There are 674 article(s) tagged Memphis City Council:
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.
A public hearing highlighted skepticism about past efforts to bring blighted areas back to life, and fears the North Memphis neighborhood’s current residents could be displaced.
A redistricting committee explores whether City Council members seeking reelection on the October 2023 Memphis ballot take a hand in redrawing their district lines.
The delay to the Dec. 20 council session mirrors a delay by the Shelby County Commission. The council also delayed a vote on a settlement to the damage deposit dispute between Memphis River Parks Partnership and the Memphis in May International Festival.
The terms of the tax incentive for adding a 300-room tower to the existing Sheraton convention center hotel include keeping the value of the existing hotel at its 1998 assessment for tax purposes. Although they don’t have a vote on the incentive terms, Memphis City Council members say their concerns are linked to their vote on a hotel tourism surcharge.
Year to date, there have been 273 homicides. There have been 1,607 Hyundai vehicles, 1,568 Kia automobiles and 1,031 Infiniti cars stolen so far this year.
The council renews discussions Tuesday on a damage deposit agreement for the Memphis In May International Festival’s use of Tom Lee Park as well as a tourism surcharge for the Downtown Memphis Sheraton Hotel.
Martavius Jones has been acting chairman of the body since Jamita Swearengen gave up her council seat in August. Council member JB Smiley Jr. remains council vice chairman.