City Council - Regular Meeting

you Thank you.

Sergeant in Arms, if you will please call out August 18, 2026, meeting to order.

All rise, please.

I would like to recognize our chaplain of the day, Pastor Christopher D Walton of First Baptist Church Lauderdale, invited by Councilman Smiley. Pastor Walton, if you will please lead us in prayer, we will follow the prayer with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Good afternoon. Would you all please bow? Eternal holy God, we thank you for this day. We thank you for all who've assembled here in this place. Oh God, as we meet here with the amalgamation of our minds, let us collectively use our minds for the better good of all who are here. God, you called us for a reason. You called us for a purpose. So let us serve with love. Let us serve with justice. Let us serve with righteousness and let the marginalized be heard. But collectively, let's unify and come together with resolutions that work for all of our cities. and all of the citizens of Memphis, Tennessee. God, as we are here, embrace us, change us, renew us. And although we're here and sometimes we get our barbecue, let our blessing be in this place on today. And as we move forward in this meeting, guard us, protect us, and let us make Memphis the greatest city in this nation. And we ask this in your sovereign and mighty name in which we pray. Amen.

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

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

Thank you, Madam Chair. Pastor, can you come join me? Greetings be it hereby known that Pastor Chris Walton, in recognition of a life of exemplary qualities and outstanding service to the city, meritorious involvement in humanitarian affairs, and demonstrated concern for governmental process, has been approved and appointed Chaplain of the Day. And it is hereby entitled to all honors, rights, and privileges, prerogatives appertaining to the office and to display of this certificate given on the seal on the 18th day of August, 2026. Chairwoman Jenna Schwartz-Washington, Councilman J.B. Smiles when you pass. Here you go. Thank you so much.

You all right, Four Sigma, man. I know we got another one there somewhere. All right.

God bless you.

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

Madam Comptroller, will you please call the roll?

Thank you. Council Members Connelly, Carlisle, Cooper-Sutton, Easter-Thomas, Ford, Green, Logan, Smiley, Spinoza, Walker, Warren, White, Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington?

Present.

Madam Chair, you have a quorum.

Thank you. I believe Councilman Canale has read the minutes for the August 4th, 2026 meeting.

Yes, Madam Chair, thank you. I have read the minutes from that meeting, the August 4th meeting, I'm sorry. Find them to be in order and move for their adoption.

It has been moved by Councilman Canale, second by Councilman Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screens for the vote to approve the minutes of the August 4th, 2026 meeting.

Thank you, Madam Chair. You may proceed with the vote. Council members, cast your votes for the minutes, please. Kennelly, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Welcome to the August 18th, 2026 regular meeting of the Memphis City Council. Meetings of the council shall be conducted in an orderly manner to ensure that the public has the full opportunity to be heard and the deliberate process of the council is retained at all times. The Sergeant-at-Arms has meeting agendas available up front 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 the Sergeant-at-Arms before the item is called. If you are not here to speak on a specific item, you can note that your request to give a general comment at the end of the meeting. As chair, I will only recognize citizens that properly registered to speak by submitting a completed comment request card at the Sergeant at Arms. Members of the audience and persons addressing the council will not be permitted to engage in gossip, make defamatory, personal, slanderous, or profane comments, or use abusive or vulgar language. The chair of the council may maintain order by giving any persons who are in violation of stated rules of decorum a warning to cease any violative conduct. in order to leave the council's chambers or by giving an order for security personnel to remove any disruptive person in the council members chambers who refuses to leave voluntarily. These rules are also posted on the door as you enter the chamber and as you pick up the comments cards. We will begin with our presentations. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number one.

Item number one is a resolution recognizing and honoring Black-owned businesses in honor of National Black Business Month. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Easter Thomas.

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

Thank you chair and good afternoon. We have done this for a few years before and I think that it is such a great time to continue and make sure that we're supporting those in our city. And I read him for the record, the Memphis City Council proudly recognizes national black business month each August a nationwide observance honoring the rich legacy resilience and ongoing contributions of black owned businesses across the US. Black entrepreneurship has long been a cornerstone of economic opportunity, dating back to the late 1700s when free and enslaved African Americans established businesses that laid the foundation for future generations of black enterprise. Despite historic and ongoing barriers to capital, resources, and economic opportunity, black-owned businesses continue to thrive through determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to serving their communities. Black-owned businesses play a vital role in the city of Memphis by creating jobs, expanding economic opportunity, strengthening neighborhoods, preserving culture, and investing in the future of our community. Whereas the Memphis City Council recognizes the remarkable achievements of this year's honorees, whose dedication, entrepreneurship, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire others and contribute to Memphis' growth and prosperity. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council does air by recognize August 2026 as national black business month. And encourages all residents to support uplift and celebrate black owned businesses in their invaluable contributions to the economic vitality and cultural fabric of the city of Memphis so colleagues before. and city as we're here before we call out this year's honorees i'm joined up here by mark yates president and ceo of the black chamber of memphis and he'd like to share a few words before we honor this year's honorees just very yes please just very briefly and i'll just enter into the record good evening everybody

Good afternoon, Councilwoman Dr. Easter-Thomas. Thank you for inviting us and acknowledging this. The Black Chamber of Memphis is really, we're really proud to be here. On behalf of the Chamber and the entrepreneurs and the business owners we serve, I appreciate the City Council recognizing NBB Month, and more importantly, recognizing the contributions Black-owned businesses make to Memphis every day. Black businesses are an important part of this city's economic infrastructure. They create jobs, invest in neighborhoods, provide essential services, and create opportunities that extend well beyond the individual business owner. When these businesses grow, Memphis grows with them. I want to say that this is very important. Our economy is dependent upon 65% of the population, which looks like myself and others here in this room. And that's very important. So with that, we'll go ahead and we'll provide these awards and just acknowledgements. Thank you very much for allowing us to be here.

So you all, when we call these honorees, we're going to need just a little bit more claps than that. The Memphis City Council proudly honors the following black-owned businesses in recognition of Black Business Month 2026. And as you are called, you can, your best is to come this way to see Mrs. Edgar Bernard so that you can receive your items. And then also, we're just going to try to get a full picture when you're up here as well. A&R Barbecue. Aviation Pediatric Dentistry. Black Market Strategies. Boba Boba Life. Brain Food Memphis. Carpenter Primary Health Care, PLLC. Feast and Graze. Fuse Fitness. Global Mid-South Holding. Humankind. Irby Enterprises, LLC. Lavish A. Luxe Boutique. Lynn Whitney Consulting. And Chair, if it's okay to invite you all down as well for photos. Olympic Career Training Institute. Professional Allied Health, LLC. The Reeves Law Firm. And lastly, but certainly not least, the Valor Group of Keller Williams Realty. City of Memphis, please stand and join me in celebrating these honorees. Is my mic off? No? Okay, okay. You all, we can do better than that. Please join me in celebrating our black businesses for Black Business Month. Yeah, council members, if we can stand behind them in windows so Bronson can get us in the photos, and then afterwards, businesses, your family can come and take pictures as well as the chair allows.

All right, left side, or y'all's right side, okay. Put a buddy in one over.

One, two, three. One, two, three. All right, right side.

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

Item number two is a resolution approving an honorary street name change for Samuel Henderson in recognition of his extraordinary courage, faith, and selfless service to the city of Memphis during the 1878 yellow fever epidemic. This resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.

Councilman Canale, you're recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair. If I could get some of you colleagues to come down and join me, since it's sponsored by all of us. Don't everybody come at the same time now?

Okay, here we go. Thank you.

All right, colleagues, if y'all would indulge me and we'll take, break this up into different sections and I'll read this together. As I said upstairs, when Judge Jenny Latta brought this to my attention and I thank her for that, it was very meaningful to me and for a variety of reasons. But I think that it's something that St. Peter's Church, of course, certainly is proud of and wants to celebrate and recognize, but also special people in our history that haven't necessarily gotten the recognition that they deserve. we'll be recognized in a meaningful way. So I'm gonna let you, Councilman Green, I'll just do the, I'll do the very end. So y'all just bring up. I'll start at the beginning then.

Whereas when worthy circumstances arise, the Memphis City Council has seen fit to name certain public roads to honor citizens who have served the city of Memphis and Samuel Henderson is certainly deserving of this great honor.

And whereas Samuel Henderson, who was formerly enslaved, a devoted member of St. Peter Catholic Church, a convert of Catholicism, and a church handyman, demonstrated exceptional courage, compassion, and faith during the devastating yellow fever epidemic that struck Memphis in 1878. And whereas...

During the yellow fever epidemic, which claimed an estimated 5,000 lives in Memphis and resulted in widespread illness, fear, and lawlessness, Samuel Henderson remained with the Dominican friars of St. Peter Catholic Church, while many residents fled, providing comfort and care to the sick and dying, including many Irish and German immigrants. And...

Whereas Samuel Henderson carried a lantern to illuminate the Dominican friars' nighttime visits and accompanied them as they ministered to those suffering from yellow fever, thereby risking his own life through exposure to infection while serving the people of Memphis during one of the city's most challenging periods.

Right here, okay.

Whereas Samuel Henderson continued this work despite the dangers of diseases, anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant prejudice and hostility directed toward freed black individuals prioritizing service to others over his own safety. And...

Whereas the members of the Catholic community have initiated discussions to promote his consideration for sainthood and recognition of his remarkable demonstration of faith and selfless service.

Whereas the Memphis City Council finds it appropriate to recognize the enduring legacy of Samuel Henderson, whose courage, humility, steadfast faith, and selfless service served as an example for future generations of Memphians.

Now therefore be it resolved by the Memphis City Council that Adams Avenue between North B.B. King Boulevard and Fourth Street be honorarily known as St. Peter's Sam Avenue in recognition of the profound and lasting impact Samuel Henderson made upon the city of Memphis through his extraordinary service during one of the city's greatest times of need. Be it further resolved that the city engineers hereby are requested to affix suitable signs designating this public road. adopted by our hands, this Memphis City Council. Thank you, colleagues. I'm very grateful for each one of you for joining me in support of this meaningful recognition. I do want to recognize and introduce Father Scott O'Brien from St. Peter Catholic Church. Say a few words, and then Judge Jenny Ladd, if you also want to say a few words.

Dear members of the City Council, my name is Father Scott O'Brien, and I serve as the pastor of St. Peter Church. I am deeply grateful that you are considering or have considered this resolution honoring Samuel Henderson and that the city of Memphis would recognize a man whose courage and service have been part of our parish's history for nearly 150 years. During the yellow fever epidemic of 1878 St Peter Sam as he would come to be known throughout the city. remained in Memphis and risked his own life alongside the Dominican priests of St Peter as they cared for the sick and dying like Sam the Dominican priests and brothers. who have served St. Peter together with our parishioners have remained committed to downtown Memphis and to the people of this city for more than 180 years. Samuel's history is not only part of St. Peter's history, it represents a tradition of faithful presence and service that continues today. To name a street after Samuel Henderson is a fitting tribute to a man who once walked the streets of the city in humble and courageous service on behalf of St. Peter Catholic Church. Our parishioners and the Dominicans who serve here, I offer my sincere gratitude for this resolution. Thank you so much, and thank you, Sam.

Members of the council, again, I join Father Scott and the other members of St. Peter Church who are here with us today in thanking you for joining us in honoring a very special person to our parish and very special person to our city. I became a member of St. Peter Parish in 2007. I had never heard the story of St. Peter's Sam. And so to stand before you today, how many years is that? That's a long time later. To see him honored at last is very special to my heart. So I thank you very much.

One, two, three.

Madam Comptroller, if you will show that approved by acclamation. And please call item three.

Item number three is a resolution honoring Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. for his distinguished service and leadership as Sheriff of Shelby County. This resolution is sponsored by Chairwoman Swearingen Washington.

Madam Chair, you're recognized.

Come on all Bonner's family and friends and supporters, you come on up. This is quite an honor. Our sheriff is leaving us. He's retiring. He's going to be on his boat, yacht, whatever he's going to be doing, enjoying life. But we want to celebrate his service and his tenure. Whereas before Floyd Bonner Jr. ever wore a badge of his own, He watched his father wear one. And in doing so, the truest lesson of his life was that you serve your neighbors is to live a life worth living. Whereas that lesson took root. a graduate of Hillcrest High School and later the University of Memphis, where he earned his degree in criminal justice. Young Deputy Bonner joined the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and simply never stopped rising. he never stopped climbing but steadily through 45 years and every rank the office holds all the way to chief deputy where his excellence earned him recognition as a dean scholar in one of the law enforcement's most demanding leadership programs. Whereas in 2018, the people of Shelby County placed their trust in him, electing Floyd Bonney Jr. as the 47th sheriff of Shelby County. And in 2022, having watched him lead with integrity, they placed their trust in him again. Whereas through it all, he has not walked alone. For 44 years, his beautiful wife, Audrey, has stood beside him. Together, they raised two sons and welcomed four beautiful grandchildren and built a home where the same devotion he gave to Shelby County was never, not once, in short supply in his own table kitchen. Whereas this is for 45 years of service. This is what it looks like. A life given fully, a family built faithfully, and a community left better. A community left safer for having had Floyd Bonner Jr. spent his life watching over it. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Chairwoman Jana Swearengen Washington and the entire Memphis City Council does hereby honor Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr., a man who has spent his whole life keeping watch over the community that raised him. Be it further resolved that the Memphis City Council thanks Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. for 45 years given without hesitation to the people of Shelby County and for a career spent quite literally standing between this community. Be it therefore resolved that a copy of this resolution be placed to Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. as a lasting impression of the gratitude of the Memphis City Council and the citizens of Memphis given by my hand on this great day of Tuesday, August 18th, 2026, Janice Warrington Washington, Chairwoman of the Memphis City Council. And we also have, where is it? Turn around. We have a framed resolution for you that you can put on your yacht. I'm speaking it into existence. And we have a bag. Jill, we have a bag, Jill. Come on up here and share some comments.

that's how i got well first of all thank the city council for this honor um as as councilwoman washington said it's been 45 years almost 46 years that i've served as deputy sheriff and rising all the way up to the rank of sheriff. But it's not very often I get a chance to come over here. I do my battles across the mall there. But I am truly honored and grateful for you to give me this award. Certainly the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County for electing me twice. And I really do appreciate this honor. My wife is here. Some of the command staff and corrections as well as law enforcement is here. But We truly appreciate your friendship. Most of you I've had dealings with when problems arrives in your particular district and hope that I've always been able to take care of your needs. But again, thank you all very, very much.

Madam Comptroller, please show that approved by acclamation.

Thank you.

And for the record, will you note that item number two had the same night minutes?

Yes, so noted, sir. Thank you.

Congratulations, Sheriff Bonner. Job well done, my friend. Enjoy your retirement. Madam Comptroller, would you please call item number four?

Item number four is a resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Noel G.L. Hutchinson Jr. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Cooper Sutton.

Councilwoman Cooper Sutton, you're recognized.

They saved the best for last. Memphis City Council Resolution. Whereas Dr. Knowles G.L. Hutchinson Jr. is a distinguished faith leader, educator, author, and community advocate who has dedicated his life to serving God and uplifting individuals, families, and communities And whereas Dr. Hutchinson Jr. currently serves as the Executive Mission Director for the Progressive National Baptist Convention, PNBC, and as pastor of Kingdom Fellowship Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and previously served with distinguished as pastor of the First Baptist Church, Lauderdale and Memphis for 22 years. And whereas Dr. Hutchinson Jr. is married to the beautiful Rebecca Hutchinson, a native Memphian, from Memphis, Tennessee, who has been a steadfast partner and source of support throughout his years of ministry and service to the community. And whereas a native of the Bronx, New York, Dr. Hutchison Jr. pursued a distinguished academic career, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and American Studies from Brandis University, a Master of Divinity, cum laude, cum laude, yeah, cum laude, okay, from Drew Theological School and Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Troutwood, Ohio. And whereas Dr. Hutchinson Jr. has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to theological education and the development of future leaders, serving as an adjacent professor at Memphis Theological Seminary and the Tennessee School of Religion, as well as college chaplain at Lemoine Owens College. Hold on. I can't see a thing. These are dirty. Whereas during his tenure at LeMoyne-Owens College, Dr. Hutchinson Jr. helped establish the Faith in Action Community Conference in partnership with the Congress of National Black Churches. Memphis affiliated creating opportunities for faith leaders and community stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaborative actions. And whereas Dr. Hutchinson Jr. continues to engage the community through his work as host of Huddle Talk with Dr. Hutch, airing Wednesday on 88.5 FM in Memphis, providing a platform for thoughtful conversation, community dialogue, and issues impacting the lives of Memphians. And whereas Dr. Hutchinson Jr. is also an accomplished author who has published from the Shepherd staff and from the Shepherd staff, the remix, words of impact, empowerment, and witness for a challenging world. And whereas throughout his year of ministry, education, and community leadership, Dr. Hutchinson, Jr. has exemplified the values that make a lasting and meaningful contribution to the city of Memphis and beyond. Now, therefore, be it resolved that on this day, the Memphis City Council extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Noel J. L. Hutchinson Jr. for his many years of dedicated service to the Memphis community and for the positive impact he continues to make through his ministry and leadership. given by my hand and under the great seal of the city of Memphis this 18th day of August 2026, Yolanda Cooper Sutton, Councilwoman.

This is to you.

And we're going to give them an opportunity to share a few words.

While the Councilwoman was reading all that, I felt sorry for her. I understood why she had to wipe her glasses. But all seriousness to the Memphis City Council and to Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper Sutton and all who are here today, thank you for this august honor. Thank you so much. First I come, as you notice, with the attire of a mission director in solidarity with my much better half, Rebecca. You can clap on that one. And her credentials in serving this community stand on their own. I honor, love, and appreciate you more than you'll ever know. I also need to share other thank yous. I want to thank the members of Kingdom Fellowship Baptist Church, some of whom are here today. I want to thank friends across the country watching this on the live stream, as well as thank my family in about six different countries. Matter of fact, I know for a fact, and I want to give a special shout out to my London family who's staying awake in England. It's about 11 o'clock in the evening right now to watch these proceedings. I want to say thank you. they want to stay up late to see their big cousin get honored so i'm appreciative i'm going to be quick because i know baptist preachers are long-winded but i realized i didn't get up here by myself i stand on the shoulders of my parents Annie Mae Calhoun, Finley and Marion French, Wesley and Gloria Duckett, the Skeeter family, Thomas and Perletta Rose, Lloyd Livingston Springer, Alan Paul Weaver Jr., Gregory J. Jackson, Richard C. Gay, Gardner C. Taylor, Charles Dinkins, Aaron Powell, Bobby Renfro, James Bridges, James Cowan Jr., and many others. You may not know them, and many have left the church militant for the church triumphant, but they and many others are why I'm standing here today. And I'm especially appreciative because somebody like me, somebody outspoken in many ways, someone with a focus on the greater good usually doesn't get awards. We have to wait on Jesus to tell us well done. So to better understand why it's like that, I'm descended from those gathered from present-day Ghana and Nigeria who were made slaves. And they threw off their shackles and made themselves free. And the British Empire couldn't deal with them and had to leave them alone. So that's why when there's no music, I don't dance. And when there's no itch, I don't scratch. And secondly, I operate in ministry by Jeremiah 29.7, seeking the peace and prosperity of the city the way I've carried you. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. God planted me here in Memphis, and I pray that by my actions, indeed, it's obvious that I love this city. So it's up to us. council, me, the citizens, to remember our cloud of witnesses that have gone before us, who endured much, who only could go to the zoo on Thursday, who shed blood for this city and in this city. And we must build on their witness to seek its peace and prosperity. This is a great city. And it's up to us to make it greater. So City Council, Memphis, all of you gathered here today, thank you. And I appreciate y'all putting some respect on my name.

Thank you. Will you please show that approval by acclamation? Yes, ma'am. Thank you. All right. Item number five.

Item number five is a resolution honoring the volunteers at Plough Towers. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Green. Councilwoman Green, you're recognized at this time.

Thank you, Chair. You know what they say, never follow preachers, so I'm gonna struggle through this, I'm sure. If the volunteers at Plough Towers could rise, if you're able. I think we've had a really great start to this council meeting of some of the amazing things that make Memphis so special. And we have honored leaders. We have honored elected officials. We have honored business owners. But I'm about to honor people that often don't get seen and don't get their flowers, as it were, because they're doing the great work of Memphis behind the scenes. Plough Towers is in my district. It is a retirement home for Jewish individuals. They welcome people of all faith, but it is a really special place. And I visited recently with Meals on Wheels, and there are volunteers there that are doing incredible things every day. I'm going to tell you a few of them, and then I'll read this resolution. They offer a variety of volunteer activities, including running a mini-mart, which helps people, the residents there, with everyday food purchases. They have a knitting ladies group that handcrafts lap robes and shawls that are then donated to organizations such as the West Cancer Center. They have an I'm OK program that promotes mental and physical well-being of residents through door to door wellness checks. And they, my favorite, have a peanut butter and jelly program where they help people who are experiencing hunger and homelessness by preparing and distributing sandwiches. And over the past 30 years, the program has provided 282,624 sandwiches to the individuals served by St. Mary's Soup Kitchen. I love that they've kept count. So this resolution reads... Whereas it is fitting that the Memphis City Council recognizes and honors organizations and volunteers whose unwavering commitment to service, compassion, and community engagement has enriched the lives of Memphis residents and strengthened the city of Memphis. And whereas the Memphis City Council recognizes the volunteers of Plough Towers for their tireless efforts to uplift the community, their unwavering dedication of service, and their exemplary spirit of compassion, generosity, and altruism. And whereas since 1980, Plough Towers has been dedicated to providing this safe, affordable housing for qualified seniors and individuals with mobility impairments while fostering an environment that promotes dignity, independence, self-worth, and the full expression of each resident's abilities and experience. Whereas Plow Towers Volunteer Program is comprised of 75 dedicated volunteers, including 55 residents and 20 volunteers from the surrounding communities who generously give their time through the organization's many initiatives. Now and therefore, be it resolved, the Memphis City Council hereby recognizes and express their deepest appreciation to the volunteers of Plow Towers for their unraving dedication to service, their enduring commitment to strengthening the community, and the countless lives that they have touched through their great compassion, generosity, and selfless volunteerism. I think of the famous MLK quote, everybody can be great because everybody can serve. These Memphians behind me are great, and I would love for you to rise and recognize them.

Madam Comptroller, will you please show that approved by acclamation. This will move us to our consent agenda items, items six through 10, 25 with same night minutes on items nine and 10. Madam Comptroller, will you please call the consent agenda.

On our consent agenda, as you stated, we do have an add-on ordinance up for first reading. It is item number 25 on our add-ons. It's an ordinance declaring a temporary moratorium on the acceptance, processing, approval, and issuing of zoning land use, building, and other associated infrastructure permits for data center developments within the city of Memphis. Up for first reading, ordinance number 5982 is sponsored by council members Smiley, Green, Swearingen, Washington, and Easter Thomas that was a request to add this on for first reading. On our regular agenda, up for second reading, we have ordinance number 5980. Zoning ordinance up for second reading, case number Z26-05, ordinance number 5981. Item number eight is also up for a second reading, a joint ordinance. This ordinance is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development. It was held from July 21st. The case number is ZTA 26-02, ordinance number 5979. From our Engineering Division number nine, resolution approving the final plat for Pleasant Acres First Edition, lots 22 and 23. to 2026-003 and accepting bond as security. There is a request for same night minutes. The contract number is CR5500. Item number 10 is a resolution approving supplemental agreement number one, area A, Lake Las Cruces plan development phase two and accepting bond as security. There is a request for same night minutes. The contract number is 5482. Madam Chair, that concludes our consent agenda items.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller. Councilman Canale, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee may recommend approval and also move.

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

Councilmembers, please cast your vote for this item. Canale, yes. Green, yes. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes. Please show Councilmember Ford is voting yes on this item.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call the fiscal consent item with item 11, having same night minutes.

Thank you. That's item number 11, a resolution accepting grant funds in the amount of $7,600 from the Tennessee Arts Commission for the Arts for All Grant Program, District 4 and 6, Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes.

Councilman Canale, you're recognized.

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

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

Here's the vote. Kennelly, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, we will please call the MLGW fiscal consent.

Thank you, that would take us to item number 12, and it should display momentarily on the board. Item number 12 is a resolution approving the scope expansion, increase, and renewal to contract number 12525, distribution UAV inspection with UAV Recon LLC. to increase the contract value to expand the scope of work and renew the current contract in the funded amount of $1,104,000. Please note there's a request for same night minutes on this item. Item number 13 is a resolution approving the ratification, renewal, scope, expansion, and increase to contract number 11821, NERC compliance management solution software with Assurex Incorporated to ratify, renew, expand the scope, and increase the contract value in the funded amount of $256,045.33. Item number 14 is a resolution awarding a 12-month purchase order for 500 KCM wire with the option to extend for two 12-month periods to Brighter Days and Nights Inc. in the amount of $504,813. Item number 15 is a resolution approving the ratification, renewal, and increase to contract number 12516, security automation, installation, and service agreement with Access Control Integration Inc. to ratify, renew, and increase the current contract in the funded amount of $187,000. Item number 16 is a resolution ratifying the emergency award of contract number 12707, MLGW Netters HVAC replacement with Trane US Inc. to ratify the current contract in the funded amount of $2,790,687.45. And our final item, number 17, a resolution approving the increase and renewal to contract number 12584, MLGW Safety Boot Program with Tyndale Enterprises Inc. to increase the contract amount and renew the current contract in the funded amount of $342,000. Madam Chair, that concludes your MLGW items.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller. Councilwoman Walker, you are recognized.

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

It has been moved by Councilwoman Walker. Can I get a second? It's been seconded by Councilwoman Logan. There are no counsel in the queue to speak. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

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

That item passes. That will take us now to our add on agenda and same night minute items. We will now go to our add on and same night minute items. Please note that the addition of items 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32 to same night minutes. Madam Comptroller, please call item number 19.

Item number 19 is a resolution to approve the allocation and appropriation of FY27 Memphis City Council Community Grant Program funds to support medical debt relief through undue medical debt and to allocate the remaining funds to the MLGW Plus One program. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Green. There is a request for same night minutes. I'm through, can you recognize the council member?

Councilwoman White, you're recognized.

The committee met and recommended approval and I so move.

It has been moved by Councilwoman White, second by Councilwoman Green. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen.

Canale, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

I'm so grateful. Councilwoman Green, say something.

Yes, Chair. I wanted to thank the council. That means this resolution passing, over 12,000 families in the city of Memphis are gonna have their medical debt erased. So I am grateful for all of you.

You're welcome, we're here to serve. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 20.

Item number 20 is a resolution to allocate and appropriate funds of $500,000 for FY2027 Parks Critical Needs Funds, project number PK120215, fixtures, furniture, and equipment. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. There's also requests for same night minutes. Councilman Warren, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee met, recommend approval, I so move.

It has been moved by Councilman Warren. Can I get a second? Second. It's been second by Councilwoman Walker. Okay, there are no council in the queue to speak. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Smiley, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, please call item number 21.

Item number 21 is a resolution to allocate appropriate and transfer funds of $250,000 from FY2027 CIP MRPP cover line, project number GA07002, Contract construction two, FY2027 CIP, riverfront park improvements and maintenance, project number GA07009, contract construction. District seven, super district eight, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes for item number 21.

Thank you, Madam Comptroller. Councilman Warren, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee met, recommend approval, I so move.

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

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

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 22.

Item number 22 is a resolution to transfer $6,325,000 from General Obligation Bond Appropriations in CIP Project GA03028, Innovation Corridor, BRT, Contract Construction to Other Costs and Vehicles, CAP, District 6, Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same-night minutes for item 22. Councilman Ford Sr., you are recognized.

Thank you, Chair. Committee met, recommends approval, and I so move. It's been moved by Councilman Ford Sr., second by Councilman Ford Canale. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Canale, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Smerrington-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 23.

There are comments, there are comments.

Item number 23 is a resolution to establish a new CIP project for rail... infrastructure and transfer of $165,000 of general obligation bond appropriations and CIP GA03029 transit amenities to new CIP project for rail infrastructure and transfer $600,000 of general obligation bond appropriations in CIP GA03029, transit amenities, to CIP project GA03031, paratransit vehicles. District 6, Super District 8, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes.

Councilman Ford Senior, you're recognized.

Thank you, Chair. Committee met, recommended approval, and I so move.

It's been moved by Councilman Hoard Senior, second by Councilman Hoard-Canale. Please prepare the screen for the vote.

Canale, yes. Cooper, sudden, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, please call item number 24.

Item number 24 is a resolution to amend the fiscal year 2027 capital improvement plan program budget to comply with the public art program ordinance. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by Swearingen Washington and Easter Thomas. There is a request for same night minutes. Councilman Forcanale, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee recommended approval, not so moved.

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

Obey .

Canale, yes. Cooper-Sudden, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. I'll do it. Okay, I missed two comment cards for item number 22, Ms. Dorothy Connor and Leo Arnott. Forgive me if I mispronounced your name. If you'd like to come at this time.

Good afternoon. I'm Dorothy Connor, the co-chair of the Micro Transit Equity Team and the Better Transit for Better Memphis Coalition. We appreciate the BRT fund of $6 million being added to MATA's budget. This will greatly benefit MATA to improve their operations. We appreciate the funds, but MATA is yet in need of even more funding. Currently, MATA is operating with 23 scheduled routes that were offered after the 2020 COVID-19 epidemic lockdown. These 23 routes are improperly and insufficiently running. We need more buses, more mechanics, and more drivers. Passengers are experiencing two to three hour wait times between frequency buses, and some are no-show buses, and when they arrive, they're overcrowded. I have been witnessing passengers fainting and getting sick in these 90 degree and 100 degree temperature days. Some buses, their air condition is not working properly. The route indicator lights are not working in the front or the back. The route is indicated by a piece of paper taped to the front windshield. This is not properly servicing the city of Memphis. The routes need to be increased back to 63 routes servicing the entire city of Memphis from 5 a.m. until 11.15. More bus shelters are needed, more bus stop signs needs to be replaced so that people can get to work, school, pay bills, grocery stores, medical appointments. and their daily activities. Thank you.

Leo Arnall, Better Transit for a Better Memphis. We appreciate your full attention to what we're saying right now. First and foremost, we really congratulate Councilwoman Green for her proposal and we're pleased that it was passed today for that $6 million. We hope you'll also pass the $10 million transfer of auto fees to MATA in the next fiscal period. We also are asking each of you to tell the mayor he must, he must, allow the county to apply to appoint at least one of those board members because mayor-elect Lowry has committed to better transit. He will resume funding to MATA. Combined with that $10 million, this $6 million, and money we can get for MATA, we can finally start funding transit vision. And it's up to you to make the mayor do that. He's not planning on doing it unless you insist that he do it. Lastly... I think it's very important for you to know that when we met on August the 4th for the MATA presentation, it did not represent, he did not answer most of our questions that we presented to you that morning. And we were shocked that no questions were asked by you of Mr. Holmes and his report. We're going to talk to him tomorrow. We're going to ask him all those questions and we hope to God you'll ask him too and hold him accountable. Thank you.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 26.

Item number 26 is a resolution to allocate and appropriate funds of $3,100,000 for FY2027 CIP, Jesse Turner Park improvements. Project number to be announced, contract construction. District four, super district eight, this resolution is sponsored by the administration and there is a request for same night minutes. Councilman Warren, you're recognized.

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

It has been moved by Councilman Warren and seconded by Councilman Canale.

Connelly, yes.

Cooper-Sutton, yes. Please show Councilmember Green as voting yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Smarendon-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Yes, okay. All right. Madam Comptroller, we will please call item number 27.

Item number 27 is a resolution to allocate and appropriate funds of $1,250,000 for FY2027, CIP Zoo Major Maintenance, project number PK09002, Contract Construction, District 5, Super District 9. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes for this item number 27. Dr. Warren, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee met, recommend approval, and I say move.

It's been moved by Councilman Dr. Warren, second by Councilman Ford Canale. Madam Comptroller, please prepare the screen for the vote.

Connelly, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes.

Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes. That item passes. Madam Comptroller, please call item number 28.

Thank you. Item number 28 is a resolution to allocate and appropriate funds of $500,000 for FY2027 CIP Kennedy Park improvements. Project number to be announced for contract construction, District 1, Super District 9. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes for this item number 28.

Councilman Warren, you're recognized.

Madam Chair, we're still on 27 on our screen. Thank you. The committee met, recommend approval, and I so move.

Okay. Item number 28 has been moved by Councilman Warren, second by Councilman Ford Canale. Please prepare the screen for the vote.

Canale, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, please call item number 29.

is a resolution to allocate and appropriate funds of $500,000 for FY2027, CIP, Wolf River Greenway Phase 5C, project number PK07127, District 7, Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes for this item number 29. Councilman Warren, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee met. They recommended approval, and I so move.

Item 29 has been moved by Councilman Warren, second by Councilman Ford-Ganale. There are no council members in the queue to speak. Madam Comptroller, please prepare the screen.

Our votes for 29, Connelly, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, please call item number 30.

Thank you. Item number 30 is a resolution to allocate and appropriate funds of $500,000 for FY2027 CIP for Overton Park Metal Museum. Project number to be announced for contract construction. District 5, Super District 9, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes for item number 30.

Councilman Warren, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Commitment, recommend approval, and I so move. I need a second.

Item 30 has been moved by Councilman Warren, second by Councilman Smiley. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for item number 30.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper, Sutton, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Smaringen-Washington, yes.

Walker, yes.

Please show Councilmember Walker as voting yes on item number 30.

That item passes. Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 31.

Item number 31 is a resolution to allocate and appropriate funds of $150,000 for FY2027CIP, Pine Hill Golf Course Netting. Project number to be announced, District 6, Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes for item 31. Council.

Councilman Warren, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee did meet and recommended approval and I so move.

It has been moved. I'm not seeing it electronically. I think they took it away. It was there a second ago. Item number 31. There we go. It has been moved by Councilman Warren, second by Councilman Ford-Canale. Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Kennelly, yes. Cooper-Sutton, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Please show Council Member Logan as voting yes on this item. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Sweeney-Richmond-Washington, yes.

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

Item number 32 is a resolution to allocate and appropriate funds of $750,000 for FY27 CIP Levitt Shell Improvements, project number GS01050, Contract Construction, District 5, Super District 9. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes for item 32.

All right, Councilman Warren, you are recognized.

You've worn me out, Chairwoman.

We're so excited for the parks in Memphis, Tennessee.

There's going to be a lot of good stuff here. The committee recommended approval, and I say move.

It has been moved by Councilman Warren, second by Councilman Ford Canale. Please prepare the screen for the vote.

16. Canale. Canale, yes. Cooper-Sudden, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearingen-Washington, yes.

That item passes. That moves us to our regular agenda item. Madam Comptroller, please call item number 18.

Item number 18 is a resolution of the Council of the City of Memphis, Tennessee, approving and authorizing the issuance, sale, and delivery of the maximum aggregate principal amount not to exceed $350 million, City of Memphis, Tennessee, General Improvement Refunding Bonds Series 2026, in one or more series for the purpose of refunding certain specified maturities of the city's outstanding general obligation debt and funding the costs related therewith. making provisions for the raising annually by the city of a sum sufficient to pay as the same shall become due, the principle of and premium, if any, and interest on such bonds, prescribing the form and certain details of such bonds and delegating the authority to the chief financial officer of the city to determine such additional details approving and authorizing the public negotiated sale of such bonds, approving and authorizing the preparation and distribution of a preliminary official statement relating to such bonds, and approving the form thereof and authorizing an official statement in connection with the issuance, sale, and delivery of said bonds. approving and authorizing the execution and delivery of a bond purchase agreement, appointing the paying and registration agent for such bonds, authorizing the execution and delivery of a refunding trust agreement, and appointing the refunding trustee thereunder, authorizing city officials to facilitate perform and complete all legal and administrative actions deemed necessary or advisable with respect to the issuance sale and delivery of said bonds and setting forth an effective date. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration.

Councilwoman, Attorney White, you are recognized. Thank you, Chairwoman. The committee met and recommended approval, and I so move. It has been moved by Councilwoman Attorney White, seconded by Councilman Dr. Warren. Madam Comptroller, if you would please prepare the screen for the vote.

Kennelly, yes. Ford, yes. Greene, yes. Logan, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin, Washington, yes.

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

Yes, Madam Chair, thank you. Those items are two, nine, 10, 11, 12, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32. And I move it to the floor, Madam Chair.

Madam Comptroller, if you would please prepare the screen for the vote for Same Night Minutes. Cooper Sutton is in the queue first.

Thank you. 31 is asking for Same Night Minutes for Pine Hill. Yes. Are they included in that? Thank you.

Please cast your votes for our Same Night Minutes. Thank you. Canale, yes. Cooper-Sudden, yes. On the same night minutes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearengin-Washington, yes.

That item passes. That moves us to our general comment comment cards. public comments. Our first comment card is from Claudia Hyman. Is Claudia okay?

She's here. Hello, everyone. I must say I'm very glad that we are here, albeit I wish we were having this conversation before the data centers were already in construction. But I'm glad we're here. So during community meetings in Jackson, Mississippi, in the wake of the Jackson water crisis, I heard from parents with tears in their eyes. sharing that their children, their toddlers, cried every night because they could not take a bath. Why could they not take a bath? Because their water, like many in Jackson, Mississippi, was coming out of the faucet in various shades of brown with various levels of sediment. Do you know how many water bottles it takes to fill a bathtub? How about how many water bottles it takes for a family of four to brush their teeth over a week's time? What do you think these costs look like as families are still being forced to pay utility companies for water that is no longer safe to drink? And how does one safely operate a daycare, a school, a business, or a hospital without access to clean and safe drinking water? Maybe you hear these stories and you think to yourself, well, what does this have to do with Memphis water and what does this have to do with data centers? Well, in Morgan County, Georgia, where META is currently constructing a data center, residents have reported that there's dark brown water coming from their taps. According to the congressional hearing record, these families now have to ship water in to cook, to bathe themselves, while the cost of the brown water coming from their faucets is estimated to have risen 33%. Residents say the only difference in their water is the start of data center construction. This sounds eerily similar to what I saw families experiencing in Jackson, Mississippi in the wake of the Jackson water crisis. Many believe that Memphis is one of the last metropolitans on the planet that fully relies on a natural sand aquifer. The question of whether we should implement a data center moratorium. Thank you.

Thumbs up, thumbs down. Thank you for not clapping. If you'll please do thumbs up, thumbs down, we would appreciate your cooperation so that we can continue. Andrea Bell, we had her. Now we're gonna have Ricky Lewis and Reverend Gordon Myers is after that, immediately following. If you can come start making that way.

Good evening, my name is Andrea Bell. I don't know if I need to give my zip code, okay. Good evening, my name is Andrea Bell, and I'm here to discuss several topics. The first one, I would just like to make sure on record, there was a town hall meeting probably a week and a half ago in Hickory Hill. I'm asking for an update from our councilwoman of when the basic services like cutting the grass, sweeping the side of the streets will be done. I was wondering if you could probably give an update, because Councilman J.B. Smiley did a great update, telling the community and his constituents of what is going on with his community, if we can kind of get some kind of updates to keep hold of that. Also, we have a problem with the Hickory Hill Post Office. That has been a common theme in that area. If we can get help with that, that would be great. It looks like a deserted post office. Next, I would like to talk about the XAI Colossus Tax Funds. So there's recommendations from city leadership. It just absolutely dismissed the health concerns concentrated in that area. It's not even a top five. As a lifelong resident of 38109 and I still have family members in that area, my story is that I had asthma growing up as a child. When I moved out of the area, my conditions significantly got better. So I'm asking, because you guys are the one who will approve, I'm asking for you to reconsider and make sure that we put health concerns as priority. Thank you.

Thank you. We can do thumbs up and thumbs down. Ricky Lewis and then Reverend Gordon Myers. Are they not here? Reverend Gordon Myers. And then Rachel Chantel and Aaron Lewis.

Good job, guys.

Good evening. Reverend Gordon Myers, 11167 Orville Cove, Arlington, Tennessee. As a council, you make many decisions, many business decisions, but few issues give you the opportunity to demonstrate your moral leadership than the moratorium on data centers. People of faith look to scripture for guidance. Both Matthew and Luke record Jesus as saying, in everything, do to others as you would have them do for you, for this is the law and the prophets. The Golden Rule also reflects in writing in Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Confucianism as the foundation of moral decision-making. Speaking to this decision, a moral insight could be stated, if you yourself would not choose to live in health and life-compromising proximity to a data center, you should refrain from requiring others to do so. A second moral insight might come from Article 1, Section 1 of the Tennessee Constitution. It says that all powers inherent in the people and all governments founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness. Applying that to this situation, it's clear that clear articulation that the purpose of government is not to protect the profits of large corporations or prioritize the interests of billionaires or place those interests above the peace, safety, and happiness of the people. A third moral direction might come from your own oath of office. to support the Constitution of the United States and Tennessee and faithfully and impartially discharge and carry out and enforce all the duties of said office. Thank you so much.

Rachel Chantel and then Aaron Lewis. If we could just do thumbs up, thumbs down, please. Aaron Lewis isn't here.

Hello, my name is Aaron Lewis. I'm a resident here in Memphis, Tennessee, Raleigh 3128. Good evening, council members. My concern is not whether data centers are good or bad. My concern is who ultimately pays for them and what happens to our public utility in the process. First, electricity. Even the Trump administration recognizes the dangers of cost shifting. Its ratepayer protection pledge says that data centers should build, bring, or buy the generation they require and pay for the infrastructure necessary to serve them, not ordinary residential ratepayers. XAI signed that pledge. Memphis should make that principle enforceable. But we need the same protection for water services. If major industrial customers leave MLGW potable water for a privately owned reclaimed water system, MLGW could lose significant revenue while Memphis residents remain responsible for the fixed costs of maintaining our public water system. And I asked you to consider the longer term implications. We've seen a version of this model before with Elon Musk and NASA. SpaceX began as a government contractor. Today it owns critical infrastructure upon which important NASA missions depend. I'm not saying Musk intends to take over another federal agency like the Tennessee Valley Authority. I'm saying we should learn from that history. The federal government is now encouraging these multi-billion dollar technology companies to build their own generation. What happens when our largest electricity customer who becomes a major power producer? What happens to MLGW's bargaining position? And what happens to our relationship with TVA? We should establish safeguards before dependence develops. require cost-to-service studies, require transparency, require enforceable protections against cost shifting, and protect the long-term economic integrity of our publicly owned utility. Because if we're not careful, it may be one day musk like gas and water.

Thank you. thumbs up or thumbs down and not clap. Refrain from clapping please. Amber Sherman and then Brandi Price and Royce Davis.

My name is Amber Sherman. I want to specifically talk about the data center moratorium and why it's so important. I appreciate y'all passing it on the first reading. I think that it's crucial that we have a moratorium for some key reasons. One, because Elon Musk is exploiting our city right now and there are no guardrails in place to prevent that. And so our air is being polluted. Our water is being taken advantage of and they're not paying the fair price for it either. MLGW doesn't have a way of charging them a fee currently. And so I don't think it's fair that they're getting a discount for their water while other folks are being charged even more who are closer to the data center. And then other folks who are experiencing pollution in their air are having to use asthma pumps who never had asthma before. Me having to get an asthma pump last December, I've never had asthma in my life. But all of a sudden, I have trouble breathing because I live near South Memphis because Elon Musk is polluting our air. I think it's really important that y'all pass the moratorium also because there has to be a way to stop these data centers from coming into Memphis. And right now, they see Memphis as a free-for-all, as a place where they can go and build whatever they want. Even just yesterday, you know, before y'all announced the moratorium even being heard, they're talking about a fifth data center from XAI. So what are y'all going to do as a city council? And I also noticed that Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper Sutton took her name off as a sponsor. I hope that you're still going to vote yes on the actual moratorium because I do think that it's important that we pass it. Even if you don't want to sponsor it, that's fine. But we still, as citizens, want you to vote yes for the moratorium. And I also hope that my city councilwoman, Janika White, is going to vote yes because she was asking a lot of iffy questions and she tends to be very pro-business. And so I really hope that you're also going to make the right decision and support the moratorium that the people are asking you to support. Thank you.

Councilwoman Cooper-Sutton, you're recognized.

I'm going to save my comment to direct it to her personally, because I didn't get paid when Elon Musk first came. So maybe we need to talk a little bit more down the line while this moratorium is now just happening. Thank you.

Joyce Davis. Oh, Brandi Price. Where's Brandi?

Hello, my name is Brandy Price. I'm here to inform you and the public on to what greenwashing is. Greenwashing is when they use environmental issues to hide behind the various policies. What are the policies we're hearing today? Mass surveillance and data collection. We're constantly talking about, you know, we want to attract businesses. We don't want to hurt our chances for investors. But y'all really want to invest. Y'all want to invest in the citizens. Y'all got proper housing. Or we can do, like, city bonds and have people directly invest in their own city. But y'all don't want to do that. Y'all keep talking about investors, investors, and green energy and just greenwashing the harm and damage that is done. And that's why I'm saying we need a moratorium stronger than a Koch moratorium. We need something stronger than 12 months, something that can assess the damage that's been done. These data centers has caused damage to people's bodies very subtly and very harmfully, causing children to have strokes. That's what research has shown, and causing blood vessels to burst, which is making elders more likely to have strokes. These things are loud. Not as loud where you can hear, but loud that can still affect your body on a subacoustic level. And everybody keeps saying the reason why we have these things is because, hey, why are you afraid of surveillance if you ain't got nothing to hide, which has always been very subtle for you don't have rights under the Constitution. That's basically why we're here. Now, if your only argument for mass surveillance is, but it catch criminals, you're missing the entire point of our country and its protections. Because the question is, does this next technology catch bad guys? The question is, who access it? Who prevents abuse? And what happens when people are hiding the database, when the database gets wrong? Mass location tracking, searchable location histories, warrantless arrests, police database abuses. automatic police flagging across agencies, ICE, Davis Jr., and you don't have to be a criminal to care about privacy. And you don't have to hate the police to believe that, you know, you don't have to hate the police that the government needs power, needs limits. The government needs limits. Thank you so much.

Royce Davis and then Dylan Duke. After Dylan Duke, Kashawn Pearson. Royce Davis.

Yes, ma'am. I'm an independent journalist. I've been looking into these data centers for the past couple of months. First of all, I wanna thank y'all for, you brought the moratorium forward and it's long overdue really, these data centers. I documented what's happening in South Memphis. There's 69 methane gas turbines that are operating nearly a year with no permits. Over 2,000 tons of smog forming nitrogen oxides every year. Formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide, these are chemicals that cause cancer being released into the community that already has the highest rate of emergency room visits for respiratory illness in the state of Tennessee. It's not speculation, these are documented facts. The EPA ruled the turbines require permits Shelby County Health Department gave XAI breaks. The permit was initially approved with zero community input. And it's not just Memphis. I've documented firsthand accounts from ranchers in Texas have stillborn calves for the last two years. You know, this is, you know, farming families in Indiana, water tainted. Communities in Michigan, Montana, Minnesota, they're all fighting the same fight we are. The industry playbook is same everywhere. You build first, permit later. When the community complains, point to the jobs it's creating. But the data shows that one megawatt of data center capacity generates fewer than two jobs. Subsidy costs nearly two million per job created. Jobs don't come. The tax breaks do. And the community pays in higher utility bills, depleted water, polluted air, dead livestock.

Thank you. Dylan Robinson Duke and then Kashawn Pearson.

Hello, my name is Dylan and I reside in the gerrymander district number five. And I just have one thing that I want to say, and that is doing this moratorium now does not exonerate anybody from being replaced. Keep that in mind.

Thank you so much. We'll have Kashawn Pearson and then Christian Dennis.

Dr. Martin Luther King said, the movement lives or dies in Memphis. And judging by the look of the folks behind me, the movement is still very much alive. In the city of Memphis, we have a decision to make whether we are going to be the site of continuous corporate exploitation, or are we going to demand corporate ethics? we can demand ethical development that does not sacrifice our clean air, our clean water, or our communities. Let's talk about facts over fear. The fear is that the corporate community will be impacted by a moratorium. Well, the facts are the XAI is already operating methane gas turbines that are emitting more nitrogen dioxide in the air than we have ever breathed in Southwest Memphis. Let's talk about facts over fear. Our clean drinking water is being pumped out to cool their machines that will power an AI that is meant to replace us at a rate of nearly 5 million gallons per day. Let's talk about facts over fear. The fear is that somehow the corporate community is gonna take a loss, but we have the facts about what we are already losing. Because of the 59 methane gas turbines that XAI is operating, we can estimate nearly 10 to 20 premature deaths in Southwest Memphis connected to them. We can also see 33 to $40 million in earned wages that will never become real because folks will be ill. Let's talk about facts over a fear that corporations will be harmed. The facts are that our community has been hurting for over two years and there has been no meaningful engagement with our community or regulation passed. Stand up, meet the moment. Our county, our city, the South and black people deserve better.

Thank you. Christian Dennis and then Jax Branson.

Christian Dennis, 3114. I believe and I believe that my community also believes that it is imperative that a moratorium be passed on data centers as soon as possible. It should be halted until proper research is done, especially considering that This company is a company who has a history of using gray areas to circumvent existing regulation. I believe that a moratorium should be as thorough as possible, and it should include and not be limited to air quality, grid strain, red lines on aquifer usage altogether, as well as red lines in localized portions of the aquifer. subsidence, contamination from mineral buildup through wastewater systems, and pretty much every foreseeable catastrophe that could come from data centers this big setting up shop in our city and commodifying our water. I believe it was a good idea to form a committee that would oversee this project and also committee that is transparent and unbiased the research that we saw from the The research that we saw from the company itself was proven to be insignificant, and I believe that this is not something that we should rush. I believe that we should be as thorough as humanly possible. Thank you.

Thank you. Jack Branson and then Richard Massey.

Good evening, Council. I'm a third-year environmental sciences student at the University of Memphis, and I'd just like to bring up a couple concerns I have when it comes to AI data centers. Now, firstly, I believe it was Councilman Warren that brought up during the first reading that passing this moratorium may cause businesses to not want to invest in the city. And I'm just curious as to why. We are the logistics capital of the country. We are at a prime location. We have favorable taxes from the state and local level for businesses. I don't see why outside of a couple AI companies, people would not want to invest in Memphis. Now, secondly, we've already heard a lot about the environmental impacts that data centers can have, such as air quality, water quality, subsidence, and overall declines in quality of life. And it must be noted that residents in Foxtown and South Memphis in general have already seen a noticeable reduction in the life expectancy. I believe it was a four to five year drop in just two years, which is a rate that hasn't been seen since, If I'm not wrong, COVID, which I believe that just, you know, must be put out there. The health of your citizens should come first over the profits of a single corporation. I rest my time.

Thank you. Richard Massey and then Jeremiah Smith.

Good evening, Council. Richard Massey, 3111. Warren County, Coffey County, McMinnville, Tennessee, Knox County, Gallatin, Tennessee, Davidson County, Olive Branch, Mississippi, Jackson, Mississippi, Little Rock, Arkansas, and more make up a growing list of regional cities that have moved to regulate or pause data centers in favor of residents' health, air, and water. Notably absent from that list is the most impacted city from data center development right here in Memphis, Tennessee. Four hyperscale XAI data centers in the same area later, and we're on the other side of these developments where job creation has yet to materialize, where the water reuse facility that was promised to residents has been paused without explanation, where 800,000 gallons of water are drawn from the aquifer every single day, and rolls of methane gas turbines are leading to worse air quality. Residents have exhausted all of their options to make sure that their voices are heard. They have come before this body, they've responded to surveys, they've sent emails, they've made phone calls, engaged with their neighbors. They've done everything in their God-given power to make sure that them, their children, and their grandchildren can breathe clean air in the area that they grew up in. So here we are today demanding that the City of Memphis finally deems energy affordability, clean air, and clean water as non-negotiable. It is true that we are entirely too late to the party as far as reversing the damage that has already been done, but we can pull every lever possible to ensure that future damage is mitigated. Data center development has become the most discussed land issue in not only Memphis, not only Tennessee, but the United States at large. Communities are completely fed up with the fact that they are forced to foot the bill for AI infrastructure in the form of higher utilities, worse air quality, and degraded water systems. Sadly, the digital delta that was heralded by city leaders is being received elsewhere as a case study of corporate exploitation. Past this moratorium said that we have ample time to both study and regulate this massive tech expansion. Memphis deserves a place in the modern economy, but we must also not put our own people on the chopping block in the process. We deserve good paying jobs, stability, and an economic footing, and not speculative benefits offered by executives and CEOs who couldn't care less about our welfare.

Thank you. Jeremiah Smith and then Wanisia Hyman.

Good evening. I wanted to come up here today to remind the council that these tech billionaires do not live in Memphis. They don't drink off the Sands Aquifer. They don't breathe the air of Box Town, Walker Homes, Westwood, White Haven. Where they live, there are no data centers. Where they live, there are no turbines spewing toxic chemicals into their air. Where they lay their heads, there are no machines squealing constantly 24 hours a day. They do not care about this community. They see Memphis as an opportunity for them to drink up the water, take the land, and poison the air for their profit. That's why it's so important that this body, elected to be representatives of the people of Memphis, the elders whose lungs are scratched by the dirty air, the children whose futures are at risk here, that y'all take a stand. And I want to applaud this body, particularly the sponsors of this bill, the authors of this resolution, because it's so important that y'all stand. Because it's not just the air. That's not it. It's not just the water, although that would be enough. It's not just the land, though that would be important enough. It's also what this technology is being used for. The generative AI that these data centers produce is not neutral. Grok being produced right here in Memphis was used to produce child sex abuse material. Grok is being used to push white supremacist ideas online. Grok is being used to bomb schools in Iran. We have to understand that this is not just about a small, narrow set of issues, although those would be enough. Those would be enough to protect the water. But this is being used to literally usher in a surveillance state, as Brandy mentioned before, that is kidnapping our neighbors, the task force that's committing violence in our communities. This AI is not about life. It is about death. And we have to take a stand. This body has to take a stand, not just for a narrow set of regulations, but actually to block something that threatens our future as a planet, as a people, this city's future. And so I really appreciate this body taking a stand tonight. And I hope to see this resolution move through the three readings.

Thank you. Juanita Hyman and then Lucy Chambliss.

All righty, greetings. Just to piggyback, well, I want to say I appreciate the blessings to us all, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak. Just piggybacking off of my brother that just spoke, grok is also being used for war in Iran. Memphis water being used for machines that perpetuate war in Iran. I would encourage all of us to look into the research, look into reputable news articles related to that all girls school that was bombed multiple times, in my opinion, with Memphis water. But please fact check me. There's been a lot of talk about... Oh, also, I appreciate this body for what you all are doing right now. I also want to make mention that this body also previously attempted to pass... Well, no, I think y'all did pass the XAI Transparency Act, but it was vetoed, citing anti-business. yet no one is talking about business that is anti-people. And since I got a couple more seconds left, it is so disheartening, my God, with all of the federal ABCs here, all of the surveillance, all of the over-policing, yet no one can tell us, number one, who burned down Claiborne Temple, and number two, who paid that person, if so, to do it. God bless all of us. Peace.

Chambliss. You know I just come here to hear you try to pronounce my name right. My name is Lucci this week Chambliss. I live at 1770 Poplar and I've been coming in front of y'all meeting after meeting asking questions about this task force and the relationship that they have with MPD and Councilwoman Cooper Sutton I appreciate that you asked the chief those questions today. So since since my friend Yolanda asked the chief those questions I have a new question for y'all tonight. Is y'all's chief a liar or just wildly incompetent? Because she sat in front of you and she said that she wasn't aware of HSI or the IRS responding to mental health calls. But on May 20, instead of the $2 million a year CIT officers responding to Jonah Neal's mental health emergency, Homeland Securities and the Internal Revenue Service, let's let that sink in, the IRS responded to a mental health emergency. And we know that because it was their body cam footage that we saw. And yet the chief sat here in front of you and said that she wasn't aware of that happening. I'm aware of it and I'm just a girl. How is your chief not aware of that? She also said the National Guard does not have the power to arrest, but they seem to have the power to kill. And I know that Tyron Johnson's family would have much rather gone and bailed him out of jail and hire an attorney to fight whatever BS charges were put on him than bury him. So if the National Guard is not a multiplying factor in this task force, they're not actually doing anything to get crime off of our streets. They don't have the power to arrest. Why the darn tootin' heck do they have the power to kill us? Thank you.

Thank you. Tracy Woods and then Breonna Smith.

So I want to talk about the way the potholes are being filled. Instead of doing the drop, drop, and leaves a hump once they do it, do the strip, do the strip, the long strips. We don't want any more just you wasting our time and money when you do that. The MPD, the towing people not picking up all the trash and parts, leaving parts and stuff on our streets. That leads me back to, are there only three sweepers for Shelby County? We need funding for that. We need equipment for whatever they need to do to fill these potholes correctly. The overgrown hedges, to me, if your fence is this tall, that's as high as your hedges should be. We need an audience. You need to change that. We need y'all to make some changes. responsible for the falling trees. If my neighbors fall in my yard, it's still his tree. I don't want to hear about it's an act of God. If he keeps it level off of my fence, we wouldn't even have to go through because God is going to do his thing. You all see they wasting our money, MLG and W. You all are not doing anything about it. You're not holding anybody accountable for the money that is being, they're robbing us. We make enough money for the city to carry on with 201 properly needing all that work. Quit letting these crooks get by. Punish somebody, hold somebody accountable. And while the other states are trying to do everything they can to stop AI, we're constantly getting farther and farther home with the devil, because that's what he is. And you all know that. You've got to start funding our money where we need it the most and stop letting people just come in and do us any kind of way with our taxpayer money.

Brianna Smith and then Christine Fogg.

Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Brianna Smith and I am a resident of the 38109 zip code. And I am here today as a concerned citizen and I just have a few questions that I believe deserve answers. Number one being, When did clean air become too much to ask? Because as harmless as a data center may seem, it is depleting the waters from our stream. It is polluting the air that we breathe. Something majority black zip codes already know like 38109 where I live. Because every single day, 18 wheelers up and down our roads. Exhaust fumes enter our nose. Our souls are being sold by the truckload. And you think we don't know about the crooked seas that you sow? Why not just allow our neighborhoods to grow? Kids with asthma can't even have a forgetful day because leaving their pump at home feels too much like a death sentence. We just want to know, are you proud of what you've done? The work that you are doing now? We just want clean air and clean water. We would like to go home. We would like to breathe. We would like to bathe and not pay too much money. In conclusion, Me and my colleagues here are deeply, deeply disturbed by the indefinite pause of the construction of the XAI water reuse facility. We also demand that you sign this moratorium today, demonstrating your compassion for the community that you serve, realizing that air pollutants do not discriminate. They will quickly start to poison our neighbors, Germantown, DeSoto County, because they will spread. The poison will spread by a self-inflicted wound, by delusions of more jobs.

Thank you. Christine Favre and then Sarah Houston. After Sarah Houston, Jasmine Bernard.

Christine Fox, good afternoon. I'm a community organizer and a concerned citizen of Memphis, but today I'm coming before you as a seminary student and a person of faith. I come today to speak as one who bears witness, as one who laments the harm that human beings have unleashed upon the earth. Theologian and scholar Ellen Davis tells us that in early Israelite societies, human beings found their well-being and identity in relation to the well-being of the land and its nonhuman inhabitants. They understood, as other ancient and indigenous cultures did and do, that humanity is bound in covenant relationship with the land. and all who dwell upon her. In 2026, we find ourselves living in a world that seems completely divorced from that covenant, a world that runs on exploitation and extraction. Governments, societies, and institutions that cannot function without violence and that do not honor the sanctity of life, human or otherwise. In Hebrew scripture, Leviticus 25, 23, God speaks to the Israelites saying, the land must not be sold permanently because the land is mine and you reside in my land as foreigners and strangers. The same sentiment is echoed in the words of Usamequin, a leader of the Wampanoag tribe. What is this you call property? It cannot be the earth for the land is our mother. nourishing all her children, beasts, birds, fish, and all men. The woods, the streams, everything on it belongs to everybody and is for the use of all. How can one man say it belongs only to him? I urge you today to honor the covenant relationship we have with our home, the land we know as Memphis, Tennessee. Thank you.

Thank you. Sarah Houston and then Jasmine Bernard.

Good afternoon. Sarah Houston, I serve as executive director of Protect Our Aquifer. First, I just want to say thank you to everyone that has shown up today. This is a big moment. We have two more readings on this. So, you know, we're not allowed to clap, but, like, good job, y'all. And thank you to this body for taking action today. This is a big opportunity for our community to get it right. Don't be afraid of your next two votes. Sometimes you gotta work through that fear. And this is about digging deep because it's not just the pause is the work we have ahead to build those guardrails. We want to build a city that we are proud of we want to rectify harms that have been done over the past century we're talking two years on data centers but our Memphis and aquifer has been neglected use and abused for a century. The biggest threat we have today is the legacy pollution stuff that was spilt buried and not dealt with the more we pump. the faster we are pulling that towards our drinking water supply. That becomes expensive, and that becomes an actual health hazard. If you know me, you know I love history. So let me take you back a few years. 2022, MLDW was considering leaving TVA. The leadership actually asked to sign the never-ending TVA contract. Remember that? Yes. And we worked hard on MLDW board to say no to that. They went against their own leadership's recommendation because TVA had not been treating Memphis well. They had not been treating our aquifer well. They had not been investing in this community compared to Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville. We got this whole community to stand on business. And now TVA has brought their board meeting here this week for the first time in over a decade. They are increasing their weatherization. They are saying they're going to be in this on this water recycling facility. That has been community movement from day one. We have to stand on business because we cannot build an economy simply exploiting the resources that make Memphis valuable in the first place. keep going on this moratorium and let's build some legislation.

Thank you. Jasmine Bernard and then Debbie Arrowood.

Hi, my name is Jasmine Bernard. I'd like to start with a simple fact that there has been an environmental genocide happening in South Memphis for generations that's now powering genocides worldwide. Today is the best time to do what should have been done yesterday. A data center moratorium is necessary today to protect Memphians from further exploitation for profit. In only two years, XAI has already wreaked harm as there's a $30 to $44 million cost in health damages alone associated with Colossus II alone. That's one data center. Now imagine what happens when you multiply that times two or four or five. And this is all the harm that's being done without considering the fact that these billionaires have been able to make false promises like they've done with the Greywater facility. But you, the Memphis City Council, now have the opportunity to defend your constituents and take a stand against these dirty data centers. We all claim to care about the future of Memphis, and we all claim to care about the youth. This is your opportunity to take the first step in defending the future of Memphis, like other jurisdictions in Tennessee and nationwide have already done. So we ask you to adopt the moratorium. We ask you to direct the Office of Planning and Development to create a data center use definition. We ask you to develop and convene a stakeholder body during this pause where residents have voting power and true decision-making power. We ask you to also hold existing data centers accountable as we work towards removing all environmental polluters from our community. because Memphis was ground zero for these data centers. But today you have the ability to limit the growing body count that's happening in Memphis. Thank you.

Thank you. Ms. Debbie Arrowood. She's not here. Okay. Well, that ends our public comment cards. I will entertain a motion to adjourn.

Move it.

All right. It's been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilman Warren. Everyone have a safe.