Proposed rules delay action on the city adding a $2.6 million community grants program to its next budget.

Council member J.B. Smiley argues that if the city accepts police and fire applications from outside the city, more effort will have to be put into screening candidates.

Council member Chase Carlisle was sharply critical of health officials, the County Commission and county Mayor Lee Harris. The wording was later amended after a lengthy council debate.

The city plans to offer the property to developers once the sale from THM Properties of New York City closes. Demolition of the part of the city’s skyline is also an option.

The City of Memphis continued to transition into administering COVID-19 vaccines on Tuesday, trying to streamline the process for those getting the shots.

The items added Monday evening to the council’s committee list include $1 million in funding for the city’s vaccine ramp-up. They join what was already a busy council day, including the 100 North Main building, street racing and sewer fees.

The city reopened the centers in a phased reopening of the 24 community centers across Memphis.

Going forward, vaccinating the citizens of Shelby County against COVID-19 is under the authority of the City of Memphis after the state transferred custody of the vaccine and administration of the process away from county leaders. It took a dizzying array of missteps for this to occur, and Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright says: “The public deserves to know what happened.”

Related story:
County vaccination timeline

The Daily Memphian City Council Scorecard looks at a committee vote this past week on whether to send $2.6 million to the council grants program or the city’s bus system. 

The Shelby County Health Department reported 192 new coronavirus cases and 12 new coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday.

On “Behind The Headlines,” Greater Memphis Chamber President Beverly Robertson and Economic Development Chief Ted Townsend talked about a new round of PILOT reform discussions, “resiliency” and the local economy’s comeback from the COVID pandemic.

Lawsuit claims city “improperly denied” reporter access to decisive bodycam recordings

One City Council member wanted to lock in $2.6 million for the community grants after the amount took a cut in the current city budget because of the pandemic’s impact. But another proposed doing away with the grants and sending the money to the city’s bus system. 

The council can’t fire Shelby County Health Director Alisa Haushalter, but council member Chase Carlisle will propose the resolution at Tuesday’s council meeting. There could be more calls Friday, when Haushalter and County Mayor Lee Harris speak at a special meeting of the Shelby County Commission.

The city’s boil advisory is being lifted immediately, according to Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division President and CEO J.T. Young. 

City Chief Operating Officer Doug McGowen is in charge of accountability for the city. Deputy of accountability is Fire Department Director Gina Sweat.

The advisory could be lifted in stages for parts of the MLGW area, which is most of Shelby County with the exception of Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville and Millington. Even when it is lifted MLGW president and CEO J.T. Young said the utility will still be asking households and businesses to continue conserving water for some period after the full restoration.

The council votes next week on the further use of a PILOT extension fund already being tapped for $62 million for four Downtown parking garages. Meanwhile, one of the banks involved in financing the garages wants some more loan guarantees, which includes a proposed TIF.

The moratorium is a reaction to plans for a smoke shop on McLean Boulevard across from Snowden School in Midtown.

The city is investigating using a large call center at the University of Memphis for phone appointments.

The order doesn’t become effective until it is signed by the mayor.

Legal questions prompt delay of consideration on three measures. 

Opponents of the proposed Byhalia Connection oil pipeline will have to wait a bit longer to see what action the Memphis City Council might take regarding the project. The council’s attorney has requested more time to study the city’s legal options.

State environmental officials are helping in the effort to find leaks and resolve water problems.

The Shelby County Health Department reported 110 new coronavirus cases and zero new coronavirus-related deaths on Tuesday.