County Commission - Regular Meeting

I know you.

Good afternoon. Good afternoon. Just wanted to give an update. We are having some technical challenges. So, as soon as we have those worked out, we will begin our meeting.

If we could have the deputy sheriff call a meeting to order, please.

All right. Thank you. If we could have if Commissioner Castle would do the invocation for us, please. Thank you, Madam Chair. Let us bow. Father God, we thank you for this day. We thank you for this meeting on today. God, we ask that you give us the wisdom, guidance. Thank you for our guests that are here and those that are watching, God, as we go through this meeting in Jesus name. Amen.

Bless your bre, if you can lead us in the pledge of allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the stands nationy for all. You may be seated. Madam clerk, if you could call the role. Commissioner Whe present. Commissioner Clay Bibs, present.

Commissioner Caswell, present. Commissioner Sugarman, present. Commissioner Mills, present. Commissioner Shalai, present. Commissioner Wright, present. Commissioner Thoron, Commissioner Mars, present. Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Li, Vice Chair Bradford, present. Chairwoman Avant, present. We have 10 present.

We have a quorum. Colleagues, before you approval of the March 30th meetings, if we could do that without objection. Seeing none, the March 30th, 2026 meetings are approved. It is possible to join the meeting two ways. Via the designated email boe at shelby county tennessee G via phone at 9012221234. Parliamentarian, please read the rule. Members of the public who desire to address the county commission shall request permission by completing an appearance card which will be given to the chair by a deputy. Members of the public shall be permitted to address the county commission unless ruled out of order by the chair or denied the opportunity to speak by a majority vote of the commissioner's present voting. Please Note that as it pertains to public comment, our rules of order set a limit of no longer than three minutes when recognized by the chair. The chair may set a limit for discussion by the public of less than three minutes for each individual if circumstances require. Finally, to the members of the public, if you would like to express your pleasure or displeasure on a matter before the county commission, please do so by raising your thumb up or pointing it down as opposed to applause or other expressions of approval or disapproval. Disruptive members of the public are subject to removal from the commission chambers by the deputy sheriff. Thank you for your attention and in advance for your cooperation today. Thank you parliamentarian. I'd like to just acknowledge those with April birthdays, two of our staff members, our very own CEO Klay Perry whose birthday was April 3rd, and then also Rosalyn

Nichols whose birthday is 421. Wishing them many happy returns. Now we move to the consent agenda. Parliamentarian, please read item number two.

Item two is a resolution recognizing Midsouth Transplant Foundation in honor of April National Donate Life Month in April 10th, 2026 and as Blue and Green Day Midsouth sponsored by Commissioner Michael Why and chair prompor David C. Bradford Jr. All right. Uh, thank you. Thank you, um, Madame Chair, commissioners, and thank you, Vice Chairman Bradford, for co-sponsoring this. Uh, he said that I could read from it if he promised to do an interpretive dance while I'm reading from it. So, we'll hold him to it. Uh, so this is a resolution recognizing Midsouth Trans the Mids South Transplant Foundation in honor of April National Donate Life Month. uh and recognizing April 10th, 2026 as uh blue and green blue and green day mids south. Whereas national donate life month serves as a dedicated time to educate the public about organ, eye, and tissue donation and to honor and remember with the highest regard the donors whose selfless selfless gifts have saved and healed countless lives. And whereas blue and green day mids south observed each April raises awareness of the critical need for organ and tissue donation. Each year national donate life promotes blue and green day to amplify the importance of registering as an organ and tissue donor and encourages the public to wear blue and green in support of this life-saving mission. And whereas there are more than a 100,000 Americans and with over 4,000 of them right here in the mids south uh that are currently on national transplant waiting lists. Uh and another person is added to that list every eight minutes. Um tragically an average of 16 individuals lose their lives each day because of the organs they urgently need that are not available in time. Uh whereas we all have the power to help save lives by educating others and encouraging our family members, friends,

and community to register as organ and tissue donors. Uh which is something you can easily do when you get your driver's license. Uh and something I've done myself. Uh whereas we recognize and support National Donate Life and the Midsouth Transplant Foundation uh for their unwavering efforts to bring renewed life, health, and hope to men, women, and children in need of life-saving organ and tissue transplant. So, commissioners, please join me in recognizing today as uh National Midsouth Transplant Foundation's Donate Life Month.

Thank you, Commissioner Why. Thank you, Commissioner Bradley. Thank you to all. My name is Dr. Tulisa Franklin. I represent Miss Transplant Foundation. I'm honored to be here to share with people the importance of organ and tissue donation. I am very happy and proud and grateful to the Lord that four of my family members are living today because of a yes and I have one in waiting and it is very imperative and I say it all the time. We have over 100,000 people that are awaiting a life-saving transplant. 87% of those people look like myself are awaiting a kidney. And so I tell people that I did two yes in my life. The first yes when I gave God my life and the second yes when I became an organ and tissue donor. I suggest that if you would want to really give back, go to www.msoutransplant.org and say yes to organ and tissue donation. Thank you all so much. God bless you all. Dr. Frank, Dr. Franklin, before you leave, uh I too would just like to thank you for making sure that this is a day that's recognized uh in a very important uh cause in our community. I too have four family members who have benefited from uh organ donations. Two for kidney, one for heart. Uh I'm sorry, three for kidney and one heart. And so I too understand the importance. Uh when my very my first cousin who was in her very

early 20s got the call that she was getting uh a kidney transplant, that's the day I also became a tician and organ donor. So I understand the importance of this and how it saves lives. She's now a mom uh married living in Dallas with a rambu rambunctious uh three-year-old. And so I understand the importance and thank you so much for the opportunity for us to shed light on this very important issue.

Thank you chairwoman for sharing. So you know we gonna take this sound bite and use it because that's important. We got to get more people saying yes to organ and tissue donation. Love you. I love you my brother Commissioner Charlie Caswell. Hello there, pastor. I say pastor Matt. Commissioner Matt, I love you. Thank you. We now uh we'll move to item number number three, parliamentarian. And if you could read item three.

Yes, ma'am. Item three is a special resolution honoring the Memphis Area Association of Realtors and recognizing April 2026 as Fair Housing Month, sponsored by Chairwoman Shante K. A Van. Thank you for your patience, Vice Chair Bradford, and to my colleagues. Um, I'd like to take a moment to also recognize the 2026 Fair Housing Month, uh, April as 2026 Fair Housing Month. Whereas the Fair Housing Act enacted in April 11, 1968 enshrined into federal law the goal of eliminating racial segregation and ending housing discrimination in the United States. And whereas the Fair Housing Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, n national origin, and disability and commits recipients of federal funding to affirmatively further fair housing in their communities. And whereas Shelby County Commission is committed to the mission and intent of Congress to provide fair and equal housing opportunities for all. And whereas our social fabric, the economy, health and environment are strengthened in diverse diversity and inclusive communities. And whereas more than 50 years after the passage of the Fair Housing Act, discrimination persists in many communities remain segregated. And

whereas acts of housing discrimination and barriers to equal housing opportunity are repugnant to the common sense of decency and fairness. Now therefore, be it resolved by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners of Shelby County, Tennessee, declares the month of April as Fair Housing Month. Shelby County as an inclusive community committed to fair housing and to promoting appropriate activities by private and public entities to provide and advocate for equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents of Shelby County. There it be resolved on this day a fix the 13th day of April, 2026. Thank you very much. I'm Kathy Anderson, president-elect for the Memphis Area Association of Realtors. And uh thank you very much commissioners for this honor. Our 4,000 plus members work daily to regard find fair housing and we stand behind this proclamation and we appreciate all the recognition you've given us today. Thank you so much.

Thank you, Chair Wman. Uh, all right, Parliamentarian, if you could read item number four, please.

Item four is a special resolution honoring Janice Garner for her years of service as the first black female firefighter in Shelby County, Tennessee. sponsored by Commissioner Erica Sugarman. At this point, I would love for family members as well as friends to come up and join us at the podium. This is a special resolution honoring Denise Scarnner for her years of service as the first black female firefighter in Shelby County, Tennessee. Whereas Janice Garner was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, the city that built her foundation through faith, family, and community. She attended White Haven High School where she was active in volleyball, basketball, track, leadership, council, French club, and more. After graduating in 1998, she started the next chapter of her academic journey at the University of Tennessee at Morton, where she earned her bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies. And whereas Garner's professional journey spans through multiple industries, including office administration, car sales, logistics, and distribution at FedEx. She then switched to Shelby County government to work at the Shelby County Jail before making her next career move in 2011 as the Shelby County Fire Department's first black female firefighter. Just two years later, she broke another barrier as the permanent's first black female paramedic. To garner her work extended far beyond saving lives and emergency response, she became a mentor, speaker, and example to young people,

especially young black girls of the endless possibilities. And whereas today Garner is the program director of Bluff City Cares as well as the CEO of Bluff City Parties and Events, an event planning company that helps families and organizations plan and execute family fun events. In this role, she leads initiatives that connect, inspire, and improve the community through engaging businesses, empowering the youth, and creating lasting change in Shelby County and beyond. And whereas Janice Garner is a proud daughter of Early and Pearl Garner who have both instilled in her the values, discipline, and standard of greatness that has shaped her life from the very beginning. She is a proud sister of Jordan Garner and she's a proud mother of Jay Smith. and Warz is beyond thankful for her parents, her son, her brother, friends, supporters, and everyone here. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Janice Garner is recognized and honored by Shelby County Board of Commissioners for her years of service. Um, first of all, I just want to say that this is a full circle moment. Uh, this is both an honor and a privilege. I, uh, thank you. I really appreciate it. Um, everyone that made a big deal out of this. Um, it's an honor, but I cannot act like my journey was easy. Um, and this is a full circle moment for me because a lot of people ask me why

Does people do people not know about my story? Why do people not know that I was only hired 15 years ago as a first black female firefighter? And the answer to that God gave me that this weekend is it was his time. Uh in my journey, um I experienced a lot. Um I had some moments that were um I had some dark moments at the fire department, but God um and now is the moment because God all the glory for my story. He allowed me to grow. He prepared me for a new position in the community to do what I do. Um, just through everything. I have to thank God first, thank my family for supporting me, thank my friends, and also thank some of the people that were on the fire department that supported me, that extended grace to me along the way. And I would like to say because this is a a God moment for me, I had to learn to respect time. I had to learn to forgive. I did have to forgive quite a few people on the fire department for how they intentionally or unintentionally mistreated me, but God. And so, uh, with with all that, I just want to say thank you to all my family. Some of them supported me over the years helping me just through everything. People on my job that that really stood by me. Grace and space. Some people gave me grace and faith to grow and move and to learn and do better. And I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. Everybody. And also I want to uh say thank you who made the uh introduction for this to happen. and I appreciate y'all and I hope that things are better with Shelby County uh fire department now. Um and I pray that as a

county we come together and oh the other thing that God made me deal with in that I had to learn and respect people for who they are. uh no matter the race, no matter the position, and no matter the title the title what whatever was going on because people will treat you how they treat you and you have to acknowledge that and in Shelby County, this is a time for us that we need to come together and start treating people like people and be there for each other and support each other. And that's all I got. Miss Garner, before you leave, there are a few commissioner. Miss Garner, before you leave, there's a few commissioners in the queue. Commissioner Thordon.

Thank you, chair. I just wanted to public just publicly say how much I respect and just appreciate your energy. I think when we think about exemplary Shelby County, you are one of the top people that come to my mind. And so, you're so deserving of this award and I I just um admire you from afar and from a close position that you allow me to have with you and I just appreciate you on behalf of all the young women who are looking up to great role models like yourself. Thank you for all that you do and just simply for being you. Thank you, Commissioner Caswell.

Thank you. And again, congratulations for your great accomplishments. When I heard her say UT Martin, my daughter is at UT Martin now. She need and I heard her say mentor and she need a strong mentor and somebody to go through what you've been through as you said is it's it was only to strengthen you and to have somebody with a village this big and the strength that you have. I I'll sure enough be making sure I reach out to you so you can speak into her life. I appreciate you. Thank you. Please, Commissioner Clay Bibs.

Thank you, Madam Chair. just want to say thank you today for sharing with us a beautiful story. I appreciate your village being with you and thank you for truly being a trailblazer. You say just 15 years ago. Um that's really a reminder of how much more work we have to do. But thank you for helping us along the path and journey. I will be reaching out because I already know a group of girls I want you to come talk to. So just thank you for being you. All right. Thank you all. Thank you. We'll now move to public comments. We have one public comment card. Wanda Halbert.

Good afternoon, commissioners. Wanda Howard, Shelby County Clerk. Linda Goodwin, finance administrator for Shelby County Clerk's Office.

So, um, hope all is well with everyone. Thank you all for the opportunity to speak. I know we haven't been over here in quite some time. We've been extremely busy. um proudly extremely busy. But um as everyone know last week a article hit the local newspapers and we wanted to number one reassure the county commission that not only are we focused um you know very carefully on the day-to-day services that we provide to the citizens of Shelby County but we want to reassure you that we are creating a file the county commission could not only receive and hopefully respect we really really done our best to kind of dig through the trenches and make sure that we we give you all the correct information. There's been a little concern, a little, you know, kafu on uh the local news stations, but I did want to we brought some documents that we would like to leave with the county commission. I'm not sure who to give that to, but we also wanted to make sure that you were aware of the specifics that the specific services we perform on a daily basis. Right now, prior to today, for several years, Shelby County government's financials uh in this office were showing anywhere from 379 million a month. This leadership has our financials showing at a minimum of 1625 $30 million a month. So you'll see that inside of this packet. I felt it was necessary for us to make sure that we publicly give you all a document to let you know our employees and our leadership is not we're not twiddling our thumbs. We are busy all day. In the last two weeks, I think we may have had lines that have been coming outside of

the door. And for those of you who have been here quite some time, we've let it be known what quite a bit of our challenges are, especially the services that we provide to the public, the inability to get them in proper facilities. So, those are things that we're wanting to make sure that we reassure you of instead of you seeing articles in the newspaper or on television. I definitely have, madame chair, a open door. If you all need anything, any information from us, we are available to you all. I'd rather us come to you even if we're in some kind of trouble, which we haven't been. So, thank you all for that graciously, you know, um knowing that we are sincere about the services we perform. But I am telling you right now, I am so awesomely proud of our organization to see that a minimum of 2025,000 at the I'm sorry, at the highest monthly is coming in. I'm not sure exactly if you see those. If not, Madam Chair, I would like to know that so that we can make sure that you get a regular report directly for each of the commissioners.

Thank you. Yes. Um, we do receive the weekly receipts of dollars that are in. So, each commissioner receives that in email. Um, so I don't think that there's anything further. You can leave the information and we'll make sure that it is passed to each. Thank you.

Well, you all know how to get in touch with us. I just want to make sure that whatever information comes to you and the public that we want to reassure you that we have the documentation and if there's arrive for whatever reason in this organization. We're not afraid to let you know that we ran into some hiccups. That's not a problem. With multiple millions of dollars that you're documenting daily, that's not something to be afraid of. It's something to let them know so they'll understand and know that you are pursuing making sure that what you're supposed to be providing not only to the citizens of Shelby County, but the Shelby County government itself. So, thank you, Madam Chair. If there are any uh questions or anything, I'm well up to that if that is your wish. But I did want to make sure that we publicly share with you where we are and we are available and I can lead this with you all if you don't mind. One of your Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. We're now to the consent agenda. Uh I asked for three minutes to be put on the timer for us to review the agenda if there are any items that need to be pulled.

Commissioner Mills. Yes. If I could pull number 14, please.

Yes. So, see no other commissioners in the queue. Parliamentarian, please read the consent. Commissioner Thorton six and 10.

Parliamentarian, please read the consent agenda minus items 6, 10, and 14.

Yes, ma'am. Items five, seven, and eight come from the budget and finance committee, which is chaired by Commissioner Whley. Item five is a resolution amending the FY2026 Shelby County Health Department grant fund operating budget in the amount of $125,000 for the purposes of supporting the American Public Health Association, AFA, for the injury and violence prevention data science demonstration project for the period beginning December 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2026. This item requires that the appropriation and expenditure of federal through private donor grants in an amount not to exceed $125,000 sponsored by Commissioner Misclay Biz. Item seven is a resolution amending the FY2026 Shelby County Health Department grant fund operating budget in the amount of $80,000 for the purpose of supporting the electronic order and lab result interface project funded by the Tennessee Department of Health for the period beginning May 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2026. This item requires the appropriation and expenditure of FY2026 federal through state through state of Tennessee grant funds in the amount not to exceed $80,000. sponsored by Commissioner Msklay Bibs. Item eight is a resolution amending the FY2026 capital improvement plan budget to reallocate and appropriate $350,000 originally approved for the firearms training unit firm reclamation project to the procurement and installation of emergency backup generators at 989 Dovecrest and 993 Dove Crest. This item requires the reallocation and appropriation of fiscal year 2026 capital improvement plan funds in total not to exceed $350,000. sponsored by Commissioner Mc Wright. Item nine comes from the Public Works Committee, which is chaired by Vice Chair Bradford. Item nine is a resolution approving a change order with Wagner General Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $361,864 for the construction of the Green Line

extension from the old Cordova Train Depot to Lenel Road. This item requires an appropriation of federal through state grant funds in the amount of $289,445.31 and roads and bridges matching funds in the amount of $72,361.33 for a total appropriation of $361,864 from the FY 2026 operating budget sponsored by Commissioner David C. Bradford Jr. Item 11 through 14 come from the Law Enforcement Corrections and Courts Committee which chair by Commissioner Wright. Actually, we're only taking up items 11 through 13. Item 11 is a resolution to approve the purchase of Winchester ammunition from Precision Precision Delta Corporation on behalf of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. This item requires the expenditure of fiscal year 2026 general funds in the amount not to exceed $166,744.39. Sponsored by Commissioner McWight. Item 12 is a resolution approving a contract between Shelby County government and Landmark Construction and Emergency Services for the emergency installation of fencing at the Millington Annex facility at 669 96 Navy Road on behalf of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office in the amount not to exceed $59,956.30. This item requires expenditure of fiscal year 2026 general funds in the amount not to exceed $59,956.30. sponsored by Commissioner Mc Wright. Item 13 is a resolution approving a contract between Shelby County government and ITW Food Equipment LLC DBA Hobart Services for the Emergency Repair and Maintenance of dishwashing machines, ovens, warmers, and coolers in the jail kitchen of the main jail located at 2011 Popppler on behalf of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office in the amount not to exceed $54,87.30. This item requires the expenditure of

fiscal year 2026 general funds in the amount not to exceed $54,87.30 sponsored by Commissioner Mcright. Item 15 comes from the general government committee with Commissioner Sugarman as vice chair. Item 15 is a resolution approving the election of Nory's public for appointment and a reappointment for Shelby County, Tennessee sponsored by Henry E. Brooks. Item 16 comes from the core city neighborhoods and housing committee with Commissioner Sugarman as acting chair. Item 16 is a resolution approving the sale of 31 county owned delinquent tax parcels acquired by Shelby County from various Shelby County tax sales to identified purchasers at various prices collectively tolling $117,318.75 pursuant to Tennessee code annotated section 67-5 to 257 and authorizing the Shelby County Mayor to execute proclaimed deeds. sponsored by Commissioner Henry E. Brooks. Item 17 comes from the audit committee which is chaired by Commissioner Whley. Item 17 is a resolution of receiving and filing Shelby County government annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2025 sponsored by Commissioner Michael Wh.

Can I get a motion? and it's not showing up on my screen. So, if we could get we could have it come back down, please. But thank you, Commissioner Thornton, for a motion. Thank you, Vice Chair Bradford, for a second. Can we do that without objection? Okay. Well, I'm sorry. Um, Madame Clerk, please prepare the screen for Madam cler, please report the tally. We have eye votes from Commissioner Whebright Mills Bradford Chairwoman Avent Commissioner Thoron Morrison Clay Bibs, Casswell, Vice Chair Bradford. We have 10 I votes.

Consent agenda is approved. Commentarian, please read item number six.

Item six comes from the budget and finance committee, which is chaired by Commissioner Whe. Item six is a resolution amending the FY2026 Shelby County Health Department grant fund operating budget and accepting the full grant award in the amount of $2,999,921 including $261,527 for fiscal year 2026 for the purposes of supporting the Tennessee Obioid Abatement Council OAC community grant program for opioid abatement and reme mediation activities for the period beginning January 1, 2026 through December 31st, 2020. 28. This item requires the appropriation and expenditure of state grant funds in an amount not to exceed $261,527. Sponsored by Commissioner Miss Clay Biz.

I'll move it. Have a motion by Commissioner Wley, a second by Vice Chair Bradford. Commissioner Wley, could I get a committee report? Uh, yes, Madam Chair. It comes down with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. Is there a presentation before we move to Is there anything that you'd like to state before we move into the queue? Uh commissioners, uh this is a resolution to approve the amount of $261,527,000. There are no local matching funds that are required as a condition of acceptance of this grant. It will include one FTE which is an epidemiology position. It will also add one vending machine for a total of three vending machines for this particular contract and four vending machines as a total. One vending machine will be in the downtown area, one in the medical district, one in White Haven, and then one in East Memphis at our Shelby County Public Health Clinic site. Are there any questions?

We do have one commissioner in the queue, Commissioner Thornton. Thank you, chair. Um, just questions about your selection of these locations. How does the positioning of the vending machines correlate to the issue of opioid? So, they were actually selected based upon high impact areas. So, we had a listing of all of the zip codes and then we also had a listing of some of our partners that had vending machines. So, in looking at this particular grant and looking at vending machines that were also placed within Shelby County, we looked at this uh zip codes that did not have vending machines and place the three that we have for this particular contract in that area.

So, the additional vending machines are located where? So, one vending machine is located in the downtown area at 2011 Popular, one at the medical district which will be at the A14 Jefferson location, one in White Haven at the Greater White Haven Economic Redevelopment Corporation, and then one uh that we currently have is in East Memphis at our public health clinic. And we're seeing that data shows that these locations have the highest these zip codes have the highest prevalence of what? They're one of the highest prevalence of opioid u addictions and overdose in those areas.

So these locations don't feel very intuitive. Why would these be the locations where there would be a higher prevalence? So, we actually looked at the zip codes and then we also looked at areas that we could actually place those within this current fiscal year so that we could have them placed outdoors, but also in areas that we know that people would frequent those areas so that we could ensure that if there were individuals that need locks on or fel strips that they would be able to receive those items. When I think about downtown medical district in East Memphis, I don't necessarily think about areas where you openly see persons. Um, I can think of many other communities where I could see people who clearly are in need of additional support. And so just to be clear, the highest um these zip codes where we have the most prevalence, what are those zip codes? Because I heard you say that these are one of the highest. So when we think about the top zip codes, what are they? So we have zip codes 38106 in which there were 126 381108 123 38134 118 38109 116 381123 381279 381539 3811696 38108 90 3813387 and 3811486. And uh as I was saying before, Commissioner Thornton, we actually also looked at vending machines that were also in those zip codes. So some of our partners like Friends for Life also have uh vending machines that are located in some of these zip codes. We did not want

to duplicate areas where vending machines were also placed. So, we looked at other areas that we could place these vending machines at, and these were the ones that were selected based upon this contract.

Okay. Thank you, Commissioner. Why? My apologies. It put a few commissioners in the queue that may Commissioner Mills, are you in the queue? Commissioner, right? Commissioner B. Just put all the commissioners. All right. If you could clear it just make sure there's no item. Chairwoman, I am in the queue.

Commissioner Thor. Thank you, Chair. Um, so when we think about 38106, that was the first zip code that you called. Which one of or I guess where is the resource headquartered within that zip code? I will have to get that information for friends for life for those particular uh I we know the zip codes and we know the numbers but I would have to get the actual locations in which those facilities are located.

Okay. If you could send that to the entire commission, I think that would be helpful for us to be able to just know. And then when it comes to this being public facing, is the expectation that the public will be aware of these resources and utilize them? If so, how are we making sure that the public knows that these resources exist? So, for this particular contract, we do have some marketing dollars as it relates to the Tennessee Department of Health. We also look to advertise within our Shelby County website as well as social media and then also with our partners.

So for the obvious reason if I am Commissioner Caswell addicted um and living in 38106 I don't think I'm going to the Shelby County website. So I call your name just because of the intensive like community engagement that you do and just the um lack of relatability and just really practicality around how we think that people actually are made aware of resources and you know access resources. So if I am in 3106 and Friends for Life has something that could support not only me in the moment of crisis but people that I know I think that what I've heard today if the Shelby County website and social media is the only recourse um we need to re-evaluate Dr. how we're approaching marketing that does not seem feasible and it's very frustrating to see government resources being deployed in a very impractical way. So, um,

so if I may, Commissioner Thordon, with these particular dollars that come from the Tennessee Department of Health, we also partner with individuals within all zip codes, whether it is with mental health, with drug addiction, with uh different various advocate groups, all of those different groups we partner with, provide them information regarding these particular items. So, for example, one of the things we did with the National Guard as they were walking around and they were looking and actually seeing people with overdoses is that the Shelby County Health Department actually partnered with different groups so that we could ensure that they had no locks on and fitness strips to be able to see clients as they walked around. Those are just one of the things that we do with one of our partners to ensure that we get these services out. So, it won't be just the Shelby County Health Department website. It is actually all of the partners and advocates that we work with to ensure that they have information, whether it is someone that they're working with that has a drug addiction or if it's uh clients that they work with to ensure that they know where these vending machines are, have 24 access that they can access these machines any time of the day and get as many as they need to ensure that we have a healthy community.

Thank you, Commissioner Caswell.

Thank Thank you, Madam Chair, and I I hear my colleague and but I want to say and just commending because I I've been in visit with alliance in the last couple of weeks uh CAP in the last couple of weeks and they have truly commended the health department partnership and collaboration when we come to this why right now CAP is putting a much needed uh opioid substance abuse uh center in Frasier there uh nearing cross in Fras Boulevard because of working and collaborative. So when you talk about the strategicness of don't not putting things where other entities are putting it I hear that that collaboration is happening with the the need of health department because of the research and study and the things that you all have provided these different entities. So I just say to my colleague when I talk to these other leaders they say when people come in because if you got a need in substance abuse, HIV or different things they're coming to these different organizations that you just spoke of the collaboration with. So they can point you to if it's not with them where in that community that it could be getting uh got. So I I again just from hearing what I've heard over the last couple of weeks that you all are being intentional about the strategy and about and I heard you when you said you're not going to go where they other resources already are because you could have duplicated that service. So again I I hear my colleague concern uh but but what I hear in the community is that it's being implemented because of y'all intentionally sharing the data and reaching out to the need with them with the need. So, thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner.

Madam clerk, please prepare the screen for a vote. Madam clerk, please report the tally. We have eye votes from Commissioner Wley, Clay, Bibs, Caswell, Mills, Shalai, Wright, Thornton, Morrison, Vice Chair Bradford, Chairwoman Avent. We have 10 I votes.

That motion passes. Parliamentarian, please read item number 10. Item 10 comes from the hospitals and health committee with Commissioner Whley as acting chair. Item 10 is a resolution approving seven subreient contracts. AI's Healthcare Foundation, $200,000. Friends for Life, DBA Friends for All, $300,000. Hope House, Inc., $400,000. Memphis Memphis Health Center, $200,000. Methodist Labon Community Outreach, $200,000. Positively Living DVA Choice Health Network, $200,000. the tri-state Community Health Center, $200,000 for the purpose of administering core medical and supportive services to individuals living with HIV under the ending the HIV epidemic grant effective upon the date of the last signature of the parties through February 28th, 2027 with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods. This item requires expenditure of FY2026 federal grant funds not to exceed total amount of $1,700,000. sponsored by Commissioner Miss Clay Biz.

Move it. Have a motion by Commissioner Why, a second by Vice Chair Bradford, Commissioner Thornton. Thank you, Chair and Committee. Favorable. I'm My apologies, Commissioner Whe was a favorable recommendation. Okay. Thank you, Commissioner Thornton.

Thank you, Chair. Um, so in committee, we had a pretty um extensive discussion about the nom million cumulative dollars that are going towards the HIV epidemic through subcontracted organizations. And so it was requested that information will be sent to all commissioners outlining um where the target zip codes are and how the subreients are headquartered within those zip I'm assuming zip codes or not within those zip codes. So, I just wanted to just um state for the record today how many of these subreients are not located within priority zip codes if you have that information for us. And then just to legal, we talk a lot about um supplemental information that's just emailed to us. But I would like to actually have it made available to the public. I don't know if this is to the parliamentarian or the chairwoman or legal, but what's the proper protocol to ensure that that information is included into um home base for these items? So, information has been sent out that only the commissioners have, but I would like for it to be public facing in our system. So, do I need to make motion to

county attorney Megan Smith County Attorney's Office? It really depends on the type of record that's being asked and provided. Um, obviously the records of the government are open via public records request. To the extent that those records that you receive don't need any additional attention like redaction or notice to a vendor, they could be published in your onbase system and and that would be something we could work on with with commission administration.

And then thank you for that. Just as a followup, are there any motions that need to be carried on the floor today to be able to receive what has been submitted to us so that it can officially be added into the system since we are about to vote on this particular item? Uh to the extent that you want to include any additional supplemental materials into OnBase, you can make a motion to do that. I would just allow the legal department to take a look at it before it's published just to make sure anything we need to take care of. Okay. So, I would like to hear from um you about the information that you sent. So, before I make the motion,

uh good afternoon, Commissioner Lori Brooks, deputy director, Chevy County Health Department. So, the information that we submitted, I'd like to first say that the runway program is uh the people within the planning council are appointed by the mayor. that planning council is responsible for determining what the criteria will be for um the grant awards, how they will be allocated based upon our community. Once that information is received by the Shelby County Health Department, then we there go after to ensure that that information is sent out to all vendors within Shelby County that provide HIV and STI services. an RFP was actually provided for uh both the part A and the MAI. So in the information that was provided to the commissioners, you will see that the Ryan White part A MAI that RFP was publicly publicly released on to the Shelby County government website on November 6, 2025 and remained uh open for 30 days and all proposals were due by December the 8th. The ending HIV epidemic was on the website on December 5th and all proposals were due by January the 6. Uh as it relates to uh the subreients is that we actually look at the services that are going to be provided. So all of these subreients had to apply to these RFPs to be selected. So when you look at the Ryan White part AI, you have hope house which is in 38104. You have region one health which is the adult special care center. You have mental and emotional resource center which is 38112. East Arkansas family health center because of the Memphis TGA that includes East Arkansas and Mississippi. The mobile ministry of dentistry. The AIDS

healthc care foundation navigating courage and counseling. Christ Community Health Center. So they provide services in all of their locations. Methodist Lonar Community Outreach, Sacred Hearts Southern Mission 38680, Serenity Recovery Centers 38103, Choice Health Network 38104, Friends for Life at 38104, and then we have our EHE proposal. We have TriState Community Health Center at 38118, Memphis Health Center at all of their locations, Methodist Labana Community Outreach, the AIDS Healthc Care Foundation, Hope House, Choice Health Network 38104, and Friends for Life. So, similar to what you will see for Baptist or Methodist or any of our hospital chains for the Ryan White grant, we look for those institutions that provide this service. And then once we find what those services are, we do an RFP to all of those entities. Those entities then uh submit an RFP. We select individuals based upon that RFP and designate funds based upon the RFP and the criteria that was submitted from the planning council.

Thank you for Okay, I will get back in Q. Commissioner Lowry. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for the information. Now from the organizations here and I apologize for uh are all these local?

Yes. Uh except East Arkansas and then we have some in uh Mississippi and that is based upon our uh Memphis TGA. So our Memphis TGA for Tennessee includes Shelby Fed and Typton County, Critan, Arkansas, Dotto, Marshall, Tate and Tuna County in Mississippi. And which ones were in sorry in Mississippi organization? So we have Sacred Heart Southern Mission U as it relates to food pantry and we have the East Arkansas Family Health Center.

I'm on 10. I'm sorry. I'm looking at 10 and I see organizations here listed. Madam Chair, point of order. Thank you. So what's happening, Commissioner Lowry, is actually I think the health department um deputy chief, you're reading from 10 and 20, but we're actually on number 10. So commissioners are looking what you're reading off is included in number 20. Okay? So you're reading it as though it's one item, but they're broken up into two items. So I think that may be a point of clarification for people. So in 10 the subreients are not the ones that are extended as regional.

So 10 is the ending HIV epidemic uh grant. That grant is actually a subsidy that provides additional funding as it relates to uh Ryan Right Services. So what you have there is Tri-State Community Health Center, Methodist Levonor Community Outreach, Memphis Health Center, AIDS Healthc Care Foundation, Choice Health Network, Friends for Life, and Hope House. And so this I'm sorry. And those are all those are all Yes. Thank you um Commissioner Bibs for clarity. Commissioner Lowry, does that answer all your questions? Okay. Thank you, Commissioner Thor.

Thank you, Chair. Um just for public information can you reiterate are these preventative services or for those who are impacted? So the Indian HIV uh initiative uh the Ryan White program it provides additional support focused on reducing new HIV infections and addressing gaps in care and treatment. The EHE funded services are designed to reach priority population including those who are newly diagnosed, out of care, virally suppressed and to address barriers such as stigma, housing instability and mental health needs.

So to answer that question, persons who are impacted. So it would be anyone within our Memphis TGA that are actually receiving these particular services. Okay, let's put this up for the public. So when people are looking at this $9 million between 10 and 20 infusion related to the HIV epidemic, what do they say? If you can get to one of these organizations, then you can get services because the county is funding services for this issue. So the services are actually funded through HERSA and yes, they can come to any of these seven facilities and receive services. Okay.

Thank you. Madam clerk, I'm sorry. Oh, yes, please. Dr. Bruce Randolph, interim director, health officer, Shepard County Health Department. One thing I want to clarify, the Ryan White program is for people who have been diagnosed with HIV. So, it's people who have already been infected. So, it's not uh our other programs that's targeted people who may be at risk. These are individuals who already been infected.

Thank you, Dr. Randolph. Madam clerk, please prepare the screen for a vote. Madam clerk, please report the tally. We have eye votes from commissioner why Clay Bibs Caswell Mills Chalai Wright Thorton Morrison Li vice chair Bradford chairwoman Avant we have 11 I vote

that motion passes parliamentarian please read item 14 item 14 comes from the law enforcement corrections and courts committee which is chaired by Commissioner Wright. Item 14 is a resolution from the Shelby County Board of Commissioners requesting the issuance of a study on the Justice Center ad hoc committee findings sponsored by Commissioner David C. Bradford Jr. and Chairwoman Shante Ka Vand. I have a a motion by Vice Chair Bradford, a second by Commissioner Thornton. Madam Chair, this comes down with a favorable recommendation.

Thank you. I'm looking at your amendment. So my mind already went there. Um so thank you Commissioner Wright for reporting that this did go down with a favorable recommendation. Uh Commissioner Mills.

Thank you. Um I just wanted to follow up from committee with the questions concerning um the Gellex B Jim Hart and um the ad hoc findings did those come before the commission were they I would ask the chair of the ad hoc committee commissioner question.

Uh thank you. I do have um yes, Miss Thomas is passing out the um items from the jail ad hoc finding. I believe these were emailed to everyone afterwards. Um so they're in front of us today. Uh and I will make a motion to add this as exhibit A to this item. I get a second. Thank you. So this will be added as exhibit A and this is the roll call of all the members that were there as long as also what was discussed. I also swapped some emails with Mr. Hart from CASS and he does not have the ability to do a uh mechanical engineering structural study on the facility. He said that's beyond their capabilities. Uh he said the report that he gave us was just a um first step in order to bringing a architect on board. So this is taking that next step. Um I think Commissioner Wright has passed out also a friendly amendment that he's probably going to put forward that kind of helps address some of this.

Um I wish um Mr. was not included in the ad hoc committee meetings at all, was he? That is correct. He was not. Okay. That's unfortunate. And we I wish we' have had him before us after the because the jail study that he presented, he only had 10 minutes and then that's been it. And now we're um moving to the next step. Um and I do want to just clarify, Commissioner Mills, he was invited to participate in the ad hoc. He was one of the folks that was invited. um maybe his schedule didn't permit, but he was invited to be a part of the

He's normally very very responsive, so I'm surprised if he didn't at least call in or some kind of miscommunication there. Um I just I just want to see this done right. I don't think there's any question about the jail and that we've got to move forward. I just want to make sure it's done right. Uh half million dollars. I know Rutherford County did theirs with 1,800 beds. Ours is looking at 3,700 beds possibly and theirs was $600,000. So, I just have some concerns um with the numbers and how this is all moving forward. Um so, I'll just get all that on the record. Thank you.

And because we have an exhibit before us, I think I have a motion by Commissioner um by Sher Bradford to add as exhibit uh A. Is there a second? There a second by uh Commissioner Lowour. Can we do that without objection? Seeing none. So moved. Commissioner Thornton. Thank you, Chair. and um through the chair to vice chair Bradford during the the three meetings that we have outlined here here for the ad hoc. Was it ever discussed the um I guess function of the jail and how it could potentially change in the process of us um replacing or um renovating the jail. I just asked because you know the purpose was to create an RFP and the scope of the RFP would be directed um by the vision of what we're going to do with the jail. I heard someone recently talk about plans to increase um capacity to like 5,000 beds which would be um very much so impactful to the community at large to maintain something if that were to be the RFP scope. So, I'm just curious if you can just say for the public um in terms of just scope, how much depth was the ad hoc able to discuss and were there any commitments?

Bradford.

Uh yes, thank you for that question. Um the uh ad hoc committee had a number of items that they wanted to see as part of the RFQ process. Um and so those have all been passed on to Mr. Gloucester. Um I believe the Cass study had a recommendation for the size of the facility that was also discussed at the ADHD. members felt like that was too many as recommended by CAS. Others felt like it was uh too few. Um so that's another intent of this report is to do a further study to look at other surrounding municipalities. Um lots of discussions of the services provided by the jail, what type of facilities needed to be in the facility as far as rehabilitation and those type of things. Um all questions that we couldn't answer, but that's the intent of getting this RQ on the streets to have a professional team look at our fac study it to see if we can reuse what we have and then uh if not plan accordingly so we'll have a better understanding of what the full cost would be so we go to the state and other entities looking for funding we can have a conceptual plan with us explaining what this fun

and so if I hear you correctly based on the recommendations of the ad hoc director Glaster is going to construct the the RFQ or RFP that will go out for the public. Yes. The intent was for Mr. Glouester to include these items. I know he is um somewhat limited in what he can put in an RFQ or not. Um and so part of the understanding is once the RFQ is on the streets, the uh jail ad hoc would reconvene to provide additional information or input into the RFQ for responses.

Thank you for that. um if you could just explain the process and just what I want to um avoid is just you interpreting this sending something out that maybe has too narrow of a focus and us locking in a potential vendor that is just following what has been produced. So I want the public to see what we are requesting professionals to act on and to have full understanding that that is what are the boundaries and parameters that we'll be operating within. So can you just tell us where we at in the process and upon passing this resolution what does that mean for you?

Change loss administrator per uh good afternoon commissioners. uh first the I was part of the ad hoc committee on the meetings but I will be I was kind of facilitating so the purchasing department we cannot initiate the RFQ uh but they would have to come from one of the departments to initiate uh and we kind of talk throughout the meetings at what points uh can the ad hog meeting uh committee be involved versus once the RFQ goes live so I've been kind of facilitating working with co-chair Bradford on some of the things on how to facilitate uh some of the meetings and the process for the scope of work but the department that is initiating the RFQ will be initially responsible for how that scope of works scope of work looks

commission right

uh thank you thank you madam chair so Um, I think as you mentioned a moment ago, I do have a um a what I hope is a friendly amendment to bring to the table. Um, you should have that passed out to you in written form. What I'm hoping to do and and Mr. hard in this email that was also passed out. He also makes reference again in this email uh that's that CASS does not have the capacity to perform a mechanical engineering, electrical and structural assessment. That is what the original jail needs assessment um stated that it that that jail needs assessment did not include those things and they recommended to us that that was that should be our next step. That is something that Mr. Hart also repeated in committee when they presented the study to us on June 11th of last year. So that's what this um amendment seeks to do is just to clarify. Um so I'll make that as a motion. I do have maybe one or two more things to to add, but I'll make that as a motion.

Okay. So we have a motion by Commissioner Wright, uh second by Vice Chair Bradford. Um we will need a motion to suspend the rules uh because this isn't redlined. um and it's part of our um uh permanent roles just that those be so parliamentarian can read.

I just wanted to add that um I looked back and also Commissioner Vice Chairman Bradford's um amendment would also require because uh pursuant to your rules if an item proposed an amendment or a substitute a marked up copy that clearly delinates what the changes from the previous version should provide even though it was an exhibit of the markedup summary. So usually you have to also provide a markup summary should reflect when the change was made, who is seeking the change and Microsoft word review feature or similar tracking method should be used. So on both these amendments we would please entertain a motion to suspend. Okay. Um let's go back to the original. Is there a motion to suspend the rules for uh the acceptance of exhibit A? And that's moved by Vice Bradford. Can we get a second? A second by Vice What can we do that without objection? Seeing none. So move. And then can we get a motion for suspension of the rules for the amendment? So moved by Vice Chair Bradford, second by Vice Chair Caswell. Can we do that without objection? So moved. And so we are now speaking on the amendment. Um, Commissioner Thordon, are you in the queue for the amendment?

Can I use my last 20 seconds?

Oh, I'm sorry. My apologies. That's all right. That's all right. No, I just wanted to make sure. So, this um again, I've I've kind of um given an introduction to what this does. It seeks for us to take the next step that CASS recommended us to take, which was to do this um a further study of the physical plant of the jail of those um structural engineering, mechanical and electrical components of the jail of the existing jail. I just want to make sure that this is is in line with what the ad hoc that I guess that was a question to the ad hoc leadership and to our chair. Is that what we're attempting to do with the those recommendations?

Yes. Yes, that that is correct. Commissioner Thornton, are you speaking on the amendment? Are you wanting to speak on the amendment? No, I'm not on the amendment. All right. So, now we're voting on the amendment to it was done without objection. Okay. So, Commissioner Thornne, are you wanting to speak back on the main item because that amendment was accepted without objection?

Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I just want clarity because as I'm reading what are the ad hoc meeting notes, I see a lot of the RFQ proess should include the RFP the RFQ process or scope should include. So sprinkled in here seem to be directives of the RFP process as well as some suggestive language. So upon I think I heard vice chair Bradford say that we are accepting the ad hoc uh meeting notes and in doing so is that directing a process of someone beyond purchasing taking that and constructing the RFQ scope and who exactly is that if it's not purchasing?

So um I think Mr. Gloster stated there has to be a department that initiates the process of an RFP. Um, ideally I would think that that would be public works because they usually manage um any of our facilities that we have here. Part of um the county's responsibility is

I'm just looking for a commitment. I don't want any type of guessing here. So I see Director Norville in the audience. Can we just hear which department is going to construct this RFQ based on these notes which are very suggestive in many parts. So now a process that has included multiple members is going to be at the discretion it seems of one person in the department to decipher these notes to determine what should be put into the RFQ what should not because beyond things that are explicitly said should include which I would assume would be interpreted as directive there is a lot of suggestive com comments within what I see before me. So I just want to know what is this process of getting this from three meetings worth of notes to an actual constructed RFQ. We could have someone from the administration Cliff Noral Public Works. Uh there will be a process as you've uh denoted commissioner to develop the scope. uh I was in fact part of the ad hoc committee and sat in all the meetings and listened and uh this is going to be an extensive study uh and extensive scope uh and it is going to require an RFQ that uh will seek the appropriate team of uh consultant team to address this uh because not only is this an issue pertaining to the infrastructure of the exist existing facility, HVAC, electrical capacity, those kinds of

things. But as a part of the ad hoc committee, there were other members who interacted with the jail itself in terms of processing uh the detained uh through their due process. And so they all added in uh their information and wanted to make sure that their processes were taken into consideration. So, in an effort to provide the commission with the most information possible, we will have to draft a scope of work for the solicitation, which will include not only surveying and investigating our existing facility, but also understanding the process as our customers go through the process from start to finish. uh as well as uh understanding what a new appropriatelysized facility will be. And I think uh the ad hoc committee even discussed uh looking at some other facilities around the country that are newer in design to determine what a new design should be. And the final component of the consultant team will have to include someone who is familiar with real estate and community to determine where the best place to put this would be. Uh, and so it's going to be a pretty complicated scope of work. Uh, and I understand that we may be tasked with preparing this scope of work. And so we will run that by the ad hoc committee if Commissioner Bradford wants to reconvene once the scope is finalized. Uh, once the scope is finalized, we will get with purchasing and insert that into a solicitation. Solicitations are put out on the street usually for 60 days, 30 days, excuse me. And uh once we receive responses from that, uh typically a consultant review committee is formed

and if Commissioner Bradford or Commissioner Avant is interested in selecting members for that consultant review committee from the ad hoc committee potentially, that might be my recommendation. And so that means that we are not making uh decisions in a box. We are including most of the shareholders into the decision making process to select the uh the uh consultant to be a consultant team to be awarded the contract for doing the study. And so I want to make sure that I emphasize that we are only looking at a study to generate as much information for the commission to make a decision of how you would like to proceed one way or the other. I'm gonna go to one of the commissioners who hadn't spoken yet. Commissioner Wland.

Uh thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Director Norville. Um just one point I do want to bring up is that to my knowledge, I don't think we have time bound this uh resolution and you know, as we know, things like this always take longer than we think they're going to take. And we're going to run into the issue of having a new administration and a new commission uh quite soon. And I think we want to either be really clear that this needs to get done before that happens or have some mechanisms in here that make sure there's continuity across administrations and commissions. Uh because you know this is work that will that will last certainly obviously it's lasting beyond this group but it potentially last uh you know even through the next term as well um because this is a long-term project uh that we're envisioning. So I would just uh suggest to the sponsors that either we we put some time parameters around this or uh or we find some mechanism potentially within the budget process and how we budget for this uh to make sure that it's um that it's in there in the next fiscal year when we're going to have different people um different people in the administration a different administration uh and then a different commission. So, I'm not sure how we want to handle that today, but uh it would be my recommendation that we we try to uh put a time frame on when we see something back and it ought to be while you know we are still you representing this body.

Thank you, Commissioner Wy and um Vice Chair Bradford is and as you were and Commissioner Lowry were leading this process, is there a time frame that you would like to do as maybe friendly amendment to be added. We'll work up some dates while Commissioner Thordon's getting another word in and I'll add something.

Commissioner Thornton. Thank you, Chair. Um I would like to make a motion um receiving what Director Norville just mentioned that the final draft will be reviewed by the ad hoc committee before the issuance of the RFQ. So, uh, Commissioner Zordon would like to make a motion that the RFQ would go before the ad hoc committee before it is issued to the before it is released. Um, can I get a second? Second.

Second by Vice Chair Bradford. Can we do that without objection? That's another amendment to item 14. And I'm gonna allow Mr. Brad for a few moments of effort. All right. Director Norville. I want I want to be able to see his eyes when I put these dates out here so he his eyes don't jump out of his head.

Director Norville. Um, all right. If we assign dates for the draft RFQ to come back from the administration by May 31st, that's roughly six weeks. Is that too long? I'd love to back it up to middle of May. Norville Public Works. Are you running for any other office anytime soon? I want to know who I don't want to vote for. Have you do that? I am not, sir. Oh, rats. Uh May 31st. Uh we'll we'll do our best to get some draft back to the ad hoc committee by May 31st.

All right. So, uh we'll set the date of the draft back by May 31st. the ad hoc committee can hopefully convene sometime in the month of June, have our comments back to the administration by the end of June. So, this could be advertised in July. I know that's pushing us up very close to the end of our terms. Um, but I think that's the best we can go with right now. The amendment is to include uh language uh such that the administration will supply the draft RFQ by May 31st and the jail ad hoc committee will provide their comments to it by June 30th. June 30th. June 30th.

I have a motion by Vice Chair Bradford and a second by Commissioner Thornton. Before I ask for no objection, I do want to be mindful to um director Norville if this is a really our terms don't end until the end of August. So is this a reasonable time frame because again this is multigenerational this is a multigenerational project right this is not something that uh we want to rush through the process and so if more time is needed and I think um keeping in mind um es and flows of when you'll be able to really gather your ad hoc back together and I want to be mindful that summer is usually more difficult u to bring people together because of schedules vacation. Uh is May 31st a reasonable time frame

with normal public works? I would prefer uh maybe middle of June, middle of June the 15th.

That would work better for getting the draft of the scope back to commissioner. And uh just so you know, the ad hoc committee has more members than are sitting up here today. And as you know, uh more cooks in the kitchen don't always improve the taste of the soup. And so getting them to agree and get their final submissions in may be a challenge. And I know that's what I uh has uh Mr. are nervous over here about issuing it by the June 30th date uh as well because we are going to have to find somebody who can respond to this and uh that may or may not be uh a local completely local team that can put together a response and quickly. So I would prefer at least June 15th for the scope to the adop.

Commissioner Commissioner, would you u be amiable to a friendly amendment for I am I'm just as to commissioner why's point earlier as we start stretching this out. So now if we take another month and a half for the ad hoc to meet and that's probably uh August 1st by the time we get the comments back takes them another 30 days. September 1st before this ever hits the street, which is fine. I mean, we got to get this process started at some point. Kicking the can down the road doesn't do anybody any good. So, I think we just have to be aware of that. And then probably the next body will be assembling the consultant panel and reviewing the RFQS and that kind of stuff. That that's fine with me. It's just we got to draw a line in the sand and get going.

Well, could we meet somewhere in the middle for June 15th date? I I think we're fine as it is because I think just the the back end of the process is going to take so long that we're probably out of time today if we really try and get it all done unless we just stay up here until it gets done. So I think I'm fine with the June 15th and then having the ad hoc committee comments back by August 1st. Okay. Okay. So, one just so that we're clear in the record that the amendment is um to have to add language for uh the RFQ to be released by or a draft to be released by June 15th. Yes, ma'am.

And that was a motion by by Sher Bradford. Is there a second? A second by uh Commissioner Whan. And before I say without objection, I want to let Mr. Glames Gloucester, administrative person. So just want to say this on the record to be clear. Getting with the ad hoc and confirming the scope of work is separate from issuing the actual RFP. That's a separate process that's going to take longer. But we understand that. Okay. But this is just this is a way to make sure that there is a process in motion. Okay. All right. Can we do that without objection? Seeing none. So moved. Commissioner Wley.

Yeah. Thanks. Thank you, Madam Chair. Right. I just want to clarify that that I think we need we or we are trying to accomplish two goals that we need to I think before the end of August which is align on what the scope is. Uh so that is what we're talking about here is that we know what we want to put in in an RFQ. Um because that is not going to come back. There is no world in which that comes back before August and I don't think we want it to because it's really important to get the scope right of what we actually want. We need to know what we actually want. or what options we want to see. And then the second thing that's really important is we have to know what the budget is or what the estimated cost will be uh and and we need to put that within the FY27 budget. So, so that those two things I mean one be clear about the scope and then have some budget placeholder because this is what I was talking about when you have a change in leadership uh if things are not budgeted it becomes really difficult to then add it in at some point later um when we were the ones trying to set up this scope. So I I know it's hard to know you know what that might be but we need to have I think some placeholder in there if we intend to to expend that money in the next fiscal year.

Director Norville,

clip normal public works. Uh, Commissioner U, I wish I could provide you a lot more information about that. Uh, but because of the nature of these services, this is going to be issued as an RFQ. uh we cannot ask consultants uh for this type of work for a price in advance. We must select them based on their credentials. And so the solicitation will be an RFQ and then the appropriate uh the successful uh consultant team will be awarded the agreement and then after the uh successful team is selected then we will go through a negotiation process to determine what their fee will be and then that ultimate contract will come back to commission. And so when we start talking about time frame and amount uh we won't have a successful vendor selected before uh September 1st and after we select the appropriate team then it will probably take us another month or two to negotiate an appropriate fee. And so unfortunately the commission is just going to have to uh just uh make a stab at what a fee might be for this type work. And I think I uh Commissioner Mills was mentioning uh I've sort of lost track of who was mentioning capacities and how much uh studies cost, but I I do remember Commissioner Mills throwing out a $600,000 fee for a little bit larger facility than what we were looking at or smaller. And so uh I suggest that you just pick what you feel will be appropriate and then brace yourself. Yeah, I'm sorry. Just just Madam Chair, just just to be clear, I No, I

understand that. I think we we if we don't have something in the budget,

then what we're relying on as a future commission to make a budget amendment from fund balance or some other source, if we haven't put in a source in the budget when we pass it, uh knowing that obviously we're not that number is not what we're telling someone they need to hit. But if we're going out for an RFQ that we know is going to cost some money and we are not budgeting for it, that I think is a missed opportunity because now we've set up the future commission to either say it's not in the budget so we're not going to do this project or they've got to make an amendment and pull it from some other project or make the decision to pull it from fund balance. So I think it's more responsible on our end to budget something to get some idea and it may go up or down based on what it what it you know what it comes back as uh but that we need to we would lean on the administration potentially in the proposed budget to have that already in there uh so that we know this is something we're committing to. Thank you madam.

Commissioner Thord um just some clarification. So hypothetically, if the ad hoc in review of the final draft has um substantive changes that need to be factored in, have has this discussion allowed for um I guess to Commissioner Bradford for there to be another another round of discussion around what that feedback might be. Uh it seems very assumptive here that whatever is given to the ad hoc that they will receive it um and be ready to continue on. I just would like to know in the off chance and likely chance that there is um extended discussion about some um part of what is drafted as the RFQ. What will that process be? That's the first question. And then the second question is just we're talking a lot about the scope of a new jail, but I do remember there being discussions about an evaluation of a location and so I'm just curious how is that factoring into what we're discussing today? So, Commissioner Jordan, that's part of the amendment that I think we accepted from Commissioner Wright, which gives us uh more of a opportunity to study the current facility as part of that process, but uh Vice Chair Breford, is there anything else that you'd like to add?

No, that that's correct. Um and part of it is if it's if a new facility needs to be constructed or is recommended as part of the pros and cons that this also look at various areas around the county and make some recommendations to the commission on where they think that might be a good location. It also will include some public outreach into what director is speaking. There's a lot of scope inside of this for the study to conclude to make sure that the commission has all the information

and I just want to make sure that I'm hearing you correctly. So in lie of the um right amendment it is telling the RFQ um vendor that they need to opine on location. Yes, that is part okay. Thank you. And then just a question about the um chance that there could be some type of dissension within the ad hoc um concerning what is presented to them as the final draft. What would be the um next steps if that were to happen?

Vice um I think the intent would be for the ad hoc to gather all of the comments they have on the RFQ and then those back to director or Mr. Foster to incorporate into the RFQ. Um if there's anything legally that they can't do then obviously they would let us know hey these comments can't be incorporated that thing issuance of the RFQ and all that is public documents and so anybody that wants to look at it from this body or anything else would also have the opportunity to make sure what changes were made. If I may, just as a point of per personal privilege, um, Chair Bradford, for this ad hoc, can you ensure that, um, one of our assistants puts on all of our C calendars the ad hoc um, committee meeting date and then also we leverage our PR to make this a publicly um, announced um, ad hoc committee so that people in the public are very fully aware that this is a crucial step in the process and if they have public uh, comment that they need to be present.

Uh, yes, it'll be added just like all the other that make sure everything gets distributed to the commission. Yes. So this meeting ad hoc meeting like any other are um on our website and those are listed so that whenever there's a public uh notice for meeting that does go out.

Just as a clarification that wasn't my request. My request was for an assistant to put it on our calendar. to not for it to just to be noticed um but for assistance to put them on our calendars to reserve the space. So um for the commission staff when these meetings ad hoc or any please make sure that those are put on commissioners. It's not up to commissioner Bradford to make that but we're just asking the commission support staff legislative staff. Um there is a request that when this ad hoc meeting is publicly noticed that it is also put on commissioner calendar. Commissioner Mills.

Thank you. Um so if this goes through tonight and the timeline sticks to get this the ad hoc goes away August 31st. We get a new body. Could they come in and scratch this? I think they could. even if the money's budgeted because Megan Smith, County Attorney's Office. Yes.

Okay. That's what I thought. Um and is this originating with the chair of the ad hoc this resolution to move forward with this? This is you. Okay. Um, I just I feel like this is such a huge thing and it's being rushed in one night and that has me a little concerned is all I know the jail has got to be addressed. Um, I'm just a little concerned at how we're amending and throwing dates out and trying to squeeze it in in a tiny timeline. Thank you.

So, Commissioner Bradford, this was defin definely discussed I think in committee. Um these notes were sent out at the adjourment of that hog a few months back. So this has been some information that has been before the the committee. And so I just think um since you have been such a great champion, it's good that you're going to have extra time that if we ask the new commission asked for folks to volunteer to be a part of it. I'm hopeful that you'll do that in your spare time. Uh but just to make that there is some continuity. I think um if we don't move forward, we will continue to have these same discussions next year, two years from now and our community and people within this commission have said this is a part of the process that we would at least like to move forward with. So, it's up to each of you if you want to make uh a vote I or a no in order to put funds so that we can move forward this process. Commissioner Vice Rford, you want to

Yes, thank you. I did just want to follow up. So, um to Commissioner Whley's point about what's the cost of this? Um as soon as this showed up on our agenda, I had lots of my friends in the A&E community reaching out with interest. Um, so I can follow back up with them to get an idea of what a rough cost will be so we can make sure we include that line item in the budget. Uh, to Commissioner Mills's point, yes, a future commission could undo this. Future commission could undo anything that we do. Um, and so I think we've got to draw the line in the sand and get forward go forward with getting this thing. We've had the report for over a year. Haven't done anything with it. Um, we did have ad hoc committees all in the fall um with minutes published from all of those meetings as well. So, this really for me has not been a uh one night uh delve into this. It's been something that we've been trying to work on, working with the administration, working with Director Norville, working with Mr. Glouester for a long time now. Uh I just wanted to make sure we got it back on our agenda before we're out of our seats. Um because this keeps coming up in the media. We have a few things on our agenda tonight about showers in the jail and other things. And so I wanted to make sure we had the opportunity to vote on something so that we could tell all of our constituents we're trying to push and move something forward with the jail so that the next uh commission that comes in has an opportunity to use that data and then make a good decision. So thank you.

Well said, Commissioner Wright. Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. I was going to say something similar to what the both of you just said. I I think it's been almost a year since we received the study. Um I was not part of the ad hoc, but I understand that that work has been going on behind the scenes. I guess from my standpoint, I haven't seen anything until now. So, it it's taken us all a year to get to this point. Um, and now if we don't execute something on the next steps that CASS recommended to us, then it's um it's not just a few months that we lose, I think it's an entire year. That's correct.

If we don't put something in the budget for next year, then the next board doesn't have anything or all of next year and they don't have an RFQ in place. so that they get that something to start with. So, they're already one year behind and they only have three left to get the very first step executed. So, I'm hopeful that we can take that one next step and just keep taking these baby steps. Um, yeah, that's all. Thank you, M.

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Please prepare the screen for a vote. Madam clerk, please. I for Commissioner, please record the tally. Report the tally. We have I votes from commissioners why Clay Bibs Caswell Shalai Wright Thornton Morrison Bradford Chairwoman Avent Commissioner Mills abstain we have nine eyes one abstain

that motion passes parliamentarian Please read item number 18.

Item 18 comes from the budget and finance committee which is chaired by Commissioner Whe. Item 18 is a resolution amending the FY2026 capital improvement plan budget to reallocate and appropriate $1,775,000 originally approved for the 2011 popular jail jail shower renovation project. Firearms Training Unit BM Reclamation Project. This item requires the reallocation and appropriation of fiscal year 2026 capital improvement plan funds in total not to exceed $1,775,000 sponsored by Commissioner Mc Wright. This item was sent down without recommendation in April 8th, 2026 committee meeting. I got a motion.

Second. A motion by Vice Chair Bradford. a second by Commissioner Thornton. I have one public comment card, Glenda Hicks, that I'll let speak before we move into the item.

And Madam Chair, this this item comes down without recommend. Thank you, Commissioner. Why comes down without a recommendation? Without a recommendation. Thank you.

Good afternoon, Glenda Hicks. I spoke before you all at the last meeting regarding my concern with this action and have dove into some research since then and just simply put why why why do we keep kicking this can down the road? This has been an issue. Documentation went back as far as 2008 regarding issues with this jail. And why would you all commit funds to repairs that you know are needed and have been needed for years and then turn around and consider taking those funds for some other project. And then the word is we'll put it in the 2027 budget. Continuing to kick the can down the road. That simply is inhumane. You all need to take action on this issue. Comments were made by an individual that I understand was Posta doing the the uh no Kings riot saying that there were only two working showers. Now, I've never visited the jail, so I don't know how truthful that is, but there obviously is a problem. And these individuals, some who of course the law tells us that are innocent until proven guilty are being treated inhumane. This is not acceptable. This is not an acceptable representation of a caring community. So we need to do what can be done with

these funds as allocated and repair what showers that can be done and not take funds for some other project not acceptable. Thank you. Thank you. Mix um is there someone from the sheriff's department who'd like to come and present on the item? Felicia Lindsay, chief administrative officer, Shelby County Sheriff's Office. Chairwoman Avant, we we talked in in depth about this item on Wednesday's committee meeting. We responded to Commissioner Thordon's questions via email. All 13 all 12 commissioners will copy and we're just available to answer any questions that you may have.

Commissioner Thordon, you're recognized. Thank you chair. So the to the public on this particular item I just um recall some points that were made in committee that would be crucial for your understanding. So per this particular item there are a couple of facts that make this um presented to us as necessary. um the architecture and design requirements that must be completed prior to the 2011 popular jail shower renovation project going out for bid will prevent the project from being completed in fiscal year 26. And so the fact that the architecture and design requirements were not completed prior to this going alphabid just can you reiterate what's the rationale for that? Alicia Lindsay, chief administrative officer, Shelby County Sheriff's Office. Thank you for the question, Commissioner Gordon. Um, we went through various A&E vendors trying to get quotes as early as July 28, 2025. And as of I want to say March 17th, we finally received approval of one of the vendors that we can use. Right now, we're waiting to get a budget transfer process so that we can have funds in the general fund in the proper account so that we can issue that that purchase order. And so that vendor will not be able to well the vendor may be able to complete the architectural design framework, but it's not enough to fill the showers out.

Okay. So, just for clarity, what exactly like who is responsible? Understanding that time is of the essence. We have constituents that are coming down saying based on our observation, based on what we are hearing and understand to be true, the jail shower renovation is a top priority. It is currently budgeted for fiscal year 26 completion and you're saying that it could not be met. So, who is to blame for architecture and design this requirement not being completed? And we just want to know as the listening public, why? Like, who do we actually fault with not being able to meet this requirement, understanding that this is an urgent matter?

Alicia Lindsay, chief administrative officer, Shelby County Sheriff's Office. My position is not to assign the line to anyone, but if you want to refer to page nine of the email that I sent, I listed all of the steps that we went through. And please note that the Shelby County government has a I want to say architectural will uh that's used. So, you know, if one vendor doesn't work, then you have to go to the next vendor. And so, we went through that process. So, finally, we got to a situation that we were offboard and hope that will and were able to get another vendor. So, I don't want to to you that was just the process that we went through.

Okay. So, I don't consider that a sufficient answer because we need to understand why urgent matters cannot be met. And I just want to remind this body just in the the sense of being humane that we're talking about detainees who have not been convicted not being able to do a basic function of being able to be clean and showered in our jail. And so you know disregards a process that is pushing this off a year. You go a year without having a humane shower. I don't think anyone up here would want to do that. But we're requiring our citizens to do that in our jail. I'll get back in queue for the part two of this. Commissioner Wley.

Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Chief Lindsay, for explaining this also in committee. I let me I just want to make sure I understand the situation correctly and then I really want to know what the amount is that you've allocated in FY27 for this project. But if you can just clarify that this project is very is going to commence this fiscal year with this architect selection. So this is the Buckheart horn 22,350. Okay, that's ready to go in FY26. So the project starts with that the selection of that vendor and the work with the architectural work. But the bulk of the of the con the construction element of it would actually happen post July. And so this is why the bulk of the amount is in FY27 because what it appears to me what's happening is that well first to Commissioner Thornne's point like many projects they're taken too long like we want because the earlier we do them not only is it better for the people that need the project but it has the other benefit of it being less expensive right and we've seen that with schools with lots of projects right so obviously whenever we can we want to be expeditious and and I think we all understand that. But the reality is that this project is imminently about to commence through the selection of this architect. Um, and we as long as the public want to know that we are going to see that project through. Uh, and that we have the adequate funding to be able to do so. Uh, so I guess my main question is can you confirm that that is true? And then also what is the what is the amount that you will be uh allocating? I mean sub our approval, but what would that amount be in the FY27 CIP request for this project?

Alicia Lindsay, chief administrative officer, Shelby County Sheriff's Office. Thank you, Commissioner Why. Uh we have allocated 1,775,000 in fiscal year 2027 CIP budget. But again, we really won't know what that cost is going to look like until we get those architectural designs. And then as far there is a purchasing process that we still have to go through. So either it has to be an RFP or a sole source or a single source or emergency justification before you can get that construction vendor online. So it's not like you can just wake up in the morning and say I'm going to have this vendor and they're going to be on site July one to get these showers built.

Okay. Right. No, no, no. I I totally understand that and I think we just want to be clear that this project is starting this year um and it will continue into next year but I think we want a commitment that we're not we're not amending this project to say we're giving you another you know four months to start it that we want to start now as do you uh and it starts with the selection of this architectural firm so that we can actually proceed to get and figure out who the contractor is going to Uh, and then hopefully have a better sense of you. I guess you're saying you're putting in the same amount for the budget. Uh, you know, we'll see, but you potentially could be more than that. I think we need prepared for that.

Yes. Alicia Lindsay, chief administrative officer, Shelby County Sheriff's Office. Commissioner Why? Yes. Our goal is to get this architectural uh vendor on board as soon as possible. We still need to get a purchase order from the purchasing department and once that's done, the work can commence. Um I think I answered questions and but I also want to point out um there's a mischaracterization that showers are not working in the jail. Showers are working in the jail. Detainees have access to showers. Just want to make that clear for the record. Thank you, Commissioner Thordon.

Thank you, Chair. You know, I don't think that we're talking about access. We're talking about quality here, which has definitely gone beneath the threshold of um any type of standard that I would hope that we would promote in Shelby County. Um when it comes to this architectural wheel that you offboarded yourself from, so are you saying that the vendor is selected who we will work with or explain what exactly has resolved itself from what was the conflict with the architectural will.

So let's see. Alicia Lindsay, chief administrative officer of SH County Sheriff's Office. On March 16, 2026, we received authorization to proceed with Buckart Horn. Prior to that, we had to use this wheel. So, I think Mr. Lost probably explaining better, Mr. Pearson, because there's a wheel. So, it's my understanding that professional services are not needed. There's there just vendors that are out there that you have to choose from. And once you choose one vendor, then it's up to the next vendor for the next. That's how And so we we are not following that order anymore.

We did follow that order until we exhausted everyone that was on that list and you exhausted the list and you couldn't Doesn't the list start back over from the top?

I'm going to defer to my colleague Matthew Robinson. Okay. Matthew Robinson, the jail maintenance manager for the sheriff's office. I started out doing the EOC process of sending the quote out to Buckar Horn merch justification. It was denied. Then I was told that I had to go with three LOSB companies on the EOC website. So I did that. I got two no replies and one out of their scope of work. And that's when I was told about the revolving wheel of the architect, the A&E firms. So I was trying to get it going 1 of July when the CIP was money comes comes available but I wasn't because it was taking so long and I heard about the wheel and if you see on I think page nine I did find a company in the revolving wheel but it was $160,000 which is $140,000 more what Buckard Horn was. I didn't feel comfortable spending that money with Evans Falls. I think it's Evans Falls or Taylor Childress.

So the current vendor is also a local vendor. Yes, they are. They're in Memphis. Yes, ma'am.

Okay. And if I can just for clarity the 350 um,000 to the 1.7 the triple in budget there was a rationale presented in committee that there was just a rough quote that was presented to create that baseline of 350,000 and then a more vetted professional opinion came in the amount of 1.7 help me understand for the public's record because this is a point to pay attention to. I I really detest the in the unchecked inflation rates. It doesn't make sense to me how someone can say that we're going to budget something for 350 and then poof, within a year it's triple the budget, no justification, just whatever people say we should pay. Please help the public understand why that figure increased.

Alicia Lindsay, chief administrative officer of Shelby County Sheriff's Office. Commissioner Thordon, in my email to you that was copied to the other 12 commissioners, I indicated that I misspoke during the committee meeting. And the very first time that this $350,000 that was included for the farm contract was in the fiscal year 22 budget. So we're talking about five and a half years. Further to my point, um most recently we've had this a vendor that we plan to engage to rebuild the BM. They gave us an estimate in late well they were out here repairing range one. This work is for range two and they came and looked at range two because they were there and that's when we learned that the cost was now approximately 968,000. it has changed since then because it gave us a more indepth um breakdown which I believe I provided you with a quote. So it wasn't that it the inflation just changed within the year. This project has been in the budget since fiscal year 22 and I believe I provided all of the CIP projects I mean plans that have been presented from fiscal year 21 all the way up until now. the the burn project has always been in there for fiscal year 26 at $350,000.

I'm back in Q my time right now. Commissioner Thornton.

Thank you, Chair. I just want to just point out to the public this whole 5.5 years ago justifies justifying the triple in cost. We aren't increasing these wages at the same rationale. So when it comes down to it, I'm really just unimpressed that something was in fiscal year 22 and then all of a sudden a contractor deserves to get triple in budget. We literally just don't care in county government in other regards. So when it comes down to it, that's great to say, but broadening, are you are you saying that the scope of what you are actually estimating in this new figure has broadened since fiscal year 2022 in the excess of the 900,000 is what is justifying that? Can you just break down where the boundary between inflation and scope um are increasing this amount? I want to make sure that the public has confidence that we as, you know, fiscal overseers of this budget that we're asking the right questions to figure out why there is a triple element to this in this particular budget.

Happy to do so. Alicia Lindseay, chief administrative officer, Shelby County Sheriff's Office. Back in 2020, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office received a quote from a vendor that um historically does things like railroad track repairs, things of that nature. That vendor quoted 315,000. And this is all also in the email that was sent to you. Happy to add it to OnBase for the public's record. And from there, um the Shelby County Sheriff's Office used that $315,000 as a baseline going forward. 22. That vendor, we didn't, that vendor is not an expert uh in barn remediation or building a barn. It's just a vendor that does emergency repair work. This vendor that Shelby County Sheriff's Office plans to use is a nationwide expert that does this type of work for all law, not all, but many law enforcement agencies throughout the United States of America. And again, I have provided the detail of their quotes. As far as inflation, I'll be more than happy to go back and see what a dollar was worth in 2022 compared to today, but I don't have that work available for you.

Just my only remaining question is why would this nationwide expert that exists and was able to be sourced not be used to provide the initial quote? Alicia Lindsay, chief administrative officer, Shelby County Sheriff's Office. Commissioner Gordon, I wish I could go back in time, but I was not in the Shelby County Sheriff's Office in 2020. I came in 2023 and I can only give you the information that I have.

But unfortunately, the same taxpaying citizens have been investing their dollars and we still want to make sure that they're used um well. So, um a change in leadership shouldn't actually diminish the accountability that extends from, you know, our elected and appointed leaders. So, um I appreciate you for, you know, the responsive emails and communications. Um I do want us to be above board and I know that, you know, everyone will say that we are, but with the increase in the the triples in budget, we've seen this time and time again. There haven't been um clear processes of how these are warranted, and I just want to make sure that the public has trust that we're doing our jobs here. So, um, I appreciate you again. Thank you.

Thank you.

Madam Clerk, please prepare the screen for a vote. Commissioner Wright is not if we could have it please come down. Commissioner Wright is not able to utilize his voting machine. Madam clerk, please report the tally. We have eye votes from commissioners why Clay Bibs Mills Shalai Wright Morrison Vice Chair Bradford Chairwoman Avon Commissioner Thornton abstain. We have eight eyes, one abstain.

That motion passes. Parliamentarian, please read item 19.

Item 19 comes from the Hospitals and Health Committee with Commissioner Willie as acting chair. Item 19 is a resolution approving the purchase of one new and unused 2025 Ford E450 customized mobile van from Quality Vans and Specialty Vehicles in an amount not to exceed $216,000 for the Shelby County Division of Health Services for the Community Health Services Bureau located at 814 Jefferson Avenue. This item requires expenditure of 2026 grant funds for a total amount not to exceed $216,000. Sponsored by Commissioner Misa Clay Bibs. This item was sent down recommendation in April 8th, 2026 committee meeting.

I have a motion motion by Vice Chair Bradford, second by Commissioner Thornton. Commissioner Wley, can I get a committee report? Uh, yes, ma'am. This item comes down without recommendation.

Seeing no commissioners in the queue, Madame Clerk, Mr. Thord. Thank you, chair. Um, we have discussion on this item as well. Um, it looks like this particular item is using a non-local vendor because all of the six responsive um, vendors were non-local. Correct. Lori Brooks, deputy division director, Chevy County Health Department. Yes. All of the vendors did not uh, meet the specifications for this particular item. So the five local vendors that are were solicited, you said that they didn't meet the requirements.

No, they were able to actually do fleet services but could not provide one vehicle.

They couldn't provide one vehicle. Um I just call to our attention, you know, what's happening here in terms of um local spend is something that's always of interest to me and I do want to see this body be sensitive in lie of the the repeal of the MWBE to be intentional to make sure that our local vendors are not getting lost in the sauce. Um, there's some opportunities that we have to break down the scope of contracts to be able to create more of a competitive nature for our local businesses. I have yet in my almost four years of sitting on this body seen us utilize that. I've seen attempts, but you know, decisions have been made um otherwise to go against local vendors. And so, I just call our attention to items like this as we move forward um for the duration of the rest of our terms. Thank you. Madam clerk, please prepare the screen for a vote. Madam cler, please report the tally. Commissioner Wright, would you like an opportunity to vote?

I thank you. We have I votes from commissioners why, Clay, Bibs, Mills, Shalai, Thornton, Morrison, Vice Chair Bradford, Chairwoman Avant. We have nine. I vote. That motion passes. Parliamentarian, please read item 20.

Item 20 comes from the hospitals and health committee with Commissioner Whley as acting chair. Item 20 is a resolution approving 13 subreient contracts. Hope House $800,000. Shelby County Healthcare Corporation DBA Regional One Health, $2 million. Mental and Emotional Resource Center, $250,000. East Arkansas Family Health Center, $300,000. Methodist Labomber Community Outreach, $75,000. Price Community Health Services, $1,100,000. Sacred Heart Southern Mission, $200,000. The Mobile Ministry of Dentistry, $400,000. AIDS Healthcare Foundation, $315,000. Navigating Courage Counseling, $142,72. Serenity Recovery Centers, $120,000. Positively Living Inc. DVA Choice Health Network, $200,000. and Friends for Life, $1 million for the purpose of administering core medical and supportive services to individuals living with HIV under the Ryan White Part A MAI grant March 1st, 2026 through February 28th, 2027 with an option to renew for two additional one-year periods. This item requires expenditure of FY2026 federal grant funds not to exceed a total amount of $6,92,72. Sponsored by Commissioner bibs. The item was amended in April 8th, 2026 committee meeting.

We got a motion. Motion by Vice Chair Bradford, a second by Vice Chair Thor. Um, sorry, by Commissioner Thornton. Sorry, my computer is not showing. If you are putting in for a motion or second, my computer is not working to show that. So, that's why I'm asking publicly on the record. Thank you, Commissioner Way. Can I get a committee report? Uh, yes, ma'am. Uh this item comes with a favorable recommendation.

Okay. Are there any commissioners? See no commissioners in the queue. Please prepare the screen for a vote. Madam clerk, please report the tally. We have I votes from commissioners why Clay Bibs, Shalai, Wright, Thornton, Morrison, Vice Chair Bradford, Chairwoman Avan. We have eight I votes.

That motion passes. Parliamentarian, please read item 21. Item 21 comes from the hospitals and health committee with Commissioner Whley as acting chair. Item 21 is a resolution approving a service provider contract between Shelby County government on behalf of the Shelby County Health Department Air Quality Improvement Branch and Ean Holdings LLC DBA commute with Enterprise for the provision of transportation services for the Memphis area ride share van poolool program Mars for the period beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 with the option to renew for an additional one-year period. This resolution authorizes the expenditure of FY2026 federal through state grant funds in an amount not to exceed $400,000. Sponsored by Commissioner Misplay Clay Bibs was an add-on in April 8th, 2026 committee meeting.

Motion by Vice Chair Bradford, second by Commissioner Thornton. Uh my computer screen is completely frozen. So if there is anyone who'd like to speak or is in quue, you could just raise your hand. Commissioner Thor, you're recognized. Thank you, Chair. We talked about this in committee. I'm fascinated by this Vanpool program. Just curious, if we decided to set a standard of excellence and wanted to double it um in the next fiscal year, we don't have the funding to be able to accommodate an increase in just vision around this particular program. I'm just more so just curious like is this just to do what we can with what we have or are we actually trying to address an issue to a certain extent?

Good afternoon. Casey Smith Alexander, deputy director, Shelby County Health Department. Great question. Um, just to let you know that the health department is the only health department that actually has van poolool that is connected with the health department throughout the United States. Most of the time with commute enterprise and other uh van ride ship programs, it is with TOT. So that is one thing just to keep in mind for us. We would love to expand this program tremendously. However, we do not have budget for it. So we do have to depend on funding from commute enterprises and what they're able to give us at this time. But to answer your question, we would love to triple that amount

and the funding for new enterprise. Refresh my memory. That is at what level of government? That is also through the federal government. Is there any capacity to make a case to new enterprise to increase the amount of funding that we have access to? Casey Smith Alexander, deputy director. As stated at the committee meeting, we are actually awaiting information from the federal government to see if this will be continued beyond this fiscal year.

Okay. Thank you. Madam cler, please prepare the screen for a vote. Yes. Madam clerk, please report the tally. We have I votes from commissioners why Clay Bibs Mills Chalai Wright Thornton Morrison Vice Chair Bradford chairwoman Aventine I votes

that motion passes commentary please read item 22. Item 22 comes from the general government committee with Commissioner Sugarman as vice chair. Item 22 is a resolution initiating a request for qualifications for state government relations consulting services on behalf of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners sponsored by Chairwoman Shante K. A set it was an add-on in April 8th, 2026 committee meeting. Motion by Vice Chair Bradford, a second by Commissioner Thordon. Commissioner Thordon, you're recognized.

Just a question to you, Madam Chair. Um has the current contract for our state lobbyist, I'm assuming that that's what this is for. Um has it when does it expire? Um I have to check with our CEO. You get asked June 30th this year. Okay. So, this will put it out for um us to get additional vendors to bid on this.

Yes. Um, is there anything that we have to evaluate the current success or satisfaction with this body with our current services being rendered? I think um if there is something that you'd like us to develop in order for people to give feedback on current services um that can be incorporated um but there isn't a mechanism in place I guess based on um where we are just in our you know current legislature and some of the challenges that we face in Shelby County but if there are is there some feedback that you like to provide please uh feel free to do I'd also like, you know, if there are things, especially for those that have chaired the legislative committee who like um to make sure are included as part of that process, I think that is also very helpful because you would have worked more closely and that would be all past legislative chairs. Um I do I mean I guess receiving that information all this with the request for qualifications I don't know how that would impact that whole process. Um the difference between a request for qualifications rather than an RFP. Can someone just explain why we're doing the RFQ for this particular process?

I'd have to go back to C and why we did it this way before

I don't think it's any different than we've always said it but I think it's always good for there to be some context Mr. I think it's a professional services. So, by state law, it's got to be an RFQ and can't be an RFP. Thank you. Thank you. Um, thank you. Madam clerk, please prepare the screen for a vote.

Madam clerk, please report the tally. We have I votes from commissioners why Claybs, Mills, Shalai, Wright, Thoron, Morrison, Vice Chair Bradford, Chairwoman Avant. We have nine I vote. That motion passes. Parliamentarian, please read item 23.

Item 23 comes from the general government committee with Commissioner Sugarman as vice chair. Item 23 is a resolution acknowledging a vacancy in the office of judicial commissioner and setting the following dates to fill one vacancy. One, Friday, April 17, 2026 as the application deadline. Two, Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 as the date for interviewing candidates. And three, Monday, April 27th, 2026 as the date for appointment sponsored by Chairwoman Shante K. A. This was an add-on in April 20 April 8th, 2026 committee meeting. Commissioner Sherman's not here. Was anyone else present to give a committee report?

I was there. It came down with a favorable recommendation. Thank you, Commissioner Mills. Come down with a favorable recommendation. Can I get a

motion by Commissioner Bradford? Beckoned by Commissioner Morrison. See no, I know this is one of you all's favorite things to do and so I'd like to ask the clerk to prepare the screen for a vote. Madam clerk, please report the tally. We have eye votes from commissioners why Clay Bibs Mills Shalai Wright Thornton Morrison Vice Chair Bradford Chairwoman Ava. We have nine I votes.

That motion passes. Now we come to the part of the meeting if there are any announcements or statements. Vice Bradford. Yes. I want to invite the commissioners to circle their calendar for June 4th at the Agra Center. As you all likely know, I serve on the board of the YMCA and they're having their big annual fundraiser this year. Uh, Dancing with the Stars. I think this is the second year that they've had it. Um, and somehow someone talked me and my three left feet into being one of these stars that is dancing. Um, so if anyone would like to come and enjoy some real dancing, you can watch that and you also can laugh at me as I try to dance on stage. So that will be June 4th at the center.

Thank you, Vice Chair Bradford. Always the one open uh offering himself up for public service. Uh, Commissioner Clay Bibs. Thank you, Madam Chair. I will, although I know he's not listening, but I will have this on the record. Want to wish my son Langston happy birthday. Today is his birthday. Happy birthday, Langston. Commissioner Thornton.

Thank you, Chair. Um, just want to encourage everyone that, you know, voting is going to start up on Wednesday. So, I hope you find folks have your um clothes laid out for Tuesday night and that you um show up bright and early to be able to cast your vote for your favorite candidates. I just want to take a moment to thank all of the candidates who are offering themselves up to keep our government going and I look forward to seeing the results. And then I just had a technical question. The LOSB ordinance, can we just get an update on when that will be rolled out or what is the current status of the um ordinance? Yeah. So, there's there were definitely some uh aspects that had to be looked over by legal and so our hope is that um unfortunately um administrator Wurn's mother-in-law passed and so um he's going to be out but we are meeting with legal to go over any other aspects that needed to be ironed out and that our hope is to bring that in the next one of our May meetings for that ordinance updated ordinance. As Commissioner Thord mentioned, uh, early voting is from April 15th to April 30th. We hope folks get out and definitely make, um, so we could have a stronger showing of folks who want to be a part of this process. It is an important part for each of us as constituents of Shelby County. With that being said, this meeting is adjourned.