City Council - Regular Meeting

Sergeant in arms, please call our June 23rd, 2026 meeting to order. The chaplain for today is Reverend Dr. Walker D. Wright of Whitestone Missionary Baptist Church, invited by Councilman Ford Sr.,

Let us pray. Dear God, we're grateful for this opportunity and privilege together to work together for the good of this city. We pray thanking you for those who make choices and who make the choice and those who make the choices and those who are sitting behind these desks. We do pray Lord that each representative will approach the issue at hand with understanding and wisdom. Lord, may each representative look to you for strength enough to have and maintain open minds and listening ears, seasoned with respect and integrity, reflecting your truth and grace extended to us all. We also pray that our time here this day will yield some fruitful outcomes that might amaze everyone involved today. May we be faithful enough in you to accept this agenda and its outcome into your loving and tender arms of mercy and grace. And may your divine guidance be evident in all that we seek to do on behalf of others. It is in Christ's name that we pray. Amen.

Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic over which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you so much. Thank you.

You may be seated.

Councilman Ford Sr. You're recognized at this time. Thank you. Councilman Ford Senior, you're recognized.

Thank you, Chair. Reverend. This is a little certificate showing that you were chaplain of today. Everybody, this is Reverend Walker Wright. Whitestone Missionary Baptist Church at Parkway, right at Third Street. Very great pastor, and I want y'all to understand this, and maybe you all need to do this too, every evening. Every evening, he calls and we have prayer. So get your friends and y'all have prayer too, every evening, every night.

Five, six, or seven of you, okay?

But we never miss a day.

Seven days a week.

Seven days a week. And you know it's 365 days plus one when it's a leap year, okay? But I want you all to start doing that. Maybe that would help us along the way. We'll be able to find where we are. But this man here, every night, he calls and we hook up. Even out of town. Even out of town. So it don't make no difference who you call. Hook them up. Because when one or two get together, what? Jesus is present. He's present. And right now, that's who we need more than ever. I hope I'm getting to a few. I want you to get to all. Okay? Very important. These are very trying times. Today is a trying time by the council. We want to make real good decisions and all. I want everybody to understand this. Because I want to try to make everybody kind of happy. You can only do certain things. But if you believe in the good Lord, he will make it better, better, and better each and every day. That's all you have to do. And we got a crowd in here. I hope I'm reaching everybody today. Because it's very important. It's important to me. But I just want to say that. And like I said, call your friends on the phone. Hook them up. Say a prayer. Okay? And I tell you, you'll see things change and turn around. Thank you all very much. I got this certificate for you, and we got a little token of your appreciation. Thank you. And I just want to thank everybody, okay?

Thank you so much.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the roll.

Thank you. Councilmembers Connelly? Here. Carlisle? Here. Cooper-Sutton? Present. Easter-Thomas? Present. Ford? Present. Green? Present. Logan? Present. Smiley? Here. Spinoza? Here. Walker? Present. Warren? Present. White? Chairwoman Janice Warington? Washington?

Present. Thank you, Madam Comptroller.

You have a quorum.

I believe Councilman Carlisle has read the minutes.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I've reviewed the minutes and find them to be in order, and I move the adoption of the June 9th, 2026 meeting minutes.

Okay, it has been properly moved by Councilman Carlisle. It has been seconded by Councilman Spinoza. Madam Comptroller, please conduct the roll. Prepare the screen.

Okay, here we go. Canale, yes. Carlisle, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes. Please show Councilmember Cooper-Sudden is voting yes on the minutes.

Thank you. That item passes. Welcome to the June 23rd, 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 has meeting agendas available up front. Summer, 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 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. Please note that item number six has been withdrawn. We will now start with our presentations. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number one.

Thank you. Item number one is a resolution approving an honorary street name change for Carolyn Goodwin Willett on Castalia Street between Lamar Avenue and South Parkway East. This resolution is sponsored by Chairwoman Swearengin Washington.

Ms. Goodwin-Willett, she thought she was coming down here to honor her son today, but today is your day.

Yes, we did. I mean, we got you good.

Today, we are honoring an icon in the Castellan, South Memphis, Greater Memphis community for all the work that she has done. She is an advocate for everyone, for business, for education, for what you've done with your childcare center and what you're doing with the neighborhood associations. We are proud of you and we want to celebrate you and we want to give you your flowers while you are here. And thank you, Carlton, for helping us to fool her. Today, you're going to be honored with an honorary street sign. Yes. When we go down Castalia, it's going to be Carolyn Goodwin Ouellette Street for all the work that you have done. Somebody please get my reading glasses out of my purse. Please. Okay, I use her. Praise the Lord. Thank you. Whereas Carolyn Goodwin Willett, born July 4th, 1949, is a true daughter of the Magnolia Castella community, and her life stands as a powerful testament to what it means to remain rooted, to rise with purpose, and to leave every place better than she found it. Whereas a young woman at Memphis State University, she joined the Black Student Association during a pivotal moment in the city's civil rights history, standing with conviction among the 109 students arrested during the historic 1969 sit-in, choosing courage over comfort and justice over silence. And though Carolyn Goodwin will let faced hostility, was the only Black student in her English class. She persisted, completing her undergraduate degree and later returning to earn her master's, and in doing so, helped move this city forward. Her life's work as a social worker and advocate, supporting families in crisis and leading statewide youth drug prevention programs reflects a deep, unwavering commitment to children and families. grounded in the belief that every child deserves not only care, but opportunity, protection, and path forward. Through her visionary leadership of Kitty College Child Care Center, founded in 1994, alongside her mother, the late Florine Hines, Carolyn Goodwin will let build an enduring institution that grew from an initial enrollment of nine children to carrying to as many 180 across two shifts that today, more than 30 years later, proudly serves fourth-generation families, transforming early childhood education into a lasting legacy of excellence, trust, and community stability. Her service to the city of Memphis through the Board of Ethics and the Health Education and Housing Facility Board reflects a woman of integrity and discernment, trusted to lead, to guide, and to uphold the principles that strengthen public trust and civic life. As a longtime director of the Magnolia-Castellia Community Association, Carolyn Goodwill-Willett has done the sacred work of community building, partnering with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Black Seed Farms to expand housing access and food security, championing Magnolia Elementary School and reminding us that true leadership is not measured by recognition but by response. She is sustained by the love of her family, her devoted husband, Eugene Willett, her sons, Carlton Fields and Jimmy Goodwin, and her nine precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have been the foundation of her work and the source of her strength through a lifetime of service. Whereas grounded in faith, sustained by family and guided by purpose, her life reflects a legacy, not simply of achievement, but of impact. One that continues to shape lives, strengthen community, inspire those who follow. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Chairwoman Jana Swearingen Washington and the entire Memphis City Council, we hereby honor Carolyn Goodwin Willett.

Get out of that phone.

A woman whose life embodies grace, strength, and a steadfast commitment to service. Be it further resolved that the naming of Castalia Street between Lamar Avenue and South Parkway East in her honor stands as a lasting and visible testament to a legacy built not in moments, but over a lifetime of faithful service and enduring impact. Be it further resolved that the city engineer is requested to affix services suitable signs to designate such public road in honor of Carolyn Goodwin Willett for her commitment and contributions to the city of Memphis given by my hand under the great seal of the city of Memphis this 23rd day of June 2026 Jana Swearingen Washington chairwoman of the Memphis City Council District 4 where we get more I want to commend all the family and friends. You all know y'all can keep a secret. And we have something else for you. Beautiful flowers for you. Oh, wow.

He's going to hold it for a minute.

He's going to hold it for a minute because we're going to let you say something and then you can get your flowers and we're going to take pictures.

Okay, come on.

I don't know what to say. I don't know who gave her that. I was raised to serve, so it's what I know to do. I don't know any other way to act other than to serve. I thank you all so much. I appreciate the recognition. And I'm lost for words. Thank you. Thank you.

Madam Comptroller, would you please call item number two?

Thank you. Item number one is shown by acclamation and is seconded by Ford. Item number two is a resolution honoring Adrian Davis for his outstanding service and contributions to the Memphis community. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Easter Thomas.

Thank you. Good afternoon, evening colleagues in the city of Memphis. I am so excited to, not only myself, but along with the entire Memphis City Council, to be able to recognize someone that really gives and gives of his self and of his organization to the community. So along with my colleague, Councilwoman Cooper-Sun, you're going to talk. Yes. OK, good. We would love to be able to honor Mr. Adrian Davis through this resolution. And so whereas it is fitting that the Memphis City Council honor and recognize individuals whose service, leadership and commitment to improving the lives of others have made a lasting and meaningful impact on the Memphis community. Adrian Davis has dedicated his life to serving others through public safety, community advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, consistently demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families throughout Memphis and the Mid-South.

Whereas, Adrian Davis serves with distinguished as a firefighter with the Memphis Fire Department from 2017 to 2024, earning numerous honors, including Firefighter of the Year, the Valor Award, the Lifesaver Award, and the Merit Award in recognition of his courage, professionalism, and dedication to protecting the citizens of Memphis. And whereas following a life-altering line of duty injury in 2021, Adrian Davis transformed adversity into opportunity by expanding his service to the community and founding community service leaders of America, CSLA, a nonprofit organization focused on uplifting undeserved communities through compassion, advocacy, and direct support.

Through strategic partnerships with health care providers, businesses, faith-based organizations, civic leaders, and volunteers, Adrian Davis has mobilized hundreds of individuals and engaged thousands of community members in efforts that strengthen neighborhoods. expand access to essential services, and improve quality of life across Memphis and the Mid-South. Adrienne's unwavering commitment to service exemplifies the highest ideals of leadership, resilience, and community engagement, and his work continues to inspire others to serve with purpose, compassion, and integrity. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council hereby honors and commends Adrian Davis for his extraordinary contributions to the Memphis community and extends its sincere appreciation for his continued dedication to improving the lives of others through service and leadership. You all please support us and give it a hand to Mr. Adrian Davis for all of his work and advocacy through the community.

I just want to say thank you.

This is what happens when you put God first, you put the people first, and you be selfless. I got a second chance at life, and it gave me a chance to really prove myself to God about who I can be. So I wanted to change some of the standards of life. leaders in the community. And one of those things is collaboration. I wanted to collaborate at a high level. I wanted leaders to be able to serve and not be ridiculed. So I made avenues to where it's mutually beneficial for the community. And I wanted to close the gap in between those relationships. And I think I'm doing a great job of that. I have a lot of people to thank And just thank you for having an open ear for new ideas and a new type of leadership where it's more involving the people. Not to say that they're not doing it now, but we just upscale at a high level. So I just appreciate all the help, and I look forward to continuing this effort. And thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Madam Comptroller, please approve item number two by affirmation. Thank you. Madam Comptroller, please call item number three.

Item number three is a resolution honoring Lexi Carter for her community impact in the city of Memphis. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Easter Thomas and Chairwoman Swearengin Washington.

Come on, Ms. Lexi Carter and family. We're so excited to be able to salute this woman of excellence who gives of herself every day to the greater Memphis community. We're so proud of you and the work that you're doing, and we want to give you your flowers as you live. Whereas the Memphis City Council sees fit to honor individuals whose commitment to service, civic engagement, and community leadership has made a lasting impact on the city of Memphis and its citizens. And whereas Lexi Reed Carter is a proud United States Navy veteran whose service reflects a lifelong commitment to leadership, duty, and public service, Through more than 30 years of dedicated service in the field of social work, she has helped countless individuals and families while advocating for their well-being of her community. After relocating in Memphis in 1991, Lexi Reed Carter became an active and influential voice in civic and political affairs throughout Shelby County. She has served in numerous leadership positions within the Shelby County Democratic Party, including public relations secretary, fundraising leader, convention delegate, and chairwoman.

Lexi Reed Carter co-hosted the community-focused radio program, Eyes on Memphis, and later became editor and owner of the Shelby Democrat publication, helping keep residents informed and engaged. Lexi Reed Carter founded Diversity Memphis PAC and Willow, Women in Leadership Leaning on Wisdom, creating opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and community service. For more than 25 years, Lexi has shared her passion for music by teaching piano to students of all ages. And Lexi Reed Carter is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, woman of faith, and community leader whose life has been dedicated to serving others.

Whereas the military service, her civic leadership, her mentorship, her community advocacy, Lexi Reed-Cotter has left a lasting and meaningful impact on the city of Memphis. Now, therefore, it be resolved that the Memphis City Council, we hereby honor Lexi Reed-Cotter for your outstanding contributions to public service, civic leadership, community empowerment, which extends our sincere appreciation for your lasting impact on the city of Memphis and its citizens. Be it further resolved that this resolution serves as an expression of the Memphis City Council, our gratitude for you, for your unwavering dedication to serving others and strengthening the Memphis community. Given by our hand, Jana Swearingen-Washington, Chairwoman of the Memphis City Council, and... Councilwoman District 7, Mikelyn Easter-Thomas.

Please join us in celebrating and giving our gratitude for Ms. Lexi Reed-Carter. Yay!

I just want to thank everybody here, everybody that's present. You know, I did serve as a social worker for some years, and I developed a passion for people. And, you know, I've gotten several different awards, but this means the world to me. This reminds me of the work that I have done, and all of those that are around me almost everyone that I look at has been a part of my success in serving the community because I get a phone call that somebody's being evicted or I get a phone call somebody needs help with their utilities I always have called on them and they've always rallied around me so it's the entire community that makes me able to stand up before you so I want to thank you all very much we have something else for you come on Clay oh

Beautiful flowers for a beautiful lady. Thank you so much. You're welcome. I'll take some pictures right here.

All right. Thank you, Madam Comptroller. Please approve item three by acclamation.

Thank you, so noted.

I can do it right now.

Councilman White, you're recognized.

Thank you, Chairman. Congratulations, Ms. Carter. I wanted to, before everyone... Thank you. I wanted to also acknowledge that we have Judge Gina Higgins, Circuit Court Division IV judge with us today. We also have Judge Chris Frula, which is our judge in Circuit Court as well. And that's what I thought I saw another judge. Judge Ernestine Hunt-Dorse is also here. And we also have Circuit Court Clerk Jamita Swearingen. Thank you all for joining us this afternoon, as well as all of our distinguished guests. You're all special to us. Thank you.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the consent agenda.

Thank you. Item number four on our consent agenda is up for first reading. An ordinance to amend Chapter 25, Pension and Retirement System of the City of Memphis, Tennessee, up for first reading. Ordinance number 5974 is sponsored by the administration. Item number five is an ordinance to amend city of Memphis code of ordinances chapter 33 article 3 and corresponding chapter 13-28 to increase the sewer fees up for first reading. Ordinance number 5975 is sponsored by the administration. Item number seven is a referendum ordinance to amend the Charter of the City of Memphis, same being Chapter 11 of the Acts of 1879, as amended pursuant to provisions of Article 11, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of Tennessee Home Rule Amendment, so as to establish lobbyist registration and disclosure requirements and to submit the proposed referendum ordinance to the qualified voters of the city of Memphis at the next state general election. Up for first reading, ordinance number 5977 is sponsored by Councilman Carlisle. On our add-ons we have, Item number 34, a resolution approving an honorary street name change for BB, District 5, Super District 9. This resolution is sponsored by council members Canale and Spinoza. There was a request for same night minutes. And our final item is number 40, a referendum ordinance to amend the Charter of the City of Memphis. Same being Chapter 11 of the Acts of 1879 as amended pursuant to the provisions of Article 11, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of Tennessee Home Rule Amendment to authorize the creation by ordinance of uniform administrative procedures and systems for disposition of appeals that may affect the employment status of civil service employees. up for first reading. Ordinance number 5978 is sponsored by Councilman Carlisle, and there is a request to add this on for first reading. Madam Chairwoman, that concludes your consent agenda items.

Thank you, Vice Chair Carlisle. You are recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The consent agenda has been read, and I so move.

It has been properly moved by Vice Chair Carlisle, second by Councilwoman Green. There are no council in the queue to speak. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the consent agenda.

Council, please cast your vote.

Madam Comptroller, the screen.

Yes ma'am.

Canale, yes. Carlisle, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the MLGW Fiscal Consent Agenda Items 8 through 11.

momentarily. Item number eight is a resolution approving the increase in extension to contract number 12227 high volume outage call management with message broadcasts LLC to increase the contract amount and extend the current contract. in the funded amount of $1,503,125. Item number nine is a resolution awarding a purchase order for gas meters at AMI Equipment to Ed Young Sales Company Inc. in the amount of $5,176,154. Item number 10 is a resolution awarding a purchase order for water meter registers to Badger Meter Incorporated in the amount of $3,058,598.34. Item number 11 is a resolution awarding a purchase order for water modules to Westco Distribution Inc. in the amount of $5,476,434.98. Madam Chair, that concludes our MLGW consent items.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller. Councilwoman Walker, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met with a favorable recommendation, and I so move. Thank you. It has been moved by Councilwoman Walker, second by Councilman Dr. Warren. There are no members in the queue to speak. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

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

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the same-night-minute items, starting with item number 35. Thank you.

Item number 35 is a resolution to accept, allocate, and appropriate grant funds in the amount of $494,875.31 from Overton Park Conservancy for reimbursement allocated to eligible projects associated with an MOU between the City of Memphis Overton Park Conservancy and Memphis Zoological Society for renovations and accessibility improvements in the Overton Park area. District 5, Super District 9. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes.

Councilman Smiley, you're recognized.

Committee member recommend approval. I so move.

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

Kennelly, yes. Carlisle, yes. Hooper, 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. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 36.

Item number 36 is a resolution to transfer and appropriate $703,675.20 in Accelerate Memphis funds for the procurement of equipment and vehicles for the maintenance of roads and parks and remediation of blight. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes.

Councilwoman White, you're recognized.

The committee met and recommended approval and I so move.

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

Canale, yes. Carlisle, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 36. 37.

Item number 37 is a resolution to allocate and appropriate $5,000 in FY26 Memphis City Council Community Grant Program funds to reach Memphis. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by Councilman Canale and there is a request for same night minutes. Councilwoman White, you are recognized.

The committee met and recommended approval and I so move.

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

I can help you.

Okay, for the screen. White, yes. Kennelly, yes. Carlisle, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Easter-Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Please show Councilmember Janika White as voting yes on this item. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Council members, we're moving to item number 38. Item number 38 is an omnibudget resolution that includes items 21 through 28 and items 30 through 33. If item 38 is approved, I would like to withdraw the following resolutions without objection. Thank you. Madam Comptroller, please call item number 38 as amended. Thank you.

Item number 38 is an amended resolution to amend the fiscal year 2027 operating budget and capital improvement program budget. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by Councilman Ford and there is a request for same night minutes.

Vice Chair Carlisle, you're recognized.

Thank you. Thank you, Chairwoman. The committee met, recommends approval, and I so move.

It has been moved by Vice Chair Carlisle, second by Councilman Warren. Chief Person, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you, Chair. Walter Person, 125 North Main CFO. I wanted to make a small change to one bullet point regarding Memphis Parks in the omnibus resolution that is considered before you. There's language in there that says funding Memphis Parks summer camp expansion. I'd like for that to be changed to just reflect community center hours, which is really the import of the modification to that resolution.

I'll just speak on behalf of the budget committee. I think we can accept that without objection. Thank you. Thank you. Hey, do we have a note?

Chief Haynes, did you all make note of that? Okay. We're gonna move to our comment cards. We're gonna begin with Kelsey Hughes and then we will have Dorothy Connor. If you'll please prepare the screen. Two, two minutes please. Kelsey Hughes and then Dorothy Connor.

I'm speaking on item 21. I don't know if I'm out of order. Okay. Good afternoon. My name is Kelsey Hughes, District 5. I'm a public transit advocate because I know that you cannot have a world-class city without efficient, functioning public transit. I also have a Master's of City Planning degree from University of Memphis. Because I know you all are people of faith like I am, I want to share something that's been on my heart recently. And that's Matthew 25, 40. And it says, truly, I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. One of those sisters is my friend Zenyori Winters. She lives in the Chelsea, Hollywood area and takes MATA to work every day. Yesterday morning, when it was pouring down rain, she called me. She said the 815 bus did not show up. The 915 bus did not show up. She was going to be late for work unless someone gave her a ride. In my two years in Memphis, I have seen public transit go from bad to downright horrible. The latest metrics show the buses are only on time 60% of the time. I'm very concerned by what I've seen from Memphis elected officials on how you're seeking to address this problem. I've seen threats to cut funding by 50%. I've seen a performative bus ride along with the community. I've seen CEO interviews canceled the day the candidates were in town. I've seen this council vote for a trusteeship model with less public transparency and accountability. I've seen the Daily Memphian expose that the trustee makes $75,000 per month. And I've seen routes and frequency cut. And now we have this agenda item, which is number 21. It does not increase funding. It does not guarantee future funding. And it is not a real dedicated funding source. And most importantly, this will do absolutely nothing to improve the lives of the least of these brothers and sisters here in Memphis. Here's what I want to see. End the $75,000 per month contract with Holmes. Hire a real CEO. Reinstate the board. Define what stabilization means. And publish progress every month. Thank you. Thank you.

We have Dorothy Connor and then Susan Maresi.

Good afternoon. Good afternoon. My name is Dorothy Connor. I am the co-chair of the MICA Transit Equity and the Better Transit for a Better Memphis Coalition. I am here today because public transit matters to me and the people in our community who depend on it every day. That is why we are asking the City Council to increase the investment in public transportation by $20 million. Better Transit for Better Memphis insists that $52 million is needed for the upcoming budget to adjust for inflation and restore routes and ridership to pre COVID levels. As a volunteer, I'm asking you to increase the city of Memphis investment in public transit from $32 million to $53 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 reduces $5 in growth in the gross domestic product. An extra 20 million invested in public transit can expect to see 80 million in the gross domestic product growth. Downtown businesses have responded to members of Better Transit for Better Memphis, for that they are financially hurting and looking at closures due to this current state of public transit in the downtown area. Memphis lags far behind pure cities in our per capita investment in public transit. 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.

Thank you so much. We're going to have Susan Moreci and then Dennis Lynch.

Thank you. Hi, do I have to say my name and address? Is that how we start? Okay, I thought I had three minutes, so I have to curtail my remarks. But I brought you a map just to emphasize the distances in Memphis and how big Memphis is.

Here's the river. That's not really the edge.

Okay. Memphis and MATA have been focusing on providing transportation to people with absolutely no other means of transportation for either in their most basic needs, such as getting to and from work, preferably on time, to grocery stores, medical appointments, et cetera, and I don't begrudge MATA for that. Many fun things to do in Memphis, such as a walk across the Mississippi River, the new flyway, sporting events, the Stax Museum, seeing the bison at Shelby Farms, the zoo concerts at the Overton Shell, are useless to people who can't get there or get home. This body needs to decide what it would like to do about public transit. Does it want to continue with a model based on where people lived and wanted to go many, many years ago? Does it want to make some transportation available to most people? Does it want to continue to try to provide for the neediest of us and actually provide for them? Memphis is geographically very big, 300 square miles, so the distances are also sizable. This adds to the cost of transportation, but the other end of the continuum is that people stay close to home and really don't benefit from much of what is relatively nearby. This is where I live, which is Memphis, not Cordova. It looks like the eastern edge of Memphis, but actually there's much more Memphis east of where I live that is east of Germantown Parkway. I brought this map because I'm not sure we're on the same wavelength about the size of Memphis, the distances in Memphis, and the inability of residents and visitors to get around without a privately owned vehicle. I am here today because I would like to see the city of Memphis become a little more serious about public transportation. Thank you for this opportunity.

Thank you so much for coming down. Mr. Dennis Lynch and then Allison Donald.

Good evening, y'all. Dennis Lynch with Better Transit for a Better Memphis, one of the founding members. We've sent you some letters, and you haven't responded to our letters, unfortunately. But I do have a letter here from Mayor Young in support of transit. On behalf of the city of Memphis, I'm honored to extend our support for Transit Equity Day. We celebrate that in February, related to Rosa Parks' birthday. a key person in the civil rights movement and the transit movement. And we commemorate her birthday and the legacy of Rosa Parks. Mayor Young in his letter, he said that public transportation is more than just a means of travel. It's a vital resource that connects people to opportunities, strengthens communities, and promotes environmental sustainability. Transit Equity Day serves as a reminder that equitable, safe, and accessible public transit is essential for economic mobility, climate change, resilience, and social justice. You all know this stuff. I mean, you know it by heart, and the people that live it certainly know it. The city of Memphis remains committed to advancing these values through our transit vision plan. ensuring that our transit systems are inclusive, reliable, and beneficial to all residents. Unfortunately, the letter does not say we're going to find the funding to make sure that we can provide the service that Memphis needs. But we need to continue pushing for that. Other people here are going to be talking about that. Thank you very much.

Thank you so much. Allison, Donald?

Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor and council members.

Oh, okay.

I thought I was supposed to go after you.

After Allison Donald, it'll be William.

Good afternoon. I'm here on behalf of Better Transit for a Better Memphis. My name is Allison Donald. I'm here for one simple reason. As a writer of The Matter System, I'm here to call for accountability and transparency. for both riders, for city council members, and for the MATA administration. We deserve a MATA administration that will tell us the hard truths about the service that we use every day to get to work, to get to school, to get to all of the wonderful social activities that make Memphis, Memphis. But currently, as we stand here today, we are without that. We are left to guess, wait on sparse communication, use our phones through social media platforms, and hoping that we will get updates on a transit system that often leaves most of Memphis behind. I am here to demand of you, City Councilmembers, that you start again holding the matter administration responsible for the jobs that you called them to do. And that is to serve one Memphis. Transit is essential to the infrastructure and growth of this wonderful city. We're asking that you hold transit committee meetings so you can ask the hard questions that so many Memphis deserve truthful answers to. Thank you.

Thank you. William Ettenier. And then Matthew Hernandez.

I'm William Mitnar with Better Transit for Better Memphis. Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor and council members. So I am a recently retired chairman of the board of a heavy manufacturing company. I also serve on the vestry at Calvary Church just across the street. So I'll keep it very simple. Business owners need people that can get to work regularly on a timely fashion. And many of the people that work for our company use public transit. I also work with our outreach program for people who are unhoused, and we are thrilled when one of our neighbors gets a job. They rely on public transit, and it's heartbreaking to hear the stories of people who get fired because they couldn't rely on transit. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Matthew Hernandez. And then Leo Arnold.

Hello, City Council, Mayor. My name is Matthew Hernandez. I work for KIPP Memphis Public Schools. My pointed interest is in getting students to school, having the reliability for families to get the students to school. But this, that I'm going to talk about is how to fund investments, is of course more broad. I'm here as a volunteer with Better Transit for a Better Memphis to ask you to vote to increase the city's Memphis investment in public transit from 32 to 50 plus million dollars in the next fiscal year. It is time for the council and the mayor to step up and increase funding for a stabilized MATA. You can fund most of this $20 million additional by fulfilling your ordinance, your 2022 ordinance restricting retiring pilots to MATA. So the retired pilot revenues would go to MATA. Ordinance 5830 created the Transit and Mobility Special Revenue Fund to fulfill transit vision. that commission. We ask that you tell the public how much funding is within that fund and that the city uses it to fulfill the increased investment towards the $20 million increase needed. We also ask that you provide updates on the bus rapid transit or the BTR fund and use that funding for the increased investment as well. Additionally, we ask that the county commission appoint one of the nine MATA board members. Also fulfilling the renewing of operational and CIP funds previously committed, along with the 60% of the retiring pilots that was supposed to go to that fund. Thank you for supporting public services. Let's get on the bus with public transit.

Thank you. Councilman Warren, you're recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Do we actually have that information? The two questions that he just asked concerning how much money is in the Better Vision or the Rapid Transit Fund, it's in storage, and how much other money is available that we put there? I think it'd be good for us to know. Is there anybody here in administration that can tell us?

While they're getting that, we'll have Leo Arnold to come.

Good afternoon. My name is Leo Arnold. I'm a past co-chair of Better Transit for a Better Memphis and also involved with MICA. The city needs to increase its funding by a minimum of $20 million. We wrote all of you a letter last week asking you to add $20 million to the budget. We also want to see this resolution that you're about to review and hopefully pass to take that additional funds that County Councilwoman Green and Councilwoman Cooper-Sutton are proposing $10 million to go to MATA unfortunately they want to just supplement the 32 million we want you to add that on top of the 20 32 million dollars the mayor's calling for the city needs this increase especially considering the new threat to MATA's 27 budget arising from the build america 250 hr act This will result in the elimination of direct federal public transit grants to cities such as Memphis. Instead, they will be sending general transportation block grants to the states. This act, if passed, could send funds formally designated to MATA to Tennessee's Republican-dominated state states. and they will most likely send our former Mata money to rural counties to fund bridges and roads in their districts, not to Memphis. They don't particularly like us these days. So I'm saying we want to see our elected leaders. We want you to mount a campaign to maintain our federal operating and capital grants, which we're about to lose, thanks to President Trump's 2025 plan. This bill is a direct replacement derivative of the 2025 plan, and it is out there right now. And I'd like to ask a question. How many of you right now will raise your hands and say you're aware of the Build America 250 Act? How many? That's a shame. That's a real darn shame that the city has not kept you up to speed on this.

We will now have Carissa Hussong. Thumbs up, thumbs down. We don't want to have to clear it out. Carissa Hussong and then Ted Davis.

Thank you very much. Carissa Hussong, 1293 Central Avenue. As you know, the Metal Museum has not received any previous funding from the city for the renovation of the former Memphis College of Art building in Overton Park. We are currently requesting funds to help cover the costs of unanticipated costs resulting from deferred maintenance, of the building and of the drainage systems. This is a capital request and we will not be pursuing operating funds. It should be noted that unlike other cultural organizations managing city-owned facilities in Overton Park and throughout the city, We have not received capital assistance. It should also be noted that if this grant, if this request is granted, it will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous donor helping us bring new life to this award-winning historic landmark. We appreciate your consideration and look forward to welcoming you into the restored facility when we open in September. Thank you.

Thank you. Austin Campbell.

Ted Davis, 1590 Vance Avenue. My point of interest is the metal museum renovation. As a current board member and executive committee member, I want to thank you for your consideration today based upon Councilman Warren's support of a capital investment in the metal museum. As Carissa mentioned, these funds are to support capital improvements and damage to the building after renovations and the relocation process had begun. Unforeseen facility expenses include damaged storm drains, basement water incursion, structural skylight support improvement. These expenses are currently about $800,000 and growing. We understand that Renovating an existing historic building has some risks, but at the same time, these were incurred expenses that we're spending now to improve the building that only make our efforts to continue to raise capital to finish the building more difficult. So we would like you guys to consider our request today. Thank you for your time.

Is it Austin Kimball? Austin Kimball and then Christopher Jones.

This concerns item number 29 at all. That's what mine's about. No.

So we'll wait on that one. Okay, there's no one in the queue. Will you please prepare the screen for the vote?

We're voting for item number 38. Here's the vote.

Kennelly, yes. Carlisle, no. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, no. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you'll please call item number 39. 29.

Item number 29 is a resolution confirming impasse vote of the city council pursuant to substitute ordinance number 5639 regarding total economic package of AFSCME. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by council members Smiley and Green.

Vice Chair Carlisle, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met and recommended approval and ISO move. Real quick, Madam Chair, if I may, I'm gonna explain quickly what's happening as a part of the budget process, just from a technical standpoint. So we have a bill that's coming up, that's item 16, that's gonna be after that. And that is the tax levy ordinance that will go to the state. After that, we're gonna go to item 17, which is actually a resolution that says, send the tax bills out. What we just did, took up an item that will inform those two bills I'm using the term bill very loosely. We have ordinance and resolution, but I'm gonna use bill. Those two bills that Councilman Ford sponsored that will change the budget ordinance that we're about to pass. And now we're gonna hear an item that may change it one more time from Councilman Smiley. So we are building on to the larger budget vote that's gonna take place right after this at item 16. So that's the four votes that we're gonna take that are all one budget vote. So when we get past 17, that's basically the budget. And for all those wearing safety gear, this is you. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Vice Chair. All right, item number 29. Thank you.

In the queue?

All right. Councilman Smiley, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, colleagues, for indulging me. I think during the impasse committee, the council approved the total economic package brought by AFSCME Labor Union. At the last council meeting, the committee did the same thing. Today, during the committee meeting, there were some questions about where the 5% increase would come from, and council members wanted me to identify some funding sources. I spoke to the administration finance committee and the finance office about what money was needed to address the shortfall. division provided us a causal breakdown of the various divisions. We would need to find one point $5 million in general fund, another $1.5 million in solid waste. A management fund, a sewer treatment fund, we need another $135,000. And a stormwater fund, we need $177,000. What you have before you is a resolution addressing that. This resolution would essentially amend the previous resolution we just voted on. I'm just going to read it in the record because folks out there don't have it. Whereas the mayor submitted to the council of the city of Memphis on April 21st, 2026, a proposed operating budget and capital improvement program budget for the fiscal year ending in June 30th, 2027. Whereas the budget committee of the council has held meetings to thoroughly review the recommended operating capital improvement budgets and will make approved revisions thereto. Whereas the council has identified a need for funds to be allocated for a raise totaling 5% and a $2,000 bonus for AFSCME employees who are funding the general fund, solid waste fund, sewer fund, and a stormwater fund. And whereas the Memphis City Council hereby makes the following amendments to the previous resolution we just voted on. So out of the solid waste fund, there'll be a reduction to the personnel budget full-time salaries line 051101 in a solid waste fund equaling $1,574,044 by eliminating vacant positions to cover the reduction. As it relates to the general fund, a reduction of miscellaneous professional service line item 052528 of $87,650 per division across the following divisions, totaling $1,490,055. City Attorney, City Council, City Court Court. city court judges, community enhancement, engineering, executive finance, fire services, general service, housing, community development, human resources, IT, library service, Memphis parks, police service, and public works. There'll be a reduction in miscellaneous professional services in the sewer fund, totaling $135,500. There'll be a reduction of miscellaneous professional services, 052528 in the stormwater, equaling $177,976. whereas the total funding reduction listed above shall be used to fund a 5% raise and the $2,000 bonus for AFSCME employees across the general fund, solid waste, sewer fund, and stormwater fund. With these calculations for the needed allocations for each fund's employees attached in the provider's spreadsheet. I'm going to skip where I read the last one to. Now, therefore, be resolved that Memphis City Council hereby amends operating fiscal year 2020 by reducing $1,574,000 in solid waste fund, personnel full-time service line item, and the previous ones that I've noted. Be therefore resolved that the administration may make reductions in material and supplies lines as deemed necessary by division to meet the request for reductions. Essentially what happened in this resolution, we amended the previous resolution that the council just voted on to include a 5% raise for AFSCME Labor Union by pulling 1.5 from solid waste fund. We pulled 1.5 from... the general fund by reducing each division's miscellaneous professional service line. And we pulled 135,000 by reducing the miscellaneous professional service line in the sewer fund. And we did the same thing for $177,976 by reducing the miscellaneous professional service line in stormwater. That's how we came up with the amount needed to address what I believe to be the shortfall in ASME's salary. I think we heard multiple times during all of the committee meetings how there's people who work in ASME. We spent a lot of time talking about people not being able to live with inflation. There's people who work in ASME that make $600 a week. It's very, very difficult to live. And I wouldn't want someone to have to live on $600. I know many people who are in here do not have to live with $600 a week. I think this is something that we can address. I think the biggest concern for this body is the 1.5 we're taking from the general fund, which is ultimately a reduction of $87,000 from the miscellaneous processional services line. The reason I believe that is prudent The miscellaneous professional service line is the money that we use to pay outside contractors or outside services that the city considers necessary or we need in this particular time. I can find nothing more important to do with those monies than paying the people who are already out there in the hot sun, the rain, the snow. I think all of those things... I think all of those things are important because to be very direct, if it rains outside, my neighbor has a lot of trash out there. I still want the trash to be picked up. I don't see why we should be finding a reason to say no. I think everybody here should find a reason to say yes. We spend so much time talking about the blight in the city, the trash in the city. I think if we show the folks who are working in these various divisions that we support them, I have a sneaky suspicion that the concerns we have will be addressed as promptly as appropriate as possible. I'm going to close with this. You know, I'm just asking the council to find a reason to say yes today. And we're in the era of yes, so find a reason to say yes today. With that, I'm out.

Thank you. Councilman Canale, you are recognized. Oh, I do. Oh, I do have cards. Christopher Jones, we have three cards. Christopher Jones, Austin Kimball, and then Bob Green. If you all are here.

Christopher Jones, my address is 3290 South Mendenhall Road. Council members, thank you for allowing me to speak. Today I am here again on behalf of AFSCME Local 1733 members, the men and women who keep this city moving every single day. We are the first responders. We are the workers in the field, in the offices, on the streets, in the neighborhoods, and behind the scenes. We are the ones residents see when services are needed, when complaints are made, when emergencies happen, and when the city of Memphis has to deliver. We have worked through staffing shortages, heavier workloads, rising costs, public pressure, and conditions that most people never see. Yet we continue to show up. We continue to serve. We continue to carry the responsibility of keeping Memphis operating. That's why the 5% pay increase and the $2,000 bonuses are not a gift. They are not a handout. They are recognition of the work that has already been done. City Councilwoman Cooper Sutton once told me and my colleagues, you never go for what you think you're good enough to get, but for what you actually deserve. And that's exactly why we're here today. As for me, local 1733 members deserve fair pay. We deserve to be respected for the value we bring to this city. We deserve compensation that reflects the professionalism and dedication we give every day. Memphis cannot say it values the city employees or city services without valuing the city employees who provide those services. So I'm asking this council to stand with the workers who have stood with Memphis, support the 5% increase, support the bonus, not because we are asking for extra, but because we have earned it. Thank you.

Austin Kimball, Bob Green, we'll hear from Councilman Canale, and then I want to hear from Chief Erson, please.

A man much smarter than myself once said that the masses are the makers of history. In order to be on the right side of history, one must be on the side of the masses, particularly on the side of the working masses. Paul Young has been awarded a raise of around $40,000, bumping his salary to about $210,000. The median salary in Memphis is $48,000. That's yearly. The wanton murder of Tyree Nichols, among many others, happened under the watchful eye of our Israeli trained chief of police, C.J. Davis, and she is still on payroll with a salary of $250,000. The National Guard and ICE seem to have ample funding while they occupy our city, and the federal government is constantly scrounging up change to pay for the next bomb to drop on children. My comrades and I, however, repair roads. We pick up your trash. We maintain public infrastructure, yet we are left with scraps. I can think of two life-threatening injuries that have happened this year to AFSCME employees. Now, I have no choice but to assume that this government does not care about the masses, the general public, the workers of Memphis. We went through this song and dance last year with absolutely nothing to show for it, which further fuels my assumption. Now, I ask, does the city council want to side with the masses, the makers of history, or will you capitulate to your reactionary handlers?

Mr. Green? Yes.

The machine of local government is running. And y'all are the ones who make sure everybody knows that the machine moves where it needs to move, that the buttons are getting pushed, that the machine is getting fueled. But if you listen closely, you will hear belts are worn, wheels are squeaking, lights are flashing. We're not asking for you to do a full repair and rebuild. We're asking for maintenance. We make sure that the evidence for the court cases get filed properly. We make sure that the garbage gets picked up when it's supposed to. We make sure that the parks are clean as they're supposed to be. All we're asking is for that little bit of maintenance to make sure the machine can keep running.

Councilman Canale, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. First to the sponsor, Councilman Canale. What's your name again? Councilman Smiley. I do appreciate, Councilman, I do appreciate the hard work that you put in and I appreciate the sentiment behind it. I certainly agree that our employees need to be paid well. I've never been a fan of across the board raises. I think that it disproportionately helps some more and disproportionately does not do what it needs to do to others. We know for a fact that that within AFSCME there are certain divisions that are underpaid. They are paid below market level. I've talked to Chief Person, Chief Adams, and Chief Fouché about it, and they are going to identify those people. And there is an opportunity after this budget is passed that we can do similarly what we did with the fire department this year and true up their salaries later. Remember that what we just passed out of Councilman Ford's resolution includes a 2% and a $2,000 bonus for AFSCME employees. But I don't think that an across-the-board 5% and $5,000 bonus achieves what we really want it to, which is targeting the employees that we know are underpaid and need to be brought up above at least two market value, but likely above market value. So I would say I support Councilman Ford's resolution, which gets them the 2% that every other bargaining unit got and the non-represented employees, a $2,000 bonus, which no other bargaining unit got, nor the non-represented employees. And then we go back... And we find those certain divisions within AFSCME and true up those salaries and get them the pay that they deserve. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Chief Person, you're recognized.

Good afternoon again, Walter Person, CFO 125 North Main. I'm gonna speak to the numbers and I'd have to say that my position is very similar to Councilman Canale. I won't begin to question the challenges that many of our employees face in terms of getting compensation I think we have to look at the realities of the budget that we're facing this year. We have no fund balance contribution that's planned for this budget. We brought before you, the mayor brought before you in April, a truly balanced budget with zero contribution of fund balance. What that means is any increments beyond what we've been working through as a body, under Councilman Ford Senior's leadership is a balanced budget. This increment, even though to Councilman Smiley's point is a 1.5 increase to general fund, that would be purely funded from fund balance that is already in existence. It would not be funded from any kind of contribution of fund balance. So that would mean we would have to dig deeper into the hole that we already have to fund those expenses. Additionally, to Councilman Canale's point, we did offer 2% to all employees. All employees were offered 2%. During the process, the mayor has come forward along with Councilman Ford Sr. a $2,000 bonus. Now, if we raise that up, we're also talking about an impact to our ADC or our Actuarially Determined Contribution that would also drive additional expenses in subsequent years. The benefit of a bonus is that it's a one-time expense. This bonus would be funded in part from one-time revenues that I think were disclosed during our discussion about the debt cliff. If we increase salaries, those are gonna be recurring expenses that will continue year after year and cause additional expenses down the road from an ADC perspective as well as supporting these recurring expenses. So all in all, it will be a big challenge for us because currently it would be very difficult to give one particular group within Ask Me a Raise Without really looking at the MOU in total in addressing that issue, which I think is the reason that Councilman Canale wanted to look at it post-budget. And I think that's really the position I have to take on this.

Thank you, Chief. Councilman Warren, you'll recognize...

Thank you, Madam Chair. We had a pretty vigorous discussion this morning in committee concerning our current budget and where we are. And I brought up some information I'd like everyone to sort of understand. From 2000 to present, the country has experienced something like an 87% increase in inflation, where the Tennessee and the Mid-South has experienced 94% increase in inflation. If you look at what the tax rate in Memphis has done during that time, we pretty much had a decrease of, if we had kept our tax rate as it was in 2000, our current tax rate, instead of being $5.39, would be $12.99. So we spent the last 25 years continuing to gradually underfund all of our services, which accounts to some of the MATA issues that we have. It also accounts to where we are with our pay in general. And this is just one issue that's rising and showing where we are now. I think there's wisdom just to get this information out to people. because the only way that we really fix this is by raising taxes, and we can't raise taxes this year. It's too late for us to consider doing that. So I think next year, as we approach this budget, I want people to realize that we have underfunded our city for 25 years, and it's going to take a while to catch that back up again. And as we spend money, we need to do it prudently. And I want to make sure that people making $600 a week get paid more, but I also want to make sure that I save every dime to use at other places if we can. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you. Councilman Smiley, you recognize?

All right, I'll be brief. Just want to correct one thing. So according to the resolution, there isn't any money coming out of fund balance from this particular resolution. We're making a cut as it relates to miscellaneous professional services. So that's one thing. Two, when I was moving, I was graduating law school and I was trying to figure out where I wanted to practice law. I called a lawyer that I knew and he gave me some good advice. He said, a dollar in a hand a day is better than a promise of a dollar tomorrow. Because you don't know when tomorrow's going to come. We can spend a lot of time talking about what tomorrow could bring. Tomorrow could bring, you know, raises those employees who are making $600 an hour. But we also, $600 a week. But we also know what normally happens about three or four or five months down the line. We're going to get emergency requests from the administration to provide $5 million to this person. random divisions that we're not going to name. But what we do have in front of us today is a group of people saying, look, we're not being paid enough. We have not consistently kept up with inflation. You know, what I hope you do is, you know, vote your conscience. You got to look each and every man and woman in here in your eyes and say, look, we don't believe in you. So I'm going to look you in the eyes and say, I believe in you, and I'm going to cast my vote for you.

Madam Chairman, I call the vote.

I think they're saying... We may not be able to afford it. We're not saying we don't believe in you. All right. There are no... There are no counsel and accused, so Madam Comptroller, please prepare the screen.

I have no idea.

I'm not going to be able to get it out. Canale, no. Carlisle, no. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, no. Green, yes. Logan, no. Smiley, yes. Bonosa, no. Warren, no. White, no. Please show Council Chair Swearingen-Washington as voting yes on this item. Please show Walker as voting no.

of the interaction right there.

That item stands.

All right.

Please call item number 16 next.

Item number 16 is...

Item number 16 is an ordinance to...

Hold on one second. Let's let them clear out. Madam Comptroller, just hold on one second. Let them clear out.

Thank you.

Thank you. Okay. Madam Comptroller, if you'll please call item number 16.

Thank you. Item number 16 is an 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 license 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. For third and final reading, ordinance number 5971 is sponsored by the administration. This item was held from June 9th. Vice Chair Carlisle, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Item 16 has been read into the record and I move it as substituted based on tonight's previous actions.

All right, it's been moved by Vice Chair Carlisle, second by Councilman Connelly.

Madam Chairman, I'm sorry, one more thing. Do we have this item added for same night minutes? Can we have this, can I make a motion to have this item added for same night minutes?

Without objection.

And we're going to need to go back, but 38's already on, and then I'm going to go ahead and just get us ready. We're going to do 17 as well, 79 minutes. Thank you.

Okay.

Madam Comptroller, you have it noted. All right, it's been properly moved and seconded. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen.

Canale, yes. Carlisle, no. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Easter-Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes as amended. All right, if you'll call item number and substitute it. Thank you, fabulous staff. Item number 17, Madam Comptroller.

Item number 17 is a resolution for city treasurer to prepare 2026 tax bills for state assessed properties. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. This was held from June 9th. Vice Chair Carlisle, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee that recommends approval and I so move the same nine minutes.

All right, it's been moved by Vice Chair Carlisle, second by Councilman Canale.

Wait, hold on, stop. Are we, I'm sorry, Madam Chair, are we, is this as amended? Did we set the tax rate on the first when this hit the resolution? When's the resolution hit? Bree? Which brief? Do we have, did this hit, is this as amended? Do we have the tax fixed in this resolution? It's in the ordinance, not, okay, not this bill. Okay, thank you. I just want to make sure. All right, thank you.

Okay. Madam Comptroller, if you'll please prepare the screen.

No. Canale, yes. Carlisle, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Spinoza, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, we will please call item number 39.

Item number 39 is, on our add-ons, resolution to authorize the use, allocation, and appropriation of up to $5 million in commercial paper proceeds as interim financing for critical light safety repairs and future renovation planning for AutoZone Park. District 7, Super District 8, all council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same-night minutes, and this was also held from June 9th

Councilwoman White, you're recognized.

The committee met and recommended approval and I so move.

It has been properly moved by Councilwoman White, seconded by Councilwoman Dr. Easter-Thomas. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen. Oh, we have some cards, one second. We have two cards, council. First, Brenda Ward, and then we'll have George Mike Todd for item number 39.

Good afternoon, members of the City Council. My name is Brendan Ward. I am a seasonal game day employee at AutoZone Park, and I have been there for seven years. I don't do this job for the money because I have a full-time job that takes care of my needs. I do it because I love the environment and the memories we get to create for families. That's what we do at AutoZone Park. It was my very first job after graduating from college and I am grateful to still be part of an organization that means so much to me and to our community. I remember going to Liberty Land and have heard about Adventure River. Don't let the Redbirds become another memory of the past. Over the years, I have seen thousands of children walk through those gates, excited to spend time with their families. One of my favorite parts of the job is Sunday afternoons when I get to interact with kids after they finish running the bases. following the game. Seeing the smiles on their faces reminds me that AutoZone Park is about much more than baseball. It's about family, community, and memories that children would carry with them for years. I also wanted to address the comment suggesting that people may prefer playing pickleball over attending baseball games. There is room for many recreation activities in this city, but I don't believe a comparison should be made to determine the future of AutoZone Park. A pickleball court and ballpark serve very different purposes. At the ballpark, families gather together, local businesses benefit from visitors coming downtown, and employees like me have the opportunity to work. I simply ask that you consider not only the financial investment, but also the value the ballpark brings to our community and the memories it creates. Just like we're trying to keep the Grizzlies in Memphis, we need to keep the Redbirds here as well. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thank you, Mr. Ward, and thank you so much for your service. Mr. Tom?

Thank you, Madam Chair. My name is Mike Todd. I'm many considered the godfather of the Edge District. I've been investing down there and working, running my businesses for over 30 years. We're kind of the forgotten edge of the edge on the West Edge there near the ballpark. The ballpark has been an amazing facility that was tops in the country when it was built. We need to preserve our investment in the ballpark with the immediate emergency repairs. And then we also need to invest in the neighborhood. We've got a 28-acre essentially wasteland that's been sitting there since 2019. We've invested millions of dollars of our own money incrementally over a period of time, slowly built it up. We've got Los Camales in that area, Arnold's Barbecue, craft axe throwing. We've created a little bit of an entertainment district, but we need some help down there. We've got crumbling infrastructure. We've got several... bad owners down there that have not paid taxes within 10 years. They never seem to be able to put it up for sale. They just continue to crumble. It's dangerous. And we need some investment in that area in general. And I would like to also advocate for the larger investment that's being proposed. But we certainly need to make the emergency repairs now for the safety of the folks that go to this wonderful venue and enjoy this place. And that's all I got to say. Thank you.

Thank you so much for coming down and thank you for your service. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

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

All right, take me out to the ball game. Let item passers. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the regular agenda items, beginning with item number 12.

Item number 12 on our regular agenda is reappointments to the Health, Educational, and Housing Facility Board, Moniece Hagler and Howard Eddings.

Councilwoman White, you're recognized.

The committee met and recommended approval and I so move.

All right, it's been moved by Councilwoman Attorney White, second by Councilman Canale. We have one card. Mr. Cossett. Not necessarily Mr., but L.G. Cossett.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

L.G. Cossett. I'd like for the statement to be read to the council for acknowledgement, understanding.

Casa Library Head Project. Hello, LG Casa III. Thank you for your letter expressing your interest in being a consulting party for this project. I have added your letter to our files. Ultimately, it is the federal agency's responsibility to consult with you on this project and future projects. I have copied Glenn Glucks. the contact for the city of Memphis for this project since HUD has designated the city with completing the section 106 responsibilities. He should add this letter to the city's files and ensure that you are consulted in future if this project continues. I would also recommend that Glenn let HUD know of your interest. Yes.

I'm the great, great, great, great grandson of Frederick H. Cossett, a Frenchman that built the first Cossett Library. I'm following in the steps, and I'm building the first American Aborigine Museum in Orange Mound. That's the statement, and I want to have that acknowledged by the council, as well by the city. I'm L.G. Cossett. Thank you.

Thank you so much. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for item number 12. You'll show item 12 on the screen please, Madam Comptroller.

Thank you.

Would you like to do a voice vote?

Canali? Yes. Carlisle? For 12. Reappointments, Moniz-Hagler and Howard-Eddings. Cooper-Sutton? Cooper-Sutton. Councilwoman Cooper-Sutton? These are for the appointments for number 12.

Attorney Hagler and Howard Eddings, they were here last time.

Thank you. Easter Thomas for the appointments. Ford. Green for the appointments. Thank you. Logan. Thank you. Smiley. Spinoza. Thank you. Walker. Warren. Thank you. White. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington? Yes. Give me one moment to see if I can get the system working.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you'll please call item number 13. Thank you. One moment, please.

I'll tell you just a moment. Item number 13 is also appointments to the Convention Center Commission Board. We have Camion Hamilton and Linwood Dillard. And I'll entertain a roll call vote and motions. Thank you.

Madam Councilwoman White, you're recognized.

The committee met and recommended approval and I so move.

All right, it has been moved by Councilwoman White, second by Councilman Spinoza. We're casting our vote for item number 13.

And for the appointments, Canale? Yes. Thank you. Carlisle? Cooper-Sutton? Yes. Easter-Thomas? Yes. Ford? Yes. Green? Yes. Logan? Yes. Smiley? Yes. Spinoza for the appointments, thank you. Walker?

Yes.

Warren?

Aye.

White?

Yes.

Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington? Yes. Thank you.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, we will please call item number 14.

Item number 14 is an ordinance for the designation of 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 third and final reading. Ordinance number 5972 is sponsored by the Downtown Memphis Commission and Central City Revenue Finance Corporation.

Councilwoman Green, you are recognized. The committee met, recommended approval, and I so move. All right, she has moved as amended. Can I get a second? It has been moved and amended by Councilwoman Green and seconded by Councilman Warren. Madam Comptroller, you will please call a roll vote.

Thank you very much. Canale. Carlisle. Cooper-Sutton. Easter Thomas? Thank you. Ford? Thank you. Green? Logan? Smiley? Spinoza? Thank you. Walker? Warren? White? Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington?

Yes. That item passes, thank you. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 15.

Item number 15 is an ordinance pursuant to Chapter 9.10-1C 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 third and final reading, this ordinance is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development. The case number is SNC 26-02. The ordinance number is 5973. Councilman Spinoza, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee met on May 12th. Recommended approval when I so move.

It has been moved by Councilman Spinoza, second by Councilman Warren, Thank you. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call a roll vote.

Thank you very much. Councilmember Canale? Yes. Carlisle? Cooper-Sutton? Yes. Easter-Thomas? Yes. Ford? Yes. Green? Yes. Logan? Yes. Smiley? Yes. Spinoza? Yes. Thank you. Walker? Yes. Warren? Aye. White? Aye. Cooper Sutton has voted yes on this item. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, she's over there. That item passes. That item passed.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 18. Excuse me.

Item number 18 is a resolution accepting and appropriating the sum of $5,700,000 funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, chargeable to the FY26 budget to support the Lead Hazard Reduction Program. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration.

Councilwoman Logan, you are recognized at this time. Thank you, Chair. The committee recommended approval and I so move.

Second.

All right, it has been moved by Councilwoman Logan, second by Councilman Ford-Canale. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call a roll vote.

For this item, number 18, Canale. Yes. Carlisle. Cooper-Sutton. Easter Thomas. Ford. Green. Logan. Smiley. Spinoza. Walker. Warren. White. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington.

Item passes. That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 19.

Item number 19 is a resolution to accept, allocate, and appropriate grant funds in the amount of $250,000 from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, TDEC, for the State Water Infrastructure Grant, SWG, program to be fully utilized in project ST02013, Stormwater Program Manager. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration.

Councilman Ford-Canale, you're recognized.

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

It's been moved by Councilman Ford-Canale, seconded by Councilman Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call a roll call vote. Thank you.

Councilmember Canale, for this item, Carlisle, Cooper-Sutton, Easter-Thomas, Ford, Green, Logan. Thank you. Smiley. Spinoza. Walker. Warren. White. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington.

Yes. That item passes. That item passes. Madam Comptroller, we will move to our general items. If you will start with item number 20.

Item number 20 is a resolution to accept recommendations from the Public Advisory Board related to public use funds from artificial intelligence properties. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.

Councilman Forcanale, you're recognized.

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

It's been moved by Councilman Ford Canale, second by Councilman Ford Sr. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call a roll call vote. Thank you. Councilmember Canale?

Carlisle? Cooper? Sutton? On this item? Easter Thomas? Ford? Green? Logan, Smiley, Spinoza on this item.

That's why I don't announce it yet. We do have some comment cards. I'm sorry. Yeah, let's do that now. Please forgive me. Let's start with you, Ms. Moses, since you're already at the podium.

Well, if there was somebody before me, they should.

Oh, okay, all right. Richard Massey, we'll do Richard Massey, and then Raquel Miller.

Good evening, Council. Richard Massey, 38111. While their facilities pollute South Memphis with methane gas turbines that are in constant operation, XAI, which is now Space XAI, has enabled the creation of the world's first trillionaire. XAI came here two years ago backed by empty promises of job creation, pollution controls, and sustainable water use. Thus far, they've failed to live up to their promise of 500 new jobs here in Memphis. They've expanded at lightning speed, shrouded by NDAs without engaging the community. They've become the largest industrial source of smog here in Memphis within two years, and they draw 800,000 gallons from the Memphis Sands Aquifer every single day, despite Memphis being the largest city in the United States that relies entirely on groundwater. So the community got the work on demanding a real community benefits ordinance that directs property tax revenue generated from AI properties to communities who are in direct proximity to AI infrastructure. 25% of XAI property tax revenue will be allocated annually towards this effort, which would be 3.3 million this year. So while we're proud of the work we've done in fighting for this, we also recognize just how obscene it is for the CEO of a said company to be humanity's first ever trillionaire while we're fending for $3 million spread out across over nearly a dozen investment areas. And using this time, we're demanding the following. Accept the recommendations from the public advisory board, such as allocating public funds towards community health clinics and increased air quality monitoring. Demand at Space XAI adheres to a binding written commitment to building out their water reuse facility that they've already delayed once, issue real repercussions if they don't build out their facility, and reintroduce a data center moratorium so that we have ample time to both study and regulate this massive tech expansion that is harming our neighbors here in Memphis. Thank you.

Thank you. We will have Raquel Miller and then Dr. Kimberly Owens-Pearson.

Good evening. My name is Raquel Miller, and I'm the Health Equity Fellow for Memphis Community Against Pollution. And if the goal is truly to improve the lives of the people most affected, then the funds set aside for this community must follow the priorities residents themselves have consistently raised, which are health care and housing accommodations. Both the City of Memphis survey and our community-led survey show the same reality. Our residents are living with elevated respiratory illnesses and limited economic mobility. To address this, I recommend creating a health care grant program to help families cover doctor visits, health maintenance, and essential medical equipment. These funds should be held by the Community Foundation of Memphis with Church Health, whose mission is to make quality health care accessible. Transportation is also a barrier to health. Nearly 30% of Southwest Memphis families lack reliable transportation. So I propose allocating $100,000 to support access to care through MATA's Groove on Demand service. Housing is the final thing that should be addressed. I recommend a $1 million pre-housing regularization assistance program. to cover inspections, roof repair, window repair, and other work that prepare homes for full weatherization. This program will deliver the much-needed and long-requested home improvements that our community has been denied for so long. Memphis Light, Gas, and Water and Groundswell, an organization focused on energy affordability, should steward this work. Finally, every resident within a five-mile radius must be directly and consistently notified about what is happening, who is eligible, and what is available. Lack of transparency has been a longstanding issue, and clear communication is essential to rebuilding trust. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Dr. Pearson and then Brian Bruce.

Good evening. I think it was deplorable a moment ago that you guys would start voting without listening. Then when people were talking, you were not paying attention. So it clearly shows that you already have your mind made up. I am here to say that in Westwood, it's a historical neighborhood and that we pay city and state county taxes. It should look like heaven on earth. As a high priority, I understand these recommendations, but blight should be out of our taxes. What else is a roads? Roads should be out of our tax money. That should not be coming out of us who breathe in and out methane gas 24-7. us who breathe nitric oxide. This should not be a recommendation that gets approved. So I propose, one, the pre-weatherization for the historical homes. The windows need to be updated. They need new vac systems. They need things in the attic. We need to pass pre-weatherization so the housing can be up to code. Second, the health grant. We need quality health care accessibility. People in these communities need to be able to get care. These are high priorities. They need to be able to get transportation. Madeline was here earlier. It sucks that people can't get to doctors, can't get to jobs. With the recommendations, roads and blights should be taken off.

Thank you. Brian Bruce and then Glenda Hicks.

How y'all doing today? Brian Bruce, I'm a 51-year resident of Westwood. What I want to see going on with the funding, we should have more going on with health care because what's going on right now with the pollution, That's what's scaring the people down there. So that would be a good thing for them to do. If they bring it, if they're down here, we speaking on pollution, show us something. Just give us some adequate health care down there. Clinics, anything. But we need something down there in Westwood besides them just riding up and down.

Thank you so much. Ms. Glenda Hicks and then Pamela Moses.

Good afternoon, Glenda Hicks. So I'm here just to express genuine concern over the fact that the ordinance that has been written has 11 mandates for $3 million for 100,000 citizens. That is simply asinine. does not make sense, is not genuine consideration for those citizens. That 11 mandates for three million dollars means absolutely pennies and zero impact. Come on guys, you all can do better than that. You all can do better than that. That's an insult. You all could have narrowed it down to those issues that the citizens expressed to you all that were paramount. People have talked consistently, consistently, consistently about health care. We know that these citizens have been sorely impacted from the pollution. So that should have been number one on the list. It's not a hard decision. And then we need their lives protected. So the fact that you all would draft any ordinance talking about 11 items to be addressed is an insult. You all need to do better. Please correct that. Please correct that.

Councilwoman Walker, you're recognized.

Sure. Thank you, Madam Chair. I just had a few comments about this. So I did serve on the advisory board.

I think I was supposed to speak next. Council is going to speak, and then you're going to speak. Thank you.

So I was one of three council members who served on the advisory board committee and it says resolution to accept the recommendations of the advisory board. These are recommendations. These items. are not all necessarily going to be implemented. That's the first thing. And then also in this list of 11 items, yes, there are multiple things that the city is already responsible for. So it is a misconception, a misunderstanding that anything in this list that the city already does, we're gonna use this xai tax revenue in lieu of that anything on this list that we're already doing will be in addition to and if we wanted to use these funds in lieu of what the city's already doing it would not have been necessary to go through this process so i just wanted to offer that that clarification. And once again, the operative word is recommendation. So we still have a job to do to go back and decide on the best way to allocate these funds based on the feedback that was given. And I will say at our next to the last meeting, all the public comments and I'll be glad to go back and watch the tape and any of you all can too, but it was a valuable opportunity for the citizens to share their feedback as to what they wanted these funds to be used for and instead the comments were critical of xai elon musk and the mayor and it was just to me a wasted opportunity to share what you wanted the funds to be used for and with that i'll yield the floor thank you councilwoman councilwoman green you're recognized

Thank you, Chair, and thank you for everybody who came down today. Councilwoman Green, go ahead. We're going to get to you. We're going to get to you. Councilwoman Green, go on top. Thank you. Every recommendation that you are suggesting, I think are very important too. I really do like the weatherization and I have been a proponent for healthcare access as well because I do think that's the most important. But as Councilman Walker said, these were the things that that committee that was set up to give us community feedback was supposed to bring back to us. Well, I can't speak to whether they were educated properly or not, but what I can tell you is this is us receiving the feedback from the community, and then we take it back, and we actually allocate the funds. But this was not written by us. So I know it says that it's sponsored by the city council. It's because we wanted to get the feedback from the community from the public advisory board that was set up and the appointments were made by the mayor. So this is just us formally receiving those recommendations and saying, we hear you and we see you and we value your input. That's what it is. And then we welcome more feedback about which of these you see as priorities. But this is not, we're going to use this money for blight or this money for road projects. That's not what this says. So I just wanted to make sure that everybody... So I think it is important to say this is the recommendations, but it also, it is clear that this says... that the public advisory board members share and propose the following recommendations. These are not our recommendations. This is us receiving what they have shared with us. So I just wanted to clarify that for you. And so I think as we continue through this process, you should definitely continue, whether it is by email, by phone call, by meeting, by coming down here and giving comment. please continue to provide us feedback on how you want these funds spent. But don't think this is how this is going to be spent.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman. Ms. Moses, you have the floor.

Pamela Moses, based on the resolution of the advisory board and recommending portions of Southwest Memphis infrastructure, all that other stuff, sounds good. But the fact of the matter remains, Anthropic has agreed to pay Elon Musk. Please listen, Councilman White, because you're the reason we're here today. They've agreed to pay $1.2 billion for that building that you rented for $800-some thousand dollars. See, I know the history. And see, if they can get $1.2 billion a month... Y'all can do something else, which is not sell us out. So while the billionaires and the trillionaires are making enormous profits off of our natural resources, you want to offer us weatherization? We done had that program for 20 years. That's not enough. Elon Musk operations are benefiting him, not us. So to everybody that got paid, because see, I know what's going on. Tammy Sawyer ain't the only one going to go down. To everybody that got paid and you sold us out, I want you to revisit what's really going on and look at the decisions that have been made by closed rooms, backroom deals of the Chamber of Commerce and everybody else. We are not roaches. We are people. We deserve more than crumbs. Mississippi can kill babies and get away with it with their state violence. And they're getting a billion dollars and they hadn't even set up shop here because their community knows what's going on and you're not going to sell them out for no crumbs. So I think all of you, especially you, Councilman Walker, You need to go back to Elon, Doug McGowan, and whoever else was on that plane that went to Texas and cut this deal. And you need to tell them we're going to have to give the people a little bit more. And that's all I have to say. Thank you. And don't vote Democrat because they are really Republicans. Vote independent.

All right. Thank you so much. That brings us to our same nine-minute items. Councilman Canale, would you please read the same night minute item?

Thank you, Madam Chair. The same night minute items are 16, 17, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39. Oh, wait one second. Let's complete the vote on item 20. Did we complete the vote on item 20?

Okay, let's go back.

Start over with the vote. Do a roll call vote.

Malley. Yes. Carlisle. Cooper-Sutton for item number 20. Yes. Easter-Thomas. I had her vote as yes before. Ford. Yes. Green. Yes. Logan. Aye. Smiley. Yes. Spinoza. Walker?

Yes.

Thank you. Warren? Aye. White? Yes. And Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington for 20, thank you.

Yes. That item passes. Now that moves us to our same-night-minute items. Councilman Ford-Canale, would you please read them into record?

Thank you, Madam Chair. Same-night-minute items are 16, 17, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39. And with that, I move it to the floor.

All right, it's been moved by Councilman Ford Canale, second by Councilwoman Green. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Roll call vote. Canale, please. Yes. Carlisle. Cooper-Sutton for the same-night minutes. Yes. Easter-Thomas. Ford. Yes. Green. Yes. Logan. Yes. Smiley. Spinoza, same-night minutes. Yes. Walker?

Yes.

Warren?

Aye.

White? Same nine minutes. Thank you. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington? Yes. That item passes.

That item passes. All right, that moves us to our public comment cards. We will start with Tierney Macon. Tierney Macon and then Angelica Whitehead.

If I have to, okay, I would have projected, okay. Happy Tuesday. We recognize and appreciate the, well, first of all, my name is Tierney Macon. I'm the Shelby County Community Organizer with the Equity Alliance. We were here at the last city council meeting. And I wanted to start out by saying we recognize and appreciate the council's additional investment when it comes to middle-class funding for housing. This is a very important step, but we need to name the other imbalances and challenge to come along here. with the housing disparities that the city is facing. If the city can identify $4.1 million and $3.5 million for recreation and parks investments, such as the Ardenborn Golf Clubhouse and the Jesse Turner Park improvements, then we should be able to identify serious long-term investment for housing.

part of that conversation.

What outcomes will be produced? How will this leverage matching dollars and additional investment? We should not just spend the money, but we should also structure it in a way that creates momentum. We are asking for the council to commit to the working with the residents and the Equity Alliance to make sure we achieve these 10,000 homes. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Mr. Keith Lee Sr. and then Stephanie Lee.

Angelica Whitehead, I'm a resident of the Whitehaven community. Memphis has a home ownership problem. The owner-occupied housing rate in Memphis is about 45%, compared to about 70% statewide in Tennessee. That gap should concern every elected official in this city. With fewer than half of Memphis households own their homes, that means too many families are locked out of wealth building, neighborhood stability, and long-term economic security. Yes, Memphis needs rental opportunities. Yes, Memphis needs affordable housing. Yes, Memphis needs down payment assistance. But we also have to be clear. We must create homeowners if we want to stabilize the economy. Home ownership helps families build equity. It helps stabilize its blocks. It supports schools. It keeps long-time residents rooted in their communities. And it allows working and middle-class families to share in the growth of the city instead of being displaced by it. We cannot depend on the government. We have to make our own local investment and need your commitment to work with the Equity Alliance, with the residents and housing advocates to come up with comprehensive housing plan. 10,000 houses by 2030. Let's work together to ensure that our budget account for this robust initiative.

Thank you. Keith Lee Sr. and then Stephanie Lee.

Good evening members of City Council. My name is Stephanie Lee and I live at 2019 Killarney Avenue, 38106. I'm here to discuss the problems we're continuing to have with flooding issues coming from Old Dominion's property. Old Dominion became my neighbor somewhere between 2000 and 2004. We moved into our home in December of 94. The land behind our home was totally flat and this was a selling point for us. Since the construction of Old Dominion, we've had to incur several changes regarding the quality of life. When we started noticing an increasingly amount of water in our backyard, it was an eye-opener. Then it got to be an excessive amount of water. But now it looks like a lake or river. And I think some of you have pictures or copies. And it continues to get worse. This nasty, dirty water is traveling into our home. My house is not in a flood zone area. We have worked and put things that my husband will talk about in a minute into place to try and prevent this from continuing to happen. But everything that we have done has only been temporarily. We have spoken with the city engineers, Old Dominion engineers, we've spoken to some of you on this matter. However, Old Dominion is aware of the problem we face yet Yes, and yes, they did conducted a survey that looked at the drainage issue. When I went to contact them about the results, they told me to contact my city council. So I'm asking you, what does the survey say? And explain the results to us. And I'm also asking you to make it right. Thank you. Help us to make it right. Mr. Lee.

I'm Keith Lee. And I live at 2019 Killarney Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, 38116. The sheet that you have, the first part here is our lawn, just the way our lawn used to look. And behind that, that's where Old Dominion is located. In 2004, the owner of that place, he kind of raised it up a little bit. We had a little water coming through. The last picture, that's Old Dominion, what they have done. And you can see the water coming down from there. The next page, that was in 2019. That's the side of our house. The next one is May 20th. That's the other side. If you look at April 1st, 2022, you see the river coming down. That's coming from Old Dominion. Also, I'm just going to jump over to this last picture on the next page. That's coming from Old Dominion. That happens all the time. I've also did trench drains around my property, lugging in rocks, tons of rocks to do the trench drain. I mean, it's a lot of hassle trying to do all this by yourself. And we talk to them, and they act like they don't give a hoot. And I need you all's help. I've been in combat and everything, and I've come home, and this is what I've come to. Now, I go and fight for y'all. Can y'all fight for me? I need your help. And if you look through it, you'll see the patio, water come out of the patio. Sometimes the water is up to my ankles, past my ankles, actually. I... I did everything I know to do. I got the seats and everything. Thank you.

Councilwoman Walker, you're in the queue. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you all for coming out today upon my encouragement. Councilwoman Cooper-Sudden and myself established a relationship with them in 24, our first year on the council. And this issue did not start then, but you can say we inherited it. And I need y'all's help. They need some help. no one's taking ownership in this matter. And one of the pictures, it really doesn't do it justice, but they have literally dug a moat around their backyard on three sides to catch the water. It's deep enough to stand in. How deep is it, Mr. Lee? It's waist deep. Waist deep.

And the water falls in there and fills up steam.

And we've been funded four to five times. Is anybody from engineering here?

So we got the report. They sent a report, and that's the report that you're talking about, that drainage report. And so we were going to get with engineering. They sent it on June the 1st. I think we all got that. We've been just going back and forth, back and forth, because they should not have to live like that. As Councilwoman Walker said, this deal was done way before we got here. We inherited it. And we've been working with them back and forth, sending emails. So Craig, I think, is the general counselor who sent this engineering report. And I think we just got it on June the 1st. And so our next step is to get with Manny and our drainage and our group to find out what we can do and what we need to go. Because... You all should not, I will express that. I don't even have to go there. You should not be living like this on something that Councilwoman Walker and I have inherited and been fighting since we've been on this council trying to get this resolved. And so we're gonna get this to our engineering department because you asked for an explanation and we're gonna get you an explanation. We'll hold a meeting, Councilwoman, and so we can thoroughly go through this report that Craig sent, the general counselor sent from Old Dominion, so we can fully understand and see what our next steps are, okay? Because you all have diligently lived with this. I don't even know how you did it. That's off to you because it is waist deep, like you said. It's waist deep. And it's horrible because that community is a beautiful community where their houses and everything's immaculate over there. And this is what they have to deal with in their backyard. Me, personally, should have never been done and the deal should have never been done in the beginning.

Correct.

That's the deal. That shit never been done. And I do understand that none of us was not here when that happened.

So somebody...

They were all working together. You know, we know the history.

We've done our research.

So we were not here, so we've inherited once again. And believe me, we're working our... We're working, you know, but we're going to get with Manny. I got the report. I saw Craig's in it. And so you all can get, we all can get a full understanding on where things stand and how we can get this improved so this can go back to Old Dominion. And I will say it again, this deal should have never been done. I yield.

Thank you. Councilwoman Green, you're recognized.

Thank you, Chair. I don't know who's over there from administration in public works, but I do feel like we had a presentation from All World, from Dwan Gilliam, around sort of when this happens, that they should be called so they can go out immediately. Does anybody remember what I'm talking about? There was like a number when flooding happens.

I don't know, but we can make sure this is on the next committee meeting and make sure that it is addressed immediately.

Okay, well, I wanted to bring that back up in case there was anybody from the administration that could let us know what that is. That'd be great.

Thank you, Chair. All right, we'll have some follow-up. And thank you for bringing it to our attention.

Councilwoman Walker, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Quickly, and they are not the only residents who are impacted by this flooding, this situation.

Thank you. Thank you. Jemiah Irby and then Breonna Smith.

Good afternoon, Council. I am Jamiah Irby. I am the ground game organizer for the Equity Alliance, and we are asking Council to support a co-governance approach where residents, community organizations, housing experts, and city leaders work together to guide a pilot in the identified targeted zip code for additional middle income. That means creating a process that includes a resident advisory table, clear public goals, regular updates to the community, a plan to attract matching dollars and additional investment, and a commitment to use what we learned to inform a citywide housing strategy. Memphis does not currently have a comprehensive housing plan and that has to change. The $1 million for middle-class investment funding should be the beginning of a larger plan for 10,000 new housing opportunities across Memphis, including home ownership, city infrastructure, rental opportunities, home repair, down payment assistance, and anti-displacement protections, vacant property reuse, and neighborhood reinvestment. The focus has to be home ownership because ownership units grows the tax base. And without more housing, the tax burden will be placed on fewer housing receiving fewer services to balance the budget. We appreciate the council's investment of $1 million for middle class investment funding. Now, we are asking Council to protect this funding through a community-led governance process, commitment to working with the residents and the Equity Alliance, and use this as the first step toward a long-term plan for 10,000 new housing opportunities across Memphis. Thank you.

Thank you, Breonna Smith and then Damon Curry-Morris.

Hello, Breonna Smith is gone. Oh, okay. And my name is Rita Rita. So I think you have my card. Yes, but I haven't called you yet. Okay, well, Ms. Smith is not here. Go ahead, Ms. Rita. Go on, Ms. Rita. All right, then. My name is Rita Rita. I will be back. I just want to say... I have been back in Memphis for about seven or eight months. I did 18 years in Dallas. And when you talked about the busing and the transit, That really hit me. Because in Dallas-Fort Worth, we have a pretty good system. So I want to just offer myself and offer my help to get Memphis up and running. And like I said, I will be back. But each one of you, all of you sitting here, I just want you... to get a thank you and a gratitude. This has been a rough meeting. This has been a rough meeting. And I want you to take your hand, take your hand, pat yourself on the back because you all have handled this well. I know there's only two decisions that you can make. And you're not going to make everybody happy. So thank you. It's not sexy to be elected. It's not sexy to be the police department. It's not sexy to be sanitation. It's not sexy to be a teacher. But I thank each and every one of you for where you have parked your car. in this life and for what you're doing. So I just want to thank each and every one of you, the people that showed up, the people who are here. Thank you.

Thank you and bless you. If we can have Damon Curry Morris and then Robin England.

Professor Damon Curry Morris, 1529 Dunmore Road, Memphis, Tennessee, 38114. You know, I'm just disgusted with everything that's going on in this city. You know, it's disheartening to sit here on this council, and especially while I watch a den of thieves, liars, crooks, and thugs rot. running this city we got buffoons running this city and don't understand how to help the people i'm just seeing people up here crying out for everything and i have to come down here and bust folks out because i'm gonna tell you one thing if you didn't listen to miss moses about what's about to hit this city hey if i released what's in here i'm gonna send some of y'all running for the hills because trust me i got the proof cj davis you can shake your head at me on

Wait a minute. No. We're not going to be insulting. Yes, but we can't be insulting. This is our opportunity to have comments, but we can't be insulting.

Yes. I've been insulting. Okay, reclaiming my time. I've been insulting. It don't take me two years to get a meeting. It don't take me two years to get services that my tax dollars pay for. Okay? You very well know what it is. Pearl Walker, terrible. Let me tell y'all one thing.

Uh-uh. No, no, no. Terrible. Okay?

But you can't look at this community like it is right now. You can look at it.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Morris. Officer Young, we through. Next person is Robin England. Robin England. Thank you. Robin England and Dee Reed.

This meeting is recessed.

This meeting is recessed.

Thank you.

All right, our meeting is resumed. Did Rob and England come down? Okay, come on, Ms. England. I'm sorry, go ahead. Let me cut it back on.

I emailed everyone up here after the last meeting.

We done run off the whole administration. We done run y'all off? Dang. Lost the beat. All right. Come on, Miss England. We're listening. Go ahead.

I emailed everyone up here, and I didn't get any response back, and that kind of seems to be the way that this goes, that people here speak, and y'all look bored. Y'all look uninterested. I don't get it. We've got citizens begging for housing, for transportation, for clean air, and I just, I don't get it. Um... I don't know what y'all need to take this seriously from what people are telling y'all. The city's getting worse. We're talking about where we're spending XAI money when we don't want XAI here. It is ruining our water supply. It is ruining our air and for nothing. I don't know. Chase Carlisle, I am coming for your job. I don't think you deserve it. Up here talking about pickleball when we have actual... We cannot call out council members.

They need to be called out. All right, well, thank you for your comments. All right, we'll have Dee Reed and then Clark Anderson.

Hello, my name is Dee Reed, a member of the Fraser Democratic Club. As a resident and community advocate, I am disappointed in what I see in the lack of engagement with the citizens of District 7. Our club has consistently held meetings, discussions, focused on issues affecting our community, yet our city council representative has not attended or acknowledged these efforts. The community engagement requires more than just holding an office. It requires being present and listening, communicating with the people that you represent. To this day, many residents are still seeking updates, matters including the grocery store project, as well as the park across from the Fraser Library. At the same time, the public funds have continued to be direct toward various organizations and programs, while many residents feel that their voices and concerns are not adequately being addressed. It raises important questions and priorities and accountabilities. The residents of the community deserve honesty and transparency and open communication from those who seek to represent them. Our community deserves a leader who is visible, accessible, and willing to engage directly with the people that they serve. Not popping out when cameras are around because how can you propose a budget when you don't come to any of the community meetings being held? I thank you.

We will now have Clark Anderson and Dion Newsome.

Hello, how you doing? My name is Clark Anderson. And I live at 1995 Killarney. And just like Mr. Lee have said, I have also built a fresh drain behind my house and none of that is still working. I have replaced my driveway because the water not only stays in the backyard, it runs up to the front and goes up under the foundation of my house and my driveway and everything. So therefore I replaced the driveway. Right now I need to call groundwork and to check my foundation because the floor of my garage is lifting up. So any kind of help, any kind of way you all can do to help us resolve this flooding issue. We would greatly, greatly appreciate it. I want to thank you all very much for hearing me. Thank you.

Thank you. And we said that we're going to follow up with that. We're going to make sure that you all get the support that you all deserve. Dion Newsome and then Adrian Lomax Hernandez.

Hello, my name is Dionne Newsom, address 5145 Days Lane Cove. As of July 26th, 2026, I would have reached 19 years of services with Memphis Light, Gas, and Water. I was amongst the employees terminated on Friday, June 12th, 2026 by SEAS VP Timothy Davis. Throughout my career, I served Memphis like gas and water and employees with pride and commitment. I was assigned to the Militant Community Office and regularly rotated to assist at the Lamar Community Office as well. During my time in leadership within the community office, our team worked together to improve the customer and employee's experience. Customer satisfaction score consistently improved with our most recent scores reached 89.9%. I'm asking the board to carefully examine the justification that has been provided for the elimination of numerous frontline leadership positions. Employees were told these actions were necessary because of modernization. However, none of us who work directly with customers and employees have not been provided with a clear explanation of what modernization specifically required. specifically required the elimination of experienced supervisors and leaders. I find it difficult to understand how an organization can simultaneously celebrate improvements in customer satisfaction while eliminating much of the leadership team to help achieve those results. In credit and payment services, six of nine leadership employees were eliminated, and customer care for five leadership employees were eliminated, with those employees awaiting the termination to termination at the conclusion of that 90-day notice period. A team is only good as its leader. If these departments were truly failing, then accountability should extend beyond frontline leaders. If we were succeeding while the individuals who contributed to those successes selected for elimination, we played a critical role in supporting employees, resolving customer concerns, maintaining accountability, developing staff, and ensuring constant service delivery. Removing a significant portion of experienced leadership raises serious questions about the long-term impact of employees.

Thank you. We will now have Adrian Lomax-Hernandez and Joanna Blanton.

Good evening, Madam Chairwoman and City Council members. My name is Adrian Lomax-Hernandez, and I'm here today to share my experience as a a former MLGW employee of over 17 years. I dedicated more than 17 years of service to MLGW, working hard to serve both the utility and the citizens of this city. In October, 2024, I was selected to serve as section supervisor of cashiering operations and credit for the Lamar Community Office. I have no disciplinary actions on my file. and was proud to lead a team committed to serve our customers. In the spring of 2025, Vice President Timothy Davis and then HR Supervisor, now HR Manager, Denise Bamberg, informed my colleagues and me that reorganization of frontline management was being planned. They later reiterated this in an email to us. On both occasions, we were assured no jobs would be lost. That promise was not kept. On June 5th of this year, my colleagues and I were informed that our positions would be eliminated effective the following Friday, June 12th. After more than 17 years of service, I was given just one week of notice and told I would have to apply and compete for a newly created position. Although presented as a new role, the only substantive difference was the title. The job description itself is based largely on subjective personality traits rather than addictive skills. As the primary breadwinner for my family, this decision has created significant uncertainty and financial hardship for my husband and myself. Despite many years of service and positive employment record, I'm not asking for special treatment. I'm asking for transparency, accountability, and fairness. Public employees who dedicate years, thank you for your time.

Thank you so much for coming down and sharing. Joanna Blanton and then Raleigh Lewis.

Good evening, chairperson and members of the council. My name is Joanna Blanton, and I'm a former cashier and credit section supervisor with Memphis Light Gas and Water. On June 12th, several of my colleagues and I were terminated from our positions. On June 5th, at approximately 3 o'clock p.m., we were informed that our positions were being eliminated and replaced with a new role called Customer Experience Supervisor 1. We were told the position would be posted later that evening. Applications would close Monday the 8th. Interviews would take place the 9th and 10th of June, and anyone not selected would have their employment end on the 12th. What makes this situation especially concerning is that on July the 9th, 2025, we received a memorandum regarding this realignment. That memo specifically stated that this was not a layout, but a realignment based on clear, meaningful, and measurable expectations. It further stated that employees who were not selected to return to a supervisory role would be supported with reassigned opportunities within the organization. That support never happened. In addition, we were informed that these position changes were necessary as part of a modernization initiative. However, to date, no modernization measures or related initiatives have been implemented. Given that the company employs approximately 2,700 people, it is unclear how the elimination or restructuring of 16 positions materially advances the modernization plan. Furthermore, while the only employees affected by these changes are those within this particular vice president's reorganization, Timothy Davis. Thank you. Last question. Why was a $5.7 million contract awarded to hire college students only to eliminate full-time vested employees? Is this the modernization Mr. Davis is speaking of? Thank you for allowing me this time to come before this council.

Thank you for coming. Is this Ricky Lewis or Raleigh Lewis? Last name Lewis.

Hello, thanks for having me to speak. Excuse me.

What's your first name, sir? Ricky. Ricky, okay.

Ricky Lewis, former employee of MLGW of 36 years, been retired seven years. When I heard on June the 12th when they were terminated, that disturbed me. It disturbed me. And if it didn't disturb nobody else, they don't have a heart, especially at Light, Gas, and Water. When I was there on the 17th, I mentioned Davis, the president, put it that way. He said something about technology. Light, Gas, and Water have a training center on Raleigh Grange Road. If they don't know anything, they can have them trained. Now, I want to say this. The full-time, they destroy lives, families and lives with what they just did. And you tell me they got rid of 15 to 20 and tons of part-time workers are there right now. Does that make sense to you? One plus one is not four. It didn't add up to me. So I'm asking the council, I'm asking your city council, if you guys can do something about these families' lives. When they said that, I know they're not sleeping, because I'm not sleeping. And I've been retired seven years, and I'm doing fine. But if you can help these families and these people reserve their jobs back, and I appreciate it. Thank you.

Thank you so much for coming down. George Todd, George Mike Todd. He's gone. All right. With that being said, I will entertain.