City Council - Regular Meeting

Sergeant at Arms, if you will please call our July 7th, 2026 council meeting to order.

I would like to recognize our chaplain of the day, Pastor Theotis Cochran Jr. of Trinity All Nations Church, invited by Councilwoman Easter Thomas. Pastor Cochran Jr., please lead us in prayer.

Shall we pray? Our God and our Father, the maker and creator of all things, we come at this opportune time, first of all, to say thank you. Thank you for another day, another chance, another opportunity you've given to us to get it right. I pray now that we acknowledge you for this council because you said in all the ways that we acknowledge you, you would direct our path. I pray for our city. I pray for our nation. I pray for the people of God everywhere. Heal our land. We need to be healed in every corner, every aspect. You're able to do exceedingly abundantly above what we can even ask a thing. We put it all in your hand. Even the city of Memphis is in your hands, and you're able to work it out. It's in Jesus' name I 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. You may be seated. Councilwoman Easter-Thomas, you are recognized.

Thank you, Chair. Colleagues, I am glad to bring one of the pillar ministers in District 7, Pastor Theotis Cochran, and as he celebrates his 27th pastoral anniversary as well, I'd just like to read for Trinity All Nations Church that is in the Hyde Park area of District 7. By the City Council, be it hereby known that Pastor Theotis Cochran, Jr., in recognition of a life of exemplary qualities, outstanding service to the city, Meritorious involvement in humanitarian affairs and demonstrated concern for governmental process has been appointed Chaplain of the Day of the Memphis City Council and is hereby entitled to all of the honors, rights, privileges, and prerogatives appertaining to the office and to the display of this certificate. Given under this seal, 7th day of July, Janice Warington, Washington Chair, presented by Michael and Mr. Thomas District 7 City Council. Thank you for coming and joining us today. Y'all give it up for our pastor, 27th pastoral anniversary.

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

Councilman Connelly, I think you have read the minutes. Roll call.

After our roll call. Thank you, Madam Chair. Council Member Canale. Here. Carlisle. Cooper-Sutton. Present. Easter-Thomas. Present. Ford. Present. Green. Logan. Present. Smiley.

Here. Present.

Mnosa.

Here.

Walker. Here. Warren.

Present.

White.

Present.

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

Thank you. Councilman Canale.

Yes, Madam Chair, thank you. I have reviewed the meeting minutes from the June 23rd, 2026 meeting. I find them to be in order and I move for their adoption.

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

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

That item passes. Welcome to the July 7th, 2026 regular meeting of the Memphis City Council. The meetings of the council shall be conducted in an orderly manner to ensure that the public has the full opportunity to be heard and the deliberate process of the council is retained at all times. Our council staff has meeting agendas available up front. Phoebe, if you'll please raise your hand. as well as comment request cards for members of the public wishing to be heard on a specific item. All those wishing to speak on an item must turn in their comment card to staff before the item is heard. If you are not here to speak on a specific item, you can note that your request to give a general comment at the end of the meeting is welcomed. As chair, I will only recognize citizens that properly registered to speak by submitting a completed comment request card to council staff. The administration has withdrawn items number nine and item number 10. We will now begin with our presentations. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number one.

Item number one is a resolution honoring Grammy-nominated children's music artist, Shnooknook. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Green.

Councilwoman Easter Thomas, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you, Chair. In lieu of Councilwoman Green, I am grateful to have the opportunity to present this to Ms. Sherri Moon. And just shout out to our new communications person and just seeing these on the screen, it's a wonderful touch. It's a wonderful touch. Whereas it is fitting that the City Council honor and recognize individuals whose extraordinary talent, leadership, and commitment to enriching the lives of others have brought distinction to the City of Memphis and inspired communities both locally and around the world. Whereas Cheri Moon, born Luana Pegram and professionally known as Snook Nook, is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, recording artist, entrepreneur, actress, educator, and children's music advocate whose extraordinary career has inspired audiences across generations. Raised in North Memphis, and I know this right, Sherri, discovered her passion for music at an early age, performing with the Pegram Family Choir, winning numerous talent competitions, and earning recognition as Memphis Teen of the Year, laying the foundation for an accomplished career in music and entertainment. Throughout her accomplished career, she has collaborated internationally with renowned artists and producers, including Timbaland, Jimmy Douglas, Missy Elliott, Danny O'Donohue of the script, Kevin Rudolph, with her songwriting and vocal performances also being featured in national advertising campaigns and television productions, earning acclaim across the music industry and on international dance and pop charts. Inspired by motherhood, Sherri Moon embraced a new mission by creating positive, educational, and uplifting music for children under the name Snook Nook, promoting kindness, diversity, mindfulness, creativity, emotional well-being, and social awareness through music that enriches the lives of young audiences and families. Her unwavering commitment to education and artistic empowerment led to the founding of the Snook Nook Cafe in Hollywood, California, a children's performing arts center dedicated to fostering creativity and confidence in educational works, including Ain't I a Woman and her contribution to Grammy Award-winning artist Fuch, black women in history have introduced children to important historical figures and inspired future generations through music. Sherry Moon in 2022, received her first Grammy award nomination in the best children's music album category as a member of all one tribe in recognition of her dedication to creating inclusive music that celebrates unity, diversity and understanding. further honoring her Memphis roots by recording at the legendary Stax Recording Studios alongside the Stax Music Academy Choir and helping bridge the city's musical legacy that is rich and in our future. Through her accomplishments as a Grammy-nominated artist, educator, entrepreneur, and children's advocate, Sherri Moon has inspired generations of young people while exemplifying the creativity, compassion, and musical excellence that define the city of Memphis. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council hereby honors and celebrates Ms. Sherri Moon for her outstanding contributions to music, Education and Empowerment of Children and Families, given by our hands at the Memphis City Council, signed by Councilwoman Jerry Green, and I myself, Micah Neaster-Thomas. Can we give it up for Ms. Sherri Moon that's here with us today?

Thank you. Thank you so much. Memphis, this is, I am a product of Memphis. I just want to say that. I have a few words if you guys don't mind. Okay. I want to just say, chairman, council members, thank you for this incredible honor. The resolution means the world to me coming from the city that birthed me. And through it, though it does have my name on it, it really belongs to the children everywhere. When people hear the song Do Re Mi, they may hear musical notes. I hear something else. I hear confidence. I hear children with joy. I hear children discovering that their voice matters. The students at the Stax Music Academy didn't just sing on my song. They didn't sing on a recording. They harmoniously reminded us of something important. Every child deserves to be seen and heard and encouraged. This room spends a lot of time debating roads and buildings and budgets and development. And yes, those things are important. But those things in the future of Memphis is not made of concrete. It is made through the hearts of children. A city becomes what its children believe that they can become. When a child stands in front of a microphone for the first time or raises their hand in a classroom, writes a song, paints a picture, or shares an idea, they are making a decision about who they think they are. The adults around them have an opportunity to help shape that belief. The message behind Do Re Mi is simple, very simple. Every child has value. Every child has potential. Every child should be able to express themselves freely. I have been blessed to create music to inspire children, but children have given me far more than what I could ever give. They've taught me to continue to be curious. They've taught me to be kind. They taught me to continue to dream bigger than any circumstance that I may be in. So I accept this honor with gratitude, with huge gratitude from you guys. I hope today is also a reminder that investing in children is not a charity. It is the most important work that we can do. Years from now, not many people will remember every meeting that was put together in this room. But what they will remember from years to come is the opportunity that you have given a child to grow that may indeed change the city. Thank you for supporting the arts. Please continue to support the arts. Thank you for supporting the young people. And please continue to support the young people. And thank you for believing in the children of Memphis, and that includes me, a child of Memphis. I want to thank my family for the support and molding me into the person that I am and always supporting me through the ups and the downs and the roller coasters. And I want to thank God. Thank you, guys.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number three.

Item number three is a resolution pursuant to chapter 9.6 of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code, approving a special use permit at the subject property located at 2465 Millbrook Avenue. This resolution is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development. The case number is SUP 26-08.

Councilman Spinoza, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. This item will sit down with a favorable recommendation and also move.

Okay. That item has been moved by Councilman Spinoza, second by Councilman Warren. There are no council in the queue, nor do I have any cards. Are there any questions of council members wishing to speak on this item? All right, Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen to vote for item number three.

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

That item passes. We will now move to our consent agenda. Items 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the consent agenda items.

Thank you. Item number 4 is up for second reading. Ordinance number 5974 is sponsored by the administration. Item number 5 is up for second reading. Ordinance number 5975 is sponsored by the administration. Item number six is up for second reading. Ordinance number 5977 is sponsored by Councilman Carlisle. Item number seven is also up for second reading. Ordinance number 5978 is sponsored by Councilman Carlisle. Item number eight from engineering is a resolution approving supplemental agreement number two. for Memphis Brooks Museum of Art front street improvements and museum perimeter streetscape and accepting bond as security. There is a request for same night minutes for this item. The contract number is CR-5447. Madam Chair, that concludes our consent agenda items.

Thank you. Please note that we are taking off item number eight. So we are voting on four, five, six, and seven. Okay. Can I get a motion for the adoption of the consent agenda? It has been moved by Councilman Ford Canale, second by Councilman Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote on the consent agenda items four, five, six, and seven.

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

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number eight. We took it off consent, it's on the regular agenda item.

Number eight is a resolution approving supplemental agreement number two for Memphis Brooks Museum of Art front street improvements and museum perimeter streetscape and accepting bonds as security. There's a request for same night minutes. The contract number is 5447.

Councilman Ford Canale, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. On page one of the supplemental agreement two for the city standard improvement contract for CR number 5447, at the bottom where it says, now therefore in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants of the parties herein contained, it is agreed and understood that the original standard improvement contract, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, CR 5477 is hereby revised as follows. A, accepting revised plans, work to be completed as shown on approved engineering plans. This needs to be amended to say, work to be completed as shown on approved engineering plans or as amended by the developer and the city engineer. if council will accept that amendment without objection. I have a question. I can't call on you.

I'm sorry. It really hurts my feelings that you can't. Do you have a question?

Councilman Spinoza, you're recognized.

Thank you. And I would have put myself in the queue, but I couldn't. So I do have a question on it and was excited to vote yes on this. I still want to vote yes on this, but I want some clarity. If the engineer is here, I want to make...

He ain't here. I'm here in this place.

Okay. I just wanted to make sure, because I know that the university, I feel like there was like a new stoplight or something that was supposed to go in. It had to do with the university, and I wanted to make sure that was in the plans. Yes.

No, I think the issue is about Monroe Avenue. There is a public civic plaza and the plans need to be perhaps amended to make it clear that it is a public civic plaza, not Monroe Plaza. And it's to be Monroe Avenue is not to be is not being closed. It is simply being expanded to be open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Okay. And so that's why it says the language would be modifying the plans as may be amended by the developer and the engineer.

Gotcha. Understood on that. I think, Madam Chair, I was more concerned that if any of the plans had changed, and I was hoping to just hear and make sure.

It would be a cosmetic change, if anything, that's all. Yeah.

So I'm going to assume, then, that some of the things that were in the original plan are going to be there. Yes. Including the stoplight and the other stuff.

Whatever's in there is only the cosmetic plans about the plasma.

Okay, so that's the only change that's being made today?

That's the only plan that I know that's being contemplated, yes.

Okay, thank you.

All right. Madam Comptroller, we'll... Any more questions? You're not in the queue. I don't see... Okay, I don't see your name on here. Something's wrong with my screen, Ryan. Okay.

Councilwoman Logan, you're recognized. I just want to make sure I'm understanding, because I definitely thought Monroe was supposed to be closed to car traffic, that it was going to be open just for foot traffic and a plaza and trees and garden-like atmosphere.

I'm going from memory, but I believe if you come from Riverside, you go vehicular traffic into a garage. You don't have complete cessation of vehicular traffic.

From front down?

Yeah.

I mean, it's the same street.

At Front Street, there will be bollards there, and there will be a pedestrian civic class. After that, there will still be a road, and you will go into a garage. And I said that it would be vehicular and pedestrian traffic. It's not being closed completely, no.

Right, just that little portion of it. Okay, thank you.

Sorry. Councilman Spinoza. And again, sorry, I would have put myself in the queue. So I just want to say again, for the for the record, like I want to vote yes on this. And I'm planning to vote yes on this. I just wanted to make sure it said engineering plans. It was a streetlight in front of Cossett Library and like a walkway and stuff. So I just wanted to say that on the record, like I'm excited. The university is excited about that. It's on Front Street. And that's a part of all of this. So none of that's changing. We're just talking about what we're talking about here today.

Yes, sir.

Okay. Thank you. Yeah.

All right. Are there any other council members in the queue? Councilwoman Cooper-Sudden? You're recognized. Thank you. Thank you, Chair. So it's just going to be a one-way?

You stop at front. It's pedestrian at front. And then the remainder is vehicular. You don't go all the way through. No. That's always been the case. Thank you. Okay.

All right. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote. As amended. It's been moved by Councilman Spinoza, second by Councilwoman Dr. Easter-Thomas. We're voting on item as amended.

I'll get your vote manually. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Spinoza, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes. Please show Councilmember Smiley is voting yes. Councilmember Connelly is voting yes. Are there any other council members that'd like to vote on this item?

Thank you. That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call our same night minute items.

We'll start with number 11, a resolution to accept grant funds in the amount of $591,000 from the State of Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration and there is a request for same night minutes.

Councilman Canale, you're recognized.

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

All right, this has been moved by Councilman Ford Canale, second by Councilman Dr. Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for item number 11.

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

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 12.

Item number 12 is a resolution to establish the Memphis City Council Community Grant Program for FY27. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington. There is a request for same-night minutes.

Councilwoman Dr. Easter-Thomas, you're recognized.

Chair, the committee recommends approval and I so move, but I move verbally since my screen is messed up.

Okay. It has been moved by Councilwoman Dr. Easter-Thomas, second by Councilman Dr. Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen and take a roll call vote as necessary.

Can I have a screen vote? I'm not sure.

Our votes are Kennelly, yes, on number 12. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Please show Councilmember Spinoza as voting yes on number 12. Warren, yes. And Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 13.

Item number 13 is a resolution to amend the Memphis City Council Community Grant Program for FY27. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by council members Logan and Cooper Sutton. There's a request for same-night minutes.

Councilwoman Dr. Easter-Thomas, you're recognized at this time.

Chair, the committee recommends approval and I so move verbally.

It has been moved by Councilwoman Dr. Easter Thomas, second by Councilman Spinoza. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen.

For item number 13, Councilmember Canale, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Please show Councilmember Spinoza is voting yes on this item. Warren, yes. And Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. This now takes us to our comment cards. We will now do our same night minutes. Councilman Ford Canale.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The same night minute items are 8, 11, 12, and 13. And with that, I move it to the floor.

It's been moved by Councilman Ford Canale, second by Councilman Spinoza. All right. Now we're ready for our comment cards.

For the same night minutes, please show Council Member Easter Thomas is voting yes. Council Member Cooper Sutton is voting yes. Connelly is voting yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinoza, yes. Warren, yes. And Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes. Please show White is voting yes on the same night minutes.

That item passes. We're now ready to move to our comment cards. Our first comment request card is from Janice Brody Davis, and then we'll have Lucy Chambliss. Lucy.

Do I start now? My name is Janice Brody-Davis. I was a bus driver in Memphis area, Florida Transit. And I just want to let y'all know how it mattered to me as a bus driver. They had bought me a bus. The bus didn't have any, the brakes went out. Someone hit the back of the bus. I never had no accident. You terminated me. So when you terminated me, in my files, I was not working for the matter. Another driver had killed somebody on the I-40. They said they put it on me. I wasn't even working for them. And also, they got other drivers that had accidents in my employee files. It's a whole lot of drivers with their names on it, their badge numbers. They tried to set me up and said I did it. It's in their names. Their handwriting and everything, but you will put dollars in my employee file. I never had no accident. I was a good driver for Matter. I was an on-time performance. I never missed work. I did Matter Plus and I did the fixed route. If y'all have any questions for me, let me know. I'm gonna sit down, okay? But I just want to be heard because I have been gone wrong at Memphis Area Authority Transit. And y'all know what Matt is going through. They're going through a lot. So I was there with all that was going on when they was stealing their money, everything. I was there. Thank y'all.

Thank you. All right, thank you. Ms. Chambliss and then Wanisia Hyman.

My name is Lucy Bucci Chambliss, whatever you want to call me. And I'm here because Tyron Johnson was murdered Sunday by the National Guard. This is the third murder that we've had by the combination of these soldiers that are in our streets. And I actually wrote out what I wanted to say so that I wouldn't come in here cussing like I have on previous occasions, but I did not expect to see the Pyram family When I got here, we opened this meeting tonight honoring Darnell Pyram's cousin for her musical achievements. And I'm not saying that she doesn't deserve that. She definitely deserved that honor. But y'all realize that her cousin was killed by the task force just a couple months ago, right? And this body's been quiet. And I realized that you guys don't have a lot of authority when it comes to the task force or to these soldiers that are occupying our city. But Miss Moon said something that hit me in my heart. She said that our future depends on what our children believe that they can be. And this body has shown our children that they can be criminals and that's about it. This body has for decades, not just you guys, your predecessors, have divested from community resources that actually do prevent crime, that reduce crime. You've divested from our children, from their futures, and you have given our money over and over and over to MPD. You're showing our children that the only thing that they can be is criminals. And that's why Memphis is in the state that it's in right now. That's why this task force is here. That's why the president sent the military to occupy our city. And again, I know there's not a lot that you can do, but MPD does have the authority to disarm those soldiers. They have the authority to tell them that they're not welcome to perform law enforcement duties in our city. And I ask that you put pressure on MPD so that this doesn't keep happening. Thank you.

Thank you so much for coming down. Juanicia Hyman and then Claudia Hyman.

All right. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Blessings to us all. There is a Bermuda Triangle in the south sweeping through the area like a falcon who just saw their prey. If I left my home right now, I could get to XAI's now Anthropix Memphis building, XAI's other Memphis building, Google's West Memphis Arkansas building, in XAI's South Haven, Mississippi building in one hour and 22 minutes for a total of 54 miles. The South still has not developed immunity to inhumane plantations. Without plantation immunity, the diseased parts learn newer ways to infect and grow. It is not by happenstance that Virginia has the most data centers, considering the number of plantations they had during slavery by 1860. I have been engrossed in the teachings of ancestral father, Dr. John Henry Clark, and he teaches on the peril of Pan African communities. not owning their wealth-producing resources of their land. Two, allowing others not of that land to come in to colonize that land because of its wealth-producing resources. Three, having elected and non-elected leaders who bargain off the people's resources under the guise of free market and trade. And four, reaping little or nothing in comparison to those who colonize that land for its wealth-producing resources. For example, I'm talking about our aquifer as a wealth-producing resource, Further concerns reports are that XAI also uses coolant that contains antifreeze, which is going to further complicate that water even being able to be treated in a wastewater treatment plant due to how antifreeze particles bind to water. There are sand aquifers rapidly depleting all around the world because of over pumping. We need city attorneys to look into how we can lawfully obtain access to the NDAs, which you can do when the state of public interest is at stake, and it definitely is. Also, it would be great to have some kind of law that says Greater Memphis Chamber cannot keep signing.

Thank you so much. We will now have Claudia Hyman. And then Ms. Glenda Hicks.

Hello to you all. Giving honor to God and the ancestors that allow us to be here today. I'm Claudia Hyman. I was born and raised in Memphis. I'm here as a warning from the future, a future I hope we never see. I want you all to know that if this future manifests, it is our failure to hold because we are in a place where we can still act. I'm here to talk to you about a precious gift that we have been given, that we have been asked to steward, which is the Memphis Sand Aquifer. Now, I have practiced in states all across the country. As a civil rights attorney, I've practiced in Washington, D.C., California, Seattle, and Jackson, Mississippi. I want to talk to you a little bit about my time in Jackson, Mississippi. I was a member of the legal team that represented community groups in the emergency petition filed before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and also as we intervened in the federal lawsuit filed before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. The argument we were making is that the community has a right to speak about its water. I'm happy to share the case numbers and materials related to these cases. If you would like them, I'm happy to share them. But I'm here to talk about experiences that the community shared. As part of my role and as a representation for the community, I attended many public meetings. Some of those hosted by community organizations, some hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency. Residents battled with constant reoccurring boil water notices and electrical fire, complete loss of water pressure, schools closing due to lack of water, contaminated water and or damaged or destroyed pipes, and many other issues due to the water pressure being completely damaged. It would take longer than a few minutes to share what I heard at those meetings, but I wanted to share with you some of the memorable stories and hope that you will not have to listen to these stories coming from your community citizens. One of the stories I heard was from a parent.

I'll be back. Thank you so much. Ms. Glenda Hicks and then L.G. Cossett.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

So I'm here today with grave concern regarding item number five, the intent to increase our sewer fees. How is that justified? It wasn't that long ago that we had a sewer increase. And I do not know the exact amount that you all are talking about, but let's be real council members. Memphis is at a critical state. We just got a slight increase on county taxes. The property values, the assessment of property values went up last year, which gave us increase across the board. No one has said a word about that, but I know that based on the assessed value, my taxes increase. I'm paying more. No one has addressed that. those funds and what's being done with those funds. You all say, oh, we're not having a rate increase, but then you want to pick and choose these little These little services that should be covered by our taxes, but are not solid waste sewer. You increase solid waste last year, and now you want to come and talk about a sewer increase. It is not justified. Now, I understand that there has been a serious mismanagement of funds when it comes to the sewer funds. You all need to deal with that without putting that responsibility on the backs of hardworking citizens. I cannot believe that you can sit in these seats and go home at night and feel justified with that action because it is not right. So I know this was second reading, but please do not.

Thank you so much. We will now have LJ Cossett and then Martina X.

Yes, I have a presentment from LG constant director general of the indigenous people of North America. When Tom anymore was born in Memphis regional one hospital her mother know you mean I wanted a name to be. named nine days after her birth and she didn't want to be vaccinated years ago knowing you know you mean I had told her. By older family that she was indigenous Indian everyone know you mean his family had tried for years. to change their identity from African American to American Aborigine, but they were denied. When Noyamina told the hospital staff that her baby was not going to be vaccinated and didn't need a birth certificate, the hospital staff immediately called Tennessee Department of Human Services and the Memphis Police Department. Number one, Noyamina was not obligated to make her child a ward of the state. Number two, by birth and blood from the mother, she had the right to name according to their customs and their bloodline indigenous. Number three, Noyamina knew that her baby was not a Fourth Amendment citizen. Yes, hi.

Thank you. Names are important. Titles are important. I'm L.G. Cossett because my grandfather was L.G. Cossett. He was the great-great-grandson of Frederick Cossett, who built the Cossett Library. I'm concerned about how our young women are being treated here in Shelby County. They're not allowed to, this is my body, this is my baby. We're changed to African American at a whim. We're labeled black at a whim. That's a violation of human rights. And I'm asking all of the members of this council body who's here today, there was a notice that was passed around, a letter to the governor. If you care about the people in your district, then I believe that you will send that letter to your governor and have that governor cease and desist all of the policies that are along the lines of the Racial Integrity Act, which has been repealed. I thank you. I'm LG Cossett. Thank you.

Thank you. Martina X. And then Nehemiah Hardaway.

Good afternoon, council members. My name is Martina X and I'm here because the city of Memphis cannot continue looking the other way. MLGW is owned by the city of Memphis and his CEO I see is not currently here. That is appointed by the mayor and is ultimately accountable to the public. On May 16th, 2024, MLGW allegedly allowed my estranged husband to establish utility service at my home using an out-of-state identification and a protection order. I contend that MLGW failed to follow its own verification procedures before reconnecting service. That failure changed my life." I was locked out of my house for 10 months. I was arrested multiple times. I am currently under indictment. And on January 17th, 2025, I lost my home to foreclosure. When I asked for answers, I received denials instead of transparency. So I have four simple questions. They were for the CEO, but now since you are responsible for him, who approved this? Why was the property owner never notified? Why were MLGW policies not followed and who will be held accountable? I am demanding this council to investigate MLGW's actions, demand accountability from its CEO, and assure no other Memphian resident loses their home and constitutional rights because a city agency such as yourself failed to do its job. You exist to protect the rights of the constituents, not strip them away. Justice delayed is deliberate indifference. And I'll see you soon.

Thank you so much. We'll now have Nehemiah Hardaway and then Ricky Lewis. All right, we'll move to Ricky Lewis.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

My name is Ricky Lewis and I was here a couple of weeks ago and as an advocate for the one who was fired to light gas and water. And once Michael Jackson always said, what about the common man? Is anybody concerned about the common man? I'm asking you guys, do not turn your backs on the ones were fired in light, gas, and water. If so, there will be plenty of them behind them. There will be more fire behind them. And I mentioned in the board meeting the other day, light, gas, and water really needs to be investigated. They had one person that most the ones that have problems with this one VP, which is Timothy Davis. And I'm asking this city council to somewhere, somehow get Light, Gas, and Water. They need to be investigated because eventually it won't be a Memphis Light, Gas, and Water. It will be a utility company. And that's what we're going at, the utility company. I'm an advocate for the customers. I have talked with VPs about the customers, and I'm concerned about the employees at Light, Gas & Water. And like I was saying, many of you went to college. You may have fraternities and sororities. But I'm going to say now, Light, Gas & Water is my fraternity. And I wish you guys would have a heart for the customers was fired. I mean, the employees were fired. They like gas and water. Have a heart and look at it as you will. Thank you.

Thank you. That brings us to the end of our meeting. Agenda. I will entertain a motion to adjourn this meeting. All right. It's been moved by Councilman Ford Canales, second by Councilwoman.