[waiting for host to join meeting]
>> Thank you for all you do for our community.
>> Council will you please call roll.
>> Thank you.
[Roll Call] Can I let you have the floor.
>> I'd like to move item 60 from our previous meeting minutes
and over reconsideration.
>> Objection from me.
>> Okay you've made a motion.
Do you have a second?
>> Madam chairwoman happy to record this manually while we
were out a technical issue.
Yes Ma'am.
Okay Ali you made a motion come do we have a second?
>> I'll make the second.
No, no thank you.
The reconsideration he wants to remove it am I Right?
>> Oh yes.
>> Alright come on let's do a vote on it.
Let's do a roll call of the vote.
We're going to do a roll call of our technicians of our computer
so they'll work.
This was moved By Ali and second by Mr. 16 Canali your vote?
Carlisle not present Kyantech
>> I'm right here.
>> Sir Thomas?
Item number 16?
Thank you.
Logan?
Smiley?
Walker
>> No.
>> White?
>> Yes.
>> I have one, two, three, pardon me sir?
I have one, two, three, four, five yes it's, one, two, three,
four, five no. .
I'm an attorney for Wayne, procedure I
just wanted I guess on procedure can we move forward with that?
I guess now it's just what happens happens.
>> To remove an item you need seven votes.
>> It doesn't matter it failed anyway.
I realized my question's going to get work done after the fact.
Yes sir come on thank you.
All right I believe Vice Chairman has read the minutes
for the meeting.
>> Chairman I apologize I have not read the minutes I can refer
to my colleague Councilman Canali and I'd appreciate
the help.
>> Yes madam chair I've read the meeting minutes and find them
to be in order.
It has been moved by Councilman Ford can I get a second?
It's been a second, if you will do a roll call
vote to approve the minutes for the 2026 meeting.
>> Thank you Council member Carlyle?
Sutton?
Easter Thomas?
Ford, for the minutes please.
Green?
Logan?
Smiling?
Espinoza?
Walker?
Not present.
White.
Chairman Washington? . .
Thank you and welcome to the meeting of the council they
should be conducted in an orderly manner
to ensure the public has a full opportunity
to be heard from the delivery process of the council
is retained at all times our council staff member
has meeting agendas available upfront.
As well as common request cards from members
of the public wishing to be heard on a specific item.
All those wishing to speak on an item must turn in their contact
to staff before the item is going through if you are not
here to speak on a specific item you can note your request
to give general comment at the end of the meeting as chair I
will only recognize citizens that properly registered
to speak by submitting a completed comment request card
to council staff we have some holes in our holes today are
items to come 11, 12 will be held until April 28th 2026.
Madam controller if you will please
call item number one for our presentations.
>> Thank you it is on a name change on a street between
Valentinam Avenue and Jackson Avenue for Gladys and Herbert
Sawyer in District eight this resolution is sponsored
by Councilwoman Walker.
>> Councilwoman Walker you are recognized.
>> So I said earlier in committee an analyst Allison
Smith she took a woman's life that was as big as this building
and she got it down on this paper So about 20 years ago
as a hair client she really poured into me how much she
became a client and then a mentor come in then a friend got
my part of who I am when I show up to these meetings
because of the influence and The impact that she had on my life.
Was just such an amazing woman she poured into me
and she poured into my son and she supported me
professionally and personally.
And I'm just really glad that I could do something
like this for her.
Memphis City Council resolution when
were they circumstances arise on the Memphis City Council
has seen fit to name certain public roads in honor
of citizens who have served this community and the life legacy
and contributions of Gladys and Hunter Sawyer.
Born in Memphis Tennessee in 1949
was a devoted daughter to my wife and mother,
and family member whose life reflected
leadership, philanthropy, service, in distinction.
And whereas Gladys Sawyer attended Memphis State
University and due to her beauty,
popularity, and scholarship she was crowned the first Miss Black
Memphis State and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha
sorority later earning her bachelor's degree from Roosevelt
University and whereas Gladys Sawyer was
a visionary and entrepreneur owning cooking with G catering,
Co-owning the North Shore Examiner
and publishing rights to the first magazine targeted to women
of color as well as a creative homemaker who is quite
the hostess for any occasion.
Whereas Gladys and Sawyer served as a senior marketing manager
for Nutrasweet and later as vice president of trust marketing
earning recognition for her leadership in 2001 found
at Hunter Greenfield also known as HGF incorporated a marketing
and project management firm serving governmental
and nonprofit agencies across the nation from and whereas
Gladys Sawyer who is deeply committed to community service
serving on the board of the Women's Foundation of Greater
Memphis, and Girls Inc..
Of Greater Memphis.
And whereas a member of the Lynx incorporated,
and Where's Gladys and Hunter Sawyer
was a devoted wife to her husband Andrew Benjamin Sawyer
Jr now a proud mother to her son Michael Anthony Brooks Jr
and to her daughter Tamara Ashley Sawyer.
And the cherished grandmother cum a lovingly called Nana. --
chairs grandmother, and a loving grandmother called Nana.
Much is required and whereas the Memphis City Council which
to honor Gladys and Hunter Sawyer
for her extraordinary life and lasting impact
on the city of Memphis come on now
therefore be it resolved that the Memphis City Council deems
it fitting and proper that decay history between Bond
Avenue and Jackson Avenue B designated
and forever remembered as Gladys and Sawyer Street,
be it further resolved that the city engineer is requested
to affix suitable signs to designate such public road
in honor of Gladys and Hunter Sawyer for her commitment
and contribution to the City of Memphis given by my hand under
this great seal of the City of Memphis on this 14th day
of April 2026 and yours truly Memphis City Councilwoman
District, and I so move.
City council thank you so much for your support council
and and to all council members who have supported this.
My mother is a part of Memphis history and the portion
of Decatur Avenue that the street is being named for in her
honor it is where she was born in 1949 where she was brought
from the segregated hospital John Gadsden and it is a very
important to me that this history is recognized and she
was also a member of the Memphis State 109 where she served
as their secretary 109 students were arrested for locking
themselves in the provost office and campaigning for equal
facilities and equal access for black students at Memphis State
University Kimberly I have with my family and friends I love
my mother on behalf of my brother Michael Junior
and my father
Andrew Sawyer who cannot be here today come on we're very
grateful come on my brother did raise us to believe that to whom
is given much is required and she always taught us to use
our voice and to fight for what we believe in.
She was an activist how much was a writer,
she raised children, she raised adults come everyone
you see standing here my mother had a huge impact
on from when she was very well known for her red pen
I don't think there's anyone standing behind me that
hasn't heard a document whether it's
a symbol cookout by my mother.
She was like aka she was a believer
that we have a beautiful home come
a beautiful city for which we have to continue to fight for.
When I told my parents that I was running for office
my mother said that she felt like she
had given the community enough and she
didn't want to give the community her only daughter.
And then she reconsidered that my brother had also served city
and she realized that she could not
ignore the fact that her children were walking
in her footsteps and that is why I used
my full name on my office's because she did name me Tamara
Ashley Sawyer and named him Anthony Marks Junior come
and stand in our very grateful that my niece is
her grandchildren will drive down Jackson Avenue
and be able to see the exact home where their grandmother was
born I know that they are legacy of people who have been
key for justice much like the people sitting behind us
today come a thank you.
>> Thank you and congratulations.
Nation that that has been approved.
Madam controller if you will please call item number two.
It is to Liquor Council about 4-4 and four dash 12
of the scent of Memphis of ordinance code that is held
for March 24th.
>> Thank you Madam Controller.
You are recognized.
>> Thank you Madam Chairman I believe the representative here
is to give us a staff report .
>> If you give us your name for the record and then we will
proceed.
Yes sir.
You give us your name for the record and then we will proceed.
>> Thank you I am with Memphis Thompson to give a report
in history how this report came before the Memphis City Council
the applicant submitted an application for their liquor
store on December the 15th of 2025 along with that application
were three surveys conducted by professional engineers.
These surveys come all the surveys showed that there is
residential property that is zoned R6 within 200ft
of the proposed location of this liquor store.
Pursuant to section 4-5 of the 1985 Code of Ordinances Liquor
Store cannot be located within 200ft of property that is zoned
R6 the application was considered with the Memphis
County meeting in 2026 at this meeting the commissioners looked
at the application and the survey submitted with it
and observed that there was property zoned R6 within 200ft
of the proposed location of this liquor store?
The attorney for the applicants acknowledged that the survey
showed this, however it was his position that according
to the narrative on the survey there was no actual residences
within 200ft complement the Memphis Alcohol Commission
looked at the language of the ordinance saying that no
property zoned R6 can be within 200ft of a liquor store
and decline the issue of the certificate of compliance
on that basis.
And so that was all the proof submitted at the Alcohol
Commission meeting since that time the applicants have
submitted additional declarations in a professional
survey set forth in his declaration that there are
actually two homes within 200ft of the proposed liquor store
location also submitted were letters from the owners of those
two homes simply stating they do not have an objection
to a liquor store being open their.
I'm happy to answer any questions but that in a nutshell
is what has happened upon commission.
>> Did the liquor store receive a permit before September 7th
1968?
>> I don't believe so but this was not a liquor store at this
location previously that license lab was not renewed which
required the applicant to submit an entirely new application
so this is not a renewal of an application that could be
grandfathered in prior to 1968, it is a new application with
a new applicant.
>> Okay Councilman suppose you recognized
>> I guess who was there first the liquor store there first
and the homes were built?
Or the homes were built and then the liquor store?
>> I believe sir, it's not a matter of when the homes were
built I think it's more of a matter--
>> I understand but I want to know which one was their first.
>> I think it's more of an issue of whether it was zoned Ar6
before the houses were built come on it is my understanding
that the residential zoning predated the liquor store,
otherwise this would be grandfathered in to come in it
could be grandfathered in through the 1968 provision
there, however again this is a new application not a renewal
of an existing application.
>> In the R6 zoning terminology that's all old as well?
Or is that knew what that company?
>> In the original 1968 ordinances it did not use
the term R-6 zoning however in the 1985 it specifically states
R6 as a prohibited zoning type within 200ft of a liquor store.
>> Just to try and boil it down, so liquor store exists if this
location beginning in what year?
>> I would have to defer to the applicant on that I apologize I
don't have that information.
>> I love being called Your Honor,
but I'm gonna stop you there.
I'm just trying to boil it down and look at it common sense.
Just trying to understand that coming so you don't understand
when it was necessarily there to begin with can you make it
sounds like the neighbors were cool with it
>> Your honor, sorry sir force of habit.
They said they had no objection that was not
submitted until after the Memphis Alcohol Commission,
those are not on the record of appeal
here, however those two homeowners did provide a letter
saying they had no objection.
>> Okay so the letters came after the ruling was made?
>> Yes.
>> Okay, that's interesting.
>> Councilwoman you are recognized.
>> So he's a new applicant you're saying came back has he
been running the liquor store he renewing?
Has he been in this liquor store is that the Applicant there?
>> I believe he has been there but it's a new LLC that is being
made under, so a different LLC was operating the prior liquor
store.
>> But he has been running this liquor store?
>> I'm sorry?
>> You said this was a new LLC, so he has two letters from
the resident, I'm looking at some stuff from his two letters
already from residents and they're okay with it?
Did you say that?
Fahmym yes there were letters after which is not part
of the record of appeal, but it is a letter of the owners from
the two homes that are within 200ft of this proposed location,
the owners of those two homes do not have an objection is what
the letter says fourth.
Is there --
>> So you all brought this before us to make a decision
when he's already in the liquor store running the liquor store
Kwamek was he already in the liquor store running the liquor
store Kyantech
>> If I could come forward to address the council.
>> Let me see if I can bring some --
I think the proper protocol for them
to make their case first and then ask your questions,
same way we would do in any zoning case,
we receive the report from the staff,
then the applicant will be held in presents their case
and then you ask your question to that person.
This person just giving you a status update.
The hold your power until after.
>> Hold my power?
Okay I'll hold my power.
>> I'm with Quinn Silica LLC which is the current palette
in this story is a lot more detailed than what has been
represented by the board, this appeal represents a very simple
but very interesting in June of 2023 approved the location
as 4565 so on June of 2023 shortcut to it I'm assuming you
guys have the brief that has been filed they sent
for the board game and the record can be comprised of what
this board decides,
out what they decide based on what I've been provided so we
submitted the documents and our prior to the record should be
submitted to the council and making a determination as set
forward in the briefing of the file on June 23rd,
or June 13th 2023 they applied for a permit come among
the documents that have been submitted there is a survey
in the very last page of that survey it was exhibit one
to exhibit A to our documents as a canvas survey ,
from Campbell's survey company that document says
there's a reference that there is no residence within a 200
foot radius.
Exhibit two to our documents are the minutes from the alcohol
board meeting on June of 2025.
As set forth in those meeting minutes on June 21st of 2025 is
the item number five on page two of commercial or Po moved
and the mail recommend approval and a seconded and the motion
passed.
So on June 21st 2023 the board from the same survey that
we're going to hear about in a minute basically approved
and recommended that it be issued,
the exhibit three to our documents is in fact that
compliance.
2023.
So it's subsequently obtained a license from the Beverage
Commission and began lawfully operating a retail liquor
store at this location that is an issue.
Ran from July 1st until 2023 until October 22nd 2025.
What happened that day?
That was the day the state sent him
a letter saying that his license had
expired for failure to renew.
That occurred on October 22nd and set forth the declaration
of this appeal within days of receiving the notice comment
they reapplied for a new permit.
They didn't try to get grandfathered in they
applied for a new permit.
And there's a copy of that application signed in 2025,
the third page of this application
includes a new survey from Campbell.
And as you can see the survey from Campbell on the 2025
application is identical to the one that
was approved and submitted with the June 2023 application come
the same survey from Campbell.
Same location same residence, same diagrams,
same wording pretty much at some point subsequent to October 27th
it is that they received a second permit section from
Engineer David Bray that is labeled exhibit six
to the documents that had been presented in our brief from like
the survey from Campbell it references the fact that there
are no residences within the 200 foot radius.
Based on this information and the November to Quinoline liquor
at that point at the November meeting
assume that it would get approved
since the documentation was the same as had been presented
in June of 2023 which was approved,
neither the candle or Brie survey
showed that the approves location
it had not been moved or altered the distances were the same.
So not only had nothing changed with the surrounding premises
but the new application relied on the same survey,
and same use.
Since it's enacted in 1985 section 4-5 of the Code
of Ordinance was in effect on both dates that the applications
were applied in both June of 2023 and October of 2025.
For the same location in 2023.
The Alcohol Board reach an exact opposite conclusion
of both November of 2025 when rejected the October 2025
location.
And the Queensland Library reopened so Queensland Liquor
retain the underside com I applied at the January hearing
which is the appellate and as previously stated
it was objected for the same reason
as before that it is a violation of the 200 foot radius.
Which of these actions are arbitrary appreciation
they were arbitrary because they lack direct log.
And regarding the right to operate a liquor
store at this location whether it may be questions
over the precise standard of the board that is not in the rules
by the way there is no standard that they must comply
with administrative bodies are not
free to apply the rule one way in 2023
and a completely different way in 2025 without explanation.
And a applies standard rules consistently
and reliably so conclusions based on identical facts
without explanation.
Simply put the alcohol board must be consistent.
It's not only good practice but required
by the law because of these the arbitrary and capricious
the board should be reversed.
In addition to the lack of consistency in these decisions
the board the doctrine of equitable stoppable
I don't necessarily believe in this thing
but it would apply in this case.
The government body takes affirmative action
in a private party reasonably applies to its detriment.
In the case of Queensland Liquor they relied on the June 2023
in a very real way.
Entered into a long term lease and began operating a business
at this location pretty much the affidavit of the landlord is
also attached to the materials as exhibit C and a court of that
affidavit from our declaration Queensland has not been able
to operate since October of 2025 like cannot operate
at the facility the landlord will have no right to evict them
and will incur costs doing so so basically I would both argue are
satisfied we move action by the Commission approval in the 2023
action in a recommending issue of Certificate of Compliance
and I think it's important that this was not a silent action
to the contrary of express determination of June of 2023
the board that it applied with section 4.5.
Don't you want dashboard alliance of a long term lease
invested money in the store combined more importantly based
on the decision of the board since 2025
has been unable to operate his business
and faces potential eviction and significant financial loss.
Points line with never agree to the the financial obligation
if it had not been approved for a license in June of 2023.
For reasons not answered there strictly requiring underfoot
in a way that can produce its own in 2023.
Because these facts represent the exact type
of detrimental alliance of the event it should be equitable
and stopped at reversing its position.
Yet another reason for reversal is
what appears to be the board's newfound strict
and technical enforcement annual interpretation of section 4.5.
Exhibit D to the brief isn't a declaration from David..
Is an individual that submitted the October 2025 survey and he
is opined regarding that survey stating among other things that
there are two parcels, 1457C on the road and one at 14561
and there are photographs attached to that that show
a little bit of the set of those parts those.
But basically what Mr. Gray is opined
in its declaration among other things
is that the property is seven feet inside the 200 foot
radius while the C L foot and the physical separation
between the store and see our road separate
the properties as a functional equivalent
of a radius restriction.
And the intent purpose of 4.5 and the mitigation
of any adverse impact on any residential uses
is satisfied under the existing conditions.
Basically the way rear of these homes face the shopping center
and they can't even see each other these two parcels.
For those reasons Mr. Broker says that the plots
have been reached.
Lays the board denial is an obligation of the 200 foot rule
and the statutes and ordinances that are consistent with
legislative intent and not technicalities paramedical
section 4.5 was enacted in 1985 it's maintained distance between
residences, parks, schools, churches, etc..
There's also evidence that other similar situated businesses
are currently operating in violation of sections 1.5
that the board is now strictly applying against this client.
This selective enforcement in a particular of a case like this
when it was previously approved under identical circumstances
same situation further underscores the arbitration
of the board's decision.
The final reason frankly is set forth in E
to the materials which is support
from the local community.
Both residences have no objection
to the parcel being utilized as a retail liquor store
as it had been and there's a petition as well for support.
For all these reasons Queenslander
requested the decision of the board
denied the recommendation be reversed
and the additional compliance Board the Ternatively
that such--
>> Thank you we have another councilperson in the queue.
>> Thank you chair thank you so much for the presentation I just
want to make sure I understand your points so are you saying
that basically your client petition for a liquor store was
granted a liquor store later had to reapply for the liquor store
and was denied because it violated a law and now
they're here to ask if they could come in if we could
approve it because of the technicality initially
or the oversight when they applied initially but they are
within 200ft of homes where whether there's one coming
to come a 3 or 50 coming is that what you submit?
I'm just trying to understand is that what you're saying?
>> In June of 2023 the board approved of the location to run
a liquor store--
>> So they had to reapply and now you all are coming here
to help us determine whether or not that should be appealed.
I'm just trying to understand is that what you're submitting.
>> The law has been since 1985.
>> I'm just trying to understand got my user I just need to know
the facts because you were going through a long process and I
need to understand I appreciate you clarifying, thank you.
>> The same law was ineffective June of 2023 as it is today.
>> Floor was ineffective for whatever reason they
didn't abide by the law but those comments was still yes
that we follow the rules of law to protect neighborhoods
commerce schools for my children my family so I just want to make
sure I understood what you were asking so I can vote
accordingly.
>> Yes Ma'am thank you.
>> If you state your name and then you can proceed.
>> Martinez Gomez said they broke down a procedure
by the law let me tell you something about this
court's number two, that I know personally,
that people don't know but it doesn't make the news,
that doesn't get justified or talked about.
Since I met this young man they've
done a lot for their careers.
Gang wars have got my young men who do not have home were
employed by the city of Memphis to talk to Paul Young about
these they were around his store with guns Thomas over to talk
about it we keep it 1000, operate from the first name
and by closing the store the store being closed I've got it
from .
He helped people.
Not a bad person come on give him the shirt off my back.
I had a lot to do today could have been a whole lot of places.
And I chose to come up in here because when I heard from him
he helped someone else.
That's more than some people in the city of Memphis
do that have been here their whole life.
You want to talk about it come on let's talk about it.
He's a good dude.
Anyone who knows me personally knows I don't come in grandma
but when it's time to speak up and it's
going to help the community and start of tear down I'm
going to speak up for my I know mission we all know vendetta.
Will let God deal with it.
But they know why they have a problem with this man?
I don't want to say the money is a ruler of all evil villain
someone has a good word they float.
Enjoy the rest of your evening.
>> And now you're recognized.
>> In a case like this I had I struggle with cases like this is
that at one point this location was legal common was not I
don't know how he is up on Shirley when we know that other
stores are in violation of the same?
I don't know how we arbitrarily pick and choose ,
I would like to hear from come after our colleagues have spoken
I would like to hear from our attorney about this matter.
>> Okay Councilwoman Walker.
And then we'll go to.
>> Madam chair so depending on what our attorney says I would
like to support this business being able to reopen come I
don't know what that looks like look forward to hearing what
attorney Wade has to share.
Thank you.
>> Attorney Wade and then I'll come back to you Councilwoman
okay go ahead Councilwoman Kramer
--.
>> Sitting here listening to this and missing parts I know
this law has been in place since 1968 and for my understanding
the survey has been done and it is within I'm with you I
don't know how but however take care that you have been
supporting the community to hear that and I can't verify any
of that and no one has the-- to hear that you have been
supporting the community and been intervening for gangs
or shootings come on we know how prevalent that is coming
in so I'm gonna say this.
I'm gonna say I'm gonna support you.
I'm gonna support you.
I'm going to support it.
Because it should have been done right at the beginning
and then you bring it here before us and you put us
in the position comment and if you got these voices
they can't do their to do their job just.
And then let everything come to us if you the final decision.
I don't know if this is taking food out of his mouth
and I don't know that but I know this,
there's a dead cat on somewhere and there's a big gap somewhere
It should be before us.
>> Councilwoman Logan you.
I just want to make it clear I don't know anyone they own part
of this other than the case that is before us that I've heard it
said how do we pick and choose we shouldn't pick and choose we
just follow the law so we're following a lot of should always
be what we do to discuss to get together if we should start
a nonprofit for the work that he's doing in the community be
a part of speaking to us about how to help people but in terms
of the cases before us it is to protect the homes in the area
come with the churches and the schools in the area come
in the young
people who are subjected to what sometimes happens at liquor
stores we're Talking about the case at the moment what stores
that I will contact things like that your insurance out
on the street playing on their bike and we have things
happening and wrong things happening you have to think
about that as well not just the person before us and the owner
but the homeowners the neighborhood we have to take it
all under consideration and that's why considering
the neighborhoods and the people involved I don't know the person
and I wanted to make that very clear that I'm just basing it
on the wall and in the books because we should not be picking
and choosing
we should be following the law.
Thank you Madam Chair I do have a question
I want to ask the attorney just to clarify I think for all of us
this is frustrating to me because it appears to me
that they had a license and had a license for a long time
but they never should have.
Is that correct?
We're not supposed to enter capacity
do think about that pretty much is my understanding coming right
Kaitlyn Based on the laws that exist
today they shouldn't be there.
I guess for me I'm frustrated of how did they
get a permit in the first place I
don't know I'm looking for alcohol commission
how did they get a permit in the first place comment
I don't know if that's an answerable question
comment that's frustrating to me because I want to support this
but I feel like I can't comment so I'm not
going to because we have to abide by what the law says
and that's frustrating and I want
to share that with the body to say that on the record.
My question is how did they get a permit in the first place?
>> Are you ready for me confirming
>> I've tried to be agnostic about all of this
and I'm feeling kind of confused by the case comment there is
a limit of 173 liquor stores that can be allowed to operate
within the city.
This distance requirement dates back to 1950 Franklin County
used to say it couldn't be in close proximity of schools
churches liquor stores and then it was amended in the 67th code
to be more specific to be a 1500 foot restriction between
schools, liquor stores come at churches and then it had
a residential component that it couldn't be more than a 200 foot
radius of certain residential districts come in 2023 I believe
the UDC changed the names of those districts
but the substance was the same and we amended the ordinance
to change the names and the name of those zoning districts
but they are essentially the same.
And R6 is one of them.
I think that is a small district size homes within a district.
In the 50 it went to court and the code
was written so that you had to have approval of the city
commissioner.
The city commission at that time was
the mayor in the commissioners there
were five of them in the air and the commissioners
were in the same body there wasn't a separate council
so when we went to Home Rule we separated those things
but we never changed the language
that said that the commission had to approve it.
And in certain iterations of the code since 67
it seems to require the mayor and the council
to approve the location the commission doesn't approve
anything there like the language like the powers that
be to make a decision and that power to be it
was for commissioners under one name
and now it has been separated and there are some uncertainty
in our language, but the cause this appeal thing was in the I
think that we deferred to the mayor
to make the decision unless someone appealed to it
and then you had to concur with them,
that is where we are today.
Now, there's another step that the applicant can change
to caught in the law says he has to go to change the court
so that's how the hierarchy works.
What your job is is to determine, and interpret the law
and determine does it comply.
All these things about inputting and will somebody
else approved it last time, they were wrong in this
and as council Logan pointed out directly it was an oversight.
It was people make mistakes, government makes mistakes.
That does not create an unstoppable contrary
to what that gentleman told you where he has the ability to read
the law just like you do.
And that's what 11 B says is that it has to be something that
he himself , the argument is the question is does it violate
the language of the laws, the ordinance has no equity
in income it has no discretion, this is a non-discretionary
viewpoint your mechanism in cases that needs to be made
the requirements we are required to approve the, if you
don't come away or not we do not have the discretion to pick
and choose as Councilwoman Espinosa says go to interpret
the law and apply to the circumstances and if it
doesn't apply your duty is to slow it down if it does apply
then your duty is to roll it up.
And then he can take equitable arguments elsewhere.
The question was how did this happen can you --?
We know of 6 or 7 instances where the Alcohol commission
was stuck, habits.
They are an engineer.
We don't give them the equipment that we
give our PD from our land use control stuff
those guys are experts.
They read surveys come and they know
how if this thing had gone to them
you would have had a rejection bam just like that.
Because they are experts.
These guys miss the ball.
Orlando with liquor stores that shouldn't be there.
That's one example of how this happens another example is
these people that release these Don't have to check it out
when they get approved, they should go to jail.
That's how that happens.
So just because someone has a license doesn't give them
you have to apply the law, that's
another word, this is a prime example can be corrected,
is going to have the entire system
to do that these are the two, new if the city wants to review
all of them they can go and say you don't the same thing come
on just tell them that your job is done because if you don't it
goes to change for the Chancellor
I said you have to adjust your interpretation from the.
So just giving you the requirements and the sheet
if you answered no then it doesn't comply.
So.
And I'm not trying to be punitive to this guy come
you're just going for the citizens can't wait for them
come what are you here for if they can play
for us that's the way it is.
You have to do the duty that's just
my humble opinion I know that's adverse possibly
of the arguments that he's making about equity
in discriminatory treatment company
can make those to a court, that's my humble opinion.
Amen thank you attorney we
>> Thank you attorney wade.
And then the railyard was in violation
they got approved they got approval there's some type of I
don't know finer penalty that's what you may need to think of.
>> You made a good point we don't let used car salesman
operate near residential neighborhoods can we have one
district where they just have a sell their cars.
With that apartment without anything and then we had to shut
it down they sued us and lost because they weren't following
the law given so this is a liquor store but it could happen
at gas stations it could happen at car loans and they can have
to salvage it make it happen a lot of things so where are you
going to draw the for you to follow the law across the board
or Grant used to someone who quite frankly I understand is
uneasiness because he was allowed to go home when they
come have a he allowed his license to expire pages were up
and when it comes to you and you have to make a
decision.
Fahmym all right so yes it's proof the appeal?
And I know is to go against the appeal.
Can you please peel the screen so yes
as to approve it come in and no is to remove it, right?
Okay this is the way it should work,
somebody should move to approve the appeal and then
the vote yes on both appeal and vote no or not if he would allow
him to operate, a yes vote would say he applies with the statue
and no vote would say he does not all right are
we ready for a motion?
If I cancel on the green ready for the vote.
Are you making a motion to--?
Yes they are 413 I'm going to , this is a motion to approve
the appeal.
And I'll be voting no.
I don't like voting no for the record at all, but I am, --.
Councilwoman forman doesn't have the screen.
Carlisle 40s, Mama >> Please show who is voting yes on this
item.
Please show Councilwoman Canali as an extension
>> That item failed.
Madam controller if you recall item number 18.
>> Item number 18 is a resolution to improve interlocal
agreement between the city of Memphis and the Memphis Area
transit this resolution is sponsored by the administration
and there is a request
>> You were recognize.
>> No recommendations has been moved forward by Councilwoman
and Madam controller if you would please prepare the screen.
Council members please cast your votes. >> Nala yes,
Sutton yes please show Council Spinoza
is yes on this item and chairwoman.
>> That one passes and the Division of Planning
and Development.
>> Item number three is a resolution for 7-6
of the Memphis and Shelby County Building code approving a plan
development in the subject of zero Ikea with this resolution
is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development as p d
20 601
>> Thank you you are recognized.
>> We set this down without a recommendation so we would like
to see a presentation on this but I'll go ahead and move it
but I can't move it electronically.
>> Order ID it's been moved by Espinosa come in second
by green.
There's not anyone in the queue come if you please prepare
the screen for the vote.
>> Council members this is part of the new process that
we're doing everybody's seen this there's no objection
and we've got the presentations we just set it down with no
recommendation usually we set it down with a positive
recommendation but this one was set down with no recommendation.
>> Thank you so much Madam Controller if you please prepare
the screen pretty much Yes, green yes, walker yes,
chairwoman Washington yes, please show Espinosa as voting
yes on this as well
>> This item passes, if you please call item number four.
>> Item number four is a request to vacate the public right
of way of a north south public alley known as Lydie place that
has an east west stub at its midpoint heading east where this
resolution is sponsored by the Division of the case number is S
a c 2506.
>> All right that item has been moved by .
>> Thank you so much that I second by Councilman Carlisle
madam controller if you would please prepare the screen
for vote.
>> Council members cast your vote please Canali Carlyle yes
grandma Ford yes, green yes, Logan yes, Walker yes,
chair woman Washington yes.
>> That item passes madam controller for you please call
item number five.
>> Item number five is a resolution of chapter 9-6
unified Development Code approving a special permit
at the subject property location at 3575 Emory Street this
resolution is sponsored by the Division of Planning
and Development the case number is is s u p 20 6-01
>> You are recognized.
>> The applicants of the PD are here
>> All right it's been moved by Councilwoman Espinosa and Vice
Chair Carlyle, madam controller if you would please prepare
the screen.
>> Carlyle yes, Ford yes, Logan yes, Walker yes,
chairwoman Washington yes that item passes madam controller
if you would please call item number six.
Item number six is to chapter nine of the Memphis
by the belt and code using a special use
permit at the subject parking at 4180 Elliston
Road this resolution is sponsored
by the developer it is s u p 20 >> Councilwoman
Espinosa your recognized.
>> The committee met no approval but I will move it and the BPD
is here if you have any questions.
>> There's council and the queue for presentation has been moved
by councilor has seconded by vice Chair Khalid madam
controller if you would please prepare the screen.
>> Carlyle yes, Logan yes, Espinosa yes,
chairwoman Washington yes , Walker yes,
show Council member Walker's voting yes on this item.
Madam control that has been approved.
Is passed.
>> If you would please call the consent agenda.
Fahmym I believe we just have one item and it is up for second
reading is sponsored by the Division of Planning
and Development at C-01 ordinance number 5970 .
>> The committee met to move all right it's been moved by council
Carlyle I need a second.
All right it's been second by council
forwarded madam controller if you would
please prepare the screen.
Carlyle yes, Logan yes, Council is voting yes on this item,
Espinosa yes , chairwoman Washington yes.
>> That item passes.
Madam if you should call the physical consent
agendas eight and 20.
>> Item number eight is a resolution to amend the fiscal
year 2026 operating budget all districts this is sponsored
by Councilwoman Walker there's a request for line minutes and it
is also a resolution to women the fiscal year operating budget
all council districts this resolution is sponsored
by Councilwoman Sutton there's a request to add this on in fourth
Lightman.
>> Thank you vice Chair you recognized at this time.
>> It has been moved by vice Chair Madame controller if you
please prepare the screen for the vote.
>> Analogous Carlyle yes can afford yes, green yes,
Espinosa yes Walker yes white yes chairwoman Washington yes.
That item passes.
Madam controller if you would please
call items nine and 13 item number nine
is our appointments to the Memphis mission
go busy and Calvin Anderson.
Councilwoman white you recognize.
>> Thank you chairwoman recommended approval and I
approve all right it has been approved by cancel my life,
please prepare the screen.
Please cast your vote for the Memphis Convention Center Yes
coma Carlyle yes yes yes Walker yes, white yes, chairwoman yes?
>> That item passes.
Item controller if you please call item number 13.
>> Item number 13 is approving the option to renew ,
to enter into a 50 year ground lease for the construction
operation of multifamily residential apartments
on the upper two floors of historic school building
and multifamily residential townhome and apartment units
on an additional 1.6 acres of the site with Melrose Housing
Partners LLC district four district eight,
this resolution is sponsored by the administration.
It was also held on March 24th.
>> Thank you Councilwoman you are recognized paramedic I spoke
with the administration and I think they want to hone
in to provide some more information if we could do that
without any objection.
Am I Councilwoman Walker you were recognized.
>> No it's to get some more information on that deal.
>> I know we have budget coming up.
>> Okay.
>> Councilwoman Walker.
>> I think postponing it is a good idea because my comment is
actually I'm really concerned about the seniors living
upstairs permanently thank you and I yield the floor.
>> All right that item will be held until the next council
meeting.
The first meeting in July.
All right thank you Madam Controller
if you please call her ad on and same night minutes items.
>> That would take us to item number 14 another appointment
to the economic growth and Stevens a third
and there's a request for 79 minutes.
>> Councilwoman White you would recognize.
>> The committee met and recommended approval .
>> And will be done electronically by Councilwoman
Attorney White seconded vice Chair Carla controller
if you'd please prepare the screen for the vote.
>> Yes yes, yes I'm a white --
Logan yes, white yes, Canal yes.
>> Madam controller if you please call item number 15.
Item 15 is a resolution to trans $375,980 of contract
construction to architecture and engineering and seismic repair
projects P W102 required initial design modifications in district
six are district eight this resolution is sponsored
by the administration there is a request for 79 minutes for item
number 15.
>> Thank you Council chairman you are recognized for it has
been moved by Council and smiling madam controller
if you'd please prepare the screen.
>> We will give you time to speak with your comment cards .
>> Walker yes come on please show Council member Logan is
voting yes Council is voting yes and Walker is voting yes.
Please call up item number 16 and item number 16 is
to additional construction funds in the event of $500,000
for drainage project number ST0305 to Tonto and third
drainage project S2304 for construction funds for grading
the drainage system and Tonto and third,
district six over district eight this resolution is sponsored
by the administration there is a request for 79 minutes
>> Councilman Smiley you are recognized.
>> Espinosa reviewed please prepare the screen.
>> Janaali yes coming forward yes come agreed yes,
Espinosa yes, white yes, in Washington yes please call item
number 17.
Item number 17 is approving the transfer
of funds in the amount of $6 million
from the Harbor Docks project BW04123 to the Monroe Plaza
Infrastructure project to be announced in district seven
district eight all council district S resolution
is sponsored by the administration
there is a request for this item number 79 minutes.
Thank you madam recognized.
>> Committed recommended an approval and I will make
electronically when you are screen to item number 17 please
>> All right thank you for checking that will you please
prepare the screen ?
>> Yes yes Espinosa yes, white yes chairwoman Washington yes
Walker yes please show Walker is yes on item number 17
>> That item passes.
All right we've done 18.
Let's move on to 19.
Please call item number 19.
Number 19 now item number 19 is a resolution
to amend the council rules of procedure all Council districts
this is sponsored by Councilwoman Washington
and there's a request for 79 minutes
and that would be Chairwoman Washington.
And Kathy McAnally were recognized.
>> Thank you Madam Chair I need to move to number item number 19
please.
And second husband is a controller
please prepare the screen.
>> Can afford yes, green yes Logan yes, Smiley yes,
white yes chairwoman Washington >> That item passes.
All right that brings us to our 79 minute items
Councilwoman please read the 79 minute items to record.
>> There are eight 14 15 1617 1819 and 20.
>> Thank you second controller if you'd please prepare
the screen. , Smiley yes, white yes chairman in Washington yes
Council member Ford is a yes 79 minutes that item passes.
All right it is now time for our general public comment cards.
I have received cards for our community members and the first
person on the list is Mr. Scudamore. .
After Mr. Moore, are you Mr. Moore?
>> Yes Ma'am.
>> Madam controller for you please put the time
on the screen.
>> Yes good evening to you all I operate scooters barbecue food
truck vending and I would like to speak with you all I got
a couple of questions I got an invite and then I would like
to get an invite from you all and the committee the thing
about the food truck business first of all I wanted to let you
guys know that I knew your predecessors about 15 years ago
passed this ordinance it was about 15 years ago around this
time I'm very proud of that that I got one of the first food
truck permits when it was passed.
I've been operating for quite a while I
have some concerns about what the ordinance is today.
What's the as of right now the ordinance
I was presented with a copy of an ordinance
from a city official while I was operating
and it had a lot of red lines in it
and I would think that is not an ordinance.
I had my original copy from 2011 and it
has a signature on it I have heard of and reached out
to different council people and even the mayor
but there's a little confusion in the ordinance
and also I would like to know about there's some new food
rules that are posted that it seems
as if the ordinance dictates where food trucks can operate
and I was wondering why do we need signs to say that we can't
operate on the streets and I'm talking about in the downtown
area.
It's a lot to try and unpack in two minutes
but I would really like to speak with you all more on the subject
if possible.
And get some clarity.
Council Member Smiley you were recognized.
So you want a copy of the?
>> I have a copy but my copy is this.
And then I have on the phone line
the latest version that had been updated
and I hadn't been a minute or anything by the council other
than some suppression stuff came out.
But even with like you all had to be 50ft from a restaurant
in the downtown Memphis area it says 300ft I was presented with
this copy right here from someone come in it says--
>> Will get you information and make sure you have clarity on it
>> Yeah we're gonna get you information on it if you have
any questions you can get it to me.
>> This is Mrs. Keith here.
>> I just want to say this to Mr.
Zena can you raise your hand?
Turn around come by that guy right there
and I have had several conversations
about food truck and the zoning.
And he is the expert that we would all
ask I'm going to recommend that you reach out to him
he works for Mayor Harris and he I'm sure
he has a business card on him and he'd
be happy to answer your questions come in
if not you can reach out to cancel and Smiley
or myself and we will get withdrawn
Zainab with your concerns.
>> Okay.
>> Okay he's going to get your information thank you sir.
>> Thank you.
>> Johnson .
Please state your name .
>> And through 1 p.m.
I received from Veronica Cooper that
is the majority of judges they were relieving me
from my duties.
On April 8th I received a signed letter from Mayor Young removing
me from the position of City Court Clerk.
The city charter states that I have
ten days to appeal to Council the final determination.
On April 8th I sent my appeal request and council to be
a certified mail on my end via email with the inclusion of HR
compliance come on April 9th I received another letter from
at this time the letter was from George Veronica Cooper
and stating that they asked the majority of City Court judges
were removing me from the position of City Court clerk
and I have witnessed an employee also appointed received
the administrative leave with pay for more than a year without
being removed, so I can not understand the urgency to remove
me without cause.
Today I am here to put on the record
that I am still requesting to appeal as the termination was
wrongful.
I look forward to appearing before this board
to defend my name, character, and right to return
to serving the city as serving as court clerk.
>> Thank you Miss Johnson.
>> Miss Johnson you will be allowed to write to have
the appeal process.
You will be notified.
Okay all right thank you for coming
in we will now have (Indistinct) can do thumbs up
or thumbs down please.
>> My name is Amber Sherman we have a policing problem
in Memphis and it's really annoying to me that unless
someone is killed the people make noise about police officers
being violent we get an answer there multiple orders of plus
that have sent a list of demands asking for basic information
like the officer's names who are pepper spraying people
and tossing them to the ground who are tossing him
to the ground after necessarily I was still have got no answers.
The police officers are public employees
of the city they don't get to hide and disappear
when they do violent things pretty much people in Memphis
should know that the people they attack folks
in the middle of the street who are almost on the sidewalk that
have done almost nothing wrong because they need
excellent in raising voices about issues they
don't care that they're doing that they just want
to be in control of the moment.
Anytime we had a protest it became violent
because of the police coming there are multiple council
members that were there at the protest that saw what happened.
Smiley had release folks from being arrested
that were unjustly arrested because the police were
in the wrong room hands getting the body to do the right thing
and answer the questions we're asking I was at the Public
Safety Committee this morning the police chief wasn't there
no one was asking him the questions
we were wondering around with the officers are why they fired
are they going to snatch their pensions solely paid
or unpaid coming there's four officers
but I say about 23 pictures out here I don't know where
the other officers came why are they still on duty
and have access when they get hurt or killed for no reason.
We don't have time for you guys to pretend you're not sure what
happened because nobody died how many people were traumatized
they were hurt they were jailed they lost time from work they
had to go to court are you guys going to pay their court costs
and fees can you make we need answers now. -- fees?
We need answers now.
>> Thank you, Abraham.
>> Hello LJ Abraham I'm quite disheartened to be back here
about three years after you guys approved ordinances from police
violence in the city.
Furthermore the fact that MPD was as violent
as they were in front of news cameras come in front of people
who were recording in front of children in front
of elderly people come also breaks my heart
but it makes me wonder what happened
to Daniel Mmaxwell during the traffic stop
because there were no cameras there to catch that.
We've been requesting the release of the video which
we were told wouldn't be released because it's still
under investigation.
So, in that I'm asking for it to be released because we know what
happened to Tyrene Nichols gum I don't
think I need to remind you while I was here for that you all
were here for that.
I just want to know why we continue
to allow CJ Davis to oversee this police force if she
is already set out her face that they have a culture problem.
When she was reappointed as police chief all of you
voted unanimously to keep her even
though you guys knew yourself that she was a problem.
She continues to be a problem kind of three years
and we're still up here begging you guys to look into MPD
to hold the mayor accountable, it's
not fair to people who are at exercising their First Amendment
rights to be violently attacked for simply doing what they're
allowed to do.
It was uncalled for it was aggressive it was violent,
it was embarrassing it was harmful,
again I need to remind you guys that the were children
out there that had to witness this who will now believe
that MPD is violent and I've been in contact with
and they're also wondering what happened to him
during the traffic stop that caused
him to have to defend himself it's not fair
that we have to come up here and beg this body
all the time to prevent police violence it is not
our responsibility to keep tabs on them
and find out who they are because CJ Davis aren't doing
their jobs.
>> Christine Fox.
>> Christine Fox I'm here today to speak about the Memphis
Police Department use of unnecessary and excessive force
at the end of the no Kings March and there's young refusal
to take meaningful steps to hold officers involved accountable.
That was doing my best when I was
in Texas attending to peaceful no Kings events while they
watched what was happening here through a friend's social media
sharing it in real time with people around me
they were shocked and horrified from what
we saw were police officers tagging spraying people
in the face and close range with pepper spray on a brutalizing
citizens and exercising their constitutional rights.
What happened is not an isolated incident
it is part of a documented pattern
of unconstitutional policing in Memphis.
If I had been here I would have been
serving as a safety Marshal I would
put on my orange vest locked arms with others
and I would have been the target for the same violence inflicted
on my friends.
My mother was watching with me she
knows what I do and she knows that next time it
could be me thrown to the ground pepper sprayed
brutalized by the very people sworn to protect us.
She does not want to see her daughter harmed yet
she knows that what I do come home
you're doing one way to stand when we
and speak out and stand against unchecked
authority is absolutely critical and necessary in this moment.
What are you going to do about what Marion Coleman City
Council of making statements is not enough silence
is not it a message that this behavior is
acceptable Memphis deserves better we deserve better.
Thank you.
>> Alexa Pouncey .
After miss Pouncey will have Jessica Miller.
>> I Melissa Palacios last year about their police violence here
in Memphis we really do have a lack of transparency with
the police department and also citizens and we're really over
it.
And we're asking you guys to do your jobs
and give us the transparency and accountability from CJ Davis
and Mary Young for us as the citizens of Memphis.
That's all to say.
Thank you miss Allison Miller.
Alice Miller here 38 Walker Avenue
I gotta be a witness at this and this was the third case that
happened nationally and all over the nation
come up millions come as increased it every different
no kings activity.
It is exponentially standing up against the wannabe dictator
that is what going on.
Memphis was one of the only places that
had violent action taken against people following their First
Amendment rights it was despicable.
People were clearing the road at the end
of the thing no warnings were given as I've seen it
many other protests coming none were given
a were made women were tackled stand there comment
last coming around were the elderly
and those who had to walk slower come just
got rid of her crutches and she was
tackled to the ground kind of fortunately JB Smiley fought
to have her release but it was ridiculous that she was tackling
and she was saying I'm disabled and another woman friend of mine
was watching and just absolutely in shock with what
was happening to people.
We're all coming back to be witness to this we had
our cameras and she also was tackled and strong armed
and pushed down she had to be coming so the violence that went
on of Springer in the face of that person was wearing
a vigilante signal coming on him as a police officer these kinds
of things happening and it happened to be on the same day
March 28th that the same thing had happened with my making down
the same street that's when we lost that young 18 year old
Larry Pinkham it could have happened again.
He could have easily happened again
and it will happen unless you all take these actions
and with the demands made were reasonable follow
those demands by the citizen and please have a backbone.
Thank you.
>> Jessica Miller.
My name is Jessica Miller I'm one of the organizers that
helped organize the No Kings protest I'm here
to speak because I was part of the coalition of 27
organizations that sent a letter to this body
and who the mayor is as well we have still not gotten
a response on that letter just wondering
where the accountability is at.
Because the only thing that was responded to
was from this city body talking about the paperwork
that was filed by myself for this event.
I filed the paperwork and there could
have been mistakes made but in PD then illegally leaked
my information unredacted to NPA and posted it on Facebook
so I have white nationalists sending me
threats to my children at my home at this point.
Do you all even know what the kindred Consent decree
is can you make because that is a completely against it
and I should be scared to file a permit for people
to have First Amendment rights because I
might be put in danger.
I just don't understand with my time left I just
want to ask when we write letters come in multiple letters
that go unanswered when we come to state of the city meetings
we're told that we're too loud and it's inappropriate,
when we write emails they ignored coming when you showed
up to city council meetings some council members
don't want to speak it out.
The same ones that got banned from the meetings
before they were elected.
When we marched in the streets we
should have filed better paperwork so
when something happens because people feel like they're not
being heard and they're bleeding out in front of you
and something else happens come on what are we going to do then
can you make because people have got to be heard in this city
for any kind of change to be made.
>> Thank you Miss Miller.
Marceliano.
>> What did you say Kyantech --?
>> My name is Leona Venezia I work as a public health official
and Shelby County I have the pleasure to be able to speak
to parents and children throughout the city to increase
their health literacy come in I am now hearing parents tell me
that they are afraid to let their children leave the house
unsupervised they are not sure what to tell their children
of what to do if something should happen while
they're outside because having seen the footage of it violent
response to peaceful protests they no longer trust the police
to respond in an appropriate manner when it comes
to their children.
And so I really am hearing this and feeling
very concerned for the people that I serve.
And I want the city government to know
that their response to this matter is.
We are watching to see how you will respond
come on we've made our demands known
and we need to see accountability.
If this administration is as concerned
as it claims to be when it comes to addressing crime
in the city of Memphis we need to be
able to trust law enforcement to handle situations appropriately.
If we cannot trust law enforcement there's absolutely
no way in crime in this city.
Again I must say please respond prioritize this
as it needs to be prioritized come and thank you.
>> Sean Pearson 38109 it has been three weeks since I heard
the scream still echo in my dreams.
A peaceful protest was full of love and spirit
and it was a full unmedicated hormone
the police department Marshall the elderly and children who
marched at a slower pace were attacked it is not a crime
to march for freedom for lack of procedure justice
is by mothers and fathers were tackled to the ground
and arrested Cavalier terrorized because there
is a poor leadership that believes protesting is a right.
Several police officers committed
acts of violence grabbing ambushing
countless toxic chemicals in our faces in our lungs
this is violence against the humanity
and the dignity of the people of Memphis.
My own brother the representative
of Tennessee District 87 was shoved pushed and assaulted.
Instead of building a platform we need leadership
that prioritizes people and also Memphis Police Department
accountable let's talk about facts
not fear we're standing in our First Amendment right
and we realizing where is this energy for Elon Musk when he was
breaking the law for you we got it incompetent judge
well instead he got a cheerleader.
We demand that the officers are relieved of duty
and all footage is released and we get a clear timeline
of accountability.
Marching and protesting is not wrong
as a part of our right to march against oppressive
regimes even if that regime is led by your city's leadership.
It is not a crime to march for justice.
And we will not be intimidated for doing
so as we know that the unconstitutional policing
of the police department it has to end and it has to end now.
>> Thank you Shirley Anderson.
Shirley Anderson.
All right after Shirley Anderson is Richard Massey.
Are you ready? >> Yes Ma'am 62,000 views on my post I took
all his and they called me everything except for child
of God.
I was hit by the claim black man from a black woman with the n
a double CP that asked him to check on Mr. Maxwell
because we know how tiring late in that hospital bed
and all the evidence against him that they were coming up
with if he's a correct coming he's on drugs,
he wasn't on shit.
Where is Mr. Maxwell?
He was depending on me he doesn't live in Memphis
they live in New Orleans they were washed here by the storm
you and they got them again.
They got the baby again got her on the job that don't nobody
want.
He wanted that job to work at 9:00 can you got a cop to all
you gotta do is look at my page.
I have every complaint that that police officer had on him.
67,000 views, don't play with me.
Because I wouldn't put up an effort
to find out what happened God damn it I need to know
is Mr. Maxwell alive?
That's what I want to know.
Is he dead?
Or is he alive?
Somebody gotta tell me. (Indistinct)
and I want to know is my son alive or is he dead
for human did they kill him?
Why do we have to ask? (Indistinct) God damn it I be
damned (Indistinct) .
We want to know 67,000 views.
>> Mrs. Massey thank you.
>> Is he alive kwamek is he alive?
>> Thank you.
>> Mr. MacY come on up. >> (Indistinct) >> Yes Ma'am thank
you so much for coming down? >> If you'll just state your name
and then you can proceed as Richard Mason three weeks ago
the committee members are missing the list of demands I
would hold these rogue officers accountable with Memphis Police
Department those demands include publicly identifying officers
and disclosing the procedure that led to this violence
and confirmation that all the footage from this incident has
been preserved.
>> Just give her a couple more seconds okay go ahead.
>> Okay so the members came through the body the list
of demands that established accountability within
the Memphis Police Department.
Those demands include disclosing the decision
that all the violence from this incident
has been preserved unclear timeline
for an independent investigation outside of MPD
and publicly identifying the officers involved
in the violence that unfolded.
58 years ago March 28th of 1968 Doctor Martin Luther King Jr
joined sanitation workers that boldly put it on the line
the courageous march took a violent turn (Indistinct) where
Memphis officers released canisters fast forward 58 years
later on the same day on the same street
the constitutionalize their right involving 8 million
Americans only to be met with police officers some of whom
bearing 3% badges which is an anti-immigrant anti organization
with weapons violations and terrorist plots.
The pepper spray terrorist marshals of Robert Archer's will
violently deterring protesters in attendance one
is Lucy channel is behind me.
She broke two bones in her leg after helping elders
during an ice storm when ice stormed our city.
That she would be violently detained by four plus officers
and intentionally contained before she even understood what
she was being arrested for.
These are the same practices that led to the MPD
being under an investigation I find it ironic and ignorant
that she had praise doctor King on the same date
in the same protest that there are no kings
but there is something you could do cancel
and that is making those demands read your emails
and meet the community where they are.
Thank you.
>> David Ray
>> Number 3017 Fahmym I'm sorry I didn't get your name
>> First article of our Constitution says verbatim
the right of the people peaceably to assemble
and to petition the government for a redress of grievances,
noahh believe in our Constitution there are a lot
of issues in this country a lot of difficult things that need
fixed and they've been going back hundreds and hundreds
of years, the Constitution says some good things and this is one
of them.
I believe in it so I volunteer without pay come on my own time
to protect the people that assemble to let their government
become a city, whatever their grievances , that is our right.
So that no King three happens and I'm
one of the folks that I got my vest on now I'm
trying to protect the people knowing that there are dangers
out there and they might be people in cars trying
to hit them they might be counter-protesters they
might be somebody on the roof with a gun they
might be police officers.
That's who attacked us that day coming up from the front,
but from behind we didn't see him
while we were doing everything we were asked to do
and us marshals were just trying to slow things
down so that those people who were in the back of the march
could get to a place of safety.
I was thrown down tackled from behind and tossed in a police
cruiser , and checked out by an EMT and driven to 201 poplar
and spent about 27 hours in there, that was difficult, okay?
But look at me I'm a six foot four white guy.
It's going to be difficult to do too much to make.
There are plenty of other people that would be much much easier
to hurt to suppress, so I do the difficult thing and I use
my voice and my skin, I'm looking at you all ,
there are a lot of difficult things that we need to do
together and that's the only way we're going to make it out
of this.
I've seen a lot of easy things happen in the city council over
this past year , I've seen a lot of difficult things not
happening here Maguire we make it easy for these billionaires
like Elon Musk to come in here and build what they want come
on why are we making it easy for our mayor to ignore us,
for all of our elected officials to ignore us.
We the people are getting real tired of it.
And we need all of y'all no matter what color you got
on your skin to work with us because you all are people too.
We elected y'all come in we can vote for somebody >> Thank you
Councilwoman green you are recognized.
>> I'm gonna wait till all the comments are done.
>> Okay, Brandi price.
You are recognized.
Brandi price Emily Pearson.
>> My name is Brandi Price I have come to tell you that
the people of Memphis are living in fear from it average everyday
people are afraid to come and out of crime,
one of those people in the back the police officer says is
the truth.
I am one of the protestors of no kings
and I do activism around the city I try to help my city
and my community with every time I can
and every time I'm out my mother says
please don't let them get you.
There's only one thing on my mom's mind
it's don't let them get you grandma don't stand out too much
Mama don't let anything happen to my baby.
And it's like a lot of babies go missing in this city
and a lot of people get hurt and just because they come
across law enforcement on whatever bad day they're
going through I'm in reality is that if you always really
so concerned about crime you would address it in your policy.
Your policy dictates the living economics of the everyday people
we have to live with the choices that you make
and essentially instead of your fighting poverty
coming you're fighting the people that you depend
on for your taxes you have all these flock cameras that
take everyone's information and sell and trade it and make money
off of it meanwhile people are every day starving
and you're like what's up with crime
come be hungry that's what's going on.
We're starving and we put out.
What happened at no Kings as miss Christina
said it is a pattern of practice that is what you all do
I was a victim of it as well.
A few years back where officers literally used force
and we inactive constitutional rights of free speech literally
legal for putting chokeholds with strictly
prohibited in your policy and nothing
had been done they left the Academy left
the department with honors coming
so I got this comment telling people how they want
their information if there's any information they're missing
from you I would say see you all in court
for my that's how I got this.
To discover a motion to appeal there you go.
>> Y'all want to look at this guy and then go ahead and pass
this on up.
Lethal force.
>> Thank you.
Doctor Pearson
>> Okay , several people came up and they were presented Jane
Pearson he was there with all the other protesters
in the activists and it broke my heart I don't see how the people
are using their First Amendment right who are fighting to be
heard and fighting for what's right would become the enemy's.
I don't understand grammar and then the silence of CJ Davis
and Paul Yung is .
You're trying to decide what's wrong instead of calling
about call a spade a spade.
We have family or police we have loved ones and friends it isn't
all the police but the ones that are bad take care of them
can take care of it.
And I think it is a courageous and appalling
I didn't hear a lot of people speak up or speak out.
Both positions entitled.
Are represent their constituents.
You stayed silent.
Commissioners, said Councilman, everybody mayor in nothing
has punkish and cowardly.
Speak up for your.
They didn't do nothing wrong come on their not
committing any crime.
I punishment accountability they need to be fired
or their pensions taken there is always
this they're on live with pay that's a vacation.
Leave with pay is a vacation payment they literally come on
they push, baby listen let me tell you
you can't stop the crime when you want
to push the people aren't doing anything wrong their jobs taken
and I want to see them lined up, why do they
keep being inconspicuous can who are they line them up and say
who did wrong and we're going to go the extra training we lost
our jobs but we're gonna do this again something Kramer this
makes no sense my appear time and time again
like you all don't see us or as if we're doing nothing
but fighting for what is right.
Do what's right.
And hold them accountable..
Thank you so much doctor Owens Pearson.
Representative Justin Pearson Fairfield?
Fairfield (Indistinct)
>> Representative Pearson Italy he tried to yield his time to me
if that's >> Thank you so much he's A3123 council
y'all probably know him here eggs I want to use a facility
that's been put on indefinite pause before I go into that I do
want to acknowledge the great group of folks that are here
today speaking, I was also at the protest but and this was
an unfortunate day all made this very clear this is a normal
practice PG PG is probably one of the biggest gangs I have ever