Even though MLGW is in some ways back where it started, the power provider RFP wasn’t all for naught, said the utility’s board chair. 

After a lawyer for the Franklin L. Haney Co. spoke during Wednesday’s MLGW board meeting, the board took a brief, unplanned recess to consult its legal team.

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MLGW rejects TVA’s long-term contract

MLGW will continue its 80-year relationship with TVA through its current contract, but Commissioner Carl Person encouraged the board to work closely with the utility to seek an agreement that best suits Memphis and its ratepayers. 

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.

The vote will determine whether MLGW signs a long-term contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority or continues with its current contract.

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.

There have been 75 pedestrian deaths in Memphis to date in 2022 compared with 11 in 2012, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

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‘It’s the giraffe man!’: Longtime zookeeper Richard Meek remembered

Kathy Fay, the widow of longtime Memphis Zoo giraffe keeper Richard Meek, reflects on his life and her loss. Meek’s death was one of the 75 pedestrian deaths that have occurred in Memphis so far in 2022.

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Number of Memphis pedestrian fatalities keeps climbing

Theo Davies envisions the long-blighted green space as a food source, as well as a habitat for native plants and pollinators, but the ecosystem he’s cultivating violates city ordinances.

Davis has been a key player in the latest changes to the city’s solid waste division. His nomination goes to the Memphis City Council next week.

The new Shelby County Clerk’s office missed a second opening deadline of Dec. 1.

There are city residency questions surrounding two of the six declared contenders to succeed Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland. Here’s a summary of legal opinions fueling the controversy.

Memphis Zoo CEO Matt Thompson met with representatives from the Overton Park Conservancy and City of Memphis Monday, Nov. 21,. 

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a world famous Indian yoga guru, has taught his SKY meditative breathing practice to millions of devotees around the world.

“We may not have a police officer in every corner, but we may have a camera. It’s like a neighborhood watch in the 21st century. We’re very excited about it.”

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.

Commissioner Henri Brooks, whose district includes Klondike, sought again to delay the second of three votes on a TIF district for the redevelopment of the residential area. Other Democratic commissioners on the body moved forward.

The first of the giant wooden animal sculptures arrived in Tom Lee Park Tuesday, Nov. 15. The animals, all native to the Mississippi River Basin, are another sign of the bustling park’s construction activity.

A long-lasting La Niña is complicating the forecast. Right now, the country is preparing for its third consecutive year of La Niña — the first three-year La Niña in two decades.

A 5% surcharge on anything bought at the Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel drew lots of questions from Memphis City Council members Tuesday, Nov. 15. Council members were surprised that plans for a 300-room expansion remain tentative.

Council members will discuss the proposed Tourism Development Zone 5% surcharge — which would be charged on hotel guests’ bills — at an 8:30 a.m. committee session Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Thecouncil scorecard looks at the moves of city chief operating officer Doug McGowen to head Memphis Light Gas and Water Division and Chandell Ryan to the number two post at City Hall as well as a primer on both positions.