Mickey A. Barker

The agenda includes several items for approval, such as contract awards for electric distribution and transmission construction, the purchase of a digger derrick truck and class 8 cab and chassis trucks, and the ratification of an emergency contract for the Fast Charge TN Network. Additionally, the Board reviewed renewals for janitorial services, independent claims adjuster services, and combined medical and pharmacy and dental insurance coverage. It also covered a requested salary approval for new and existing positions of Director of Billing and Payment Services and Vice President of Corporate Safety, along with a proposal for a ground lease for the Historic Melrose School Revitalization.

The agenda includes several resolutions, such as honoring trailblazing women, recognizing the retirement of a police officer, designating Blue and Green Day, and approving an honorary street name change. Public hearings are scheduled regarding appeals of liquor license matters. Zoning ordinances are up for first reading concerning land reclassification. The fiscal agenda involves accepting grant funds for police services and purchasing various items and maintenance contracts for MLGW. Additionally, the Council will deliberate on ordinances related to labor dispute arbitration, small business enterprise opportunities, and blight remediation, along with various housing and community development resolutions and an appointment to the Landmarks Commission.

The City Council conducted several legislative actions, including approving ordinances related to the classification of municipal officers and positions, revisions to the unified development code concerning correctional facilities, and the establishment of a downtown parking garage revitalization and safety program. The council also approved a resolution calling for guardrails on U.S. Department of Homeland Security funding. Financial matters were addressed, including amendments to the fiscal year operating budget, appropriations for various capital improvement projects, and the allocation of community grant funds. Appointments were confirmed for the Board of Ethics, the Library Services Director, the MLGW Board, and the Stormwater Board. Additionally, the council approved engineering plans for several infrastructure projects and authorized various contracts and purchase orders for Memphis Light, Gas and Water.

The City Council convened for a scheduled session where they opened the meeting with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Several resolutions and ordinances were discussed, though many were held for future dates, including resolutions concerning the Parks and Environment Ad Hoc Committee recommendations, honoring Gina Sweat, and approving planned developments. Key items addressed included the third and final reading of an ordinance amending the Unified Development Code regarding correctional facilities and an ordinance to amend the Home Rule Charter concerning classifications of Memphis and Shelby County Public Library employees for civil service status. An ordinance establishing the Downtown Parking Garage Revitalization and Safety Program was also scheduled for a third and final reading. The Council approved a resolution to conduct the current meeting remotely and another to amend the Council Rules of Procedure. Appointments to the MLGW Board for Kevin Woods and Carl Person were approved. The Consent Agenda addressed the first reading of an ordinance renaming Monroe Avenue to Hyde Square, the second reading of an ordinance setting limits on MLGW contracts and salaries, and approvals for engineering plans and acceptance of public improvements for specific projects. The MLGW Fiscal Consent Agenda involved approving various purchase orders and contract renewals/increases for items such as voltage instrument transformers, internet service, ILI survey services, brackets, concrete standards, aerator re-roofing, and courier services. Furthermore, resolutions were approved to allocate funds for emergency repairs to aquatic facilities, community centers, and senior centers, and to transfer and appropriate construction funds for drainage improvements near Madeline Circle. Finally, same-night minutes for several actions were approved, and the meeting was subsequently recessed and adjourned.

This strategic plan for the City of Memphis Public outlines a dual strategy to enhance 311 resident services by improving existing systems and identifying a replacement. Key priorities include strengthening data quality and operational insight, elevating citizen communication and education, deepening cross-divisional collaboration, advancing system modernization, and strengthening workforce capability and consistency. The plan details accomplishments in 2025 and sets specific goals for 2026, focusing on system improvements, a thorough vendor selection process for a new system, and continued operational enhancements to provide more efficient and accessible services to residents.