better Memphis to ask you to vote to increase the City of Memphis' investment in public transit from 32 to 52 million for the next fiscal year. Public transit is essential infrastructure. It connects thousands of residents to jobs, healthcare, education, and daily necessities. Investment in MATA reduces poverty and ensures greater connection with the city, including for seniors, people with disabilities, and other marginalized communities. Last year, more than 40,000 riders relied on MATA each and every day. That ridership has increased to 50,000 with the introduction of fare-free travel. Memphis City Council voted to make this public service available to more of the public, but now we need to increase funding realistically to support this growth. Currently, more than 25,000 Memphians lack access to a car. Even for those who have a car, the economic impact of car ownership is substantial. According to Scientific American, Americans spend on average 13% of their income on transit. For those with lower incomes, this can reach 30% of their income for transportation. The rising cost of gasoline compounds this affordability crisis. Thank you for supporting Community Connections. Let's get on the bus with public transit.

Thank you so much.

Susan Neely Barnes. Thank you Madam Chairwoman and members of the Council. My name is Susan Neely Barnes and I'm also here as a volunteer with the Better Transit for a Better Memphis to ask you to increase the City of Memphis investment in public transit from $32 to $52 million for next fiscal year. The Memphis Transit vision forecast that increasing funding for MATA would result in 39% more jobs Within a one-hour commute by bus, investment in public transit is critical to ensuring a more reliable workforce and would support job opportunities and stability for Memphians. There are proposed changes to the federal budget that will create additional challenges for MATA if those come to pass. House Bill 8870, the Build America Act proposes to reduce funding for public transportation by 25%. This would shift money to state block grants and reduce a key funding source. This would also mean that we're relying on the state to continue to fund Memphis when other cities in the state have competing demands with a smaller budget. This makes the council's investment in public transit even more urgent. This change in policy, if it passes, will be a real threat to the funding of MATA. In my last 30 seconds, I just want to mention that when my daughter was 17, 18 and had her first job, she worked at the Einsteins that used to be on Poplar Corridor, and even right there in that very central location, many people who worked with her had trouble getting there because of unreliable transit. Thank you for supporting our community vision, and let's get on the bus with public transit.

Thank you so much. Mr. Ron Davis.

Thank you. My name is Ron Davis. I'm an organizer with the Better Traces for Better Memphis Coalition. One of the things I have today is a couple of postcards because our leaders that you see behind us who are just regular members of our community have been working day and night trying to figure out what it is that we need to do in order to make our public transit system work for us. Memphis still faces a significant gap between the level of service residents need and the resources currently allocated to support it. Currently, MATA has about 56 buses running on a daily basis that serves about 50,000 daily riders. MATA needs over 70 buses to operate effectively and sufficiently and sufficient budget to maintain the fleet. Additional bus drivers and mechanics are also needed, but all of this can only happen if they have funding, which is why we are also demanding that the city of Memphis invest an extra $20 million into public transit, bringing it from 32 million to 52 million. We have been also meeting on direction from the mayor with Holmes, who is the current interim CEO of MATA. And we've actually had some very productive conversations. These leaders that you see behind me, who, again, are not career politicians or career transit authority figures, have been trying to figure out of their own volition what it is that matter can do on their own to make services more reliable. And we are having to report that through the time that Holmes has been in his position, we have seen a marginal increase. Writers are saying they are seeing slowly that Holmes is addressing certain issues, whether it be at Hudson with security, or whether it be trying to get more security on buses, or whether it be trying to rearrange birth services so they work more effectively. He even had a community meeting about two weeks ago, which is the first time the community riders have had a chance to actually voice their opinions or get any knowledge or information for transit in the last six months since we don't have a board. However, customer satisfaction remains low due to the inability of current systems to meet the published schedule, with riders sometimes waiting hours for a pickup date. They even have a leader from out of town who wanted to ride the bus down here, but it would take him 50 minutes and he didn't want to be late, so he had to call an Uber. That's why we're proposing a 32 million, an increase in 32 million to $50 million. Thank you so much. And we hope to be able to meet with you all soon. And I'm gonna hand you all some postcards people wrote to you all.

Thank you. That brings us to our same night minute items. Councilman Canale, would you please read the same night minute items into record?

Thank you, Madam Chair. The same nine-minute items are 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 31, 32, 33, and 34. And with that, Madam Chair, I move it to the floor.

Thank you so much. It's been moved by Councilman Canale, second by Councilman Dr. Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Thank you, council members, for your votes. Canale, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Please show council member Spinoza as voting yes. Please show Green. And please show Smiley. I have said the names for the record.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, would you please look at item 30 and make sure we voted on that item?

Well now, well now, what a wonderful system. For the record, can we please just cast the vote on number 30? My system is not allowing me to call it back up.

Okay. Item 30 is a resolution fiscal year 2026, third quarter budget neutral adjustment. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. I'll entertain a motion and a second at this time.

Anybody?

White? Someone saying something? White? Oh, this came down with no recommendation. Okay.

Can I get a motion? It's been moved by Councilwoman White, second by Councilman Dr. Warren. If you'll please prepare the screen.

Madam Chair, could we have someone give a little bit further explanation of this? This is our third quarter budget neutral adjustments that we did earlier, someone from administration.

Okay. Is there anyone from the administration that can offer clarity on item number 30?

I'll make a motion to hold the item. If I could, Madam Chair.

All right. All right, I got a motion to hold.

You gonna hold it for two weeks, Madam Chair?

Yeah, hold it for two weeks.

For the next council meeting. Thank you. Number 30. All right.

Anybody else?

Can you prepare the screen that we're gonna hold at?

Without objection? Is there any objection?

Any objection, no objection? Two weeks. All right, two weeks without objection. All righty. That moves us to our general comment cards. We have three cards. Cynthia Bailey. After Cynthia Bailey, we'll have Johnny Mosley. After Johnny Mosley, Sammy Hunter.

Yes, Cynthia Bailey, a transit advocate. I'm coming here today. I like to start off saying hey to everybody. I'm coming out here today on the behalf of the bus riders. And this is some of the things that the bus riders have brought to my attention at MATA. no road supervisor at the bus stations. When buses don't show up, if you don't have a supervisor there, then people are stranded and you have no way of getting to your destination. Then also we wanted to request for the mayor to ride the bus to do a ride along. Also, it was a request as well for a timeline on new buses. Secondly, each bus stop should need, I mean, excuse me, each bus stop needs shelter at each stop. Improve customer service at the call center and the reception because they are very rude, very disrespectful, And it's just not good customer service. Also, I have also some writers have told me lack of unqualified people that varies their working position at MATA that's in those positions, not qualified. So that's a red flag as well. But my most thing for me is I strongly disagree with the new adjustment changes. It is a hinder on everybody that I talk to. And I'm trying to see this part right here that really puzzled me is how was the adjustment changes without a board? You have to have a board in order to make changes to any kind of routes scheduling, because it's a proposal. You cannot make a proposal without a full board. So I'm trying to see who at matter made those changes. Thank you.

Thank you so much for sharing all those concerns. Our staff is gonna take note and follow up with those. Mr. Johnny Mosley.

Thank you. I'm Johnny Mosley. I'm chairman of Citizens for Better Service, a group that's been dealing with public transportation issues since 1993. Just to pick it off what Ms. Baylor said is that that is a concern about how can matter cut service, cut frequencies and bus route without a corn from the bowl. I think it's a violation of the city charter because the city charter gives that sole power to the Malibu. They said that it was for to make matter better, to make the system reliable. When the cuts become reliable service. When the cuts in frequency become reliable service. People are still waiting at the bus stop trying to get to their designation. Some can't get to the designation because service have been cut in their neighborhoods. Just giving an example, if we had not got involved, the whole Box Town area would have been cut. They said that they wanted to cut certain area in the Box Town because of a train. We had to send matter, and I also sent a letter to Councilman Ford, a route that would allow the Memphis Area Transit Door to get around a train. Whatever happened to the matter that occurred about the ridership? Whatever happened to the matter that treat people with a sense of human dignity and respect? We need that matter back. And the only way that matter is going to come back is this Memphis City Council get involved as well as Mayor Young. Thank you very much.

Thank you so much. Thank you for coming down. Mr. Sammy Hunter.

Good evening, Council. My name is Sammy Hunter. I live at 4211 Parkchester Avenue. I co-chair the Memphis Bus Riders Union. I've been doing it here since 2012. I just want to speak on this topic because bus riders, a lot of them work, they go to work, they pay taxes, and they deserve reliable, sufficient transportation. They're not getting it on a daily basis. The next thing I want to say, they're standing out here two or three hours waiting on buses, and it's very frustrating to them. And it's frustrating for most of our bus riders are women. This plays into crime. They had to stand out that two or three hours waiting on a bus. They don't know if they're gonna get robbed or anything. This is something that I hope you all will look into and try to come in and try to give us better transportation because I've been at this a long time. I have gotten money from you all from the, when some of you all went here, I got 7.5 million, me and Cynthia Bailey, we was co-chair. So I've been just, it's not nothing new to me. So I'm trying to get a better transportation system here for these bus riders. I care about them and everything because I know what they go through. And I would like to see some of you council members come out and get on the bus and ride the bus with me and talk to some of them. If you don't believe what I'm saying to you, I know you're tired of hearing me come down and talk to you. Just get on the bus, just ride, and they'll let you know how they feel about your transportation system. Memphis needs a better transportation system. Memphis is bigger than Boston, Massachusetts, and Square Mile. We deserve better transportation system in the city of Memphis. Thank you, ma'am.

Thank you so much. Jessica Miller.

My name is Jessica Miller. I'm a community organizer with Indivisible Memphis. I'm reading this straight from MPD's handbook. DR 301, excessive force. Excessive force unnecessary is defined as the amount of force which is beyond the need and circumstances of the particular event. or which is not justified in the light of all circumstances as is the case of deadly force to protect property as contrasted with protecting life. Control may be achieved through advice, warnings, and persuasion or by the use of physical force. While the use of reasonable physical force may be necessary in situations which cannot be otherwise controlled, force may not be resorted to unless other reasonable alternatives have been exhausted or would clearly be ineffective under the particular circumstances. This past week, more footage was released from the No Kings event and it showed what many of us already knew and have talked about many times in front of you all, obvious excessive force that appears to directly contradict MPD's own policies. At first, the public was told the internal investigation would be completed by June. Now, after media inquiries last week, MPD says that there is no timeline at all for when this investigation will be finished. Meanwhile, two people have been killed by law enforcement in the last two weeks. What are we doing? People in Memphis are exhausted from the same cycle over and over again of endless ongoing investigations with no deadlines, public discussions mysteriously moved from council agenda to behind closed doors, accountability delayed until outrage dies down, and officials refusing to admit that this city has a policing problem, not just a crime problem. And I want to remind this council of something else. Every single member of this body voted to retain CJ Davis as chief of police. You made that decision. So at what point do you either admit that that vote of confidence was a mistake or finally hold her and these officers accountable?

Councilwoman Easter Thomas, you are recognized.

Thank you, Sharon. For Ms. Bailey, Mr. Mosley, and Mr. Hunter. Miss Bailey? Johnny? Miss Bailey? Mr. Moser? And Ron, if it's not too much to ask for what you three said, we get what y'all said. Thank you. If it's not too much for what you all three said, the issues that you talked about, Everything outside of Mary Young riding, because we don't have anything to do with that. If we can get it, either Mr. Mosley, you can send us a bullet list so that we can send that to Mr. Holmes. He was in here, but he's not in here anymore. Yeah. But, well, he came in, but he left back out. But we can, I'd like to send that to him so that we can at least get some, start to get some answers for you so that the council will know if there's any action we can or need to take. Oh, here you come back, Mr. Holmes. I just said, Mr. Holmes, you, that is Mr. Holmes, ain't it?

That's my Mr. Holmes.

Is it?

Okay, okay.

Yeah, we can't see it up here at all. So what I just said to Ms. Cynthia Bailey, Mr. Johnny Hunter, I'm Johnny Mosley, I'm sorry, and Mr. Hunter is that I was asking for a written just bullet list. It don't have to be too fancy. Just put what you said. Hold on, Ms. Mosley. So that we can get it to Mr. Holmes. so that we can start as a council seeing how, if, how these things that they mentioned can be addressed. Is that okay, Ms. Holmes? Okay. Thank you so much. Just send the bullets of what you and Ms. Cynthia said so we can just send it on. Yes, sir. Thank you. Thank you. I know you will.

Councilwoman Cooper-Sutton, you are recognized.

Thank you, Chairwoman. To address Ms. Bailey, Ron, and Mr. Johnny, I am and I have, I'm taking tours now with real people, real time, without anyone messing with the schedule, because I wanted to see for myself. And I've written, I've written on the... The one that goes in Binghampton that takes the people to the grocery store. And I've gone shopping with them in Walmart. I've taken the one... Where should we go, Deja? We've been... I mean, I'm actually... They did not substitute. They did not make it better. I wanted to be on the worst bus they had. They did not... fix it where it was perfect for me. I got on the bus, and I'm riding around the city, and I'm talking to the riders, and I'm listening to what they're saying, and I wanted you to know that you do have council members. Some of our council members work, and so once we got through with our ride, we have two more weeks to go on this ride. Deja and I will get a full report and give it to our council members, but the rides that I'm taking, real time, don't try to sugarcoat it, make it right. I talked with Mr. Holmes, he set it up, and... The riders that I'm riding with, and I don't know if you all know, I don't think everybody knows that there is a program out there that you can ride personally. You don't even have to sit there and wait at the bus and wait for the bus. You can call them and they will come pick you up to make sure that you're not late for work. This is something that can routinely happen. I didn't even know that existed. ready service is that ready services ready services i went over there to the senior citizen place over there for danny thomas and i think it's south side city over there people are really they don't even they don't even know this exists it's ready service but it's in third area So it's working to make sure if it's in certain areas, if we can get it across the city. But if you don't use it, how do you know that it's gonna work? I didn't know it exists, because I'm a bus rider. I lived in New Jersey, New Jersey, in East Orange. So bus riding was my thing to ride a bus, and I was looking forward to that. But I just wanted to just clarify that as a council member, I heard you all when you first drove up, and that was a while back, telling us to go back and take the ride. And that's what I'm doing right now. And I have two more weeks of riding the buses.

Thank you so much, Councilwoman Cooper. So thank you, Chairwoman. We will give you... Thank you for being involved, and thank you for hearing. We will now entertain a motion to adjourn.

A motion to adjourn.

All right, it's been properly motioned and second. Meeting adjourned. Thank you, staff, council members.