Council redistricting group seeking online feedback
The committee is taking input and suggestions over the next two weeks as it moves toward the first of three council votes on March 21.
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The committee is taking input and suggestions over the next two weeks as it moves toward the first of three council votes on March 21.
The City Council delayed approving a damage deposit fund on the contract between Memphis in May and the Memphis River Parks Partnernship to Feb. 21, so the city administration can verify that part of the agreement. Police reform ordinances clear second reading at City Council Related story:
The council also tabled any action on a special-use permit for the Live Lounge, the scene of a shooting Sunday that killed one and injured at least 10.
Crime stats reviewed by Memphis City Council members on Tuesday, Feb. 21, show 15-year-olds are the largest group by age of those arrested for car thefts. Mass car break-ins in parking lots have locals talking — and postingRelated stories:
City Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Sink says disciplinary hearings for the last four officers cited for violating police policy should conclude Wednesday, Feb. 22. and video may be released to the public along with other officers’ records.
The owner of the Whitehaven bar that was one of two connected shooting scenes where a total of 13 people were shot — one of whom died — Sunday, Feb. 19, is before the Memphis City Council Tuesday, Feb. 21, seeking a special-use permit to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages.Related story:
The ad hoc council committee had its third meeting on Feb. 9. The group could have some closed attorney-client meetings in the future if it decides to change council districts.
Memphis City Council members came with questions about police culture and some criticism of the administration during an extended Tuesday, Feb. 7, discussion about the death of Tyre Nichols. That was followed by a series of first council votes on a package of 8 police reform measures.
Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis told Memphis City Council members that the total number of officers now facing internal police charges is 13. Former MPD Officer Demetrius Haley took photos of Tyre Nichols after beatingRelated story:
The city’s chief operating officer says the festival wants a limited-liabilty provision for damages to the park that the city has never granted for past festivals in Tom Lee Park. Everything else has been agreed to. City council casts critical eye on city’s handling of Nichols investigationRelated story:
The unusually long committee discussion comes with six ordinance proposals that would reform police policies and begins with what are expected to be lots of questions for Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis.
“It is my responsibility to advise the Council when I learn of possible legal violations and advise of the appropriate steps to be taken to protect its interests,” attorney Allan Wade said.
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis, who generally attends the council’s biweekly public safety committee, was not present for the Tuesday, Jan. 24, morning meeting.
Proposals include keeping data on police traffic stops and renewing plans to increase police training.
The council votes on the Memphis in May measure at its first meeting in February. The council delayed several other matters, including a possible new name for Audubon Park and a decision on the Dream Hotel. Memphis facility should reduce cancer-causing emissions, City Council saysRelated story:
The Memphis City Council is also expected to take up the Dream hotel project on South Main and a damage deposit proposal for Memphis in May’s return to Tom Lee Park.
The council vote comes the day after the Shelby County Commission approved the same resolution. The funding is spread across four projects, including new affordable housing in Uptown and rehab of existing homes for legacy homeowners.
The review comes partly in response to Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division’s decision not to apply for $109 million worth of water infrastructure grants from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
The council approved the changes in the first of three votes on the ordinance Tuesday, Jan. 10. The changes are part of a larger group of animal ordinance amendments.
There were 302 homicides in Memphis in 2022, a 13% decrease from the record-breaking 347 homicides in 2021.
During Tuesday city council committee sessions, officials are expected to have more to say about MLGW’s five-year, $1.2 billion infrastructure upgrade that is now expected to be completed by 2027, two years later than the original 2025 target date.
The 5% surcharge on items bought and rooms rented at the Downtown Sheraton hotel goes to finance a renovation of the existing 600-room hotel by the Renasant Convention Center. City Council passes Klondike tax vote, but residents’ concerns remainRelated story:
“It is really important for us to take care of our Downtown space,” said Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis. “It is the face of the rest of the city.”
The unanimous Memphis City Council vote approving the tax increment financing district in Klondike follows months of delay. Debates about residents’ displacement and representation will stick around into the new year.
The Memphis City Council session involves Klondike and Sheraton tax votes, as well as a look at the Dream Hotel next to Peabody Place and the city’s animal ordinance.