City Council - Regular Meeting

Sergeant-at-Arms, please call out call our May 12th, 2026 council meeting to order. I would like to recognize our chaplain of the day, Reverend Dr. Tanita Freeman from the city of Memphis, Office of Community Affairs. She has been invited by Councilman Spinosa. Reverend Dr. Tanita Freeman, please lead us in prayer at this time. Let us pray. We lift up the city of Memphis before you, oh God, today. Cover our city with your peace, your protection, wisdom, and grace. Let hope rise and revive in every neighborhood. Heal and flow through every community, and unity prevail among all of your people. God, strengthen families, uplift businesses, protect our youth, and let your light shine in places of struggle and uncertainty. Lord, we pray for every member of our city council led by CH councilwoman Janice Swarage in Washington. God, we pray for our mayor, the honorable Paul Young, and every leader who is entrusted to serve our city. God grant them wisdom to make righteous decisions, courage to lead with integrity, compassion for the people, and discernment in every matter that affects our communities. Let their leadership be guided by justice, humility, and a sincere desire to serve for the greater good. God, we also pause to honor and pray for our teachers. God, we thank you for the calling that you have placed upon their lives. Strengthen them when they are weary. Encourage them when challenges arise. And remind them

that the seeds that they plant daily are shaping the future for generations. God, give them patience, creativity, protection, and renewed passion for the work that they do. Now God, we thank you for this gathering of council members and citizens of Memphis on today. Thank you for allowing us to come together in unity, purpose, and service for the betterment of this great city. We thank you for every voice represented, every heart committed to progress, and every hand willing to do the work of our community. We seal this prayer whether it is well and it is done in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen.

Please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag 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. You may be seated.

Thank you for that beautiful prayer, Reverend Dr. Freeman. Councilman Spinosa, you are recognized at this time. All right, may you

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would have appreciated a shout out in the prayer. Um, I'm just kidding. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, greetings. Be it hereby known that Reverend Dr. Tanita Freeman 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 of the honors rights and privileges and prerogatives appertaining to the office and to the display of this certificate given under this seal this 12th day of May, 2026, signed by Madame Chair Janice. Swear in Washington and myself. Great to see you. Thank you. We appreciate you. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Councilman. Madame Controller, if you will please call the role. Thank you, Madam Chair. Council members Canali Carlile, Cooper Sutton, Easter Thomas, Ford Green, Logan, Smiley, Spinosa, Walker, Warren, White, Chairwoman, Swarington, Washington, present. Thank you, Councilwoman Walker. I think you've reviewed the minutes.

Yes, Madame Chair. I have reviewed the minutes and find them to be in order. And I move for the adoption of the April 28th, 2026 meeting minutes. Move it one more time electronically. All right. It has been properly moved by Councilwoman Walker, second by Councilman Spinosa. Madame controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote. Cooper Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Swamon, Washington, Chairwoman, yes. Please show council member Canali is voting yes on this on the minutes. Also, please show council member Smiley voting yes on the minutes. That item passes. Welcome to the May 12th, 2026 regular meeting of the Memphis City Council. Meetings of the 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 member has meeting agendas available upfront. Mr. Clay, if you'll 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 here to speak on a specific item, you can note your request to give a general comment at the end of the meeting. As chair, I will only recognize citizens

that properly register to speak by submitting a completed comment request card to council staff. our holes. Item number five will be held until May 26, 2026. Item number 11 will be held until June 9th, 2026. Item number one is being withdrawn. We will now begin with our presentations. Madame Controller, if you will please call item number two. Item number two is a resolution honoring teachers in honor of teacher appreciation week. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Easter Thomas.

Good evening colleagues and city of Memphis. Um, as you know, uh, the first week of May is nationally celebrated as teacher appreciation week. However, our meeting is today. So, uh, let's not think of it as a late celebration, but a very timely one. Um, as anytime is a great time to thank a teacher, you know. So colleagues, I would like to read into resolution um how we are honoring those who are really just shaping what I call and what you all will too, the future leaders of our city. And so we entrust over a 100,000 young Memphians in their care every day, 180 days out of the year. And so it is only a small token that we just get to say publicly on record, thank you. So at the end of the resolution teachers if you're present I'll call your name so that we can properly give you an applause your name certificate and also that you can join us here on the dis oh not on the dis I'm sorry at the podium whereas teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of our city by educating mentoring encouraging and inspiring the next generation of leaders innovators and citizens during teacher appreciation appreciation week. The Memphis City Council proudly recognizes the countless contributions educators make each day through their commitment to academic excellence, student achievement, and the overall well-being of children throughout Memphis and Shelby County. Educators serve not only as instructors, but also as role models, advocates, trusted mentors that help students navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and achieve their fullest potential. The patience, resilience, and dedication demonstrated by teachers continue to strengthen our

schools and our communities throughout our great city, creating lasting impacts that extend far beyond the classroom. Now, these educators who were all nominated by our city council members, they exemplify the spirit of service and excellence through their unwavering dedication to empowering students and strengthening the future of Memphis through education. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council does hereby recognize May 4th through May 8th as teacher appreciation week and honors the teachers of Memphis for their outstanding leadership, dedication, and invaluable contributions to education and the community. We would like to celebrate the following outstanding educators during 2026 Teacher Appreciation Week. And we also as a Memphis City Council extend sincere gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the students, families, and communities of Memphis. So, in no particular order, we have Manar Aldos. Help us give it up for the teachers, y'all. All right. All right. And if you can join me up here as well. Erica Bryant. All right. Janine Brooks Jones,

Chris Colbec. And when you clapping for these teachers, think about all the teachers that you've had, right? All the ones that you've had. Jonathan Dancy, Carrie Flynn, Michael Hoots. All right, Alex Iberg, Trip's teacher, Rayanne Jabber, so much patience. Matthew Jones, brother Lewis Brown, and some of y'all can come on this side, too. Kelly Mungle, my middle school teacher, Miss Sandra Pul, Jacob Reeves, Vincent Smith, Miss Tama Somerville, Cassandra Stewart, Raven Tate. And last, but certainly not least, Jvidita Taylor Wade. Join me in celebrating all of our outstanding teachers for this week's teacher appreciation. y'all. Um, in the audience as well, can we just give a standing ovation for our teachers that are putting forth the work they do every day?

Anybody want to say anything? Anybody want to say anything? No. No. All right. All right. So, thank with that chair. Uh, I so move and I would ask for council members if you have your, if the chair allows, if you have your nominated teacher, if you can take a photo with them as well.

Madame Controller, if you'll show that approved by acclamation. Thank you. Madame Controller, for the record, item number three is being held until May 26. Thank you. Thank you. All right,

colleagues, we're ready to continue business. Madame Counselor, would you please call item number four? Thank you. Item number four is a resolution honoring Lieutenant Stacy Lee for her distinguished promotion and outstanding leadership in the greater Memphis community. This resolution is sponsored by Chairwoman Swearing Washington. Madame Chair, you're recognized. Come on up here. The family and supporters of Lieutenant Stacy Lee.

Yeah. Y'all come around this way so we can take y'all's pictures around here. You know, we love to take pictures around here. Whereas, Lieutenant Stacy Lee has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service through her work with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, embodying integrity, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility to the community that she serves. Her recent promotion stands as a reflection of her exceptional leadership, her dedication and the trust she has earned through years of faithful and exemplary service. Whereas Lieutenant Lee has embraced the calling of law enforcement with purpose, recognizing as both a challenge and a privilege, and approaching each day with a steadfast commitment to protect, serve, and uplift those in need. She has distinguished herself as providing compassion and strength to individuals during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, offering not only protection but hope, reassurance, and a path forward. Her own words reflect the heart of her service and there is no greater reward than helping others persevere through tragedy. And in doing so, she has brought a light within our community. She has been a model of what true leadership looks like in action. Lieutenant Lee, your service brings honor not only to the Sheriff County

Sheriff's Office, but to the city of Memphis as we continue to inspire others through your professionalism, your resilience, and your unwavering dedication. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the chairwoman of the Memphis City Council, Janice Swearing in Washington, does hereby honor and congratulate Lieutenant Stacy Lee for her welldeserved promotion and commend her to outstanding leadership and service. Be it further resolved that we express our deepest appreciation for your commitment, your professionalism, uplifting the community and recognizing the impact of your work, not only seen but unseen. Be it further resolved that we celebrate Lieutenant Lee as a shining example of service, strength, and purpose, and extend our support and gratitude as you continue to move forward in this important work. Not only do we congratulate you, but we want to give you your beautiful flowers.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And we have a couple of people before you speak. We have someone that would like to share about your leadership and the impact that you have had. Hello son.

Hi. How are you all? Um I am Deputy James Swan Richie. I actually have had the privilege and the honor to serve under this great lieutenant. I've only been on this job about two years. I'm not gonna hold you long, but one thing I will say is Lieutenant Lee is a person that has always had our backs. Um, she is one lieutenant that has had I think I don't might have been every every month we had deputy of the deputy of the month. Deputy of the year standing right here came from the same shift. Um, she is a person that will come to you when you fall short, correct you. She will hold you accountable, but she will make sure that you have everything that you need. And if she calls you, I'll give you a specific example. If she says there's anyone near this certain situation, when you get there, she'll be there with a vest and ready to go in the trenches with you as well. So, I appreciate your leadership. I will always serve under you and I look forward to your greatness.

All right. Thank you guys so much for taking the time to um recognize me. Chairwoman Swearing Washington, Memphis City Council, my family, my mentors, you know, it's really really nice of you and um being able to serve in this capacity has been the most rewarding privilege of my life. I'm serving this community. I grew up in Parkway Village um with two parents that were not so great and it was a community member member who changed my life and I just try to lead that way. You know, you never know the difference you can make in somebody's life. So, thank you. Madam Controller, if you'll show that approved by acclamation.

Madam Control, if you would please take us to item 10. Item number 10 on our regular agenda is an ordinance to amend the code of ordinances of Memphis, Tennessee regarding the small business enterprise opportunity program up for third and final reading. Ordinance number 5959 is sponsored by the administration. This ordinance was held from April 28th. Thank you, Councilman Ford Canali. You're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair, colleagues. Um, as you can see on your agendas, how many times this item has been held. And the reason this item has been held so many times is because we wanted to get it right. Uh, and we have spent uh a lot of time, a lot of credit to Chief Gibson and Odell Horton, Cheryl Hearn, um, from the city uh, legal office, but also for to Rick Bennett, Joe Gets, the ABC board, Amber Harris, um, all the interested parties that wanted to see the best possible outcome for the interested parties to promote small business enterprise within the city of Memphis. I think uh and everybody has a copy in your binders. I hope everybody's had the chance to read it. We believe both sides that the the final document is well done and is a document that both sides agree to. And uh that's a win when you can get both sides to come to the table uh after many many conversations on tweaks to make sure that everyone is covered and that everyone agrees and we can push this item forward together. So, with that, um, Madam Chair, I'll move it to the floor. I would like to ask, uh, Cheryl Hearn and, uh, Rick Bennett to come up and just give a few brief remarks. Um, and then any colleagues that have any questions after that. Thank you, madam. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, uh, Cheryl Hearn, Deputy City Heing, chair for Chief Gibson. Um, as you stated, the purpose of this ordinance is to drive economic growth within our own community. Um, and as you stated, it has been held over the course of several months to allow the parties to engage and interested parties to provide comment to the document. We believe that we have come up with a document that reflects all parties objectives and we are signed off on this document today and just wanted to make the council aware of that. Attorney Bennett,

Council, thank you, Rick Bennett. Uh, I'm an attorney for associate builders and contractors. And I'd just like to say thank you to council and to the city staff who uh did a great job of working with all the interested uh parties uh on getting this uh ordinance passed and and we really appreciate working with them. uh the insights that that they you know brought to the table and and their ability and their uh uh willingness to to listen to all all uh parties involved and everyone got together and that's the way it should should work. you get together and you talk it through and uh you come to a resolution and that's what we did here and it was a I think every as as Councilman Canal said it took us a little while for everybody to get together uh but we did it and uh the vast and we're we're pleased with everything from the standpoint of our association. uh the vast majority of the folks that do business uh with this city are small contractors, small vendors. And so we wanted to make sure that that was protected in regard to this particular uh ordinance that they that their interests were uh heard and they have been heard by the city and we really appreciate that. So thank you. Thank you councilman for your leadership on this as well.

Thank you so much attorney Bennett. We do have one comment card from Miss Pamela Moses if you'll come down at this time. just state your name and then you may proceed.

Um, Pamela Moses. Um, I don't I had I had submitted that before the add-ons and so I really just wanted to I had a question that's all if this is going to help with the closing where Paul Young closed down the small business entrepreneurial place where small business entrepreneurs were able to, you know, utilize it. Is this going to go with that? That's all I had a question. Is this going to go with that? Once this ordinance is passed and finalized, then we will work with the department in which this division will fall under to um get that up and running again. It's all part of it. It all goes together, but we had to get this in place first before we could pull the trigger and do anything else.

Thank you so much. You're welcome. Councilman Ford Canali, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. So, colleagues, remember, we'll be voting on this item as amended. So, the amended version, which is in your binders. Um, and I would appreciate everyone's support on this. I think this is a win for us and the administration working together to put forward a great product. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Madame Controller, if you will please prepare the screen for item number 10. Canali, yes. Cooper Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearington Washington, yes. That item passes. Madame controller, if you will please call the consent agenda, items six, seven, and eight. Item number six is a general ordinance up for first reading. Ordinance to appropriate the proceeds of the tax levy on the assessed values on all properties of every species within the city limits of general purposes for the fiscal year July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027 inclusive together with all collections from privileged licenses, fees, fines, permits, charges, revenue receipts of the city of Memphis. for the fiscal year July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2027, inclusive to provide the manner in which monies may be transferred from one fund to another and to provide the standard code or designations under which the appropriations are to be administered and accounting control maintained. All council districts. Ordinance number 5971 is sponsored by the administration. Item number seven from our engineering division, a resolution accepting public

improvements for Gardens of Grace Creek phase 3, contract number 5397 and releasing the bond. There is a request for same night minutes. Item number eight is a resolution accepting public improvements for Shady Grove median enhancement contract number 5438 and releasing the bond and there is a request for same night minutes. Madame Chairwoman, that concludes our consent agenda items.

Please call item number 21 as well for the consent. Item number 21 on our add-ons is a resolution approving an honorary street name change of Bullington Avenue between South Parkway East and Taylor Street for James A. Bridges Senior District 4 Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by council members Canali, Cooper, Sutton, Easter, Thomas, Ford, Logan, Smiley, Spinosa, Swearington, Washington, Walker, and Warren. There is a request to add this on to the consent agenda and same night minutes. Madam Chairwoman, that does conclude our items now.

All right, Councilman for Canali, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met recommended approval and I so move. It has been moved by for Canali, second by Councilman Spinosa. Madam Controller, if you will please prepare the screen. Canali, yes. Cooper Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearington Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madame Controller, if you will please call item number 12. Item number 12 is a resolution requesting inclusion of funding for budget management software in the fiscal year 2026 operating budget. All council districts. This resolution is sponsored by Councilman Spinosa. Councilman Spinosa, you're recognized. Yeah. Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee met recommends approval, and I so move.

It has been moved by Councilman Spinosa, second by Councilwoman Green. There's no one in the queue. Madam Control, if you'll please prepare the screen for the vote. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Bossa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swing Washington, yes. That item passes. Madame Controller, if you please call item number 13. Item number 13 is a resolution approving the option to enter into a 50-year ground lease for the construction and operation of multifamily residential apartments on the upper two floors of historic Melrose school building and multifamily residential affordable town home and apartment units on an additional 1.03 3 acres of the site with Melrose Housing Partners LLC. District 4, Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by the administration and this was held from April 14th. Councilwoman Logan, you're recognized.

Thank you. The committee met recommended approval and I move. It has been moved by Councilwoman Logan, second by Councilman Spinosa. We also have two cards. Miss Denise Williams Green, if you'll please come down at this time. Hello. I'm Denise Williams Green, born and raised in Orange Mound in 1914. My family uh bought a home in Orange Mound from the original developer. Um there was a plantation initially. So I'm really proud of where I'm from. My parents attended Merill's High School. I was born of such that connection. Um I graduated from Merrell's High School, Jackson State University, University of Tennessee Health Science Center with a PT degree. I went back to Merrell's High School to begin volunteering during that time. 843 Dallas building which is the old Melrose building as a center hub of events and attractions in Orange Mound neighborhood. We utilize that building as I was growing it up for events, for celebrations, for repads, for church services. It was a center of our community and we also now have a new senior services center, a gym. We have events in the gym. We have the Christ community center there. We have a medical clinic, a mental health clinic. We have food drives, kids fairs, and events. It's more than just a location. It's a way of life for us in Orange Mound. So, when we were brought um by the now mayor Young to the forefront saying we wanted to do something with that building when they closed Old Mer's building was 1979. That was years ago. That building sat there in ruins. It was dilapidated, rats, people trying to live in that building. Nobody made any money off the building. Nobody did anything off the building. So

now we have this big plan to have something done with the building and now we have to move forward for the ground lease issue. I want to ask that we please move forward. We need a win in Orange Mound. We need to keep winning. That corner, that lot is very important to us and our kids and our families and our history. Money is an issue. I understand all of that. It could be, but sometimes you have to look beyond that and look for our kids and our seniors who need this to happen. So, I ask for you all to please let this happen for us so we can move forward and make Orange Mount even better than what it was what it is now. Thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Green. Miss Glenda Hicks.

Good afternoon, Glenda Hicks. I listened in on the committee session and because of my love for seniors, one concern that I have with what was presented was the fact that I believe it's the second and maybe third floors that you all want to put senior living on and then other floors above them you want to have living space for younger people and different retails and whatever else is going on. So my my concern is the serenity that seniors deserve is was that taken into consideration? Most seniors uh retire early. They don't want a lot of noise going on around them. They want peace, quiet, and serenity. Was this considered when this plan was brought forth? So multi-use is that really giving the seniors the consideration, the respect, the solitude that they deserve. Respectfully consider that.

Thank you so much. Director Cash, can you give some clarification? Okay, thank you. Um, good evening, Ashley Cash, director of housing and community development, 170 North Main. I appreciate the comments shared from uh both parties in regards to in regards to the um floors over uh so the the library is three stories right now. The bottom floor is the library. Floors two and three will be the senior buildings and those will have an elevator access. Um that will be 100% senior. There are no additional floors above that. So it's just a three-story building. And then adjacent to the site there will be some additional um affordable housing about 27 units, one and two bedroom. And I'm I'm not sure if there was something else that I missed to not respond to.

No, that's it. Thank you so much. Thank you. Councilwoman Cooper Sutton, you're recognized. Thank you, Chair. And maybe Ashley can just kind of stay. I want to just make sure I'm sure that's in the floor plans and in the architect work, but I know I just heard you say elevators and I hope and I know that you have taken in consideration that you have senior citizens and they're going to use elevators, but they have is there an escape for fire? Have all these things been taken into consideration? So, what I can tell you is that we are meeting the building codes, the building standards. It did um pass through uh the entitlement process and so we're meeting the building standards. I'm not sure about separate fire access on that site

because we need to under we need to make sure all that is in place for our senior citizens. You got disability, you got handicaps, you got to make sure that you know people on ventilators. When you're talking about seniors, there's a whole big scope. And I understand what both um citizens uh said and I and and we want a win for our entire city, but we want a win that has been thoroughly thought out and have taken our seniors in consideration with the amount of income and money that they make and make sure that when we finish this that there is no restriction on credit reporting. See, it's some backdoor stuff. We need to make sure because that happens to our seniors all the time. We build these things and then you meet the criterias where there are credit checks done on our senior citizens. So, we need to make sure I want this project to to pass, support it, but we got to cross every eye and dot every tea when it comes to our senior citizens. I yield. Thank you, Councilwoman. Madame Controller, if you'll please prepare the screen for the vote. Easter Thomas. Yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearington, Washington, yes. That item passes. Thank you. Madame controller, if you will please call item number 14. Item number 14 is a resolution

authorizing the execution, delivery, and performance of a financing lease in an amount not exceeding $643,810 relating to the acquisition of various solid waste vehicles and to approve certain other matters related there too. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. If you'll please show item 14 on the voting screen. Councilman Smiley, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met recommended approval. I so move.

It has been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilman Dr. Warren. There are no there are no council members in the queue to speak. Madame controller, if you'll please prepare the screen for the vote. Cooper Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Breen, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swaron Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madame Controller, if you'll please call item number nine on our fiscal consent agenda. Item number nine is a resolution to accept an inind donation from the Bluff City Cluster of the Links Incorporated for the benefit of Hickory Hill Community Center District 2 Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes. Smiley, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met recommend I have no idea why. Committ recommend approval. I moved.

It has been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilman Dr. Warren. Madam Controller, if you'll please prepare the screen for the vote. Cooper Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearington Washington, yes. That item passes. We will now do our add-ons and same night minute items. Madame controller, if you will please stop call start calling item number 15. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. Item number 15 on our add-ons is a resolution opposing congressional map splitting US congressional district 9 all council districts. This resolution is sponsored by council members Easter Thomas Ford Logan Smiley Swearing Washington Walker Warren and White. There is a request for same night minutes on item number 15.

Councilman Smiley, you are recognized.

Thank you. The committee met recommended approval and I so move. I'm going to make a brief comment as well because I held my comments in the committee um because I wanted to just briefly read a statement as it relates to um you know this resolution if that's okay madam chair. All right. For generations, Congressional District 9 has ensured that the voices of the people of Memphis are heard at the federal level. Now, the state legislature has fractured our community and diluted our collective voices for partisan gain. This body has a responsibility to stand up for the people we represent and make it clear that Memphis will not quietly accept disenfranchisement. We cannot normalize a process where politicians choose their voters instead of the voter choosing their representatives. Regardless of political party, every person should be concerned when government attempts to redraw maps in a way that weakens the voice of an entire community. This resolution is about fairness, is about representation, and is about protecting the democrac democratic principle that every community deserves an equal and meaningful voice. Memphis has always fought through adversity. And we'll fight through this, too. Because no map can erase the people of this city, our history, or our power. I respectfully ask for your support of this resolution.

Councilman Warren, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. If you think back um I when I was a young man, I remember the civil rights marches and I remember people being sprayed with cannon and attacked by dogs. I saw that on TV at night and I knew how hard it was for people to actually get the right to vote and then actually get the right to have their own voice represented represented in our own houses of government. And these particular events that are going on a national level, state by state are wrong. And what we're looking at is not political gerrymandering. This is a reinstitution of Jim Crow, intentional or not, and is wrong. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. We have two comment cards, Miss Glenda Hicks, and then Miss Moses. Glenda Hicks. So, while I totally appreciate standing firm on our rights, why is it that we are always reactive instead of proactive council? The warning signs went out that this was coming down and we sat silent. So here we are now fighting behind the eighth wall. So yes, a stance is absolutely necessary, but we have got to stop being reactive and take action proactively, thinking ahead. So what are we going to do now that this has been done? because this resolution doesn't do much of anything but say that you've taken a stand. So, what are we going to do proactively to protect ourselves and the rights of these citizens? What do I suggest? Okay. So, I I can I can present I can present some very drastic measures and I will gladly talk directly with you. Couns attorney Wade.

Thank you,

Miss Moses. I ain't even started talking in Okay, Pamela Moses. Um, I stand before you today and y'all excuse the way I look. I've been up for a week fighting something that you should be doing. Mr. way. I stand before you today not just as a candidate in a congressional candidate in the eighth district, but a concerned taxpayer. And I dedicated almost two and a half years of my life to campaigning. I didn't just get started last week or a few days ago. And I ain't got $600,000 in my war chest. But my commitment is to the city and it runs really deep. While I appreciate resolutions, Miss Easter, I must emphasize that this is urgent. You can't just pass a resolution. And this is that's just symbolic. That's all y'all do is symbolic gestures. We are facing a critical moment, one which the very rules of our democratic process are being challenged. The state's recent attempts to alter the electoral landscape in the middle of an election, my election, yours, Miss Green, it's unconscionable. We must ask ourselves, is it even legal, Mr. Wade? You, the city attorney, do your job. As a taxpayer, I deserve to see my hardearned tax dollars work for me. I urge this city council to not just pass another resolution, but direct action. Mr. Wade, the city needs to file a lawsuit on behalf of the citizens. This

unprecedented maneuver by the state threatens to disenfranchise many who have relied on fair representation. I took my own initiative and filed a lawsuit. Linda Phillips committed perjury. She said in a case two years ago, my lawyer gave it to me that what they're doing is virtually impossible. I have I filed her a her affidavit today showing so much. Give me the same amount of time you gave your friend. I just need 30 more seconds, please. I found my affidavit today.

Thank you so much, Miss Moses. shows that she committed. I went to jail. I went to jail and I'm so sorry that happened to you. Thank you, Councilwoman Cooper Sutton. You are recognized at this time.

Thank you, Councilwoman Cooper. sudden you're recognized.

Thank you. Um, chair chair chair uh chairwoman um just listening to all of this and not ever even imagining to think that in this time in this era in this season that we would see such a horrific and such barbaric actions being taken among us. When I think about our great-g grandandmother who was able to luckily guess how many beans was in a jar and because she guessed how many beans were in a jar, they sicked a dog on her and mauled her ankles um because she wanted to vote. But the process back then was she had to guess how many beans were in a jar. And um eventually they did let her vote. But the trauma that we as a country and we as a people have gone through just to have a right to vote has minimized to you don't want our vote and you don't even want our voice anymore. It's like a dictatorship. When I think about my other grandmother who's still living, born in 1928, born during the Jim and Jane Crowe, I was just sitting with her on Mother's Day and we were talking about the events that are happening now in our country and the way that it's happening and she still votes to this day. We make sure that someone is taking

her to exercise her right to vote with a third grade education. And I asked her, "Did you ever think that we would ever be here again?" And she kind of smiled and she said, "There's nothing new up under the sun. As long as there is evil and good exist, you will always see the same thing being replayed through history." She said, "The thing that saddens me the most, and I'm about to close, is all of these educated people that we have and all the smarts that we have. And we have more black leadership than I've ever seen in my 97 years that I've been here on earth and we didn't have a plan and we didn't see this coming." She said, "So the best thing that I can do if I live to see 98," and she said, 'I hopeully hopefully I do, is I'm praying because my great grands that are in that yard that's running up and down this yard right now have no idea. So she said, "I need you to continue to fight, to continue to use your voice because as we fought for you and you where you are, you must continue to fight for them so they can have the same chance and opportunity. I yield. Madam controller, if you'll please prepare the screen. Council members, please cast your vote for this item. Cooper Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley. Yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swaragen Washington, yes. Please show council member Walker as voting yes on

this item number and white. Walker and white, please. Voting on item number 15. There's a request for same night minutes. That item passes. Madame controller, if you will please call item number 16. Item 16 is appointments to the Metropolitan to the Memphis Metropolitan Land Bank Authority. Trisha Adrien, Curtis Braden, Adrien Henning, Barbara Conway. These four appointments are up for same night minutes. Councilwoman White, you are recognized at this time.

The committee met and recommended approval and I so move. It has been moved by Councilwoman White and second by Councilman Dr. Warren. Madame Controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote. Easter Thomas have stained Ford. Yes. Green. Yes. Logan. Yes. Smiley. Yes. Spinosa. Yes. Walker. Yes. Warren. Yes. White. Yes. That item passes. Madam controller, if you will please call item number 17. Item number 17 is a resolution to swap $230,000 in Accelerate Memphis funds in the CL fitness project PK07134 with $230,000 in CIP funds in the Galloway Golf Course Repairs Project PK 06019 to ensure proper completion of both projects. Districts two and five, Super District 9. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes. Councilman Warren, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee met recommended approval and I so move. It's been moved by Councilman Warren, second by Councilman Spinosa. Madame Controller, if you will please prepare the screen. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swaren, Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madame Controller, if you will please call item number 18. Item number 18 is a resolution to transfer, allocate, and appropriate $500,000 from ST Bridge repair cover line project number ST 03216 contract construction funds to Gaos inspection and design. Project number ST 020002 to fund the repair replacement of various structures in the Gaos Bayou drainage system District 6 and seven Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes on this item. Councilman Smiley, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee may recommend approval. I so move. Been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilman Dr. Warren. Madam controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swaren, Washington, yes. That item passes. Madame controller, if you will please call item number 19.

Item number 19 is a resolution to transfer, allocate, and appropriate $800,000 from bridge repair cover line. Project number PW244000 to Knight Arnold John's Creek Bridge. Project number PW20039 to fund the construction of the Knight Arnold Bridge, District 4, Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is request for same night minutes for this item number 19. Councilman Smiley, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee may recommend approval. I so move. It's been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilman Dr. Warren. There are no council members in the queue. Madame Controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swaring, Washington, yes. That item passes. Madame controller, if you will please call item number 20. Item number 20 is a resolution to reduce grant funds in the amount of $80,000 from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office through the Tennessee Department of Safety. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes.

Madam Controller, did you say eight or 80? 80. 8000. Thank you. All right, Dr. Warren, Councilman, you are Thank Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee met recommend approval. I so move.

All right. It's been moved by Councilman Dr. Warren, second by Councilwoman Green. There are no counsel in the queue. Madam Controller, if you will please prepare the screen. Easter Thomas. Yes. Ford. Yes. Green. Yes. Smiley. Yes. Walker. Yes. Warren. Yes. White. Yes. Chairwoman swearing in Washington. Yes. That item passes. That takes us to our comment cards. Okay, that brings us to our same night minute items. Councilman Smiley, would you please read the same night minutes into record?

Yeah. Yes, Madam Chair. Same night minutes items are 7 8 9 15 16 17 18 19 20 and 21 and I so move. There we go.

It's been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilman Warren. Madam Controller, if you will please prepare the screen. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearington Washington, yes. That item passes. That moves us to our comment card section. Our first comment card for our general comments is Alexa Pouncy. After that, we will have Leandre Key. Just state your name and you may proceed.

Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead. There it goes. Alexa Pouncy. Um, I'm here to speak with the council about a contract that you guys signed with Congruix for the fiber optics in lower income neighborhoods. Um, I'm in one of those neighborhoods and they came through to lay the fiber optics. Um, when they did this, they have done property damage. They have not given us timelines and this is the whole neighborhood. This is not just me. Um, they did not give us any information about who they were or why they were coming on our property. Not only that, they were hopping fences to get into other people's property. Correct. I have photos of them sitting out back on my patio furniture on their phones. I I I have a lot of issues with this company that you guys approved to come and lay all this fiber optics because if it's just my neighborhood, who else is seeing this and not reporting it to and I have spoken with them.

Madam Chair, may have you emailed this to us? I'm sorry. I said, can you email this to us? Send it to the administration, but please copy the chair. Okay. One of the Chief Adams is over there. He has a card on him. I know for sure. Please go get a card from Chief Adams. Email it to the administration and copy chair won't be swing Washington. But yeah, that is problematic. Thank you so much for coming down. Chief Adams, thank you for your service to the city of Memphis.

Deandre Keith and then Ron Painter. My timer was already going. Hey, I might run out of time, but um I'm back. I was here a couple weeks ago and um I spoke to y'all a little bit about myself. But today, I'd actually like to tell you guys about what I'm trying to do for the city. I founded Keystone Energy Foundation. It's a nonprofit and our goal is to provide free or very very lowc cost electricity to the residents of our city. Um I born and raised in Memphis. I love it. So electricity is my passion. I'm an electrician by trade and the global landscape that we are in now, a lot of the a lot of the pressure that our citizens feel comes from the energy sector mostly. Housing is another story. But what I'm specifically touching on is fuel and utilities because our utilities, you know, we use natural gas to generate electricity since the coal plant closed down and we also use renewables. Um, however, we have a a deal with well, MLGW has a deal with the TVA, and for lack of a better way to put it, um, it's like a 360 deal. Um, I commend you all for not um, agreeing to the 20-year deal because it would greatly inhibit what I'm trying to do for our city now. So, um I was also here earlier at the committee meeting and I'd like to say that providing free electricity

comes off the exact same way that the AUF um enterprise employees are running into where they're trying to replace the lead pipes for people and people think it's a scam. So, they're saying no. So, um I'm here today to um essentially stand before you all and let you know that it is real and because we are we take private donors, sorry. Um we take private donors and we've found a a strategy. It's a financial strategy utilizing IRS credits uh from the inflation reduction act. But what we can do is

I'm sorry we're out of time, but we do have your information. So, we will be happy to follow up with you. Thank you for coming down. Ron Painter, I have his card, his address, and telephone number. Thank you so much, Mr. Johnson Salsbury. Good evening. My name is Johnson Salsbury and I'd like to yield my time to uh Pastor Leon Gray.

We can't yield in time, so you might as well use your time. I'm not feeling that well, okay. Yes, sir. Well, thank you for coming down, Dr. Gray, Dr. Reverend Dr. Limbmba Gray. Thank you, Madam Chairlady. Yes, sir.

Thank you for listening to us. We come to request an ordinance and a resolution to restore the Church Park Auditorium. For the past 100 years, Memphis has systematically, strategically tried to erase every image of Robert R. Church, Senior. They tore down the Church Park auditorium two times. The last time it was torn down, Mayor Lo promised in 1970 that the city would rebuild it as it was in its days of grandeur. We have waited 56 years and is still a vacant lot. That is no way to respect a man who made Memphis first, always first, and who was one of the most respected men in this nation. I'm asking you for June 18th, he would have been 187 years old. That's his birthday. You can make that happen to honor one of the greatest Miffians that ever lived. We wouldn't have a park in the downtown area were not for Mr. Robert Reed Church, Senior. We ask you to do it. Now, the word is out that they're waiting for a corporate takeover. We neglect it. Leave it alone. Let it go into disrepair again. Then corporate will take it over. We can't let that happen. That's sacred ground. We couldn't go in into any other park but that park and I beg of you to give us an ordinance that we can restore that park to its grandeur and honor Robert Reed Church. Thank you very much.

Dr. Gray. Yes sir. Have you have you um have any proposals about how much it will cost physical note attached to it? Have you spoke to the administration about it? We have requested a meeting with the mayor. We've not been granted that meeting. Have you talked to any members of his team? I have not. But I've spoken with u the professionals in that area who would develop that for us. Is estimated that $20 million is what it would take. That's not a budget buster. That's a rearrangement of priorities as we see it. Chief Adams is over there right now. You can talk to an administrator.

But we are open to talk and meet with the mayor. We have that request in. So the mayor has a team that runs a lot point on most items. So um chairwoman swinger Washington just mentioned uh everyone's boss Chief Adams is over there. That's right. Chief Adams raise your hand. Dr. Gray. I think Chief Adams and Dr. Gray know each other pretty well. But I think I think that'll probably be one of be glad to meet with him most appropriate ways and then um see what can be worked out with the administration and then we'll figure out what this body can can do and then there's director Balden. He's over parks. Oh yeah. So you got two in one right there. Two in one. Both of the people. Thank you Dr. Gray for coming down. They'll take care of you.

Thank you much. Yes sir. Mr. James Clark. Mr. Dr. Dr. Clark. Go talk to them while they're here. They here. Mr. Clark be clean.

My name is James Clark and I am here as the owner of the oldest business on Bill Street and I I want to address this committee to just say that Bill Street is dying slowly and re revamping that park would bring people more more traffic. It would give people a place to go on Bill Street. And I want to say that for instance, African April, when African April happens every year, business on that end of the street is good. When the Corvettes come, it's good. We need to create something to bring business to that side of Bill Street. You you have recently closed uh Ghost River. It closed yesterday. Two months ago, Coyote Ugly closed. The Club Royale building has been closed for 20 years. The bottom of the police station was supposed to be a museum 15 years ago. And it's like if they don't fix it, it's going to it's going to kill Bill Street. I've been there 43 years and I'm seeing things get just back up back up. And I just think if this committee allows that park to be revamped, the auditorium, it would greatly help Bill Street and it will be an asset to the city. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Bana Bird. As Ba.

Okay. Uh, Briana, 720 Lobe Street. Uh, I'm with a group called Vets for the 901. We're a grassroot organization of veterans here in the Memphis that are opposed to a lot of what's going on. I just want to read this letter into the record. On September 29th, 2025, the Memphis Safe Task Force began operations in our city at the behest of the Trump administration. For the last seven months, veterans across the city have watched in abject horror as federal agencies have used military tactics to terrorize the most vulnerable members uh of our community. We've seen children traumatized by terrifying no knock raids. We've seen high schoolers taken from their families and held prisoners for simply existing as immigrants. We've seen groups of masked agents dressed in tactical gear swarm vehicles for minor traffic infractions. The people being targeted are not enemy combatants. These are mothers, fathers, friends, and neighbors. They're members of our community. Since the announcement of the task force, it's been carried out under the guise of fighting crime, but we know that's not its true purpose. The crime rate in Memphis was already at a 25-year low when the task force was announced. Regardless, over policing can't create long-lasting chain uh change because it can't address the issue at the heart of crime. If we want to see an enduring change, we need to address the issue of poverty in Memphis. We need affordable quality housing. We need labor rights, a living wage, and real investment in our communities. We need opportunities and not occupation. From the beginning, this operation has actually been about the intimidation of our black and brown neighbors. An overwhelming 94% of task force arrests have been of non-white individuals. And a significant majority of immigration arrests has have involved people with no connection to criminal activity. This is having a chilling effect on the entire immigrant population. Citizens are going hungry in their own homes, terrified that they could be mistakenly swept into the immigration system on a routine shopping trip. It's no coincidence that the task force is operating against a backdrop of voter suppression measures. From the ongoing push to eliminate mail and ballots to discussion of having ICE agents stationed at polling locations in November to last week's uh censorship of Memphis through uh illegal gerrymandering, the Trump administration is blatantly trying to suppress midterm voting. And it's shameful that our

leadership is all too happy to comply. As veterans, we find the normalization of troops on our streets deeply troubling. We took an oath to protect this country from enemies, both foreign and domestic. And we Thank you so much for coming now. We appreciate you. That concludes our council meeting. We will take a motion to adjourn. So moved. Chairwoman. All right. It's been moved by council. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. He's up here.

Madam Chair, I think you called and then you called Mr. Salsbury and he was missed. Is that right? Because I saw him walking down the gentleman in the hat. What's your name, sir? My name was called Ron Pager, I think it did. Yes, sir. Go ahead.

Okay. Thank you. I would like I'm a Vietnam veteran. Uh June uh uh 1969 1971 enlisted. I would like to uh second what Briana just said. My name's I said Ron Banger. Okay. um that basically the ICE is a and the National Guard is present is essentially an attack on our democratic rights uh terrorizing the uh our immigrant communities as well as the uh black communities. Uh, we also and that the Memphis City Council needs to cease all cooperation with the federal ICE and N and the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis. I'd like to speak on item 15. uh the redistricting is not gerrymandering. What it is, it's going to involve reszoning and it will essentially it is essentially attack on our black communities. Uh we saw what happened with uh the Bill Street community which was res uh which was uh uh community renewed out of existence of scattered communities and lost its cohesiveness. the vi the vitality of uh of uh uh Bill Street has has been uh uh crippled. You've seen the same you've seen the same same thing in New York City around the east uh around uh the village Greenwich Village. The community that supported it is uh been decimated.

Okay. Um now the gentrification that this we've seen it with Watts that the uh the uh black community has basically been decimated there and I would like to conclude okay opposed redistricting and finally went immediate into the war and and thank you so much for coming down and sharing your comments today and we thank all of you who have come down to the city council meeting and this will conclude our meeting. We will have a motion to adjurnn. For the second time, I move to adjourn, madam chair.

All right. Been moved by Smiley and second by Councilman Dr. Warren. Thank you so much. Have a safe evening. Thank you.