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You want me to tell them?

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All right. Our meeting is now being called to order. If you would please if you would please stand for the prayer. Our prayer this evening we will be led by Reverend Dr. Robert Howard Washington who is the pastor of Pillow Street CME Church.

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Let us bow our heads. Let us pray. Almighty God, as we come before you on behalf of the citizens and behalf of Memphis City Council on today, we ask that you have set these leaders in this hour, in this moment, in this time. We ask that you give them the wisdom that they need beyond their own. Grant them the courage to do what is right. bless us to have a decision making process for the citizens, for the people in the great Memphis city. Give us strength for our neighbors. Bring us peace and yes, harmony in this place. Let it permeate from every heart to heart and every mind on today. And yes, Lord, we'll be careful to give you the honor today. And yes, Lord, we'll be careful to give you the praise. Somebody shout in Jesus name. Shout one more time. In Jesus name. And in the name that you believe in God. Amen. And amen.

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

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Thank you so much for that beautiful prayer.

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Thank you. Madame Controller, if you will please call the role.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. Council member Canali

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Carile,

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present.

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Cooper Sutton, Easter Thomas,

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present.

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Ford,

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Green,

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present.

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Logan,

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Spinosa,

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here.

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Smiley Walker

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Warren

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White Chairwoman Swearington Washington

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present.

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Madam Chair, you have a quorum.

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Thank you. Vice Chair, I think you have approved or you have seen the minutes.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. I've read the minutes and they seem to be in order and approve the the October or move that the October 6, 2026 meeting minutes be approved.

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It has been moved by Vice Chair Carile. Second by Councilman Spinosa. Madame Controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the approval of the October 6, 2026 meeting. Canali, yes. Carile, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swearington Washington. Yes,

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that item passes. We will begin with our presentations. Our first presentation is a resolution recognizing October as breast cancer awareness month. This resolution this resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council. Dr. Warren, you are recognized at this time.

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Thank you, Madam Chair.

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In 1985, the American Cancer Society was instrumental in starting the event that would become National Breast Cancer Awareness Month observed in October now for more than four decades. And whereas apart from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 322,000 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in 2026. The statistics translate to show that a woman has a 1 in8 chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. And whereas from 1989 through 2023, the rate of breast cancer deaths in the United States saw an overall decline of 44%. This is attributed to the early detection through screening and the development of a more effective treatments. And whereas the American Cancer Society has been instrumental in both raising awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection and in funding research to develop improved treatments. In 2025, the ACS funded more than $82 million in grants for breast cancer research. And whereas each year the ACS holds the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraising walk, which since 1983 has grown into the nation's largest breast cancer movement with events taking place in communities nationwide, that event was just held in Memphis this past Saturday on October 17, 2026. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council stands in solidarity with those battling breast cancer and those at risk for breast cancer and designates the month of October 26 as breast cancer awareness month in the city of Memphis and that all citizens are encouraged to

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understand the importance of breast cancer screening for early detection and to support the American Cancer Society and his goal to end breast cancer. adopted this day, this Memphis City Council. All members. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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And do we have anyone from the American Cancer Society here?

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I love your pink tie. Good to see you. You have the mic, sir.

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Hello, everyone. Uh, I'm Erskin Gillespie. I'm a senior manager of events for the American Cancer Society and I'm just excited to be here and excited to have this month recognized because as you know we talked about women contracting breast cancer but there's another thing that we don't talk about but there are men that are out there suffering with breast cancer as well. So it's all about creating that awareness and that support in our community. So don't just think about it that it's only affecting women. Yes, it does affect women disproportionately, but there are also men that are impacted by this deadly disease and thankful for the work that we're able to do with the American Cancer Society for over a hundred years. It's making a difference in the community. So, thank you again for this resolution,

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Councilwoman Easter Thomas.

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Thank you, Chairwoman. And thank you, Councilman Dr. Jeff Warren, for bringing this honorary resolution as well. Um, Madame Chair, I would also like to recognize the efforts in my district of the time is now Douglas Redevelopment Corporation. Since 2022, this group has worked to support cancer awareness and education in divevested disinvested communities where we still see a high number of new cancer diagnoses that early detection screening and healthier food choices can easily prevent. Among their efforts have been installing a community garden in Douglas to provide access to healthier foods and educate citizens on making better food choices. They recently held their second annual

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Paint the Garden Pink brunch for breast cancer survivors and their families. Their executive director, Kathy Yansy Temple, is here today. And if so allowed, I'd like to ask that she stand and be recognized. Thank you, chair. I'd like to uh first thank my city council woman Michael and Thomas uh for recognizing that the work we do in Douglas and I also want to thank American Cancer Society for providing the resources to become a American Cancer Society health uh ambassador to fight cancer and bring cancer awareness to disinvested communities like Douglas in North Memphis. I also want to say that this is perfect timing uh with this ask for data center memorial moratorum because we do see high numbers of cancer in poor black and brown communities that are surrounded by industry especially in Douglas. We don't hear a lot about North Memphis when it comes to data centers. But I heard in committee two weeks ago that Douglas is the only community that is zoned industrial. We are surrounded by railroad tracks and chemical companies. So please take that in consideration when you're voting about adding more industry to Douglas and an all and to Memphis and already polluted city that is great and known for its agriculture and its farming. So thank you again American Cancer Society. Michael and Thomas and the council for your support.

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Thank you so much. Councilman Smiley.

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Thank you. Council Smiley, you're recognized.

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Yes. I want to take a point of personal privilege to recognize Chancellor Lonnie Thompson who's in the back. wave at the newly elected chancellor and also recognize um Mayor Chaz Motor who is here made his way down to spend some time with the folks in Memphis. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you. Welcome. Welcome to Memphis. We will now have our resolution honoring clergy appreciation month. This resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council, led under the leadership of Councilwoman Logan. This is Kate. Councilwoman Logan, you're recognized.

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Thank you, Chair. Not only is October breast cancer awareness month, it is also domestic violence um month and clergy appreciation month. And I would not dare allow us to um not take this opportunity. and highlight, spotlight, honor those in our communities and our neighborhoods that have always uh led the way for our communities as it relates to our faith-based initiative. So, I would like to read this into record so it would be on record. Whereas, the Memphis City Council deems it fitting to recognize and celebrate the men and women who enhance the lives of people through faith-based worship in the city of Memphis and communities throughout the United States. And whereas clergy appreciation month is a dedicated time to honor pastors, priests, ministers, and spiritual leaders observed in the month of October with pastors appreciation day being celebrated and held on the second Sunday in October. And whereas clergy appreciation month is also a dedicated time to write sentiments, give gifts, host reception, volunteer to ease the load of the spiritual leader. And whereas the Memphis City Council

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proudly joins communities across the country in celebrating clergy appreciation month in recognizing the many men and women whose contributions and spiritual leadership continue to strengthen our neighborhood, support our economy, and help shape the future of our city. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council hereby recognizes the month of October as clergy appreciation month and honors the sacrifices, spiritual leadership, guidance, and contributions to the city of Memphis and the United States. given by Memphis City Council under the great seal of the city of Memphis this 20th day of October. And if there are any clergy in the audience, please stand. We'd like to salute you and thank you for being here and your contributions to the city and the citizens. Thank you. Thank you.

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Thank you, madam council. Please share that item passed by acclamation. And would you please call item number three? Item number three is a resolution honoring Lesie Smith for her distinguished leadership as an integral city of Memphis public executive and her contributions to equitable neighborhood revitalization nationwide. This resolution is sponsored by Councilman Smiley and Chairwoman Swaringen Washington.

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Miss Smith is a little shy. She didn't want to come stand beside us. We are so excited to be able to present this resolution for the growth, equity, and stability of the city of Memphis. You we have been strengthened by your dedicated public administrator and civic leader who serves as a vital pillar in the municipal government, transforming urban policy into measurable progress for Memphis neighborhoods. Leslie Smith is one such leader and deserving of this recognition. You have built an exemplary career defined by your public service, your executive leadership, and your community centered innovation serving as

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an integral leader within the municipal governance structure of the city of Memphis. As the founding executive member of the Blight Authority of Memphis, you established an official municipal entity and an agency of the city of Memphis. You directed key components of municipal property disposition and neighborhood recovery, successfully building it into the functionally public land bank. Whereas your leadership, the Blight Authority of Memphis launched Tennessee's historic first ever land deposit program empowering municip municipal administration to clear titles, eradicate urban blight, and return long abandon tax delinquent parcels to proactive use of affordable housing and community assets. Whereas you further reinforce um her deep municipal ties through impactful leadership at building Memphis, directly collaborate with the city administration and community partners to shape the Memphis 3.0 comprehensive plan and advocate for the establishment of sustainable funding of the Memphis affordable housing trust fund. Whereas Leslie Smith has taken the Memphis has taken this Memphis Forest Municipal Executive Excellence to the national stage as the executive director of the Omaha Municipal Land Bank, establishing landmark policies in resident first disposition and language access that are cited as national best practices by the Center for Community Progress in the land bank's playbook. And whereas on the occasion of Miss Smith's return to the big city of Memphis for the Cities United 2026 annual convening, the Memphis City Council proudly welcomes her home, one of our city's government's most impactful alumni and leaders, celebrating her enduring public service legacy in Memphis. Now therefore be it resolved that the Memphis City Council hereby recognizes and extends its gratitude to Miss Leslie Smith for her distinguished leadership as a integral

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executive within the city government her transformational stewardship and with blight authority of Memphis and her lasting contributions to the revitalization of the city we call home Memphis. given under my hand, Memphis City Council and the hand of Chairwoman Jenna Sergeon Washington. And when you come back home, we don't allow you to leave empty-handed. So, first we're going to give you this and then we're going to allow Dr. Jeff Warren to give you a special presentation. Thank you, colleagues, fellow Meyians. This year, for the first time in my tenure on council, each of the council members was given one key to the city to award to observing a deserving citizen of their choice. Originating in medieval days of walled and gated cities, conferring a key to the city now represents the freedom of the recipient recipient to enter and leave as a trusted ally of the city. I certainly think that this designation applies to Miss Smith and we're glad she's chosen to visit us again. As a token of the respect for her contribution to our modern urban environment, I'm proud to present her the key to the city.

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Congratulations.

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Well, this was a surprise. Thank you so much, Chair um JP Warren, council members. Um I owe so much of my career to Memphis. I've always shared Memphis groomed and I own it with pride. Much of my career is attributed to many of the public servants, community leaders like yourself, and the residents. Um so I I appreciate this. I feel truly gratitude. Thank you. We got to get you back.

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Say that again.

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Thank you, madam controllers. This item passed by acclamation.

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Madam controller, would you please call item number four?

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Item number four is a resolution honoring and recognizing Lieutenant Marvin Wiggins for his dedication to public service and community leadership. This resolution is sponsored by Chairwoman Swearing Washington. Is it on? It is an honor to be able to give Lieutenant Wiggins this honor because not only are you offering community service for your job, but what you do on your off time for the citizens of Memphis and Shelby County, it is just commendable and greatly appreciated and the council wanted to honor you. The Memphis City Council takes great pride in recognizing individual whose dedication to public service and community leadership has made a lasting impact on the lives of others. Marvin Wiggins is a dedicated public servant and community leader who has devoted over 15 years to law enforcement, serving and protecting others with demonstrating unwavering commitment to the people of Memphis and Shelby County. His spirit and service extends far beyond the badge. Through neighborhoods, cleanups, food drives, clothing distributions, and youth initiatives, Mr. Wiggins has consistently answered the call to serve those in need. Your commitment in strengthening families and communities is further demonstrated through your service to the boards of the Christopher A. Hugh second center and university city face CDC along with your volunteer work with freedom from unnecessary negative and legacy of legend CDC as president of the Berry Hill Farm homeowners association representing more than 1,000 homes. Mr.

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Wiggins has championed neighborhood safety, beautifification, and community engagement. Through your leadership, you helped secure grant funding for neighborhood security cameras, making a safer neighborhood. You have guided by your personal motto, be the change. Mr. Wiggins has demonstrated that true leadership is not defined by a title, but by the willingness to show up, to lend a helping hand, and leave every community stronger than you found it. Mr. Wiggins exemplifies the very best of servant leadership, inspiring others through your compassion, your dedication, your unwavering commitment to making Memphis a better place for all. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council hereby honors and commends Marvin Wiggins for his outstanding public service, exemplary community leadership, and continued dedication to improving the lives of citizens throughout Memphis and Shelby County. Be it further resolved that the Memphis City Council extends our sincere appreciation to Mr. Marvin Wiggins for your many contributions and we present this resolution as a lasting expression of gratitude for your service, your leadership and your commitment to be the change. Given by my hand under the great seal of the city of Memphis this 20th day of October, Janice Swaren Washington, chairwoman of the Memphis City Council and the entire council, we're so proud of you. Oh, yes.

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Well, good evening. Thank you again, uh, Chairwoman Swearen Washington and the other esteemed members of the Memphis City Council. I am truly appreciative and honored to receive this recognition

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for the work that I do in the city I love the most, and that's Memphis. And as a law enforcement leader, I understand the uh the importance of investing in our communities, especially uh with our youth. And I really appreciate it. Again, thank you so much. Uh I could talk all day, but I won't. I know y'all got business to take care of. And uh God bless you all and God bless the city of Memphis.

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Thank you.

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Thank you, Council. Please hear this passion. Moving on to our planning development items 5 through eight with the notation that items six and seven will have same night minutes. Madam controller, please call item number five. Item number five is a resolution pursuant to chapter 9.6 of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code approving a special use permit at the subject property located at 1288 Sycamore View Road. This resolution is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development. The case number is SUP26-20.

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Thank you. Councilman Fosi, you're recognized.

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Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Committee met recommends approval and I so move. And if any council member wants any information, DPD is here. But we got everything in committee

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members. Seeing none, this has been moved by probably moved by council, seconded by Warren. Madam Control, if you please call the screen. Canali, yes. Carlile, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearing and Washington, yes. That item passes. Madame Controller, if you will please call item number seven.

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Item number six. Item number six is a resolution pursuant to chapter 9.6 of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code approving a plan development at the subject property located at 1470 North Germantown Parkway. This resolution is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development. Our case number is MJR26-22 and there is a request for same night minutes for this item.

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Councilman Spinosa, you're recognized.

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

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It has been moved by Councilman Spinosa. Second by Councilman Warren. And no council in the queue to speak. Madame controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote. Canali, yes. Carile, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearington Washington. Yes.

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That item passes. Madame controller, if you will please call item number seven.

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Item number seven should display momentarily. Is a resolution pursuant to chapter 9.6 six of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code approving a plan development at the subject property located at zero Austin P Highway, west side of Austin P Highway, north of New Covington Pike and south of Egypt Central Road. This resolution is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development. The case number is PD26-13. And there is also a request for same

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night minutes for item number seven.

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Councilwoman Logan, you're recognized. Thank you, chair. I will be recusing myself from this vote. Thank you. Please note that Councilwoman Logan will recuse herself from this item. It has been moved by Councilman Spinosa, second by Councilwoman Green.

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Yeah. Committee met recommends approval.

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Madame Controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote. Canali. Yes. Carile. Yes. Easter. Thomas. Yes. Ford. Yes. Green. Yes. Logan. Recused. Smiley. Yes. Spinosa. Yes. Walker. Yes. Warren. Yes. White. Yes. Chairwoman Swearington Washington. Yes.

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That item passes. Madame Controller, if you will please call item eight.

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Item number eight.

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Item number eight is a resolution pursuant to chapter 9.6 six of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code approving a planned development at the subject property located at 2604 Coington Pike. This resolution is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development. This was held from October 6. The case number is PD 26-05. Councilman Sosa, you're recognized.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee met recommends approval and I submit.

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It has been moved by Councilman Spinosa, second by Councilman Warren. Madame Control, if you will please prepare the screen. Canal, yes. Carile, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Please show council member Smiley is voting yes on this item. Chairwoman swearing to Washington. Yes.

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That item passes. Madame Controller, if you'll please call the consent agenda items 910.

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Thank you. We'll start with an add-on item number 38. It's an ordinance to establish a framework for the creation and state approval of a nonprofit community benefit agency to authorize coordination between the city of Memphis and the state of Tennessee for the lawful receipt administration and distribution of data center community benefit funding to provide for community representation, financial accountability and public oversight and to provide for related purposes. Up for first reading, ordinance number 5989 is sponsored by Councilman Warren and there was a request to add this on to tonight's agenda for the first reading. Item number nine is up for second reading on our consent agenda. Ordinance number 5987 is sponsored by council members Warren, Canali, Spinosa, Carlau, and White. Item number 10 is also up for second reading. Ordinance number 5988 is sponsored by council members Logan, Cooper, Sutton, Swerjen, Washington, Walker, and Warren. Madam Chair, that concludes your consent agenda items.

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Vice Chair Carlile, you're recognized.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met discuss these items and are moving them to the floor for uh approval. if he'll fix the screen for the consent agenda.

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All right, it's been moved by Carlile, second by Warren. If you will please prepare the screen for the vote. Council members, you're voting for the consent agenda.

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Canali, yes. Carile, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swamon Washington, yes.

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All right, before we do that vote, Councilwoman White,

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actually, this one is fine. It's the previous one, number eight. So, I was going to let her call this one. And then for number eight, the planning and zoning one.

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Okay.

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Okay.

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What about number eight? This item has been approved. If we would go back to item number eight, madame controller.

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Madam chair, would you like to recall that item again?

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I don't think so. I just needed to make sure that I am a recusal on item number eight. Without objection.

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For the record, ma'am. Yes.

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Thank you.

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You're welcome. All right, madame controller, if you will please take us to our MLGW fiscal consent agenda items. Item number 11 on our MLGW fiscal consent is a resolution approving the increase and payment to contract number 9955, partial funding of pollution control groundwater quality control program with

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Memphis and Shelby County Health Department to authorize the annual fee payment in the funded amount of $141,5125. Item number 12 is a resolution awarding contract number 12698 South 2nd Street and Union Avenue Water Main Replacement to Magnolia Underground Construction Inc. in the funded amount of 1,100,000. Item number 13 is a resolution awarding contract number 12625 meter interval data analysis to LPMCPC in the funded amount of 580,53930. Item number 14 is a resolution awarding a purchase order for standard concrete post tops to Engineered Ceiling Components LLC in the of $754,188.80. Item number 15 is a resolution awarding a purchase order for flood light luminires LED a 1000 watt equivalent to ATG supply LCC in the amount of 663,644. And our last item is number 16, a resolution approving the ratification of purchase order number 7087081 with Brighter Days and Nights, Inc. in the amount of 1,74,645. Madam Chair, that concludes your MLGW fiscal consent.

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Councilwoman Walker, you're recognized at this time.

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

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It has been moved by Councilwoman Walker, second by Councilman Warren.

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Madame Controller, if you will please prepare the screen. Please cast your your vote for the MLGW consent agenda items.

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Canali, yes. Carile, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Please show Mr. Spinosa is voting yes on this item. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White. Yes. Chairwoman Swington Washington. Yes.

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That item passes. Madame Controller, if you will please do our add-on agenda and same night minute items.

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Thank you. That would take us to item number 34. A resolution to allocate, appropriate, and transfer the sum of 43,2245 from Memphis Parks Capital Reserve CIP project PK25104 fiscal year 2027 contract construction and transfer to Westwood pool improvements CIP project number PK04020 contract construction as part of the fiscal year 2027 capital improvement budget district 6 super district 8 this resolution is sponsored by the administration there is a request for same night minutes Dr. Warren you're recognized

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thank you madam chair committee met recommended approval and I so move

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it has been moved by Dr. Warren second by vice chair Carlile. Madame controller will please prepare

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the screen for item number 34. Canali. Yes. Carl. Yes. Easter Thomas. Yes. Ford. Yes. Green. Yes. Logan. Yes. Smiley. Yes. Walker. Yes. Warren. Yes. White. Yes. Chairwoman swearing Washington. Yes.

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That item passes.

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Item 35 is our next add-on. It's a resolution to accept additional grant funds in the amount of five,52810. It should display momentarily from US Department of Justice through the United States Marshall Service Western District of Tennessee. All council districts. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. This is item number 35 and there is a request for same night minutes.

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Councilman, you're recognized.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee met recommends approval and I so move. All right. It's been moved by Councilman Canali, second by Councilman Warren. Before we vote, we have one comment card, Mr. Justin Pearson. Thank you, Chairwoman. For item 35, it says, "A resolution to accept additional grant funds in the amount of 105,52810 from the US Department of Justice through the United States Marshall Service, Western District of Tennessee. Thus far, it doesn't seem to be a conversation about what's happening, but I know we also have a resolution today

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related to the Memphis Unsafe Task Force. And so, it's slightly concerning that they would be giving money uh to our city. And there's no explanation or reasoning why that is happening. Further entrenching what many of us have already believed that somehow our city uh is in collaboration in cooperation with this Memphis unsafe task force that is killed tragically uh four black men uh in our city has kidnapped hundreds of our neighbors. And so I believe, and I know this is on the add-on agenda, but there's more discussion that is warranted about what these costs are, how they were incurred, and is this further entangling us with a Department of Justice that we know has not cared a lot about justice at all over the last year and a half, and who has sought to enjoin a lawsuit against people uh in our community uh who were fighting for clean air uh in North Mississippi as well. And so this is an item that would love to just learn a little bit more about. Thank you.

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Thank you, Madam Controller. If you will please prepare the screen for item 35 votes.

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Thank you. Canali yes. Carile yes. Easter Thomas no. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman Swearington Washington, yes. Show Council Member Spinosa as voting yes on this item.

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That item passes. Madame Controller, if you will please call the next item. Our next item is number 36, a resolution to amend the FY2027

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capital improvement program and transfer $319,000 in appropriated general obligation geo funds within the downtown command project IT01008 from other costs to architecture and engineering districts six and seven. Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. There is a request for same night minutes and this is item number 36. Councilman Canali, you're recognized.

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

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It's been moved by Councilman Canali, second by Councilman Warren. Madam Controller, if you would please prepare the screen. Council members, cast your votes. Thank you. Canali, yes. Carile, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman swearington, Washington, yes. That item passes. Madam Controller, if you'll please call item number 37. Item 37 on our add-ons is a resolution to accept, allocate, and appropriate $500,000 in grant funds received from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation TEC for the design and construction of Memphis Zoo Pervious Pavement Project District 5, Super District 9. This resolution is also sponsored by the administration. There is a request for saint night minutes and again this is item number 37 on our add-ons. Councilman Smiley, you're

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recognized.

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

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It has been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilman Warren. Madame Controller, if you will please prepare the screen. Last add-on item. Please cast your votes. Thank you.

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Canali. Yes. Carile. Yes. Easter Thomas. Yes. Ford. Yes. Logan. Yes. Smiley. Yes. Spinosa. Yes. Walker. Yes. Warren. Yes. White. Yes. Chairwoman Swearing Washington. Yes.

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That item passes. Madame Controller. That takes us to our regular agenda items. Starting with item number 17. Item number 17 on our regular agenda is an ordinance to establish a strategic large load development and digital infrastructure district program to replace a blanket data center moratorum with sourcene neutral tiered and time review to define substantial compliance to adopt a Memphis water assurance standard and recurring fiscal floor to require strategic IC development agreements to authorize Memphis digital infrastructure development district number one and for related purposes of for third and final reading. Ordinance number 5985 is sponsored by Councilman Spinosa and this was held from October

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6.

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Councilman Spinosa, you're recognized.

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Yeah. Thank you, Madam Chair. As we discussed in committee today, uh, Councilman Warren brought up um his community benefit deal. So, this is one of several, uh, ordinances around data centers, but for this one, we're going to hold this one in hopes of joining up with, uh, what Councilman Warren brought up. So, we're going to hold this one until the next meeting, just this one. With without objection, Okay, that item is being held. Madam Control, if you will please call item number 28. Item number 28 is a resolution approving the economic impact plan and authorizing a sightsp specific tax increment financing plan for the 3535 central project and the third amendment to the economic impact plan for the university neighborhoods development corporation. All council districts. This resolution is sponsored by Chairwoman Swearing Washington.

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Councilwoman Green, you're recognized.

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Committee met recommends approval and so move.

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It's been moved by Councilwoman Green. Item number 28.

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It's been moved by Green, second by Councilwoman Easter Thomas. Madame Controller, if you will please prepare the screen.

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Canali, yes. Carile, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Green, yes. Please show council member Ford as voting yes. Logan, yes. Spinosa, yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swingington, Washington, yes.

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Walker, yes.

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Please show Miss Walker as voting yes.

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That item passes. Madam controller, if you will please call item number 20. Item number 20 should display momentarily. Ordinance to amend the Memphis Code of Ordinances to amend, consolidate, and adopt ordinances relative to blight remediation and neighborhood improvement. Up for third and final reading. Ordinance number 5950 is sponsored by council members green, Spinosa, and White, and it was held from September 15th. Vice Chair Carlau, you're recognized.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd defer to the sponsors of this ordinance. I think it was to be held.

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Uh, thank you,

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Madam Chair.

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Before you do that, uh, Attorney Way, could you offer some clarification, please?

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Yes, I I will. Um, we intended to have conformed the penalty section for this ordinance to what we adopted on short-term rentals, but due to all of the um recent events, we haven't had chance to mirror those things. And I would ask that it probably be delayed for a couple more meetings so we can get that done correctly. Chair, if I may, as the original um writer and sponsor of this ordinance, we've been holding this um really for over a year now. So, I would like for us, I'm asking very clearly of our legal counsel, this is the last hold. We vote

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up or down the next time.

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We have a we have a a template for how to get it done.

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Yes, sir. we just hadn't done it and we we we affected a very affected short-term rental orders with the penalties and I think we just want to make sure that's added to this one.

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I agree. I just I feel like my blight ordinance has been held for over a year now and I want us to to get it done. Thank you.

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Thank you.

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All right. This item will be held.

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Can we do it in two weeks, Attorney Wade? All right. Two weeks. Next meeting.

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Thank you. What date is that?

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November 10th. Okay.

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Please call item number 21. Madame controller.

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You madam chair. Item number 21 is displayed. It's a resolution appropriating FY27 allocations in the amount of $1,500,000 in CIP project number GS22202 major modifications city hall improvements for the installation of replacement chillers district 7 super district 8. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. Councilman Smiley, you're recognized for item number 21.

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

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All right, it's been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilman Spinosa. Madame Controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote. Canali, yes. Carile, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes.

1:28:55

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Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman swearing in Washington, yes. That item passes. Madame controller, if you will please call item number 22. Item number 22 is a resolution appropriating FY27 allocations in the amount of $513,000 NCIP project number GS24105 major modification carpentry for the Hol Training Center Southside Foundation Repair and Public Works Collins Yard Mechanic Shop Metal Building Districts 5 and seven super districts eight and nine. This resolution is sponsored by the administration.

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Councilman Smiley, you're recognized.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee may recommend approval. I move.

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It has been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilwoman Green. Madame Controller, if you will please prepare the screen. Council members, please cast your votes for item number 22. Thank you. Canali, yes. Carile, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Bossa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren. Yes. Chairwoman swarington Washington. Yes.

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That item passes. Madam Controller, if you'll please call item number 23.

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Item number 23 is a resolution appropriating FY27 allocations in the

1:30:59

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amount of $666,250 in CIP project number GS24104. Major modification HVAC for HVAC repairs and or replacement for Pink Palace heat exchange Mallerie Neely House Tilman Police precinct districts 3 five and six super districts 8 and nine. This resolution is sponsored by the administration.

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Councilman Smiley, you're recognized.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee may recommend approval. I move.

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It's been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilman Canali. Madame Controller, please prepare the screen for the vote. Canal. Yes. Carile. Yes. Easter Thomas. Yes. Ford. Yes. Smiley. Yes. Walker. Yes. Chairwoman swearing in Washington. Yes. That item passes. Madame Controller. If you will call item number 24. Item number 24 is a resolution appropriating FY27 allocations in the amount of $375,000 in CIP project number GS24107 major modification contingency for emergency repairs throughout the city facilities. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. Councilman Smiley, you're recognized for item number 24.

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

1:33:05

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electronically, please. It's been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilman Carile. Madam Controller, please prepare the screen. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman swearing in Washington, yes.

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That item passes. Madame Controller, if you will please call item number 25. Item number 25 is a resolution appropriating FY27 allocations in the amount of $800,000 in CIP project number GS201701 170 North Main of public safety building for the roof replacement district 7 super district 8. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. Councilman Smiley, you're recognized.

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I feel like all the items have been in my committee. Thank you, Madam Chair. The committee may recommended approval but not so moved.

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It has been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilman Spinosa. Madame Controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote. Canali? Yes. Carile? Yes. Easter Thomas? Yes. Ford? Yes. Green? Yes. Logan? Yes. Smiley? Yes. Spinosa? Yes. Walker? Yes. Warren? Yes. White? Yes. Chairwoman

1:35:05

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swearing Washington? Yes.

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That item passes. Madam Controller, if you will please call item number 26. Item number 26 is a resolution seeking approval of a seven-year initial lease term with an option to renew for one additional 7-year period between the city of Memphis and Bluff City Athletics doing business as Bluff City Pickle Ball LLC at 940 Early Maxwell Boulevard picking building Memphis, Tennessee 38104, District 4, Super District 9. This resolution is sponsored by the administration. This was held from October 6.

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Councilman Warren, you're recognized.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee met recommended approval and I so move. It has been moved by Councilman Warren, second by Councilwoman Green. Before we vote, we have a couple of cards. Kristen Kunar, please forgive me if I mispronounced it. After Chris, Christian Kuner, Dylan Miller, and Randy KMA in that order. Kristen Keenir. I'm here today to express my concerns about the Bluff City pickle ball lease. While others are going to speak about the devastating cultural and Cuban impact of this lease, I'm here today to just focus on the math. The Pipkin building is massive. It's 27,000 square feet of prime Midtown real estate. And for this public asset, Bluff City Pickle Ball is paying only

1:37:06

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$4,000 a month. That translates to less than $2 per square foot annually. Warehouses in Memphis can go anywhere from 5 to$10 per square foot. Why is the city leasing a public building for a fraction of what a warehouse can command? This is a discounted lease. Worse yet, this lease completely fails the taxpayer. The city remains liable for the expensive structural liabilities, the HVAC, the plumbing, the roof, the lease hold improvements that would turn this building that would help this building, it just turns it into a pickle ball court. It does nothing to help the structural integrity of this building. So, if this lease is about maximizing the revenue, then why is it so cheap and why are we still on the hook for the bills? And I know that the counterargument to this is the profit sharing, but let's look at the facts. In the committee meetings they have told you to your face they intend to make zero in profit at the Pipkin operation. None. 50% of zero is zero. What is this city getting out of this? Were other companies even considered or other tenants for this lease? How is this anything other than a massive government handout to a for-profit entity at the expense of the our taxpayer and long-standing community organizations? I urge you to please vote no on this lease. Thank you.

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Dylan Miller.

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Dylan Miller.

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Dylan Miller. I'm here to show show my support for the fairgrounds for All movement. I'm deeply disheartened by the proposal to exclusively renounce the Pipkin to a for-profit company. The Pipkin is a 27 square thou 27,000 square foot building and a valuable third space. And Bluff City Pickleball would be paying next to

1:39:07

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nothing in rent to exclusively use this space. How is this rent price calculated? Besides Bluff City Pickle Ball's owners, who wants the Pipkin to be converted into a for-profit pickle ball facility? Why and how was Bluff City Pickle Ball selected for this project? The Pipkin building is a multi-use civic space, and it holds more potential as an open event space than it will a pickle ball facility. As a large open space with concrete concrete flooring and no poles or interior walls, it can be used for a variety of impactful community events. This propo proposed exclusive lease with Bluff City Pickleball would damage the Pipkin, which is a valuable public asset. I attended the committee meeting on Tuesday, October 6, where Memphis City Council asked Bluff City Pickle Ball about their proposed seven-year lease for the Pipkin. During that discussion, John and Leslie Daniels said verbatim, quote, "We will make no money." End quote. Yet, the parks department has worked with them directly to facilitate this potential lease agreement with expressed intention of earning money for the TDZ. Pickle ball clubs across the US are closing down because they can't sustain the cost to stay open. The parks department will be ruining this incredibly unique large event space to follow a fad. Meanwhile, the Southern Heritage Flea Market, Memphis in May, and Memphis Roller Derby will all be displaced and struggling to find a space that's remotely comparable to the Pipkin. There are lots of other buildings that Bluff City Pickleball could use to make another indoor court facility. I ask the council to please vote no. Thank you,

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Randy Koosma. And then Stacy Batista.

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Hi, I'm Randy Kosma. Today I'm here to talk about what makes the Pipkin so unique. If you've ever been inside, you might look at it and see a giant concrete box. Nothing particularly special, but inside the Pipkin is something that Memphis does not make anymore. It is nearly twothirds the length of a football field and half as wide. There are no interior walls, no

1:41:09

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columns breaking up the space, just one enormous open room. And that is where the magic is. The Pip the Pipkin becomes whatever our community needs it to be. Yes, it can become a roller derby track, but it can also be a flea market where small vendors build their businesses, a dining hall where U of M families buil families gather, a command center for a festival, a car show for hot rods, a vaccination center during COVID where I got both of my vaccines, a hospital overflow overflow space, and a warming center where Memphians need somewhere safe to go. Not to mention a cooling center in the summer when the temperature rises due to data centers. It can transform all of us. And that is exactly why this building has served generations of Memphians. The very qualities that make the Pipkin attractive to pickle ball are the same qualities that have allowed so many different people and organizations to share it. But this proposal changes that. By their own admission, the pickle ball company plans permanent alterations, permanent floors, permanent nets, permanent walls. This is not a debate about pickle ball versus roller derby or pickle ball versus the flea market or pickle ball versus barbecue fest. This question is whether a public space should remain available for many uses or be permanently transformed for one private organization for a single purpose. because once the lease ends, this space will be permanently renovated into a pickle ball facility. Thank you.

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Thank you,

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Stacy Bautista and Michelle Evans. Hi, I'm Stacy Bautista. A little bit about me, I grew up in Germantown, Tennessee. My parents still live there. I moved back to Memphis in Midtown in 2021 and I work at St. Jude Alsac. I also, as you might be able to tell, am a current breast cancer patient going

1:43:10

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through active chemo treatment. I saw my breast surgeon last week and I have surgery scheduled in December. I want to talk about this vote and I urge you to vote no. Um, I play roller derby and I am a big um, supporter of the sport and I want to grow the sport within Memphis. There are cities near us, Atlanta, St. Louis, they are top in the world at roller derby. Why is Memphis not top in the world? Because we are not getting support from the city. We can grow. We can make a junior's league. we can create something for the city of Memphis, but we're treated every time there's something Tiger football, we're out of the Pipkin building. Right now, the Pipkin Building has heavy machinery in it. Um, we can grow something with the city of Memphis and become something really, really special. But we need support and shuffling us around from here's one community center, here's another community center. That's not enough for roller derby to thrive. Not only is this building for the community, for warming centers, and all these other uses, but it's also for roller derby, and we can make something with the league. Um, and don't get me wrong, roller derby was built by skaters for skaters. We're resourceful and we'll find a way to continue, but I want to dream about more and what we can actually do, what we can build. um instead of just being a burden for the city. Thank you.

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Thank you. And last, Michelle Evans.

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Hi, council. My name is Michelle Evans. I'm a small business owner and a Memphian and my home is right next door to the fairgrounds. I am I am concerned

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about this 7 to 14year lease with the Bluff City Pickle Ball for the Pipkin building being permanently converted into a private facility. Currently, the p the Pipkin building is a public use facility serving events and organizations like barbecue fest, the University of Memphis athletes, the Memphis Roller Derby, as well as many others. I've personally attended a Girls Inc. Awards lunchon there. My family has attended mass casualty emergency event training sessions there and it was one of Memphis's first COVID vaccination sites during the pandemic. What other building in Memphis has this much versatility for the community for sports and emergency responses? Where will these events move to when the facility is converted to a private permanent use? I have been waiting week after week for the city council to ask Justice Balden his thoughts, to stop asking Justice Balden his thoughts and to finally request a representation from the organizations that have been showing up in the meetings to speak with you. Not once since September 15th have I heard Dr. Warren or anyone asked to hear directly from Memphis Roller Derby who has been in your meetings every single week. They aren't the only ones who are impacted. In less than one week, Fairgrounds for All collected 1,500 signatures opposing this lease. That's 1,500 community members waiting to be heard by the city council. I am concerned about the long-term viability of this arrangement. Studies for pickle bar are showing that it's actually fading in popularity. So what happens when this building is convert?

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What happen private club fails?

1:47:17

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Thank you Dr. Warren. You're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, could we have Director Balden uh come and let's hear the parks uh evaluation of this building and why they want to proceed with the pickle ball?

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Yes.

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Thank you,

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Justice Balden. 2599 Avery, Memphis Parks Director. So, I come for you today first to say that number one, um I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside the roller derby community. So, I I think that's one thing that I want to make sure that we acknowledge throughout this. Um some of the board members just mentioned an opportunity to uh reinvigorate the sport. Well, when we go to one of our 30 Memphis community centers that we manage and oversee, that's where the opportunity lies. The opportunity lies when we look around the room and we understand that there's an opportunity to bring more skaters throughout the city of Memphis on a consistent basis. We're talking about uh programming for 18 and up that we've offered to provide at Davis Community Center. Uh we talked a little bit earlier about the support. So the Memphis parks currently of our $53 million budget, 13 million goes to managed partners. Now I know we've talked a little bit about uh private organizations. Well, those could be the Memphis Zoo. Uh, and we can go down the line. Organizations that we love from a civic perspective here in Memphis. Now, what have we done for Memphis Roller Derby up until this point? Well, we've provided approximately an 84% subsidy each year during their operations within the Pipkin Building. So, the current rate for a weekday nonprofit is about $281 an hour. We provide roller derby with a rate of $42.86. 86 when roller derby visits either Davis Community

1:49:18

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Center or Orangebound where we we look to have programming as well as Gaston Community Center. We are keeping the rate the same. Also, recently the city of Memphis has built one of the most uh I guess you would call it well well-renowned facilities in the country. That's the Memphis Sports and Event Center that to a cost of 50% of a subsidy. the Memphis Roller Derby will have an opportunity to host bouts on weekends. So, the biggest thing that I want to get out of this is that regardless, sometimes in life and and even in sports, a referee may blow a whistle and 50% of the people may not may not agree. Tonight, that's going to be the case when the the Grizzlies play, but we will continue to work alongside Roller Derby for programming and that's what we've done throughout this process. But the other thing I want to address is is the dollar amount. So, what we're looking at for the the life of this lease is 500,000 improvements in the facility, $280,000 in rent and also roughly about the same amount in utilities. So, what we're looking at ultimately is a $1 million investment, $150,000 over the life of the lease.

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Thank you. Go ahead.

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Yep. And so, that's what we're looking at. Yep.

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All right. He's not on a timer. He's staff and he was offering clarification. Thank you, Madam Controller. If you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

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Item number 26 is displayed and you may cast your votes.

1:51:20

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We're voting on item number

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26.

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26.

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Canali. Yes. Carile. No. Easter. Thomas recused. Green. No. Logan. Yes. Spinosa. No. Walker. Yes. Warren. Yes. White. Yes. Chairwoman Swearing Washington. Yes.

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That item passes. Madame controller. If you will please call item number 26.

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27. Item number 27 is a resolution to amend the fiscal year 2027 CIP budget by allocating and appropriating $643,810 in funds for various service vehicles through incurrence of indebtness via the execution of a financing lease. All council districts, this resolution is sponsored by the administration. Councilman Smiley, you're recognized for item number 27.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. Committee may recommend approve.

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Councilman Smiley, move it electronically. Okay. Moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilman Warren. Madam Controller, if you will please prepare the screen. Canali, yes. Carile, yes. Easter, Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Walker, yes. Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman swearing in Washington, yes.

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That item passes. Madame Controller, if you will please call item number 29.

1:53:21

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Item number 29, it should display momentarily. It's a resolution to conduct pre-development efforts for Midsouth Coliseum, all council districts. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Cooper Sutton.

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Councilman Carlau, you're recognized.

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Thank you, U, Madam Chair. Since the sponsor is in absentia, I move to hold this item for two weeks.

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All right. Got a motion to hold it.

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Without objection. Without objection. It's been moved by Councilman Carile and second by Councilman Canali. That item will be held for two weeks. Madame Controller, if you'll please call item number 30. Item number 30 is a resolution to amend the FY27 council community grant program allocations all council districts. This resolution is sponsored by Councilman Smiley. Councilman Carile, you're recognized.

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Thank you, Madam Chairman. Committee M. And I moved.

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It's been moved by Vice Chair Carile, second by Councilman Warren. Madame Controller, if you will, please prepare the screen. Canali. Yes. Carile. Yes. Easter Thomas. Yes. Green. Yes. Logan. Yes. Spinosa. Yes. Please show council member Smiley as voting yes. Walker yes. Warren yes. Chairwoman swearing Washington yes. That item passes. Madame controller if

1:55:23

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you will please call item number 31. Item number 31 is a resolution to amend the FY27 council community grant program allocations all council districts. This resolution is sponsored by Councilman Spinosa.

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All right, Councilman Carile, you're recognized.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. Met recommends approval and I have moved. It has been moved by Vice Chair Carile, second by Councilman Warren. Madam Controller, please prepare the screen. Canali, yes. Easter Thomas, yes. Ford, yes. Green, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, yes. Spinosa, yes. Walker. Yes. Warren, yes. Chairwoman Swington Washington, yes.

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That item passes. Madame Controller, if you will please call item number 32.

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Item number 32 is a resolution calling for the removal of ICE and the National Guard as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force from the city of Memphis, all council districts. This resolution is sponsored by council members Easter Thomas and Cooper Sutton. It was held from October 6.

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All right. It has been moved by Councilwoman Easter Thomas. Second by

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Second by Councilman Smiley Councilman Smiley. You're in the queue. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for um recognizing me on this item. So, I just

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want to um note for the record that Councilwoman Green and I introduced I think with Councilwoman Nisha Thomas as well, we introduced a resolution in September 23rd, 2025 calling for um you know, opposing the National Guard's presence in in the city of Memphis. Um, since that time we seen the National Guard take the lives of multiple Memphians. I just want to reiterate on that particular time um we voted down that particular resolution. We meaning as a body. What I would ask the council to do today is take a stand against um ICE, tearing and ripping families apart, leaving little girls motherless, leaving people without their spouses, causing a detrimental impact to the people who call this community home. And I think our job as representatives is to represent people regardless of their immigration status. If you call this community home, we're supposed to love you. And also call for the expedient removal of the National Guard as well. So, thank you for those who supported the resolution in 2025. I hope that you all will be willing to support this resolution this time as it has had a damning impact on this community.

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Thank you, Councilwoman Green. You're recognized.

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Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Councilman uh Smiley. You and I stood outside this building as you mentioned.

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Yeah, Councilman Walker out outside a year ago saying that we did not want the National Guard here and asking Billy not to do this to our community. I have since then, as we say, seen multiple members of our community shot and killed and multiple members of our community terrorized by ICE. They're not going to church. They're not going to work. They're not going to school. They're not going to doctor's appointments. I want to say to the community that is gathered here and

1:59:26

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those that have cameras especially, we are on the front lines of fascism here in Memphis, Tennessee. And we are deciding exactly what democracy will tolerate. People are being rounded up in buses in the middle of the night because of the color of their skin and their accent. being asked to show their papers as if this is Nazi Germany. I for one will not tolerate it. I was told a year ago that I was grandstanding this year. I hope that my council stands with me. Thank you, chair. Councilman Warren, you're recognized.

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Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Councilwoman Green, I just want to collaborate with you and say that right now.

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Excuse me. Excuse me.

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Now, whoever that is, they need to be escorted. That is awful. Uh

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uh excuse me. You're not recognized. You are not recognized.

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Uh Dr. Warren, you're recognized at this time.

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Ma'am, I was going to wait for her to quit before I talked.

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Can someone assist her?

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Can someone assist her in leaving? Thank you so much. Madam Chair, one of the problems that we have in our country right now, and it's a dramatic problem, is that the amount of money

2:01:28

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is

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the amount of money that we're spending on ICE is the same amount of money that we spend on the FBI.

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Just go on and keep talking.

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Go ahead, Dr. W. Well, I want other people to hear it, and I don't think they can, but I gonna keep on with our meeting.

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Good. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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Yeah. with the big beautiful bill. It was the start of what Jerry mentioned, what Councilwoman Green mentioned about what we have to watch out for when it comes to fascism. The fact that we have people in masks that can go around and yank people out of clubs and you never know who it is. They take people away anytime they want to. And the fact that they've got a budget that's the equivalent of the FBI, the Secret Service, the CIA, the ATF, and the US Marshall Service combined makes you very scared when we're coming up on an election. So, in my mind, this is a no-brainer, and I would like to be added as a co-sponsor. Thank you, Madam Chair. Councilwoman Easter Thomas, you're recognized. Thank you, Chairwoman, and thank you, colleagues. Um, Councilman Smiley and Councilwoman Green, definitely thank you for one year ago introducing the resolution that already stated that we did not want to welcome the task force into our city and now seeing that we have one year later and all of the promises that have not been met, um, I think it was definitely

2:03:31

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time for this resolution to be here. Um, before I take a moment to read some components of this resolution, um, I do want to note that this was originally to be heard when we also recognized and honored Hispanic Heritage Month at the Memphis City Council. and not only recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, but also recognizing the issues and the toils and the troubles that they've had enunciated in this last year. Um, what we get monthly from our own police department is a crime update. And to loosely quote my colleague, Councilwoman Green, every month that we get this update, she asks about It's always a noted decrease in crime rates and that we've received that not only prior to the task force entering our city, its introduction, but also because of different avenues that are outside of these mentioned in this resolution. um to this date, October 20th, we've seen raids, we've seen disruption, we've seen scare tactics, and we've seen killings by these parts of the task force. And so, as we've added Councilman Dr. Warren, Councilwoman Green, Councilman Smiley as co-sponsors on this resolution, it's time for them to leave. and also as we ask for them to leave for any Memphis safe force that we actually do have to actually include what's actually working within our city and in

2:05:33

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our communities and not just it was mentioned about Um, thank you council members for mentioning the alignment with Nazi Germany, but we're in Memphis, Tennessee, and we have history of nowhere near Nazi Germany uh Germany. We've had slave patrol here. And that is much more closer to home than the atrocities that happened um almost 75 years after. So, uh, chair, if you allow me, I'll read parts of this resolution into the record, um, so that we can ensure that we're all understanding what's being asked for here, and hopefully we can have a consensus. Whereas the Memphis Safe Task Force was established pursuant to a presidential memorandum issued on September 15, 2025 to coordinate federal, state, and local law enforcement operations in Memphis with task force operations beginning September 29th, 2025, including support from the Tennessee National Guard. Whereas every Memphian deserves to be safe from violent crime and to live in a community where public safety efforts protect residents, strengthen neighborhoods, and maintain public trust. Prior to the deployment of the Memphis Safe Task Force, the Memphis Police Department reported that overall crime during the first eight months of 2025 had reached a 25-year low, including lows in robbery, burglary, and lararseny, and attributed this progress to focus local enforcement strategies. However, whereas on August 30th, 2026, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a largescale enforcement operation in Memphis that resulted in the detention of 121 individuals, mothers, aunts, uncles, fathers, cousins, brothers, sisters, raising

2:07:34

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concerns about due process and the impact of federal immigration enforcement on local communities, including the disruption and intentional separation of Memphis families. Whereas six individuals have died during or as a result of incidents involving Memphis Safe Task Force operations, including encounters with task force personnel and law enforcement pursuits, raising serious concerns about the safety and consequences of these operations within Memphis communities. Whereas sustainable public safety requires more than law enforcement alone and is strengthened by strategies that address the conditions contributing to violence and instability, prevent harm, promote healing, support individuals and families, and build trust between residents and government. Whereas Memphis residents and community- based organizations possess valuable knowledge, experience, relationships that can definitely help shape effective and sustainable approaches to public safety. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council calls upon the city of Memphis to partner with residents and community-based organizations to develop sustainable public safety strategies that reflect community priorities and needs. Be it further resolved that the Memphis City Council calls for the removal of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Tennessee National Guard personnel participating in the Memphis Safe Task Force from operations within the city of Memphis. Now, chair, I do want to add I see we still have folks in the queue and it was brought up in discussion. Um, and I do want to make sure that I'm speaking for my colleague who also is co-sponsoring on this as well. Um, as it was brought up in discussion, we know that

2:09:36

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what this resolution is is calling for the removal. We know that this resolution does not wave a magic wand and automatically remove them from our city. However, it is not outside of the purview of the Memphis City Council to make statements as we always do on the platform that we are able to use to say how we see fit depending on how the vote goes. So, I ask that for colleagues that may be thinking if it's not worth the paper that it's on that we ensure that we're able to still make a statement as we traditionally and usually and will continually do. Um, so we have currently five co-sponsors on this resolution. I would love for us to gain more as we make that statement hopefully through our vote. And chair and colleagues, I would ask for your support on this resolution. But I also would like to there are those who were there on the last council meeting u who are also here for the recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month to also support this resolution and I would like to ask if chair is okay. No

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if they are either able to stand or have

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I mean I already have a stack of cards.

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Okay great. Um, so if they were able to, the ones who came down and gave the commentary on the meeting prior about how ISIS impacted their families directly, if you all are able to stand in the audience so that us as a council members can see you. Thank you. Thank you.

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Thank you, chair.

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Thank you,

2:11:38

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Councilwoman Logan. You are recognized at this time. Thank you, Chair. I want to I want to everyone to understand where where I sit. I totally am in agreement with the removal of ICE. I think the work that they have done here in this community is deplorable and um the harm and the hurt in the Hispanic community is it is unfathomable and my colleague mentioned about the slave raids. Um our community we understand that and I totally understand. I empathize. I'm with you. Um, one thing I did want to say I wanted to make um, well, I'll say this first. National Guard being here. I know when in our first term, we were told that we were down 500 police and everyone wanted to get to 2500. And over the years that we've been here, we've had so many constituents cry out about the crime in our community. In the African-American community, there was a time when there was killings every week. There's a time and this is even now. Even now, um people are stealing in grocery stores and people are afraid to go out. There w there was a time and recent time that we couldn't even dis have a discussion without talking about crime. We didn't have the police. National Guard has been here as a presence. I we have seen in our neighborhoods. I totally agree. No, I there has been there has been constituent after constituent contact me, email me thanking us for the safer streets through the National Guard. I

2:13:38

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totally agree about the ICE. However, National Guard has brought a level of a excuse me, a level of safety in our communities that excuse me. And that is one thing I wanted to ask the maker of the motion if they would be open to removing National Guard and keeping ice.

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Absolutely not. National Guard has shot someone in the back and killed them. So there is no way that we would remove that. And I'll remind you as a sponsor of this that every every meeting I ask

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I asked Chief Davis at every meeting how many arrests the National Guard has made and she says zero. I ask how many times they have helped with their operations and she says zero. So the things that you are complaining about and the things that we have advanced in the task force have been because of our Memphis police and the support we have given them. So when they are murdering our citizens by shooting them in the back, no way would I take that out of this resolution.

2:16:13

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Good evening. Do you hear the wailing? Do you see the tears? Do you feel the pain of children being separated from parents and families? of our neighborhood, our neighbors being afraid to go to work, to school, to their faith homes, to health care. We are not more safe than a year ago. The National Guard should never have been brought to a non-emergency. ICE should not be imposed on our community. Deportation and detention are not humane or necessary. The data of traffic stops, citations, recovered firearms, relatively small number of alleged violent criminals arrested is not enough. Where is the data of the number of children taken, nonviolent adults taken, detained, deported, taken where? data on the decrease in school attendance, decrease in grocery visits, decrease in people able or available to go to their faith homes, work not being done because the people doing the work were detained, deported, afraid, or killed. What are the so far hidden costs to our community, our face, our humanity? We are spending too much of our federal, state, and local tax dollars on punitive, harmful measures instead of investing enough in public education, prek, affordable housing, paid youth internships, careers for opportunity youth, public transportation, physical and mental health care, reducing environmental threats, and the list goes on. Please protect us by passing the resolution to remove the National Guard and ICE. Review our budget priorities for a moral budget that places people, our communities, and opportunity over occupation. Thank you.

2:18:25

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Williams, Trinity Williams. What do you have to lose? tech advancements while others lose family members because of high cancer rates. We are talking about people here. We are talking about lives. Fred Hampton said once that war without bloodshed is politics and politics with bloodshed is war. So if people are dying, what does that say? So who's responsible when people are dying from high cancer rates? Who's responsible when the National Guard is spreading blood all in our streets and murdering our people? Who's responsible when ISIS is tearing away families left and right by the hundreds? Who is responsible? And I say it's you. You, Memphis City Council. Memphis City Council, you are turning this political battle, this economic battle into a battle of bloodshed. You are turning it into a battle where blood is spread and you do not care. So if you vote against this mortorium, if you vote to keep the guard in Memphis, if you vote to keep ICE in Memphis, you are perpetrators of war and fascism. Fascism is the forcible suppression of an opposing view. What do you think will happen? What are you doing when you are upholding fascism? Your people, your constituents, us oppose the National Guard and ICE. You are our elected officials. Elected officials don't murder, they represent. Are you are what you say you are? Are you going to keep this fascism going and just have it in disguise? Because fascism is where an opposing view is limited and suppressed. If you are hurting us, you are hurting our grandchildren. You are hurting us in the hands of fascism. We see who you are by upholding this

2:20:26

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fascism. In this moment, we've got the time to see this clear distinction. So, are you who you say you are or you are against us? The gig is up because with your vote, you are either for us or against us. It is not a question of whether you see or represent the people. It is a question of are you going to stand up and actually use your voice that got you here in the first place. You like to vote and have people My name is Andy O'Neal and I'm a member of a group called Vets for the 901. And if it's all right, I'd like all the veterans, my fellow veterans, to stand up, please. Darren Pigram, Jonah Neil, Alfonso Ivy, Tyron Johnson can't stand up. It's too late. These are the four men deserve to have their names heard, killed by this Memphis, whatever you call it, task force. As a veteran, the name Tyron Johnson stands out to me and gs me and breaks my heart because the first thing we learn as members of the off service is that we protect American civilians. We don't shoot them in the back.

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I personally do not believe that these members of the National Guard were properly trained. I know they weren't given cameras, body cams as Memphis police officers are. But whether they were trained or not, it's time for them well past time for them to leave. Leave. We can't bring back Tyron, but we can stop the next one from being killed.

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Ask yourselves, how many more have to die before you stand up and do the right thing? I hope for your sake that that answer is none. Because you don't have to answer to me. You don't have to answer to your con constituents.

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This one you answer to a higher power

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and he's looking at you and I don't think he's happy. I'm Laura Cherry. Um, I want to read off the names again. Kevon Jackson, Darren Pigram, Jonah Neil, Tyron Johnson, Alfonso Ivy, and Reggie Peterson. I added two names because these were names that were killed in car chases. So, our MPD, our state troopers, they are complicit. And these are just the names we know of that have been murdered by the Memphis Safe Task Force. The task force is terrorizing our black and brown communities protected by this city council, Mayor Paul Young, and police chief CJ Davis. On September 24th, I personally witnessed our own MPD cooperating and enabling the task force brutal agenda against a Latino man already in custody. A combination of MPD and federal agents forced the man out of the back of an MPD vehicle and grabbed him by his face and his neck and grab and scanned his face into the immigration database. This violent encounter broke bones.

2:24:40

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During this moment, MPD wasn't concerned about the excessive use of force against someone in their custody. Instead, they used that moment of chaos to harass black and brown teenagers who dared to film. They then forced those filming back more than 100 ft, violating our First Amendment rights while citing the unconstitutional Halo law. For those who don't know who that is, it any um task force member can say that you have to be 25t away from any law enforcement agent. Memphis Police Department is complicit regardless of what Mayor Young and Chief Davis says. There was another time I was on scene of a shooting where several Hispanic children witnessed their father getting shot. HSI Homeland Security arrived on scene, learned of the man's legal status, and left. They did not stay to find the person who shot this p these children's father. If we are focusing on the worst of the worst, why are we leaving children um while their father is bleeding on the ground? These are just some of the many moments of inhumity I've witnessed at the hands of the Memphis Unsafe Task Force. They are not making us safer. They are actively contributing to the dehumanization of all Memphians, and we want them out now. It's kind of a mixed bag between the data centers and the task force. So, I emailed over some studies on data because it doesn't take two years or another 90 days for us to see what's happening in our city. I also ran to vote and picked up to figure out how to apply for the city council. We need to review why residents are held to stricter guidelines just to exercise our first amendment rights while XI and billionaire corporations and the Trump administration are allowed to come in our city, pollute our air, water, and peace without guardrails.

2:26:41

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Where's the accountability? Where's the promised water treatment infrastructure to protect our water? And where are the lawsuits for the Memphis Safe Task Force? They talked about turning this podium around towards the audience. And it's fitting because we don't think y'all listen to us anyway.

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Billionaires get a seat at the table because of their vast resources and political spending. We don't have endless money. We don't have a finite we have a finite supply of clean water and a short window to clean up our air. Y'all ask us to participate in democracy only during election season when your names are on the ballot. But you expect us to stay silent while lifealtering decisions are being made in the shadows. We continue to hear what this council cannot do instead of seeing what you can do and marching with us over to the EPA, marching down with us to protect us against the task force and to demand protection for our community. We don't want excuses. We want leadership. We want you to stand up for those who live here, enforce environmental protections, and for our neighbors to not be killed and illegally deported. Thank you. Hello everyone. I'm Joelle Thompson. Um, and I'm here as a representative of part of the free the 901 restaurant by COD. I am in support Yeah. I'm in support of dismissing the National Guard and the federal government in um in Memphis because I feel like it's one unconstitutional, but I also believe it's a public health issue. As a public health professional, I know this not only issue for immigrants, but it's an issue for all Memphians. Crime is not crime is not a issue of I don't know what y'all want to say. It's a symptom. It's a symptom of racism. It's a symptom of classism and it's a symptom of poverty. I don't know how Trump and his government can expect a national guard and and and and a militarization to be deployed on this city and to address the

2:28:42

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issues that we are experiencing. But as a majority black city, a city that's riddled with crime, the crime that is impacted on based on poverty rates, y'all, how do you expect somebody to go get food if they cannot afford the food to begin with? We are a high poverty rate community systemically, not by choice, but by system. And that is because we have been working as a community to fight for what our community needs. I'm a community organizer and at center for transforming communities and I've been boots on the ground with a lot of people behind me who have their boots on the ground every day bringing Memphis with their needs. The National Guard has not brought anything but violence amongst the city of Memphis. Y'all need to listen to the citizens not because it's just an issue of politics. It's an issue of everybody's health. If they do it to immigrants, who are they going to do to it next? because we were patrolled once, they can try to patrol us again. Y'all better be serious when y'all are making this decision. It is not about whose side is who and if you voted for Trump or not. This is about people's lives. This is about human rights and every human deserves health in this country and this is American issue, not just the Memphis issue and not just the immigrant issue. Thank you. My name is Keith Caldwell. I'm also the president of Micah, Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope. And I'm standing here today to ask that this body to have ICE removed. Uh the eyes of the world are on Memphis right now. And we know that this president and this governor chose Memphis because it's a majority black city to to to deny people the right of due process. And when you start denying due process to people based on their immigration status and then who who do you think they're coming for next? And so this is totalitarianism. And they want to use this idea to be afraid of Memphis, to be afraid of us

2:30:42

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that we're violent. The former sister said this this this uh crime is directly related to poverty, institutional poverty. We've spent almost a million dollars a day. Could you imagine where those million dollars could on the roads on job readiness on all of these other things? We want ICE removed because they have been riding rough shot in our communities. We This is ground zero for the world. We've been gotten a lot of media, y'all. Now, let's get some good media about a city council that stands and votes to to get these folks out of here. They don't mean us any good. They they cannot be beneficial to us. I can say a whole lot more, but uh how much time I got? Let me just in my last moment here, history will record what is done here and where we stood. I'd like for us to be on the right side of history. Thank you so much. and then Jas Guerrero. 38106. I'm here with Scarlet again.

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Hi, my name is Scarlet and no one is illegal in stole land. We're not animals, we humans. You remember Scarlet came last time as well to share about her her how her mom is in Honduras now um after the raid on August 30th. And since then she's been really excited about being engaged more with with not just the city council but just sharing

2:32:43

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more about not just her story but also what our experiences are in our city. Um the other children here with us also have similar experiences and there are other children who aren't able to make it but our estimates is that about 40 children were left without one or both parents not just after the raid on the 30th right and then let's think about for the past year what that has looked like. So this resolution not only is it past due it's absolutely essential. We understand it is limited in its power, but what we say as a city is important. We're hoping uh we're used to coming down to city council now, right? This is our fourth time, right? Um and so I asked the kids what they thought we could do to celebrate once this resolution passes. That's what we're anticipating. And they thought it would be nice to go to the park. I'm remembering most of the time that would be a great idea except when the National Guard stroll around at the parks. Guysman Community Center clears out and National Guard shows up to Guisman two, three, four, five times a week. Additionally, the National Guard, law enforcement has told us they're they're just being babysats. They're not an added force. They're an expensive use of time and energy and resources that just intimidate our community members. Thank you.

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Okay. Hey everybody. Uh, my name is Jasmine and I stand before you again today for the third time. First time I came up here was 901 day and so we've been pushing this thing back for a while. So hopefully we could get things moving a little swifter as far as making

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our city better. So last time I was up here, I was also hungry waiting for Friday to come so I could get some food, probably buy something I want. I'm going without. I'm pretty sure other people in the city are going with that and we still begging for basic things like clean air, clean water, somewhere to live, food to eat. Not begging to go get some of your paycheck. I'm just begging for a fair opportunity to like get my own. Since I've been in Memphis, everything has been taken away. Jillian, like uh Liberty Land, they took away Dixie Queen and Frag. I can't even get food at night when I want to. So, it's like it's 2026 and we've been going against this stuff for years. And as Miss Pearson said, I don't know if she in here, but I'm tired. And I'm not even that old. I'm tired of this already. And our folks been going through this. And if we take a look like it's a big old cotton symbol right there. So, it's like we understand that this was built off of slavery. Like, we understand that's where the wealth at. If y'all look around, ain't nobody in here talking about, "Oh, you black, you white, you Asian." We don't care about that no more. We just want to go home to our families safely, eat, get some food. I go to work every day. Literally work 40 hours Monday through Friday, then work on the weekend at another job, and I'm still not having enough money to get what I need. And I don't even want a whole lot. So, we asking to stop criminalizing us and give us a chance and opportunity to do something for ourselves. I'm not a criminal. Every time I go, it's a police officer waiting to catch me. Help me out. Catch me to help me out. Man, y'all have all day.

2:36:46

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Hello, Katherine Walker. Picture this. I knock on the door with bags of groceries and a smile. A brave 10-year-old girl asks me, the stranger at the door, if I know any lawyers since her father has been taken by ICE and her mother doesn't know what to do. At a second house, a single mother tells me she's afraid to go out to work because if she is deported, what will happen to her teenage daughter? At another delivery, a young mother with cancer says her refrigerator was totally empty before I arrived. Her husband, the only working adult in her family, is now in detention and may never come home. The immigrant pantry has delivered food and support to immigrant families in Memphis for over a year. Our neighbors, hardworking and decent, regular people trying to make a better life for their families, suffering at the hands of the American government. It is a privilege to be able to help these fellow Memphians, many of whom have lived among us for decades as neighbors, co-workers, and friends, making the diverse culture of Memphis that much richer. Some are now in their most desperate moments. When I go to a door, I don't know if I'll be met by little children excited that they'll actually have dinner tonight, or if I'll hear the tragic story of how a family has been broken apart, while all I can say is, "Loto, I'm sorry." It is a privilege, but we shouldn't have to bring food and support to neighbors our government is actively harming. We stand between these families and hunger. We stand between the vulnerable and the brutality of ICE. We stand between our fellow residents and the politicians making decisions that ruin their lives. I'm asking today that the council join those of us standing in the gap. Vote to protect our community. Vote for the government to help instead of harm. vote to get ICE and the task force out of Memphis.

2:38:50

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Thank you, Representative Justin J. Pearson. I urge you all to vote for this resolution to end the Memphis Safe Task Force because it's not safe at all. It's an unsafe task force. And I will address one of the concerns I heard because I have constituents too who say we want crime to be down and things like this. And we know crime was already going down in our city before this task force was announced. We know this task force was announced by the president of the United States because he said he was going to go after democratic le cities and he just so happened to choose all democratic le cities that were also blackled for initiatives like this and we're the last one in the United States of America that has had this occupation for this level of time. But we also know this over $350 million have been spent on this unsafe task force. Can you imagine with me what that could have done if it was going into 38109? what that could have done if it was going into Raleigh and Frasier. What those resources could have done if it was not used for military occupation, but instead poverty eradication. That's just the truth. But beyond that, as people of faith, when we think about the names of at least these four individuals, and we know many other people have been killed due to the Tennessee Highway Patrols uh high-speed chase pursuits, we think about Tyron Johnson, Darren Pigram, who was called Darnell uh by his family, Jonah Neil, and Alphonso Ivy's family. We're coming up on holidays here soon. As a person who understands grief intimately, I think it's important that we realize their seat at the tables will be empty. And had this task force not been assembled, they likely would be alive. And we are called as Christians to have two things that we think about with our with our faith. The first is that you love God with all your heart, your mind, your soul, and your spirit. And the second is to love your neighbor as yourself.

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If hundreds of people are being kidnapped in the Burlair neighborhood, that's your neighbor.

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If children are not having parents,

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that's our neighbor. do the right thing and pass this resolution unanimously.

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Carla Sutton McKinley and then Karen Casey.

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Yes, I'm with Mike and I just want to add and I want to speak to um the the issues with vets in the National Guard. My husband was 30 years military. One of the orders he said he would he asked he would never have to do is to guard civilians because he said my brain is wired differently after 10 deployments year long and active duty in the mil uh overseas. He says my mind is wired differently and the safeguards that police have military they don't exist in the same way. So, I'm speaking for him and other veterans and other n uh army military who would refuse that order because they understand what's on the inside of them to our comments. Some of you may usually vote no on resolutions that are not legally binding. The resolution gives you an opportunity to affirm publicly the sustainable public safety requires more than law enforcement. and must also prevent harm, promote healing, support people and families, and build trust between residents and local government. Unfortunately, that's what's that's not what's happening here. Since the task force arrived last fall, our commit committees have heard of heartbreaking accounts from our immigrant ref uh refugee friends. Within weeks, families have told us they were terrorized by mass men in unmarked cars who were pulled over by people uh pulled over based on the skin and the color in their race. Highway patrol and the Memphis Police Department have often cooperated in stops reportedly based on minor traffic violations. The task force has also obtained hotel guest registry information without warrants, raising

2:42:54

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fourth amendment and privacy concerns. People have been pulled over from their cars, had their homes invaded, and been separated from their families without due process. More often, that's without a criminal history. They have been held in for nonprofit detention centers under the administration using arbitrary quotas designed to advance ex xenophobia deportation agenda.

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Thank you Karen Casey and then Scott I can't read the last name. Miss Casey. My name is Karen Casey 38112. My ancestors weren't on the Mayflower, but even they were fleeing oppression. The ICE invasion has been blown out of proportion to any actual harm from immigrants. Most of the people rounded up weren't the worst. Andrew Ranken, an in an im immigration attorney, said that enforcement has created a complicated situation for his clients. If they don't show up to a court date, they will surely be arrested. Now, there's a chance that they'll be arrested if they do show up. I only ask that you demonstrate the integrity and grit displayed by our founders. Send ICE out of our city. A few statistics for you. If we were to spend the $565 million on mass deport mass deportations, county taxpayers could fund any one of the following. School teachers over 2,000. Firefighters, almost 3,000 people on Medicaid, 31,000. Veterans medical care 11,000 have head start slots

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62,000 registered nurses almost 1,800 SNAP recipients 29,000 public housing units 28,000 parents with 12 weeks of parental leave 15,000 that's all. Thank you. Sky Gatorer,

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excuse me. And then Yulini Escobar,

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Sky Gardener 3A104. As ICE kidnaps our community members, holds them hostage in Mason, Tennessee, and treats them so poorly they starve themselves at a hope we hear their voices. As our friends and family members are murdered by National Guard, it is obvious the stand you should be taking. Get out ICE and National Guard. But somehow that stand is contentious enough where we are arguing about your condemnation of these atrocities and not about what ordinances you can pass to meaningfully impact the state violence against our communities. We are not discussing how we can make Memphis a sanctuary city, how we can fight for those struggling in Mason, Tennessee, what measures we can take to ensure that our family members are not murdered by the state. This lack of action seems intentional because the reality is the wealthiest profit off of this system. We imperialize overseas for cheap labor, force people to seek out safety. They find it here again without legally protected status, exploited for cheap labor, then sent back overseas when there is economic downturn. The whole time they profit off of the imprisonment of the working class and militarization of the class traders that enact the oppression of the working class, off of enslaving us in the prison system. This energy in this room is just the start to real change. We must organize, educate,

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and agitate. We must keep going until this system is toppled. We must stand with the workers around the world fighting against American imperialism. Long live the international working class.

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Thank you.

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Ulani Escobar and then Battel Booker.

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Good evening. My name is Ulani Escobar. I am a Memphian first generation US citizen. And at first I would like to recognize that we stand on native land that was once the home of the Chalkaw and the Chickasaw people. So Memphis has been my home as of the late 1990s when we moved from Queens, New York because this was a space where my mom and dad could actually make their dreams come true. And it's been that way until until the current president of the United States took power back in 2026, I mean 2016. We didn't see it here in Memphis. as clear as we're seeing it now. I'm just thinking how what a coincidence that we're in midterm elections and we have the unsafe task force take over our I think it's convenient. I don't know about you, you all ran for office. Um I think it's convenient if if you ask me. It makes me think of militarized and my heart goes out to to Palestine and other places that are currently at war because that is the air that we breathe here in Memphis. The redrawing of the maps

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just happened recently during an election. How convenient. I was there that night of um August 30th, the early morning of a August 30th, and I still can't get the screams out of my head of of the young people screaming for their mothers and fathers being taken. It's about $130 to $165 per person in an ICE detention facility. that would equal to up to about 50 $50 million uh for people being arrested.

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It's about the money the right thing. Thank you.

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Basel Booker and then Maria OA.

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My name is Batel Booker. I am a Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine. I am a retired fire chief. Uh, this city is the love of my life. Uh, Memphis was always known as the cleanest city and that some way have been lost. As a fire chief, I know that everything the people do, it start from the top and goes down.

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Now, when ICE and all those Gustapos came here, they came here violently and they came here rushing, trying to get this overtime money and all that. They only made the Memphis fighting uh Memphis police department get up off their butt and do their job because it was so many arrests. Yes, I love the uh

2:51:00

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the policeman. I know them. But the truth is the truth is what started at the top and came down and when they came in, they was forced to do their job. These are our neighbors. These are the the people that we uh count on to to to help uh move Memphis forward. Now, how can y'all stand here as the people that's supposed to be in in charge of making our life better and only make it worse?

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I wish you would really consider getting them out of here. We ever thought about programs like we used to have that foster children that bring things on summer job when people don't have any money and this is what happened.

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That's right.

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Poverty is the root. Okay. We need people for us that work for us. Evidently y'all work for somebody else. Maria Asa and then Yadira Alanado. All right. Uh good evening, city council. My name is Mario Sea. I'm the co-founder of Vendarios 901, unpaid community organizer, completely volunteer. We founded Vestindarios 901 in 2019 during the first Trump administration. And I just want to say uh Councilman Spininoza, this did happen in your district. Um this was a violation of Fourth Amendment rights since we are concerned about law and order. Um this was a violation of constitutional rights. Um the current federal administration, President of the United States, and the Supreme Court have legalized racial profiling and they are practicing that racial profiling here in Memphis, Tennessee, using it against immigrants. This is my nephew Alonzo. He is 10 years old. He's a fifth grader. His dad was taken by ICE last year right before uh Thanksgiving. His

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dad didn't wasn't able to spend Thanksgiving with my nephew. No, he missed Christmas. He missed New Year's. He missed all of the holidays. He was not released until July of this summer. And so we are not seeing them going after the worst. We're not seeing them going after criminals. They're going after working people who are leaving work. They stopped his dad on his way home after work on Lamar Avenue. And that is happening to a lot of people. Since last year, we we know that about 40 kids have been left behind since the raid on August 30th. But since last year, there have been hundreds more children across the city of Memphis that have been left without their parents, that have missed school, that have not been able to participate in extracurricular activities because the unsafe task force has created such an unsafe environment here in our city. The National Guard has already killed four black Memphians. We don't need the National Guard to be here killing people. We don't need ICE to be here. And furthermore, the Department of Justice has deputized all agencies to work as ICE. So, we have ATF, the IRS, FBI, we have all these different alphabet letter soup agencies, working on the ground, terrorizing Memphians on a daily basis in a working-class neighborhood where people are already struggling to make ends meet. So, I just want to say, city council, please vote in favor of this resolution. And I know y'all can't really do much, but this is taking a stance with the community. So, thank you. Thank you again for taking this into consideration.

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Yadira Alanano and then Sarah Gusome.

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Good evening, city council members. My name is Yira Ariano. Beyond environmental damage, our community is grieving and living in fear due to aggressive policy policy. Unmarked vehicles and danger dangerous traffic stops are tearing loved ones away from us. Our people are getting killed, arrested, and held in horrible

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condition. Detention centers.

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Today marks the 59th person who has died in ICE custody. My siblings and I are living in horror, scared of one of our family members getting taken again. What if it was your mom, your dad, uncle, auntie, cousin, or nephew?

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How would you feel? We could not separate the physical presence of immigration enforcement and military policy from the digital architecture that facilitates it. Super supercomputers and AI data centers like the ones being forced into our neighborhoods require massive public water and energy grids to power the v the various surveillance databases and tracking software used by agencies like ICE to monitor our people. The rapid expansion of data centers is directly threatening our city's clean air and water supply. These facilities are polluting our environment and straining our valuable natural resource resources. We need the council to step in and hold them accountable. If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. I say this to bring awareness to the issues and hope that something is done to fix this. Free Palestine, free student, and free Congo. Thank you. Sarah Gusa and then Ayat Sha. Good evening, Sarah Houston 38103. I'm not sure I pulled a card for this, but happy to speak in support of this resolution. I'm a downtown resident and

2:57:03

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I've seen a lot of National Guard. I've seen a lot of the task force and I think one of the biggest conversations in this is that the MPD numbers, it's not about numbers, it's about quantity or quality over quantity. We got a lot of cops, but what are they doing? And how are they serving the public? Truly, I'm speaking as a resident and just as an individual and there's been times I've been downtown late at night. I saw a cell phone that was dropped, grabbed it, and I went up to an officer and said, "Hey, I want to let you know, you know, this I found this." Come here. Are you giving me my number? No, sir. Are you hitting on me in uniform? Cuz that's embarrassing and makes me feel unsafe. And this is just in PD I'm talking about. Okay. So when we're talking about needing support, needing reinforcements, we need to talk about quality of MPD. Quality over quantity. So ICE out, National Guard out as part of the resolution as an individual. Thank you, Hayat Sha. And then Jessica Miller. My name is Ayat Shaw. Ayat like Wyatt without the W. I'm a member of the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope. Before I get started, I'd like to point something out that earlier when we had so many members of this gathering come up here and speak and just now it happened as well. We had a sitting council member walk out. Someone who we voted for walked out. Didn't matter. didn't matter to them that there are people here who have things that they want to express, things that they want to say.

2:59:03

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Everyone here has a right to vote either yes or no, that is your decision. but to disrespect everyone here, the children here who are coming and telling their stories. If I was on the council, I would feel ashamed to even take a phone call during this gathering. I would text someone and I would say I can't because I am listening to my constituents right now.

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I see that nod. Very good. I hope you'll take that into account in future meetings. There was someone who had mentioned that what the National Guard has been doing has been okay and felt shameless about expressing their support for it. The National Guard carries a substantial cost for what's going on in addition to ICE. He has a Manny Petty he needs to go to maybe a hair appointment.

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Clearly, that is very

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I think someone is

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that takes a lot more importance over listening to his constituents.

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Point of a clarification, he did receive notification that a close friend pass. So, let him step out.

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All right. Do I have right there. Thank you. Excuse me. Thank you.

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Officer. Officer. Officer,

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would you please escort this person out? Thank you. We will now have Jessica Miller. And after Jessica Miller, we will have Dallas Holland.

3:01:18

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Thank you, Miss Miller. Good evening, city council.

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Good evening.

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Um, I've been waiting a couple weeks cuz there was a committee meeting when y'all were discussing this resolution a couple weeks ago and I wanted there was something said by Cong uh Councilman Carile that really resonated with me. I was also born into a Catholic family. My family attended Church of the Ascension in Raleigh when it changed over to accommodating the Hispanic community. And my number one memory at 9 years old was how many white people left the church because they didn't want to go to church with Hispanics. So, I really have a problem with using the church as a clutch because just because you go to church doesn't mean that you're not racist. Um, I also want to say that there was also a mention of wanting to go by the laws. Well, the laws of the land are being gone are being violated in removing people. So, which laws do you care about being violated? The ones of being humane and removing people or the ones of how they cross an imaginary border to come over into this country? The other thing I wanted to address really quick is that you also said that you didn't believe in these resolutions because they didn't really do anything. But I sit here every two weeks watching y'all rename streets that don't really get renamed. Also, I just also want to mention that Councilwoman Logan talked you talked about your constituents that you've heard about the crime in your district. Me and my volunteers at the pantry are in your district multiple times a day delivering to families who have to make

3:03:19

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their houses look abandoned in order for them to feel safe and like they're not going to be kidnapped by the task force. So maybe if you would like, I would love to take you into your district and show you what's really going on and show you how people are really living because I think that you're only listening to one side. I appreciate the consideration Dallas Holland and then Lindsay Marian.

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Did you say Karen Spencer?

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Not yet.

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I don't have one on there on Karen Spencer. Dallas Holland Dallas Holland 38104 I'm with Micah Immigration and Inclusion Committee. Um, Ayat was just talking about the cost of the National Guard. The Center for American Progress estimates that by the end of this year, taxpayers will have paid 1.76 billion for guard deployments in American cities without achieving the promised reductions in violent crime. Smart City Memphis's analysis of Memphis crime statistics from 2023 to 2025 supports that conclusion. If Memphis's steep pretask force crime trend had continued at the same rate,

3:05:19

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the rate would not be significantly higher than it is now. There's also the incalculable costs of lives lost. Um, Memphians shot and killed by task force members since May. D agents shot and killed Darren Pilgrim while he was working at a Burger King job. That month, a Homeland Security Investigations agent shot Jonah Neil in his mother's home during a mental health crisis. His mother had called 911 seeking help and Neil died before receiving medical aid. On July 8th, DEA agents serving an a warrant um forced their way into a hotel room and shot and killed Alonzo Ivy. Also in July, Tyron Johnson was shot in the back and killed while running away from guardsmen. The city had said guardsmen would not be armed unless requested by local law enforcement. The autopsy found that Johnson was shot in the back, while his family attorney says that this conflicts with the official report. Um, thank you. I'm sorry. Thank you, Lindsay Marian. And then Kashan Pearson. Okay, they're not here. Lindsay Marion is here. Okay. My name is Lisan and um Unfortunately, I don't know my

3:07:20

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zip code. So, I would like to thank everybody who isn't necessarily like Hispanic or who isn't an immigrant for coming over here to um support us because it means a lot to me and it means to a lot to other people who um unfortunately lost a parent, lost a sibling, lost someone important to them. Um, something I would like to say also was I would want to thank my parents for coming over here to the United States so me and my siblings could have a better life. Um, aside from that, I would like to say that um, everyone deserves to be with their family and friends cuz in general children should not, in my opinion, be without their parents. They should not be um, away from them because We're children. We're we're we're minors. We we don't have like this. My parents, I'm thankful for them because they put me in a bubble and they um took me away from the harsh world because the world is a really messed up place nowadays and I'm really thankful for them. But unfortunately around 20 2024 um I realized that life wasn't so I guess you could say all nice and great. Um Aside from that, I feel like as a child, as an eighth grader, I know that I shouldn't be talking about immigration or someone being taken away. Um, it's not my responsibility to know all of that. I'm a child. I should be focusing on my education. I should be focusing on my my homework that I need to do or soccer practice I need to go to. I should not be focusing on that. But obviously, sometimes I understand that I need to know that. For example, half of my family members went all the way they went most half of them even three4s of them went back to El Salvador because they were scared that something could have happened to them. And um thank you for some

3:09:38

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Keshan Pearson. Then William Arnold and Imani Ahmad. Keshan Pearson. Um, I'm here on behalf of the city of Memphis and everybody who is in this room and those who weren't able to be present. ICE coming to Memphis doesn't happen in a vacuum. The overmilitarization of our Memphis Police Department and the murder of Tyrie Nichols led us to this moment. Memphis continues to be targeted as this southern experiment for fascism.

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None of this is by mistake. It is all intentional.

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Before hundreds of our neighbors were taken away from us, a nightclub where black people frequent was held up and folks could not leave without showing identification.

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ICE agents. This unsafe task force has continued to make our city less livable and a lot less safe. The murders of four black men in our community. Hundreds of our families being disbanded and folks being deported unlawfully, treated less than human. What I'm asking here is that we pay attention to not only the harm being done to our bodies, the crippling of our communities, but look at the economic impact. Multiple blackled, blackowned businesses are closing. Our downtown continues to lose investments. We cannot build a sustainable city while bowing to Donald Trump. We cannot build a safe city while bowing

3:11:39

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to the whims of billionaires who don't see us as people worthy of investment. I'm asking you to all vote in support of this more of this. I'm definitely on the moratorum, but in support of this item uh because we need ICE out. Thank you. William Arnold.

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William Arnold, uh, 38107. I serve as the director of justice and re-entry for Memphis for All. I'm going to tell you a real quick story. Uh, last fall, I was awakened to that at 12:50 a.m. in the morning. When I looked at my camera, I saw there was a police officer. When I went outside, it was a female officer, and I heard whoop whoop whoop whoop. There about 15 cars on my street intermittently turning their sirens on and off. She asked me, "Did you hear a gunshot?" I said, "No, I was asleep." And she walked off, but they were going to every house on my neighborhood, beating on the doors, waking up people, turning on the sirens.

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At the time, I lived in Beltline. For those of y'all that don't know, that's on the shores of Orange Mound,

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right? So, you know what it looks like. But it made me wonder, were they doing this out on Shady Grove? Were they doing this on Walnut Grove? Were they doing this in Chickasaw Gardens? Right? Were they doing this somewhere there were people who didn't look like me? And how many other black and brown and underresourced neighborhoods were being awakened at 12:50, 1:50, 2:50, 3:50 in the morning saying, "Did you hear a gunshot?" And then when I said, "What if I had said yes?" Then what was our conversation going to be? So when we talk about this safety task, farce,

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right? Governor Bill Lee bamboozled us when he told us he was giving us a $200 million grant. That's the way he he that was his narrative. If anybody recalls that first uh uh uh what do you call it? Press

3:13:39

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conference. We're going to give Memphis a $200 million grant. And then the other dude that lives in in in the White House came here earlier this year and said, "Y'all won't have any crime by uh what was it? Uh, Memorial Day, Labor Day. Help me out, somebody. My point is, y'all, it's time to stop bowing down to this fascist, racist, authoritarianistic experiment that they're making our beloved city look like, right?

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Stand up and do the right thing and vote yes. Immani Ahmad and then Miss Sarah.

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Hello everybody. My name is Iman Ahmed. I am with the American Muslim Advisory Council. I have been in the United States since 2012 and I came when I was 11 years old. I've been a citizen of the United States since 2018 and I originally come from Ethiopia in East Africa where it's very common for me to see a bunch of mass men with machetes and guns roaming the streets and snatching up people. I never imagined that excuse me I never imagined that I would see that happening here. It's very common to see people being taken without due process and sent off to places where nobody hears from them ever again. And I never imagined that I would see that here. America was sold to me as a place where I would not be judged by the color of my skin, what god were I worship, or what I put on my head. But it's proved it's proving more and more wrong. America has become the place where fascism thrives. And Memphis, a place I have called home since coming in 2012, is become ground zero for what unlaw unlawful men with guns can do to other human beings. I'm urging you all to have empathy, stop looking bored, and vote in favor of this resolution. Thank you,

3:15:50

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Miss Sarah. Good evening, city council. My name is Sarah Gassum, and I am here to advocate for my congregation, for fellow members who have been taken, separated, the children at home, without their fathers, without an income to sustain them, with the terror of thinking that their mothers are next. the terror of thinking that they're going to be separated and deported or put into a concentration camp somewhere far away from here. These children are dealing with this fear every single day. And as people of faith, we do have to consider what fears, what concerns our neighbors have. God has sent prophet after prophet across the world to teach people righteousness, to teach people how to apply goodness and truth. And our lives every single day we are repeating to our children these values of love your neighbor of take care of your neighbor of go give them some food. But are we preach are we practicing what we preach?

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Are we taking care of each other? Are we forgetting that there is diversity in the city that needs to be protected? Are we forgetting that our neighbors, our doctors, our lawyers, our nurses, our teachers, our kids, friends at school may look different, may practice differently, but still require that safety, require that companionship, require that empathy. If a person looks different than us, we have a higher responsibility, a higher responsibility to make sure that they're taken care of, no matter where they came from. America right now is in a crucial moment and we really need to uphold truth. We need to uphold love. We need to uphold that unity. And Memphis needs to be, as

3:17:50

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someone said previously, we are in the eye of the nation. The nation is watching us. We need to be representative of all of these good values. If we think that we represent them in our homes, we need to represent them here at city council. Thank you. Madam Controller, Madam Controller, if you're prepared to screen for the vote.

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It has been moved by Councilwoman Easter Thomas, second by Councilman smiling. Council members, if you'll cast your vote for item number 32.

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Canali abstained. Chad, don't folks just said yes. Task force gone. Ice going to be gone. They going down. Madam Control,

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Madam Control, I think you got Madam Control number 33. Uh, Madam Chair, Madam Chair, that did not show my vote.

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I was

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Item number,

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uh, Madam Controller, will you please show Councilman Warren as a Yes. vote?

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I have. Yes, ma'am. I've noted that. Thank you.

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Okay, Madam Controller, if you'll please comee number 33.

3:19:51

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Wait just a moment. We need to make sure everyone is seated. Item number 33 is a resolution. Item number 33 is a resolution requesting comprehensive data center standards to protect Memphis residents, rateayers, and public resources, all council districts. This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Cooper Sutton and it was held from October 6.

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All right, Dr. Warren, you're recognized.

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Madam Chair, Representative Cooper Sutton is not here tonight. Could we hold this until she comes at the next meeting so she can speak on this? Without objection.

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Without objection.

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All right.

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That item will be held to the next council meeting.

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Madame Controller, if you will call item number seven.

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Item number 18.

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Thank you. Item number 18 is an ordinance of the city council of the city of Memphis, Tennessee, amending ordinance number 5367, known as the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code to establish regulations for the sitting initial development, construction, expansion,

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alteration and operation of largecale data centers. Establishing data center development standards. Prohibiting rout routine evaporative and once through cooling. Requiring closed loop water circulation systems. Prohibiting major withdrawals of local water resources for data center cooling. Requiring water conservation and monitoring. Requiring progressive use of renewable and non-carbon electricity. Establish a schedule for the phase out of carbon-based electricity. Establishing requirements for expansion of existing data centers. Providing for public disclosure, reporting, enforcement, penalties, and other matters related there too. Up for third and final reading. Ordinance number 5986 is sponsored by Councilman Warren. This was held from October 6.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. I move to substitute the altered substitute ordinance 5986 for the existing language in ordinance 5986 on the agenda today.

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If you'll move it electronically, please. It's been moved by Councilman Warren, second by Vice Chair Carlile. Councilwoman Green, you're in the queue.

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Thank you, Chair. Um, as we have just received this multi-page substitute ordinance and have not been able to, there's no red line to tell me what's new and what's different. I would move to for this ordinance, not for the one that has been sponsored by Councilman Smiley, myself, Chair Washington, and Chair Easter Thomas. This one that is sponsored by Jeff Warren that I believe has a 135day

3:23:52

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period instead of an 18-month moratorum that this one be held.

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Second.

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Objection. All right, we're going to vote on special item one.

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Madam Chair, can you confirm we're voting on the objection to be withheld or we voting on the item? Madam Chair,

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we're voting on just for clarity sake, the motion to hold is a valid motion. Is moved by Councilman Smiley, seconded by council, excuse me, by Green, seconded by Smiley. The objections moot and so now we're moving to item one to vote on whether it should be held or not. Councilwoman Green, we need a date for your motion.

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I I would like for it to be held till the next meeting so we have time to read

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the the substitute that is like 10 pages.

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The motion on the floor is to move to hold it till the next meeting. Seconded by Councilman Smiley. That's special item one. Are you a doctor?

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Well, I point of clarification, chair. So, we're voting to to hold

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or don't

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the

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the proposed one that has the the the substitution for a pause on data center

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for the 135 days.

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Okay.

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Right.

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Okay. Okay. Okay. Got it.

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The one that we just got today that has brand new language in it that none of us have read.

3:26:01

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I don't know. I think I don't think you have Hillar have not had opportunity. Our job learned. I guess whether or not this would be a regulatory Yeah, thank you.

3:28:13

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Say it with your chest. Everybody else speak louder. Will you clarify? Yes. You're right. Thomas No children.

3:30:51

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on the say on the paper that we have it says I don't even know who sponsor Don't be a messy

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all day. my desk and then I don't know whether I should vote yes or no.

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So I would like whether it is Councilman Warren or Councilwoman Logan whose name is on this thing and if that's not right, maybe we need to amend it again. Figure out and tell me what's even in this.

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Well, right now Vote for Jerry Green.

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Right now, we're getting ready to hear from Jonathan Isam and Sarah Houston.

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Jonathan Is How y'all doing? Good evening, city council members. My name is Jonathan Isim, one of the founders of Youth Minds United, stand alongside Jasmine Bernard. And I'm asking you today, now I put my uh put the number on there for 18, but I didn't see that it was 19 because I was kind of rushing. I'm sorry. But I may, like I said, I may have the long letter on my

3:32:52

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page, but people say young people don't understand. But being young doesn't mean we are blind to what is happening in our own neighborhoods. We recognize that XY can bring jobs, investment, and opportunity to Memphis. We want our city to grow, but we must also consider our air, our water, and our electricity and the families living near the facilities. This is why we need the moratorum, not to stop progress, but to give our city time to study the risk, establish protections, and make sure our communities are not left behind like we've been left behind for so long. And council members, this is bigger than a moratorum. This is about the future of young people. We are the generation that will inherit the decisions that is being ma made in this exact room. We want jobs and opportunities, too. But we also want Memphis, a want a Memphis where we can live and raise our families and feel safe for the believers out here. First Timothy 4:12 says, "Let no man despise thy youth."

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So don't wait until we are adults to listen to us. Don't wait until the damage is done to us uh to what young people think. Give us a seat at the table while decisions are being made, not after the consequences arrive. Proverbs 11 11:28 says, "He that trusteth in the richest shall fail, I mean to fall, but the righteous shall flourish as a branch." Memphis, "Money does not equal a healthy community. Jobs and investment mean nothing if we ignore the well-being of the people who live here. We cannot put profit before people. We need older generations and younger generations standing together. To our elected officials, be leaders who make young people want to stay in Memphis. And to every young person who feels ignored, remember this. Your voice matters. Your future matters. And every right to stay. You have every right to stand up in this community. Memphis, we are not asking Memphis to stop progressing. We are asking Memphis to

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progress without leaving its people behind. We trust God, but we must also have the courage to stand up for what is

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Thank you, sir. Sarah Houston and then Wendy Clark Austin,

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Sarah Houston, and then Wendy Clark, Austin.

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I'm sorry.

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There we go. Good evening. Sarah Houston 38103. I serve as executive director of Protect Our Aquafer. Let's be very clear. The public here tonight is here to support a moratorum. Period. That's what we're here for. This this right here, Councilman Ford, I hope you're listening. this ordinance. I have not seen the latest draft, but the the draft that we have seen. Here's some feedback for it. There's a disclosure section that requires information in application. It doesn't clearly define what application triggers that disclosure or when that information has to be provided. The closed loop cooling section appears to require closed loop cooling while another section identifies different cooling technologies. It's not clear how those requirements would work together. The proposed prohibition on major local water withdrawals refers to that withdrawal without defining what that means. Does that have to do with the groundwater control board? So it calls for public review of surface water groundwater diversions. Again, doesn't clearly establish what that public review process is. There's a water conservation plan required. That sounds great, but we don't have an understanding of the deadline for submitting. It doesn't require public review and there's not clear on the accountability measures. Water reuse. Water use is a public resource. Our aquifer is owned by the people. Our water is owned by the people. Let's be very clear that is state law. So, this is complicated.

3:36:53

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There's also energy provisions in here. There's things about backup generators that we know need stronger guardrails. We should be looking at specific hour operation limits about communities like in Virginia and Nashville, what they have done to regulate generator use. So these are not reasons to abandon an ordinance, but the reasons to delay the vote on this because we know we need to slow down. We need to think about all these opportunities for regulating data centers. And that's exactly what a moratorum does. It gives us time to do this together.

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Do not vote for this. Wendy Clark Austin and Michelle Branch.

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Okay, they're not here. Allison King,

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is Michelle Branch here?

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Okay, go ahead.

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That's okay. Hello, I'm Allison King. I've moved here to Memphis, a city that I love, from Central Valley, California, where we thought we had unlimited resources in our aquifer, and we have been rudely surprised for many years. We didn't have forever water in the Central Valley aquifer. Mr. Carlile, you said at at a press conference that it's too bad the poor people of South Memphis are in an industrial zone place. But I want to tell you, the aquafer is an I drink your milkshake situation. It's not just South Memphis who needs water. We all need water. We all rely on that aquifer. and it's already strained by the two data centers that are operating. A third

3:38:55

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one will put even more strain and 10 years from now, you won't be able to water your lawns, your beautiful oak trees, or anything else that will be dying because of climate change because we'll need the water just to drink. So, Mr. Carile, I respectfully say, think about this condescending attitude towards the people of m South Memphis and how sad it is that they're in an an industrial zone. We are in a zone that need to drink water to live. All right. Item on the floor. Madam

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Chair, I'm in the queue. I'm in the queue.

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Go ahead.

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So, thank you um so much um for acknowledging me. One of the reasons I'm I'm I'm deeply concerned about what's happening now is one of the reasons people have a mistrust or distrust for the government because they believe that so much of what we do is done in the dark. At the very last minute, we get a substitute ordinance that no one has had an opportunity to review. And to be extremely transparent, what's happening up here is me ers are rushing through to try to determine what's in here. One of the things that the community has consistently been saying is what about the community engagement? I have no idea if there's a community engagement in this. Um, I don't want to talk too long, but I will make a motion to suspend the rules to move this item to the end to give at least people an opportunity to read it for the next 30, 40 minutes.

3:40:57

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Second.

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Councilwoman Logan, you're recognized.

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There's a motion on the floor.

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Okay, wait just one second. We'll come back to the motion. Councilwoman Logan,

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it's about the motion. Go ahead. I'm sorry. So, this ordinance, you want to go ahead.

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Okay. This Go ahead,

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Madam Chair. Um, we've had this ordinance for I think at least one reading and this would have been the second. This was Councilwoman Logan's ordinance that uses a UDC. The UDC is what you know is allows public input. We have to when you vote this in what ends up occurring is that now you start the process of writing the regulations that can actually control these data centers and control what they're doing. So we've had this. It's not like we didn't have it. If you if you look at it, you'll notice you've seen it because I'm sure you read hers when she when she presented it. So there's nothing unusual with that. And you know, we're doing this at advice of you know, people who know what's going on. So, I don't think we need 45 minutes to read it. And I would say let's don't do that. We always do. He co-sponsored, but his name was left off of here, but it is his exact ordinance. Two of them were put together. The ordinance is for the UDC update to continue with DPD to make

3:42:57

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certain that we pause as everyone wanted that we pause all applications as everyone wanted. We all came into the agreement that it that is what everyone wanted to pause applications. No applications will be accepted until we finished. The mayor put a study on. We're doing a study in hearings. So, it was decided that no applications would be heard. This is nothing new.

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This is nothing new.

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It's two combined. They're the same. They're the exact same ones that we've had for second and third reading.

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It's giving the it's it's giving the it's giving the people exactly what they wanted. We all agree.

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Okay. Councilwoman Green, you're recognized.

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There is a motion on the floor to hold this at least to the end of the meeting to give the public a chance to read it and to give council. And if you are telling me that it is this ordinance plus another ordinance, that's not the same. That is a new ordinance.

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It is not.

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It is not. Attorney I have a lawyer. I have a lawyer and I will tell you this. When we do things, when we do things fast, we get them wrong. That is the whole point of a moratorium. What these people want here today is not for us to say that this has been blessed by certain people. They want to be able to read it and to give input. What they want is a moratorum so that we can talk to the community. That's what they've been asking for for over a year. I have no I I am telling you I have been here all day. Look guys, I'm I am I am very tired and so I I I am a little more animated than normal. But I am telling you that it is

3:44:59

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completely unjust and unfair. that there is a lack of transparency and that has been the exact problem with the whole data center coming to Memphis is a lack of transparency and a lack of community engagement and today y'all are trying to force this in. So all we're asking is to hold it to the end. That's the motion that's on the floor and I call the question.

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Point of information, Madam Chair. Point of point of order, Madam Chair, if memory serves, the motion on the floor is to suspend the rules which require seven votes under the charter.

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Mad Madam Chair,

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Madam Chair,

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can can I do want to amend my motion? It was

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Can I Can I amend my motion? It's my motion.

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Okay, go ahead.

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I move to hold this item until the end of the meeting.

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I'm talking to the chair. I move to hold this item until the end of the meeting,

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but we have already called the question.

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It's clear that everybody's going to vote they want to the way they want to vote and they don't want to listen to me and Councilman Smiley and they don't want to listen to the people here. So, why don't we go ahead and vote because y'all have already voted against this multiple times.

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Thank you.

3:47:38

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A tempatorum on the acceptance.

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Madam chair, I move to hold 19

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processing and issuance. Man, come on. Come on. Come on, y'all. Object.

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There's a motion to hold item number 19. Madam Chair, if you don't mind, may I make a comment, please?

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You may.

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I absolutely love the fact that everyone is here today. He object where so great great great comment. And Madam Chair, forgive me. Forgive me. I'm gonna I I'll talk to you. I love the fact that everyone's here today. Dr. Warren and several council members, Councilwoman Green, people have made objections. People have have tried to follow the the Robert's rules of order today. So, please, I'm just asking please make sure that everyone please keep it down because it's very important. This is very important, y'all. We're trying to do work for you. I promise you that. Okay. So, there was an objection over here. I know Councilwoman Green did something. So, if we could all please just get through this with some order so we can vote and speak for the people that have elected us to represent them, please. Thank you.

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All right. So, now

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we

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there has been a

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we need we need you all to have a seat

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cuz there was an objection over here and y'all didn't hear it.

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Can we have a Can we Can we be seated in here

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as much as possible? Can we be seated? So, Madam Chair, there wasn't just a moment. I can't see what's going on.

3:50:06

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Whatever you think, whatever you want to do. All right.

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All right.

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All right. Council Councilman Warren.

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Yes, ma'am. I have a motion to hold item number 19, which is the mortorium for 18 months.

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I need a second.

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Now we're on 19.

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Madam chair, it fails for lack of second.

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So, we've got a motion to hold item 19. We did not get a second. All right. So, we're going to continue on with item 19 because we did not get a second. Do we have any cards for item 19?

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What about the first,

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right? They can only speak on two items.

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All right. Councilman Smiley, you're in the queue. Thank you, Madam Chair. I think this body has spoken enough. I think it's time for us to listen to the people.

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All right. Thank you,

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Tula Rucker and Angelica Whitehead.

3:52:11

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And this card doesn't have a name. So, Tequila Rucker, Memphis for All. Now, I have some prepared to say, but the way y'all running this meeting have me very concerned about things that's happening here today. The question I want to know is, does 18 kill 19? Because 19 is what the people have been intentional about making sure the community input has been included in this ask for the data center moratorum which we are all here in support of but we getting a resolution or something within the last hour for us to be able to make a decision on and it's your responsibility to make sure that you are taking the public's input in you your considerations that you are making here today. So I do appreciate you going ahead and listen to us but we want data the data center moratorum passed today. We can do both.

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We can put regulations in place and pass the moratorum. On October the 6th we were told that nothing was coming, nothing was expected, but there was a $575 million permit SUBMITTED FOR THE EXPANSION OF ANOTHER MORATORIUM. and so another data center so we can't KEEP ON TRUSTING YOUR WORD FOR what it is when you don't even know what's going on in this city. Pause the data centers so we can get this right. Lies are at stake and blood is on your hand. So you need to MAKE DECISIONS TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT BY THE PEOPLE THAT ELECTED you in office. ALL OF THIS RESEARCH that you call YOURSELF DOING HAS BEEN DONE. LISTEN to the people THAT'S BEEN DOING THIS WORK ON THE GROUND FIGHTING FOR the people FIGHTING FOR YOU TOO.

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THEY GONNA KEEP COMING IN THIS CITY DOING WHATEVER THEY WANT TO DO IF you don't put a STOP TO IT TODAY. THE RESPONSIBILITY IS ON YOU AND WARREN YOUR FEARONGERING ABOUT WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN economically if they don't come here because we put A PAUSE IN IT. WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DON'T? THERE'S NOT GOING

3:54:13

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TO be anybody here to protect or to live. So do what you need to do to pass this moratory.

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Excuse me. Angela Whitehead and then Dr. Stephanie Cole. My name is Angelica and I am a Memphis resident and a community organizer with the Equity Alliance who showed up today to make it known that Memphis is not an experiment.

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Our communities should not have to experience harm first and ask the government to regulate it later. That's why the data center moratorum matters. When we don't fully understand the impact that massive data centers could have on our power grid, on our water, on our air, property values, and surrounding neighborhoods, the responsible thing to do is pause, study it, create the guard rails, listen to the people who actually live here, because Memphis knows what happens when government acts first and asks questions later. We're watching it happen with the Memphis Safe Task Force. We were told we needed an extraordinary federal intervention to make Memphis safe. But MPD's own numbers show crime was already at a 25-year low before the task force began. Now, we're looking at nearly 188,000 traffic stops, immigration raids, families being separated, and six deaths associated with the task force operation. That's why tonight isn't just about data centers. It isn't just about

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ICE or the National Guard. It's about governance.

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It's about whether government protects communities before harm happens or waits until afterwards to explain why nobody saw it coming.

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You have the power tonight to choose a different model. Pause unchecked data center development. Remove ICE and the National Guard from Memphis and put community voice, transparency, and accountability back at the center of how the city makes decision. Memphis deserves development without exploitation and safety. Dr. Steven Kohl's and then Cheryl Piggies. Hello, city council. My name is Cheryl Piggy Kite, the professional advocate. The cororum means polite control and proper behavior that matches the expectations of the specific social setting, ceremony, or environment, which includes keeping your feet off the furniture that

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belongs to us.

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We all are passionate about the well-being of our community. We all want to we all want to create or have a positive impact change in the fabric in our community. We all are fighting for a safe, healthy and prosperous community. It is difficult when we are not on one accord. In order for that to take place, we we must learn to communicate effectively even when we do not agree. We know there's going to be times that we do not agree, but respectfully we must communicate. City council, you must include us in your decision making for the betterment of the whole. We hired you to make a decision to include our voices. If including our voices is a hindrance, then perhaps we should hire some new people, be accountable to our community,

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Cheryl Piggies. Hold up. Okay. Suzanne Jackson

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and then Kevin Star.

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Suzanne Jackson 38111. We need a pause and moratorum to determine sufficient regulations and negotiated agreements to ensure our health, protect our people and resources, and insist on thriving for

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all. The council members who raised questions and concerns on October 6 inspired me to take a brief deep dive with the sometimes unreliable AI. So, I now have a few questions about accountability, protection, and corporate fair share investment in all of our community. Electrolux had already left Memphis without fulfilling its pilot. Then, Phoenix Investor acquired the property for 35 million and rented it to XAI and affiliated with SpaceX. XAI, bought the Electrolux property for 185 million. And if that weren't bad enough, X AI then subleasased the entire Electrolux Classes one to its competitor anthrop anthrop anthropic for 1.25 billion with a P a month. How much is Memphis receiving from that 1.25 billion a month for much needed community investment here? Why have the residents within a fivemile radius not received actual services from the first 3.4 million with an M promised by the community benefits agreement? Why did EDGE lease 552 more acres to XAI for 21 years and with the option to buy it in 22nd year? How much did Memphis receive from that lease and the subleasase of some of that acreage to Seven States Power Corporation? Why did XAI owe 400,000 a month to MLGW for electricity and not have its electricity cut off to be Nobody should have their electricity cut

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off.

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Thank you, Miss Jackson. If we can have Kevin Star and then Jamaiah Irby.

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Hey, how y'all doing today? My name is Kevin Star and I'm speaking on the behalf of the kids. One thing that caught my attention last council meeting. Yes, they said that they were doing this for the generation. They was doing this for the future. But how is poison water, poison air good for the kids? How can the kids go to the playground and play? How? What about the kids in next generation? What about life? Want us to vote for y'all and pick y side? Who going to do right? Tired to close the blinds. Living in silence. I'm going to join the fight. Keep speaking on Elon Mus. Don't like that guy. Don't know why he got the hype.

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If you for the city, you got to be mean. Council on dirt. They playing too nice. We was just asked for 18 months. Y'all pushed us back and didn't think twice. Y'all think that this helping is hurting our life. Y'all paying with money. We paying with lies. Let's go to the poll. We ain't think twice. We folding them out. is waving goodbye cuz y'all not doing nothing for us. Nothing. Y'all say the generation. Y'all say the kids. I don't think it's not one kid up in here that's happy with anything that's going on. And they don't even know what's going on. So how can you say you're doing anything for a kid? How can you say that you're doing anything for for the youth, for infant, for anybody, the elderly? Like come on y'all. We got to get it together. We need that moratorum. That's all I got to say. Jamaiah Herby and then Brandon Washington.

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Jamaiah Irby, that'll be me. Good afternoon, council.

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My name is Jamaia Herrerby and I'm a youth organizer for the Equity Alliance as well. Today this council is being asked to make a decision about two issues that I have been that I have been impacted by that may look different but are very much so connected by the basic question. Why don't local leadership care enough to choose the people over profit?

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We got massive data centers coming into our communities demanding large amounts of power, water and infrastructure and residents never had a voice before the development move forward. A pause is in order. We are simply saying before you build, Memphis get to ask questions. Before you take resources, Memphis get to establish rules. Before decisions are made about our neighborhoods, Memphis residents gets a seat at the table. The same principle applies to the Memphis Safe Task Force that y'all called it. Whether we're talking about a billion dollar technology companies or federal law enforcements, Memphis cannot continue being a place where powerful institutions and billionaires pray on the poor and make decisions for us without us. It's a wild watch. It's wild to watch folks really construct arguments that basically say we should risk the lives of poor black people to save the economy. We don't need to do research. We don't need to pause and try to see how we can do this in a way that causes less damage and displacement as possible. Elon wants his data center now. It's insane. Our voices matter. Our lives matter. And Memphis belongs to Meians. Support the data center moratorum. Pause and get it right. Support the resolution removing ICE in the National Guard. Give Memphis the space to determine what safety development and progress look like for ourselves. Thank you,

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Brandon Washington. and then Amber Sherman.

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Thank you.

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Good evening, council. Three years ago, I stood right here after I ran for

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office at the age of 19 and I gave you all one simple assignment. I asked you to listen to the people. And after nearly three years later, if I had to grade most of you all on this assignment, it'd probably be a D+ and only a plus because I'm feeling kind of generous. Now, I'm not going to stand up here and throw a bunch of facts and statistic at at you because I know that Richard Massie or Representative Justin Pierce or Trinity Williams would get up here and do that for me. Instead, I want to tell you a story. One of the reasons I received over 16,000 votes when I ran at 19 was because I believe that elected officials job is to amplify the people. And tonight, I want to amplify the story of someone close to me, of my little sister. She came to Memphis for my birthday and a on August 9th. And within just three hours of her being back in Memphis, she had to call 911 because she was passing out from an asthma attack. She barely had enough time to crack open the front door to allow the 911 um ambulance to come in. Now, this was strange to us because she never had asthma before she left Memphis. Now, she was told that other people had been coming into the emergency rooms with breathing problems and leaving with inhalers that they didn't come in with. The next day, I found myself trying to calm her down because she was experiencing another asthma attack. And because she was experiencing asthma attack for the second time in her life, she was also experiencing a panic attack. Now, I don't know how many of y'all had to calm your sibling down when they were uh when you were secretly panicking yourself, but I do not recommend it. We need this moratorum now, not later.

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Lives are at stake now. Thank you.

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Thank you,

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Amber Sherman. And then Elizabeth Houston. The great philosopher Young Jeezy once said, "Scared money don't make no money." And our government embodies that wholeheartedly. Our city is so scared to lose potential dollars that we'll accept crumbs, lies, and pollution from any business wanting to come here in the name of economic development. when in reality, this body and our mayor should be doing their jobs as elected officials and spokespersons for the city to recruit quality businesses here that pay higher wages and have benefits instead of the current warehouse industrial complex that we have that exists. The argument that these businesses will just go somewhere else also isn't realistic. Other cities and surrounding areas are shutting them down completely, so they can't go there. We aren't anti- business, but we are anti-exloitation. And unfortunately for y'all, Miffians aren't dumb. So when y'all give these monologues and your comments, it's really a waste of time because it's not working on us. We actually have all the leverage here and we're squandering it in the name of allegiance to billionaire companies instead of standing with the people. Policy is powerful. So powerful in fact that the lack of it is the reason why we're here in the first place and are continuing to be exploited. Supporting a pause on data centers is a vote for supporting the people. Supporting a pause on data centers is a vote for recognizing that community voice wasn't heard in the beginning, but we can correct that right now. Supporting a pause on data centers is a vote for reaffirming your dedication to the people of Memphis, not the billionaire class. I encourage you to vote yes on item 19. And I think it's embarrassing and downright dismissive that Jeff Warren and Ronda Logan have put together this random ordinance that

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we did not ask for that still does not have our community input and y'all continue to not listen to us. I didn't know Ronda was going to be such a disappointment in a sellout, but apparently, you know, she is. And I didn't know Jeff Warren was going to be so lame, too. But once I said before, he is the white moderate that is a hindrance to what we want in Memphis. Elizabeth Houston and then Keshan Pearson.

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Oh, not me going before Keshan. Hi, I'm Elizabeth Booker Houston, native Memphian, proud graduate of Christian Brothers University and Cecil Humphrey School of Law. Um, but right now my current title is I am the person who makes and breaks uh elections and campaigns. And I had to take a break from my busy schedule flying all across the country for midterms to come here because I have no idea why my own city is not going ahead and voting for this moratorum. Um, I'm going to tell you I see Mr. Spinosa looking up at the screen all that. Hi. I'm a big dog baby. I'm above your pay grade. So I'm going to tell you something. Um, I'm such a big dog that Elon Musk harassed, attacked, and doxed me directly, doxing something that I hear Chase Carile knows a little bit about. I um,

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wait a minute.

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I want to give y'all about a million dollars worth of game for free because everybody's talking about the effects on the citizens and the health impacts and all of that. As someone whose job it is to win elections and has worked with everyone all the way up to the vice president, right? Um, this will kill your political career.

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Even in the most conservative parts of Texas, as I have campaigned with Gina Hinahosa, the Republicans and right-wing people are for data center moratoriums. MAGA, Democrat, Liberal, whoever.

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Every single person is against these data centers for good reason. And so if you don't care enough about the health and well-being of Memphians, please at least care maybe about your bank accounts, your future political careers, especially if you are a black person sitting on this city council and how it looks.

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Anyway, I'm going to go back to my job of making things go viral when I want to and putting the messaging out there when I want to. And just think about what you want me to say to national audiences about you when I walk out of this room. Keshan Peterson,

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Keshan Pearson, and then Sarah Houston.

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Thank you. My first amendment rights were infringed upon.

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But as you can see, I'm still here.

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If you are for a data center moratorum, would you please stand? The city of Memphis is ready for a data center moratorum. Millington passed a data center moratorum just last week. I have been to PG County in Maryland. I have been to Jackson, Mississippi. And Memphis is where we continue to fail the people who need you the most.

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I want to talk about a few things that happened before the last meeting transpired. The Greater Memphis Chamber held a closed meeting with our city council members on the Friday before the vote.

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And on the Tuesday of the vote, there was a pause. Now, I don't know what the Memphis Chamber has been doing or what they've been up to and how they've convinced you, but what I will say is that we will not forget what happens here, and our demands remain the same. We demand a healthy environment, clean air, clean water, which we have a human right to.

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We also demand representation that chooses us, the people, over the profits of a billionaire's experiment. We continue to breathe the majority of the pollution that is coming from South Haven. 63.8% will reign over South over Shelby County. We will suffer. Our most socially vulnerable communities continue to suffer with COPD and respiratory illnesses. If you have never taken your own family, rushed them to a Walgreens to get an inhaler

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that was generic to save their lives. You don't know what it's like for people to struggle to breathe. This city deserves more. Black people deserve more. Black families deserve more than to continue to bow down to this fascist regime.

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Vote for a moratorum now. Look at us.

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Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Uh-uh. Uh-uh. Uh-uh. We're not going to scream. Thank you. Thank you.

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Thank you, Joelle Thompson. and Jasmine Jeffrey.

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Hello again, Joel. Thompson. Am I ready?

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Okay. Hi. Um, I was going to speak about the mortorium, but I've also noticed the body language of people up here, and I want to let's let's talk about the facts. We talk about there's been a lot of people since the last meeting on the news talking about, oh well the city council doesn't just have to vote because these people who showed up to the meeting say so the rest of the city doesn't. This is the city. I don't know what y'all are talking about or what y'all are thinking about. Memphis is a majority black city. Shelby County is a majority black county. So even if you're white, I'm looking at four white males who choose to look away from the people at the podium on multiple occasions. Even if you're white, this impacts you. This impacts your district. This is not a black issue. This is a people issue. I know this firsthand as a resident of Alibaba community and the Memphis Defense Depot where nobody on the city council did anything for that community and then gave the money away to the edge board and we're dealing with the effects today. Our aquifer is reach the the the industry in that area is wreaking havoc on our aquifer, y'all. It's the contamination is not even these kids sitting right here gonna be dealing with the contamination in a few years. And this is not the future if we're taking away everybody keeps saying air and water also our soil. We you want to use words like a yah desert. That's not a thing. But you know what a real thing is? A food desert. That's a real thing.

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Food deserts are real. And people are don't even have access to food in Memphis. They don't have access to education. But they do have inhaler medication. They do have diabetes medication. They do have to go to chemo. We're worried about the wrong things, y'all. If we're not inter interested in pausing a a moratorum to just look at the issues, it's not we're not even saying it can't kill them ever. It's a pause for 18 months. Jesus, an elephant has a baby long. It take longer for elephants to have babies. I'm sorry, y'all. Put me on a ramp. Y'all vote for a pause. Please stop looking at people like they're saying stuff that doesn't matter. This matters not only to them, but to you, too.

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Jasmine Jeffrey and Jasmine Bernard.

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Hi, I'm Jasmine Jeffrey, PhD. Um,

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I just want to say that 100% of our drinking water comes from the Memphis Sand Aquafer. And today, SpaceXi is pumping a million gallons a day. And this creates a draw down which pulls contaminants into our aquifer. Meanwhile, the closed loop systems that are in some of y'all's ordinances are complicated and they're not always a good option because they use tons of chemicals. And we can't let the industry hide behind trade secrets. What are those chemicals? Are piles and persistent chemicals being used? What happens to that water? Where is it being discharged? Who monitors it? If we are going to approve facilities that could operate for decades. We need actual water use data and not terminology that makes the water question sound simpler than it is. The Memphis Sand Aquifer does does not stop at the city limits. MLGW cannot supply a data center. They will try to drill a well through the groundwater board and county health department. If MLG cannot supply MLGW cannot supply power or a data center is waiting on TVA approvals to connect to the grid, they will just bring in turbines. That's regulated by the county health department. Overlapping governance and the multitude of different scenarios to consider are why Memphis needs a joint city county approach to data center development. water use, land use, infrastructure, and environmental protections. We cannot have the city making decisions that affect regional water resources without the county at the table. And for these reasons, we should at the very least consider a 9-month moratorum. Thank you,

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Jasmine Bernard. And then Christine Fox.

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Hey y'all. I just want to say plainly, y'all really played in our face today and we just got to put that out plainly cuz we're tired and we've been here too many times about this moratorum. We y'all have danced around this real action long enough. Y'all have held it multiple times, done unconstitutional bans and done intimidation tactics like personally sending city council employees to my house to give me a ban that was unconstitutional. And since we wanted to make that personal, I have a personal question for Dr. Warren. Did you not take an oath to do no harm?

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What do you think you're doing to South Memphis? But beyond that, cuz I still hope you do say yes on this moratorum. We have a simple ask for all of y'all to just pass the state center moratorum. There's a room full of your own constituents asking y'all to do this. We're not coming out of nowhere with this. We've been here for 800 days asking for a moratorum, asking for y'all to value the lives of the people who live in Memphis. That's it. We just want y'all to put our lives over profit for people who do not live in the city, who are not paying as much as we pay for our utility bills in the city.

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Y'all don't have to think about the fact that your elders, your grandparents, your grandmothers are at the age that their life expectancy is supposed to be lower than the people in Collierville cuz it's 15 years lower in South Memphis than it is in Collierville. And if you don't have to think about that, then you don't have the right to tell us that we don't deserve a mortorium.

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That's all I got to say. This Memphis is watching you. The city is watching you. The country is watching you. And the world is watching what you do. And those ballots next year are watching y'all, too. So make the right choice. Thank you,

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Christine Fox. And then Robert Williams,

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Christine Fox. Oh, I'll wait. Christine Fox, 38112. I'd like to share a quote from Octavia Butler's 1998 novel, Parable of the Talents. Choose your leaders with wisdom and forethought. To be led by a coward is to be controlled by all that the coward feel fears.

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To be led by a fool is to be led by the opportunists who control the fool.

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To be led by a thief is to offer up your most precious treasures to be stolen.

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To be led by a liar is to ask to be told lies. To be led by a tyrant is to sell yourself and those you love into slavery.

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Some of y'all have been out here acting like cowards, fools, thieves, and liars. Some of y'all have been opportunists, and some have been doing the will of a tyrant. We see you. We see you doing these things all the while, claiming that you are working for the betterment of Memphis. We hear the reports that come that come out that our crime is down in our city. And yet we know that our communities are being harmed every day by the Memphis Unsafe Task Force and by the environmental crimes being committed by SpaceXi and other industrial polluters. We hear those in power ignoring these harms, saying peace, peace. But we know there is no peace and there will be no peace until there is justice. If you vote against the moratorum today, council members, you are offering up the most precious of treasures, the sacred land on which the city was built and the beloved communities and people that call Memphis home. If you vote against this moratorum, you offer up these precious

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treasures to the most treacherous of thieves and liars. Vote yes on the moratorum. Robert Williams and then Bastelle Booker.

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Yes, Robert Williams, District 9, Division 2. I'm proposing a more moderate approach to this, which may not be popular here with the group. However, hear me out here. The debate over data centers in Memphis is not simply a choice between economic growth and environmental protection. I support responsible development, strong safeguards, and a meaningful community involvement. Of course, I do remain skeptical that the moratorum might not be the best solution here.

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Now, supporters of the moratorum raise legitimate concerns. Hear me out. Memphis needs clear standards addressing zoning, electricity, water use, air quality, noise, infrastructure, and neighborhood impacts. These issues deserve serious attention, especially because the city's development code does not yet comprehensively regulate data centers as a distinct land use, which will be covered in 18. Still a blanket pause may create delay without producing better governance. A moratorum just creates a stalemate cuz we'll be revisiting this issue again and again and again. Now uh Doug McGawan said that the utilities and this might be skeptical or up for debate but Doug McGawan said that major electrical loads uh before approving service these things are already being studied. He also stated that large low customers may be required to fund necessary infrastructure and pay capacity charges. This does not

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eliminate every concern. Utility review alone cannot resolve questions about pollution, water consumption, noise, transparency, or neighborhood compatibility. The controversy involving natural gas turbines that was mentioned here at XAI's Memphis operation shows why enforcement matters. It also shows why the geographical placement of these facilities is critical. I'm not for placing these facilities in neighborhoods or urban areas rather than the choice.

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Excuse me. Bastelle Booker, thank you so much for coming down.

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Bastelle Booker and then Tara M. One moment, sir. Okay, go ahead.

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Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, to the gentleman who just came and and and spoke um what he what spoke his conscience, I do want to say this um because you spoke specifically about the moratorum only being an opportunity to pause and creating a stalemate. If you take the time to read the amended temporary moratorum, the moratorum calls for more than just a pause. The moratorum calls for meaningful community engagement. Also, it requires the council to go into the community and have conversations with people who are approximate with the data centers to learn about their positions as it relates to data centers. The temporary moratorum also calls for the council to convene with some of the

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experts so that we can create a framework that protects people. The council al the the moratorum also requires us to choose locations for the data centers that will come into our community that's not close to schools or neighborhoods. The the the temporary data moratorum also calls for the council to create laws that protect air that that guards the traffic that create zoning laws so that we can make reasonable decisions for people. It's not just merely a pause. It's a ordinance to protect people. It's an ordinance that put people before prophet. So what I would hope that you do is just take some time to read it. And I not just you, I hope each and every person here takes time to read the law that has been before this body since August 18, 2026. This is not a law that's simply created by myself, Councilwoman Green, or Councilwoman Isa Thomas or the chairwoman. law is birthed because the community has been calling for this body to slow down, study, engage the community, and then put forth laws. That's what it does. It's not simply a pause.

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Don't engage.

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Thank you, Councilman.

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My name is Batail Booker.

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All right. And I stand here today, Box Town strong.

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I am here today to speak on behalf of Boxtown and every marginalized community in America. Boxtown is the oldest and most resilient neighborhood in the world. Originated by freed slaves who work together to build a community from box cars. Each community member had a part of something essential to add. They had but they had no electricity, no running

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water, no plumbing, no indoors, NO STREETS LIGHT. WE FOUGHT and fought and finally in 1971 Boxtown was annexed into the city. There are STILL TODAY INCOMPLETE IN INFRASTRUCTURE, SIDEWALKS JUST RUN OUT. Our land was RAPED AND DESTROYED. THE CITY AUTHORIZED DIGGING WHICH LEFT DEEP HOLES in the middle of our community. Some people say that we only want to BE ON TV. WELL, SHAME ON YOU. Shame on you. News media is for EVERYONE TO GET THEIR MESSAGE OUT and ask for prayers and support. Anything that is morally wrong will eventually become political. Dr. KING DIED IN MEMPHIS. DR. King died for the rights OF MEMPHIAN TO PROTEST AGAINST THAT WHICH IS WRONG.

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He left us the blueprint. History will find us standing on the right side of this issue.

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You want to be a servant? Anybody can be a servant.

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All you need is a heart that's generated by love

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and your margin orders from God. Yes,

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would define what's happening in Boxtown as genocide.

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Google the word partner. Zoe Dandelinger and then David Ra Rahane. Zoe Dondelinger 38119. I have been following the original moratorum ordinance since it was proposed in August. It started strong and while I knew it could be stronger, I believe that it was a good and fair

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start that I wish was proposed years ago that allowed city of Memphis to reclaim power against exploitative outsiders. This ordinance has since been postponed twice and gutted to accommodated the uh interests of these exploitative outsiders. While this ordinance is no longer what it was intended to be, I still urge the council to vote in favor of a moratorum that is effective, ideally 18 months, and conduct as many studies as possible as knowledge is power. I would also like to address the big ugly elephant in the room. Things have changed. The big red clause on the comment cards, which were not present a few a few years ago, insinuates that speaking on the record at city council is a privilege and not a right, which is a direct violation of the First Amendment. Comment cards are not contracts, and even if they were, it cannot it cannot sign away our constitutional rights. The way that the city council addressed disruption after the meeting was recessed on October 6th was unacceptable and unconstitutional, going as far as to wish institutional and physical violence upon community members whose right to speak on the record and encourage and engage with their civic duties were taken away. Someone at city council h made the decision to handdel the letter banning a minor to their guardian which under our current culture I can only see as intimidation and encouraging a bad woman upon this minor for using her voice in a way that is deemed unacceptable by the council and the official statements in court comparing nonviolent community outrage to the January 6th insurrection don't go over my head as a call to community members to face violence Especially when a city attorney is calling for consequences to be lynching. It is apparent that this is response is one intended to sabotage and slander a certain congressional dis district district candidate.

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Opponents who have ties to this

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administration.

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Thank you. Anthony

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Kazia,

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David Rahim, and then Anthony Calia.

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David,

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David Ram 38117. You You almost got it. I get a lot of different things. No worries.

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David Ram. I have it. Yeah. So, uh, originally I planned to come before y'all today, uh, to share a number of headlines that have come out in the past week and a half, two weeks or so, uh, from sources such as Reuters and The Guardian, as well as others. I saw one from Fox News, even for those of y'all who pay attention to that. uh and these headlines uh signal a rapid and major decline in AI data data centers uh around the country and the world due to um high debt exposure across the industry and the unfeasibility of both sustainable chip and energy production. Okay. So if we're talking about money and wanting to get money, that money is running out because it is not feasible at the level that they are doing it. Um, however, yesterday another headline caught me and I want to share that uh Vladimir Putin has proposed a summit one month from now between himself, Donald Trump and Xiinping. Uh, it is a three-country summit to decide the fate of Ukraine. uh deciding one regional war in Russia's favor and inciting potentially a global conflict, World War II. This news came days after both the US intelligence system and Musk's own Starlink uh uh system failed Ukraine when they needed it most. Hopefully

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y'all saw that in the news right now. Right now. right here in Mississippi. I mean, excuse me, that's where I'm from. In Memphis, they Trump and Musk are actively realigning the United States of America, our country, y'all's country, away from our longtime allies, and towards our longtime antagonists, Russia and China. I'm going to keep going real quick. Okay, I'm almost done. Meanwhile, we are giving everything up.

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Thank you, sir.

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Thank you, sir. Anthony Calia and Richard Massie.

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Is Anthony Calia here?

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All right. And Richard Massie, come on down. tools.

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Thank you, sir.

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Thank you, sir.

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Sir, thank you. Thank you. Yes sir. Go ahead.

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Okay. Thank you. Um so and thank you David. All of that is very important. Um so people have talked about fascism. They've talked about the the health of our communities and how we're being poisoned. But this is also a legacy of colonialism. Right. Um, and I don't want to talk

4:38:57

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about history, but um, I'm a reader. I'm a writer. And The Color Purple is one of my favorite books. Alice Walker. There's a shirt in here that says, "Listen to black women." Right? Alice Walker is a woman I listen to very closely. And she tells the story of the Olinka. The Olinka. The Olinka are a village, right? Two sisters, Netti and Celely, and they're separated. And Netti goes to be a missionary in Africa, right? And while she's there, there's this rubber company. And all they want to do is build a road, just one road, right? And the people say, "Oh, what what's the road? We don't care. We're a villagers. We're going to keep doing it." They say, "Oh, you can get to this city really fast on a bike with the road, but nobody in the village owns a bike." Right? And so then the road is finished and they celebrate with the road builders only to f only to find out the next day the road is going to continue right through their village. And then Alice Walker preciently says this. She didn't want to tell her sister the bad news, but she says this. But the worst was yet to be told. Since the Oolinka no longer own their village, they must pay to rent it. And in order to use the water which also no longer belongs to them, they must pay a water tax. And so what I want to suggest today is people have said a vote on data center moratorum is a vote for the people. What I want to say is if you vote against it, you are voting in line with colonizers who come into community non-consensually and take what they have without their consent. And so my hope is that you vote with the people and against colonialism,

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Richard Massie, and then Noel

4:40:59

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Hutchinson. Karen,

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what we've heard from some members of this body are the same tired excuses that we've heard for the past 800 plus days. That investment will leave Memphis if we pass a moratorum. That Memphis is losing opportunity by hitting a pause button and considering rules. These comments are being directed at residents who are breathing worse air, who are living in communities where hospital emissions are on the rise, and who have pleaded time and time again for a simple pause on these developments. and they were essentially told this is inevitable and you must accept the terms uh set by big polluters or be left behind. Meanwhile, it is the city of Memphis that has been left behind by cities all across the region that have already paused data center development. Most recently, Millington 15 minutes away and we've heard repeatedly from you about the necessity of data centers as it pertains to healthcare and educational facilities. But if you actually read the legislation, you would understand that this moratorum has specific guidelines for those facilities. The generative AI that is powered by the facilities removing to pause isn't helping with medical breakthroughs or educational output. It's producing sexual images of children.

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It is helping facilitate war crimes in the Middle East. It is promoting racist talking points on social media.

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And that is what we've placed these historic communities on a chopping block floor. We need ample time to enact real guard rails like water reuse standards like setbacks from daycare schools and parks like restricting on-site fossil fuel use and like power demand reporting that keeps rate payers in the light as opposed to being in the dark. Since we last came before this body, the largest AI data center developer in this city has been sued twice. Once for a preventable worker death and another for the piercing noise and disrupting quality of life. On top of that, they they face 13 total leans from contractors that they haven't paid for their work. We have got to pause these developments for the sake of vulnerable people, worker safety, quality of life, our aquifer, our power grid, and more. Uh, and we cannot accept the ordinances, Councilman Warren, that are drafted by Chad GPT and rubber stamped by SpaceX AAI. We need a data center moratorum

4:43:02

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now. You simply can't develop a regulatory framework around this without halting the projects first that we're seeking to regulate. Thank you. Noah Hutcherson.

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Okay. Larry Goodwin,

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he had to teach. Reverend Edith Love. And then Joel Jeter. I am the Reverend Edith A. love. My hair is a mess. Apologies.

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You look beautiful.

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I am a Unitarian Universalist minister. I was born here in the 1970s. I grew up in 38109 and my mother died of brain cancer 10 years ago. There was a facility that was a sterilization facility that was poisoning us and we didn't know about it. And I myself had three miscarriages which are a direct result uh or alleged to be a direct result of the chemical exposure that I suffered as a child. How many children living today in the area around Colossus are going to have health problems? How many of them are going to lose parents and grandparents because of the poisoning of our air? And that air doesn't stay in 38109, y'all. In 38104 where I live, it's coming. smog, formaldahhide, all of the nasty stuff doesn't stay put in the water or the air. Please stop these data centers. Thank you.

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Joel Jeter and then Avalon Nathaniel.

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Hello. I've been coming to the moratorum meetings and I tell you it's a

4:45:04

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catastrophe. I think all this boils over from his secret contract and nobody has seen nobody knows what's in it and I know nobody's seen it since the last meeting

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contract. So

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you

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the moratorum needs to be put into place because the city council alone is not smart enough to come up with all the rules to govern an industry like this. I'm sorry. It takes experts. That's what needs to happen. Now let's go back to ordinance 18. That was wrong to do that. That was not on the agenda. it was wrong. And I see these guys smirking up here and they know it was wrong. And I'm really tired of that. They should act like they're here for the people. It looks like people might be getting their pockets patted and this fear-mongering that goes on because we're going to pass the moratorum. Maybe the maybe the true fear should be told of if we got four or five of these beasts loose. So that's all I have to say.

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Thank you so much.

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Geita, is it Geogita? They're confused. Avalon Nathaniel. Yes, I'm Minister Avalon Nathaniel, one who stands in the gap for humanity and I'm also a registered nurse who are concerned about the welfare and well-being of human beings. The citizens in Memphis are paying the highest price for the data centers. The gas turbines, generators, the cooling systems emit and release smoke and chemicals. They cause headaches and respiratory problems. uh contamination in our water and these

4:47:04

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centers use we all know enormous amount of water and electricity. The electricity cost uh is a burden to poor people and individuals who are on fixed income and all of us know that our utilities have doubled in recent times

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and in addition it decreases the property value. There's noise pollut noise pollution and chemical pollution as me as mentioned and I my question is did Memphians want or ask for this type of exploitation

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and why Memphis? The data centers were uh zoned and built knowing all of these hazardous facts surrounded its existence in our communities and there was no transparency. I and many proposed that we shut down these data centers and move them out of our communities. Data centers do not belong in neighborhoods and communities.

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And I want to say more importantly, this is our land and it is sacred. It is our health that was given to us by the Almighty and is our right to protect it.

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Thank you.

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Thank you. Rachel Spriggs.

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Rachel Goodwin Spriggs. And then John Paul.

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You put my whole name.

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Yeah, I'm gonna say your whole name.

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You said my whole name.

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Hold on. Don't start until I start.

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So I guess I'm Rachel Goodwin Spriggs. Uh statewide director of power building

4:49:06

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for the equity alliance. So, I'm just amazed today how y'all had time to roll cameras back to infringe on folks first amendment rights, but don't have time to pause and get some safeguards and community input on future data centers. Y'all rather dismiss us by calling us chaotic and paid community organizers. But regardless of how many fights News Channel 5 connect with us, no matter how afraid and unsafe you want to act like you feel, you can't possibly feel more afraid than families who represent the four out of 10 that are living below the poverty line and already barely making enough to survive being displaced when we already have a housing crisis. You cannot possibly be more afraid of those who have lost multiple family members due to cancer and other health related issues are of new data centers and rush guard rails. So despite how radical you want to make us seem for acting like the unheard, it is actually more radical for you all to present agenda 18 as a possible agenda as a possible substitute for 19. We are in Memphis and we got Jerry Green going harder for us than some of y'all black council members. We have a hold up this stop my time cuz I got some more to say. We have a very white, very Republican, very male militant city council passing a moratorum. So it's okay, Carlile. It's okay Spinosa. It's okay Warren. I understand the pressure you must be getting from the chamber as they watch Elon Musk purchase approximately 158 acres in South Haven over the last couple of weeks because Elon Musk has a backup plan. But where is the backup plan for all the poor black families who have to live with the consequences of his decisions? Attorney W's interpretation is not the only interpretation that matter. This council has a responsibility to independently

4:51:08

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examine its authority, challenge questionable legal advice, and represent the people who elected you. The

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dominantly economically DISADVANTAGED CITY IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE. You will they will come BACK BECAUSE WE GOT the Miss Spriggs. Thank you.

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John Paul Keith and Sky Gardner. Keith 38112.

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This council has a choice before it.

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Are you going to be on the side of the people you represent or are you going to be on the side of the proiteeers who seek to exploit us?

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Will you stand up for democracy or will you submit to oligarchy? Will you protect the health and well-being of your constituents? Or will you let corporations continue to poison us?

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Will you guard our precious natural resources? Or will you let big tech take whatever they want?

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Will you stand on the right side of history or will you stand with Elon Musk and Donald Trump? Will you say it?

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Will you tell the tech bros our community is not for sale or will you name your price? Some of you act like

4:53:10

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you've already named your price.

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We are only asking for what should have been done two years ago,

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a moratorum,

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so that we have a chance to put responsible regulations and protections in place. We deserve no less. If these data centers are going to come to our community, then we have a responsibility not only to ourselves but to future generations of Memphians to hold these companies accountable. We demand a moratorum now, not tomorrow, not next week, and not after the next city council elections. Now,

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the choice is up to you. But we the people will remember the choice you make here today and we will hold you accountable.

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All right.

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Sky Gardner and then Dr. Kimy Owens Pearson,

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Sky Gardner,

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Karen Spencer McGee,

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change my name.

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All right. It's supposed to be we the people, not we the billionaires. But person after person, meeting after meeting, we've demanded a moratorum. Yet there's no moratorum. Person after person has come up here and told you how our air quality is getting so bad that we need inhalers. How we're scared that our children aren't going to have clean water to drink from. How there's so much noise pollution that we can't sleep at night. So clearly to you it's we the billionaires. But here's the thing they don't tell you about we the people is it's not we the people because they give us the power. It's we the people because we already have the power. We already create everything. We already

4:55:11

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transport everything. These billionaires are pests relying on us. And if the government will not reflect we the people, we will force them to reflect we the people. As the late great Fred Hampton said, you can jail a revolutionary, you can't jail the revolution.

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You can run out a liberator, you can't run out liberation. You can kill a freedom fighter, but you can't kill freedom. So, we the people will win. It's just a matter of if you're on the right side of history or not.

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All right.

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Dr. Kimberly Owens Pearson, and then Katherine Lasha or Lar All right. Good evening.

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Good evening.

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So, I stand before you um very disheartened and disappointed at the fact that we were called rioters and that we were um mischaracterized from the last October 6th meeting. Um and I feel disrespected. I need you guys to understand we're not paid to do this. It comes from our heart

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and we're fighting because these are our lives. Just like you want to be with your families, so do we. We have firsthand knowledge and experience of harm. We breathe it every single day.

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Every single day. The stench, the harm. Y'all talking about well it's 17 others. So that mean continue to pollute us and kill us. We are counting on y'all to speak for us and then you act like we're

4:57:14

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the problem

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and I don't appreciate that.

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I don't appreciate that. Now I took a couple of notes so I wouldn't just go off. Um, so it was it's ironic uh that Rhonda gave the clergy appreciation today. Appreciation. um you know and and and and was acknowledging clergy when Matthew 25:40 says the king will reply reply truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me but you want to say no to us

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and yes to the data center

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what you said

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interesting It's also interesting that you would say, "Well, can you remove National Guard?" And we're talking about ICE taking people. We know this. Exchange Street, Slave Haven. We know this firsthand.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Thank you, Dr. Pearson. Katherine Larsha and then Paula Mo Pamela Moses make

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I just need to say my name.

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Yes, ma'am.

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Katherine Lar. Um, when I saw 18, I swear it looked like something out of Judas and the Black Messiah.

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I mean, I just like, is this the Jay Edgar Hoover Co and Tail pro operation? That's what it looks like up here. It's

4:59:15

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pitiful.

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I don't even want to demean anyone. This is pitiful.

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Please pass the moratorum. Please pass it tonight. pass the moratorum tonight. You're backing up a person. Martin Luther King was assassinated in this city. You voting for a person who is legally saying their company can call people the n-word as a term of endearment. You rolling us back.

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Please don't go for this person. If you took money, do a come to Jesus moment. We'll help you. We'll help you. Really, we will. But I am telling you that this is and I'm looking at one person, but I'm not talking about you. You just in my line of sight. Thank you. But I am saying this is utterly ridiculous.

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Please, again, I'm not going to use my whole time, pass the moratorum. And on a side note, justice for baby Cohen. Pamela Moses and then Marlene

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Ramos.

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She had to go.

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She had to go. All right. Paula Marlene Ramos.

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And then Miss Glenda Hicks. Hi, I am Lean Remis, zip code 38104. And I'll be brief because I see that this is this is repetitive. Like people are coming up here. We're voicing the

5:01:17

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same concerns. We're talking public health, black wellness. Talking about the water that's sitting on your desk right now. We're talking about the air. Come on, let's take a deep breath. The air that you're breathing in to keep yourself alive in this moment. Not a single person should have to walk up to this microphone to convince you that your life is more valuable than than what's being profited by billionaires. That's ridiculous. You look foolish.

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And I'm sitting here, I'm looking at you, and I don't even know some of y'all's names.

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Like, you're sitting up here and you're running the show, yet you haven't done anything impactful enough for the people in this room to even know who you are.

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How shameful. My ancestors didn't die. They didn't walk through hell. Your ancestors didn't go through hell for you to fold. Get up. These kids, these kids behind me that you see, look them in their face. They need you.

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Your family, your family, this community, black people need you.

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You want to be impactful, you want to do something, then stand with the people who help run this city and who make this city thrive. like this. This is mindboggling to me because you need these resources just as much as we do. We're talking water. We're talking air. This is This is insane. This shouldn't even be a conversation.

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And I wouldn't I I'm Give

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Ma'am, thank you so much. We have so many cards left. We can't do it. Glenda Hicks and then Mr. Jason Pearson

5:03:20

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Senior. Thank you.

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Oh Uh oh, I got a spill. Give me some paper towels. Paper towels. Paper towels.

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Miss Hicks,

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what's the problem?

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Uhuh. Uhuh. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

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Okay. I'm sorry.

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Miss Hicks,

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I'm here. Thank you. It was not on.

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Good evening. Glenda Hicks, co-founder of 21st Century Memphis Abust, the 100% grassroots organization focused on improvements with MLGW. And certainly this issue that we are dealing with has impact on MLGW. Today I come before you to put truth on the record. On 106 October 6, 2026, the citizens of Memphis packed this auditorium to let this body of representatives of the citizens know that we mandate a moratorum. We were dismissed and disrespected by you chair simply by the way you chose to

5:05:22

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facilitate the meeting. It was councilwoman Yolanda Cooper Sutton who wisely I say spirit guided made the decision to vote as she did which saved this moratorum because we know that the votes did not exist to pass it on October 6. Okay. and you all sit and we have all these list of ordinances instead of you sitting and discussing and making friendly amendments to ordinance 19. You chose to bring your separate individual ordinances. That's like ego tripping to me.

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Okay. because your job, you sit in this seat to represent the people. You sit in that seat as a voice of the people. So, we're simply asking you to do just that and vote yes for this ordinance.

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Thank you,

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Mr. Jason Jason Pearson. And then Tiffany Marcel and Jasmine Houston,

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Alan Wade, we're going to meet them all at the ballot box. And that's where you led them to the ballot box.

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My name is Jason Pearson, and I didn't come here to talk to y'all about that. My sons are well equipped to take care of that for me.

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I came here to join the chorus

5:07:25

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of Africanamean hero, shirro, ancestors, family, and friends to say to Dr. Kimberly Owens Pearson, thank you. Thank you for having these babies when you were a baby. Thank you for going through being ostracized, misused, and abused, mistreated for the sake of raising your children. Thank you for pulling everybody up by their own bootstraps and showing everybody the best way and the right way to live. Thank you for going through everything that you've been through. Thank you for laying to rest my mama. Thank you for laying to rest your mama. Thank you for on television learning to rest our baby. Thank you for standing here every damn time that they come in here to open this mic and stand for the people. Thank you for all that you've done and thank you for everything you do. There's a old hymn in the black church that we used to sing. Hard to yak may be the fight.

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Light may yield to might.

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Wickedness of all may reign. Satan's calls may seem to gain, but there is a God that rules above with a hand of power and a heart of love. If we're right, HE'LL FIGHT OUR BATTLES, AND WE SHALL HAVE peace someday. We'll see him at the ballot box. Thank you, Tiffany Marcel. Tiffany Marcel, and then Jasmine Houston.

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Good evening, council members. My name

5:09:25

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is Tiffany Marcel and I'm the founder and the host of Get In Tune Memphis.

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Today I want to talk about money because if I'm honest, I do believe that that's the only thing that really matters here.

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Because when we when corporations come knocking, Memphis knows how to talk business. But when residents ask about promises made to their communities, the answers are not so easy to find. Memphis is a majority black city with leadership that largely reflects these communities and that makes this even more disappointing. We elect people to represent us. We trust their promises. But when those promises go unfulfilled, who is held accountable? In 2025, Memphis established a policy directing an amount equivalent to 25% of qualifying AI related property tax revenue towards surrounding communities. Now, that's approximately $3.26 million was identified for neighborhood improvements, including 1.4 million proposed for home repairs. But what is 1.4 million supposed to do for communities facing decades of disinvestment? How many homes, how many families, and what happens to everybody else? Council members, I have one question. Where is the money? Who received it? What has been accomplished? And if it hasn't been spent, why not? Because if concerns about people, our environment, and our neighborhoods haven't been enough to get answers, let's talk about the money.

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We're discussing more development without a clear public accounting of commitments that have already been made. How long will we continue this cycle? A moratorum give us an opportunity to address accountability before moving forward. who is protecting the people's interest. We deserve transparency, deadlines, and measurable results. Show

5:11:26

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us what was promised. Show us what was delivered. And show us how Memphis is better because of it. Thank you,

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Jasmine Houston. And then Karen Spencer.

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How glorious. Okay. So, since we're in the great state of Tennessee, I figured I'd use a quote from one of our former presidents.

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There's an old saying in Tennessee, I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee, that says, "Fool me once."

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Shame on,

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shame on you. It fool me. We can't get fooled again. Thank God for a pause cuz uh I'm pretty sure none of us want to see the rest of that uh song play out, God willing. Um thank God for us being able to control what we can control, which you all have the power to do. Um it's almost what time is it? Almost 9:00 and we've been out here about 6 hours. I know y'all ready to go home and we ready to go home, too. I'm in overtime with my babysitter. So, I'm already going in debt, honestly. But how many times we got to show up to show y'all what we really want? Like, we might not know all the regulations. We might not know everything that goes with it. But we're simply asking, can we slow down a moment to think about the future of humanity? When we think of revolution, people think of it as something bad. Read means again, V that means like cycles turn. So basically, we've been going these cycles that keep people pressed down, stressed out, losing quality of life, and we passing this trauma down for generations and generations, generations. Like, can we take a breath to figure out how to keep everybody safe? How to maintain life form in the way it's supposed to

5:13:27

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be? Because right now, all this dead and evil stuff is falling off. And um we can't keep on having a detachment from our body and the spirit. Our spirit, which is our breath, needs to be fresh, needs to be clean, needs to be able to survive. We don't need nothing to support wars, child p.0, none of that stuff. So, what are we using the data centers for? Like, what they what's the rush for?

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Thank you, Karen Spencer. And then Bobby Dandridge. Spencer McGee.

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Y'all want to open the doors of the church right quick?

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Um, good afternoon. Good afternoon. Good afternoon. I'm never going to stand alone. My name is Karen Spencer McGee. I'm lovingly known as Mama Peaches.

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Ca Nan Tamboo. Minister Shakir Yahweh.

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Mother Georgia King.

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A

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my greatgrandfather Tommy Hunt.

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A

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Raymon McGee.

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Macy Ola Puit.

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Golden Korn. Maisy Ola Chickaw Nation.

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My grandmama.

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Izzy B. Randolph,

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I stand here before you to remind you. I've been there go, baby, that when I first moved home 23 years ago, I didn't come home to make friends, but I've made a lot of friends. A I guess you call him Mayor Strickland

5:15:30

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when all that killing was going on and he said, "I'm sick of this shit." Y'all remember that situations happening in Tennessee. We got a nutcase in the White House, y'all.

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Come on.

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We got a whole nutcase in the White House. and Brent Taylor and all them folks that's following him is making a fool or trying to make a fool out of Memphis. You know they say M E M P H I S making easy money pimping hoes in style. That's not it. That's not it. That is over. So if I was in South Memphis, I said, "Hear me with your good ear." Yeah. From the pool. Hear me with your good ear. We is sick and tired of you mediocre white boys up here trying to make it seem like that they're not on the same page. Y'all don't cut deals forever and ever. And look, everybody want to listen to the black woman.

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I'm not going nowhere. And you sitting up there smug like a bug in a rug.

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You come from a place of privilege. And guess what? It's OB. Cuz guess what? I'm sick of this

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I'm sick of this

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We've got Bobby Dandridge and then Givvanti Barker, Reverend Givvonte Barker.

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Good evening everybody. Uh council members, my name is Bobby Dandridge. Uh, I'm a safe veteran and I'm a local business owner. My family been in business for just about 40 years years around here and and a lot of you all probably even know me. I know uh um Ed Ford senior there and a couple other council members. What we're here to talk

5:17:31

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about today is fresh drinking water, fresh air, fresh soil. It's not civil rights. It's not Democrat, Republican. These are basic human rights.

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If our president to sit up and say that per our constitution, we're not guaranteed fresh drinking water, that don't make any sense at all. But what we got to do is through you guys to make the right decisions. That's it. Some of the council members sitting back the whole meeting. And I've been sitting back watching you all and it's just embarrassing for the whole country just to see how you all are so laxidas about what the American people want. It's just not a Memphis issue. This going on all over the country.

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All over the country. Data centers. It's been documented that they come in, they lower your property value. Would any one of you all want a data center in your neighborhood?

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No.

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No.

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And you know it. and you know it

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and you all sitting back getting paid the NDAs. Now you and everybody know what's going on. We're not blind to it. We're not going to sit back and just let our drinking water just go just that that easy. So we just asking you all to do the right thing and do the righteous thing. It's not about doing what's right and wrong. Sometimes you got to do what God want you to do.

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Because think about it. You say you're a Christian. What would Jesus want you to do? That's the question. What would Jesus want you to do? So, let your conscience be your guide

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and we going to deal with it at the pose

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one way or another. Have a good night.

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All right.

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Reverend Giovante Baker.

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Sarah Houston.

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Giovante Baker.

5:19:47

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Reverend Javvante Baker 38141. Good evening, council members and all my brothers and sisters of Memphis. I am not a native Memphian. However, Memphis is where my son was born. Memphis is where I work. Memphis is where I pastor. Memphis is where I've invested a portion of my life at this time. So, while I may not have been born here, I have every right to be concerned about what happens in this city. We've got to stop confusing investment in a city with investment in its people. A corporation can invest millions of dollars in Memphis and still leave the people of Memphis sick,

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poorer, and more vulnerable than they were before it arrived. And if that's the outcome, don't insult our intelligence by calling it progress. But let me remind you of something. The people of Memphis are not tenants in somebody else's economic vision. A government ought to remember who it works for. You weren't given authority to protect corporations. convenience. You were entrusted with authority to protect public interest.

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So when residents raise concern about water, electricity, air quality, and what these development developments mean for their neighborhoods, those concerns deserve more than a nod and to move on with business as usual.

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Let's stop pretending that asking questions is being anti- business. We're not against development. We're against being developed out of our own well-being.

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We're against systems where corporations get certainty while communities have to accept the risk. We're against promises being treated as payment for consequences that haven't even been measured. In 1968, sanitation workers in this city declared, "I am a man." That was not a request for somebody to recognize their humanity. That was a declaration that their humanity was never yours to negotiate. And here we are generations later

5:21:47

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dealing with people questioning and negotiating our humanity.

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Be for the people and not for yourself.

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Sarah Houston.

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Sarah Houston and then Tara M.

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All right. Thank you. Sarah Houston. I serve as executive director of Protect Our Aquafer. For the past three months, we have been coming to city council to support this moratorum. We've been here meeting after meeting. We first spoke August 4th. We've been using the general public comment period time. We came when it was delayed. We came when it was on consent agenda. You have had hundreds of people come through these chambers. Have you ever seen an agenda item with this much support, sheer numbers, multi-racial, multi-generational, all the ages, all the genders, everybody supports this, y'all. This is really should be easy. Now, let's be clear. This does not stop data centers that are currently happening. So revenue and property taxes will continue to be collected from Colossus 1, Colossus 2, mini hard and 5C. Now we can have economic development. We can have aquafer protection. We can have all of these things. Now some of you might might remember Beelia connection pipeline. Y'all remember that, right?

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There was a long process there. We were trying to learn permits, understand regulatory gaps. We were confronting imminent domain concerns, pushing for new laws to protect our community. We pushed three laws forward. There were delays. There was rewrites. There was revisions. And then the pipeline was cancelled. That was because people organized. They showed up and they made their voices heard. And what happened next was we kept going on the laws

5:23:48

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because y'all hadn't passed them yet. And so when that immediate threat was lifted, we could finally take a breath. We could think more clearly. We could collaborate with Council Wade more effectively. And we could work on lasting protections. We continued for three months after Beelia Pipeline was canceled to pass the first ever wellhead protection zoning law that should have been on the books since 1984 when the safe drinking water passed it federally. We got that done because a regulatory gap that pause didn't end the work. It helped make the work possible. This moratorum can do the exact same thing. We need to take a breath and we have to work together and we need the county with us in this process. So y'all

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pass this thing tonight. Thank you.

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Terra M. Is Terra M not here?

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Last card. Terra M.

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Check. Check. Y'all, I want to be at home playing the sim so bad, but here we are almost five hours later from when the meeting started. Um, so my name is Tara Miller. I am a licensed master social worker here. Um, it's been almost two years since I've been before the council and a lot of that has had to do with the erosion of trust in our government. Not that I had much to begin with anyway, but there's absolutely no reason at all why we the people should have to beg and plead for our elected officials to listen to and take action in the best interest of the constituents who put them in these positions, especially in these compass seats that y'all love to ignore us from. Um, and more specifically all the white men on this council who couldn't care less about the interest of the people. But I guess that's historically in y'all's nature. Um, I'm genuinely perplexed as to how all of you would think that attempted to ban some of the most influential voices that amplify those in the community who aren't always able to advocate for themselves would ever be beneficial to the restoration of that

5:25:50

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eroded trust. And even the fact that y'all purposely held this item to the very end of this meeting that's already held at the most inconvenient time as it is is even more disingenuous on your part. Now, Memphis has had worsening small conditions and received an F from the American Lung Association for several years straight when it comes to the great of our air quality. And as it was mentioned during the rally from the last council meeting, pollution is not red line to the ghetto. Um, as someone with a chronic lung disease myself, and shout out to the people I've seen with their ProAir rescue inhalers, um, I've had to use mine more in the past year than I have in the last decade. So to go from witnessing m Memphis being named city beautiful throughout my childhood to slowly transitioning to an impending wasteland for the sole benefit of billionaires in my adulthood is a complete disservice to the everyday hardworking people who make this city everything that it is. And it is furthermore a slap in the face to my and future generations when certain people in leadership want to make decisions for which they won't even be alive to see the long-term implications of. Um, so as we chanted loudly and proudly on our way to this chamber, ain't no power like the power of the people cuz the power of the people fight back. So if your vote today goes against the wants of the people for our tomorrows, then you should consider the consequences of the data centers along with the unjust and unsafe occupation of the most beautiful land in uh the world to be the last of your worries when it comes to the power of the people's vote and mobilization next year. And that's worry to France. That's all I got. Madam Controller, we're calling for the question. Madame controller, we're calling for the question. Item number 19.

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Oh, I don't see you in the queue. Are you in the queue?

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Go ahead. Counciloman White.

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Okay.

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I also got a card.

5:27:51

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also put a card in.

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You're recognized. Go ahead.

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Thank Thank you, um, Madam Chair, uh, chairwoman. Um, a couple of things. So, I've heard a lot and I've tried to kind of keep notes going through these things. So, yes, I absolutely agree that we need to take a pause to look into data centers. I've always said that. Yes, I absolutely think that we need to engage experts and put the money behind those experts in order to um get the information we need to regulate.

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I have always um

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Go ahead.

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Well, I was

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What's going on?

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I'm not sure.

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Go ahead. What are you saying? Well, I want to make sure that the people hear my comments. Um, so I I'll say this a couple of things and I'll be brief actually.

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Well, I think they do. My council members think that you all don't want to hear, but I do because I heard some people say someone made a comment about you don't know what it's like to have to grab um an inhaler in the middle of the night. Well, I do. I grew up with asthma because I grew up literally in near box town/ Westwood. I

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thank you.

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Oh, you said they can't hear me.

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They can.

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Oh. Oh, so they were saying they could barely hear me. So, a lot of these things I do understand my again I've said this multiple times. My own family, my mother passed from cancer. I've had several members of my family pass from cancer and who have been impacted by by cancer. Whether that is from um living over there in South Memphis, the Army Depo, or teaching in the schools from

5:29:52

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lead, I don't know. We may not ever know. And so, as I've stated many of a time, many of your concerns are are consistent with mine. I don't disagree. Um, and so I do support a pause and I support us doing the responsible thing to do a study to engage the experts. I also support um I also support us looking into community benefit for the large imprint that these data centers have in our community. So everything you're saying I absolutely agree. Um, if you look at the ordinance that is proposed, the number 18 one, it includes all of those things. And so I do support ordinance number 18. It calls for the pause as well as depending on the study. And so I support ordinance 18. I agree with the pause. I hear you and I agree. And I'm voting on ordinance 18. Thank you. I didn't see it.

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All right. The item on the

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Oh, and I did want to and actually one more thing if I may really quickly. I did want to correct one other thing. I went I wanted to be sure that I made very clear about the uh someone said something about the pulling of the permit. Had we voted two things. one the ordinance when we continued it last week was because we did have several different ordinances before us to go through those. We did the working session on Thursday. We had another working session on Monday. The ordinance number 18 is one that has been in in on the books. It has been there with some revision to try to bring together the different intents to conduct a study and then come up with regulations just like the people are asking for. Additionally,

5:31:53

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the permit that was pulled on October 5th, which was prior to the date of the moratorum vote was in phase four of development. It was not a new permit that was pulled for a new center, but it was for an organization that was already in phase four. So, nothing that happened the last time delayed anything and nothing is being delayed now. All right. The item on the floor is item number 18. Number 19.

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19. 19. 19.

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19.

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I do not have the uh I don't have it up on my screen to vote.

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All right. If you'll please pull up item number 19 on the screen. Please have a seat. Logan, Councilwoman Logan, did you want to say something?

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Trans don't have rights in this city.

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Councilwoman Logan, did you have something to say?

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I do. Chair,

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go ahead. Go ahead. Council,

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I just want to address uh those of you that may feel that we have been disingenuous and I don't have a reason to be. I am the only person that put forth an ordinance from the very beginning that addressed the the purview of the council and that is immediate work being done. My ordinance has not changed. Everything you talked about tonight is not under our purview. The only thing that we can address is land use. We are going to be Hold on. Hold on. The mayor has already, we have and the mayor have both put in time to listen to all the experts. We know we're not experts. We never claimed to be. That's why we began the work on

5:33:54

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what we could control. The only reason, wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute. The only reason why Elon Musk was able to come to Memphis is because the zoning. He saw some land. He bought the land. He built this facility and opened up because it was zoned industrial.

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No, no, no, no, no, no. Yes. If you you got to go read, you got to understand the law. And so my ordinance was said immediate work on downsizing industrial areas in our land, in our community. Black and brown communities have industrial classification and that needs to be addressed first. that needs to be finished. You are not recognized.

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Just so you will know, just so you will understand and you can go and read for yourself that that is the first thing that needs to happen. You can have all the studies you want. If you don't change the zoning in the in your community, you going to get what you get now. So we are fighting for you, but you are opposing those fighting for you. I just wanted you to know that. So I don't ever you are not recognized myself. No one up here, not even the maker of the motion ever intended on going 12 months or 18 months. I'm being truthful. Nobody up here. Not even the maker, ma'am. No. No.

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So, let's not I'm not going to play with you in your face. I'm going to tell you. Nobody up here.

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Long as you know.

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Let's And with that and with that, I

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Thank you. Take it to a vote.

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This is item 17. We're on item number

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19.

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If you go back and look, every ordinance, the ordinance you're talking about a mortorium has a exit plan in it. So go and read so you will know for yourself.

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Listen, we talking about that.

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Madam Controller,

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councilwoman, you can't speak for all of us up here.

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Councilwoman Logan.

5:35:55

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Madam Controller, Please put item 19 on the screen.

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People haven't been heard. Smiley. Smiley.

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All right. It's been moved by Councilman Smiley, second by Councilwoman Green.

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Oh my god.

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I'm sorry.

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Understand going on. We said enough. vote.

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Put the screen up.

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I don't see anything on the screen.

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Come on y'all. What's the delay?

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They don't have it on their screen.

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Do a roll call vote. Madam controlling,

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guys, we're having technical issues. Just calm down for a second. Let us try to work it out.

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Item 19.

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All we see is the motion to approve.

5:37:56

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We need you all to back up a little bit. Please

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back up.

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We need you all to back back. There it is.

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Madame controller, please do a roll call vote.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. If everyone would quiet, we're going to do a roll call vote on item number 19.

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Canali,

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go.

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Yep.

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Carile.

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Carile.

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No.

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Easter Thomas.

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Yes.

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Ford.

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Green.

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Yes.

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Logan. Spinosa.

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Smiley.

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Walker.

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Yes.

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Warren.

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White.

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White.

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Come on. Come on.

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I am. I'm voting for 18. No. On 19.

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What the It's going to fail.

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It's time.

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I got it.

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What the is going to do?

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Let them finish.

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We're not finished voting. Thank you.

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Chairwoman swearing in Washington.

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Yes.

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Oh, good.

5:39:59

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She was one of the people who was banned on October

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6.

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You got a camera.

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That motion fails.

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It's 66. Madam controller, please call item number 18.

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Come on. This is the version of democracy.

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This is the version. order.

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You be trying to have a seat.

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Have a seat. That was just a

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All right, madam controller, please call item number 18.

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Item number 18.

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Pass item 18.

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We already had that one.

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Call item 18. Smiley

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and

5:42:10

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read 18 into record.

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18, right? Okay, I got you.

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Take your time.

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Stop. Okay,

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just read. Item number 18 is an ordinance

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of the city council of the city of Memphis, Tennessee, amending ordinance number 5367 known as the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code to establish regulations for the sighting, initial development, construction, expansion, alteration, and operation of large-scale data centers. Establishing data center development standards, prohibiting routine evaporative and once through cooling, requiring closed loop water circulation systems, prohibiting major withdrawals of local water resources for cooling, requiring water conservation and monitoring, requiring progressive use of renewable and non-carbon electricity, establishing a schedule for the phase out of carbon based electricity, establishing requirements for expansion of existing data centers, providing for public disclosure, reporting, enforcement, penalties, and other matters related there too. Up for third and final reading. Ordinance number 5986 is sponsored by Councilman Warren. That was a sub substitute motion sponsored and it was held from 106. This has been moved by

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it's been moved by one and second by

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Yes, ma'am.

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All right. Councilman, vice chair, please cast your vote for item number

5:44:12

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18. Smiley's in the queue. All right,

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council members, please cast seven votes for item number 18.

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Council members,

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give me one more. Give me one more. Yes.

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Yeah. Just thumbs up.

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Oh yeah. The votes for item number 18. Canali, yes. Carile, yes. Easter Thomas, no.

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Ford, yes. Logan, yes. Smiley, no. Spinosa, yes. Walker, no.

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Warren, yes. White, yes. Chairwoman swearing in Washington, no.

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Please show Green is voting no.

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Does that pass?

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That item passes. Vice Chair Carlile, you're recognized.

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Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that same night minutes 67 34 35 36 37 and 18 be adopted. Nice move.

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All right. It has been moved by Vice Chair Carile, second by Dr. Warren.

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35 36 37.

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All right.

5:46:13

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That concludes our meeting. I will take a motion to adjourn.

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Oh my information. Just thumbs up.

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Yeah, we're good. She good.

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Yeah.

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All right. We'll take a motion to adjurnn.

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Move to what?