1 00:00:03,717 --> 00:00:07,933 >> I'd like to call to order the parks and environmental committee meeting. 2 00:00:07,933 --> 00:00:10,433 mr. Wilson, could you please call the roll? 3 00:00:10,433 --> 00:00:12,433 >> councilman ford. >> present. 4 00:00:12,583 --> 00:00:14,500 >> chair warren. >> present. 5 00:00:14,500 --> 00:00:17,850 I think we have two meeting agenda items this morning. 6 00:00:17,850 --> 00:00:24,167 the first one is going to be an overview for the council members to, I suppose, watch at their leisure 7 00:00:24,167 --> 00:00:29,483 later today about what's going on in overton park and how things are working. 8 00:00:29,483 --> 00:00:33,567 matt, I think we probably had you sort of spearheading this. 9 00:00:33,567 --> 00:00:41,267 would you come up, grab a seat at the table, and as people come up to do whatever presentations y'all have today, 10 00:00:41,267 --> 00:00:44,217 just come on up and sit at the table too. 11 00:00:44,217 --> 00:00:45,833 tina, good to see you guys. 12 00:00:45,833 --> 00:00:49,170 just name and address and organization for the record. 13 00:00:49,170 --> 00:00:54,183 and I guess, mr. Walker, do you have anything you want to say starting off? 14 00:00:54,183 --> 00:00:55,650 go right ahead, sir. 15 00:00:55,650 --> 00:00:59,850 >> nick walker, parks director, city of memphis, 2599 avery avenue. 16 00:00:59,850 --> 00:01:06,500 yeah, no, this was -- first of all I want to thank dr. Warren for asking for this presentation to come forward. 17 00:01:06,500 --> 00:01:10,533 as both the chairman of the parks committee and 18 00:01:10,533 --> 00:01:14,733 as an advocate for all of our 19 00:01:16,533 --> 00:01:19,533 park x and it gives us an opportunity to highlight 20 00:01:19,533 --> 00:01:21,533 successes as it 21 00:01:25,533 --> 00:01:30,533 relates to manage properties and partnerships and it is a 22 00:01:30,533 --> 00:01:34,533 wonderful example and probably one of the more complex examples of this 23 00:01:34,533 --> 00:01:38,133 and not just in the region 24 00:01:43,533 --> 00:01:46,533 but nationwide examples where you have multiple nonprofit entities 25 00:01:46,533 --> 00:01:51,533 and city run facilities inside the property like overton 26 00:01:51,533 --> 00:01:56,533 park. Like you, am interested to hear this and because of 27 00:01:56,533 --> 00:02:01,533 our relationship it oversees the management agreement or in the 28 00:02:01,533 --> 00:02:06,533 case of the metal museum the ground lease for the property 29 00:02:06,533 --> 00:02:13,533 and, again, we do still operate the golf course that sits on the 30 00:02:13,533 --> 00:02:15,533 property. I to hear a lot of this. I am excited 31 00:02:15,533 --> 00:02:19,533 to hear updates from partners. With that I will turn 32 00:02:19,533 --> 00:02:22,533 it over to matt thompson. 33 00:02:22,533 --> 00:02:26,533 >> I want to thank you for calling everybody 34 00:02:26,533 --> 00:02:30,000 and talking to them and thank you for organizing this. But go 35 00:02:30,000 --> 00:02:30,567 ahead. 36 00:02:30,567 --> 00:02:32,567 >> good morning, everyone. 37 00:02:34,533 --> 00:02:39,333 I have a prepared statement that I would 38 00:02:40,533 --> 00:02:43,533 like to --I have a prepared statement because 39 00:02:43,533 --> 00:02:45,933 I want to encapsulate 40 00:03:04,533 --> 00:03:09,333 -- and the golf course. Each of these 41 00:03:25,533 --> 00:03:28,533 entities brings a unique experience, opportunities to our residents and 42 00:03:28,533 --> 00:03:34,533 visitors creating a cultural recreation hub in our collective efforts 43 00:03:34,533 --> 00:03:37,533 have been focused on fostering a spirit of collaboration 44 00:03:37,533 --> 00:03:40,533 and unity. We do recognize the strength of this lies in our ability to work 45 00:03:40,533 --> 00:03:43,533 together to support one another 46 00:03:45,533 --> 00:03:49,533 and create an enriching experience for all who visit. Others 47 00:03:49,533 --> 00:03:53,133 will elaborate on our joint successes. 48 00:03:56,533 --> 00:04:02,533 but the aim is to make sure that overton park remains a 49 00:04:02,533 --> 00:04:05,533 cherished and driving part of memphis and the amenities 50 00:04:05,533 --> 00:04:07,533 are more 51 00:04:09,533 --> 00:04:11,533 than just attractions but vital to the cultural and economic health of our 52 00:04:11,533 --> 00:04:13,933 city and provide education 53 00:04:17,533 --> 00:04:19,533 opportunities, promote physical and mental well-being and 54 00:04:19,533 --> 00:04:20,533 offer space for community engagement. 55 00:04:20,533 --> 00:04:23,533 as we look to the future, we look at enhancing this 56 00:04:23,533 --> 00:04:25,533 and continue to 57 00:04:31,533 --> 00:04:33,533 evolve the park to meet the needs of our community and 58 00:04:33,533 --> 00:04:35,533 I would like to extend my gratitude for all of the entities that make it such 59 00:04:35,533 --> 00:04:40,533 a special place and are shared commitment to excellence 60 00:04:40,533 --> 00:04:42,533 and passion for serving the community are what drive us 61 00:04:42,533 --> 00:04:46,533 forward so it is with pleasure that I introduce tina sullivan the 62 00:04:46,533 --> 00:04:49,533 executive director of the conservancy who will 63 00:04:49,533 --> 00:04:53,533 share more about our efforts and the exciting 64 00:04:53,533 --> 00:04:56,533 future ahead for overton park. 65 00:04:56,533 --> 00:04:58,533 >> [ inaudible - low volume ] 66 00:04:58,533 --> 00:05:00,533 >> you have 67 00:05:02,533 --> 00:05:05,533 to hit that input closer. 68 00:05:08,533 --> 00:05:14,533 >> thank you for this opportunity and thank you for the 69 00:05:14,533 --> 00:05:20,533 wonderful context. If you are walking across big river crossing 70 00:05:20,533 --> 00:05:22,533 and you get to that point where you have 1 71 00:05:22,533 --> 00:05:26,533 foot in arkansas and one in tennessee, that is not overton 72 00:05:26,533 --> 00:05:27,533 park. 73 00:05:27,533 --> 00:05:29,533 you could travel from the zoo to the playground to the shell and not really 74 00:05:29,533 --> 00:05:33,133 distinguish between these entities managed by 75 00:05:34,533 --> 00:05:35,533 different nonprofit organizations. 76 00:05:35,533 --> 00:05:37,933 the partners in overton 77 00:05:39,533 --> 00:05:42,533 park lane into that and we operate under a shared 78 00:05:42,533 --> 00:05:45,533 programmatic premise that we call the one 79 00:05:45,533 --> 00:05:50,533 park vision and we do know that when you move through 80 00:05:50,533 --> 00:05:53,533 the park, you're looking for your experience to 81 00:05:53,533 --> 00:05:56,533 be seamless. We have been collaborating on ways 82 00:05:56,533 --> 00:05:59,533 to make that park visitor experience feel 83 00:05:59,533 --> 00:06:04,533 seamless and positive in every direction. Under this one 84 00:06:04,533 --> 00:06:07,533 park vision, we have had a strong collaborative 85 00:06:07,533 --> 00:06:11,533 approach that takes into account how we operate collaboratively and support 86 00:06:11,533 --> 00:06:14,533 each other through operations, efficiency, and 87 00:06:14,533 --> 00:06:17,533 security and how we develop and implement joint programming offerings, which 88 00:06:17,533 --> 00:06:20,533 you will see as the 89 00:06:23,533 --> 00:06:27,533 recent summer camp with the art garden and how 90 00:06:27,533 --> 00:06:29,533 we could lift each other up through marketing efforts sharing social media 91 00:06:29,533 --> 00:06:32,533 platforms and highlighting and celebrating 92 00:06:34,533 --> 00:06:38,533 the respective events and functions, and then also how 93 00:06:38,533 --> 00:06:41,533 we might greet you as a governing body together and seek 94 00:06:41,533 --> 00:06:44,533 your help in furthering the 95 00:06:46,533 --> 00:06:50,533 mission of overton park and her partners within it. What we 96 00:06:50,533 --> 00:06:53,533 want to see is a unified vision for all of 97 00:06:53,533 --> 00:06:56,533 our partners are enriching the visitor experience for 98 00:06:56,533 --> 00:07:02,533 everybody who walks into one of our spaces. So now we 99 00:07:02,533 --> 00:07:05,533 will ask some of our partners here to share 100 00:07:05,533 --> 00:07:08,533 a little bit of detail and if I might introduce 101 00:07:08,533 --> 00:07:14,533 natalie wilson and she manages the shell at overton park 102 00:07:14,533 --> 00:07:18,767 and talk about some of the public safety 103 00:07:18,767 --> 00:07:20,333 and security. 104 00:07:20,333 --> 00:07:22,333 >> let the record 105 00:07:23,533 --> 00:07:25,533 show that. 106 00:07:25,533 --> 00:07:27,933 >> good morning. >> good morning. 107 00:07:30,533 --> 00:07:32,533 natalie wilson, 1928 poplar avenue. 108 00:07:32,533 --> 00:07:35,533 am thrilled to be here. 109 00:07:35,533 --> 00:07:38,533 just as they spoke about, we are honored to be a part 110 00:07:38,533 --> 00:07:40,533 of one 111 00:07:44,533 --> 00:07:50,533 park. This is safe and positive, cohesive. It is logistically sound. 112 00:07:50,533 --> 00:07:56,533 there are so many pieces to making sure of that. And one 113 00:07:56,533 --> 00:08:02,533 of those --key pieces is what we call the park 114 00:08:09,533 --> 00:08:14,533 patrol and we came together a year ago this month actually 115 00:08:14,533 --> 00:08:20,533 in a mou with the memphis police department on the shelby 116 00:08:20,533 --> 00:08:23,533 county's police apartment and the tennessee bureau of investigation 117 00:08:23,533 --> 00:08:29,533 and homeland security who came together in support to us to say we 118 00:08:29,533 --> 00:08:32,533 believe in the care of overton park and the visitors who 119 00:08:32,533 --> 00:08:37,933 come here and we will come together every month 120 00:08:38,533 --> 00:08:43,933 to understand --this but they also feel that it 121 00:08:53,533 --> 00:08:54,533 is engaging and how the law enforcement agencies are working and 122 00:08:54,533 --> 00:08:56,533 learning and meeting the families. 123 00:08:56,533 --> 00:08:58,933 it is been incredible. 124 00:09:02,533 --> 00:09:05,533 that is one piece to this one park vision and it's working 125 00:09:05,533 --> 00:09:07,533 which we see the reducing of experiences in the park that could 126 00:09:07,533 --> 00:09:10,533 be negative and we have more proactive safety and strategies in place that we share 127 00:09:10,533 --> 00:09:12,533 with our programming. It is wonderful. 128 00:09:12,533 --> 00:09:17,533 for me being the overton park shall we bring thousands 129 00:09:17,533 --> 00:09:24,533 and for concerts. I can tell you that I see the work that a 130 00:09:24,533 --> 00:09:30,533 family saying that I haven't been to a show in a 131 00:09:30,533 --> 00:09:33,533 while but I feel more comfortable to come and I park and come in and 132 00:09:33,533 --> 00:09:34,533 I see the safety precautions put in place in the appreciate it. 133 00:09:34,533 --> 00:09:36,533 >> can you describe a little bit about 134 00:09:36,533 --> 00:09:39,533 what protocols you are talking about and what has been done? 135 00:09:39,533 --> 00:09:42,533 >> absolutely. Instances such as the perimeter in the park in the streets 136 00:09:42,533 --> 00:09:45,533 and neighborhoods and the parking lot. We don't have a parking lot. 137 00:09:45,533 --> 00:09:48,533 most of them park street side. We do have 138 00:09:48,533 --> 00:09:52,600 patrols on the trails and in the park 139 00:09:52,600 --> 00:09:58,000 and making sure the parking lots are safe and 140 00:09:58,533 --> 00:10:03,533 walking on patrols, biking patrols and it is incredible. 141 00:10:03,533 --> 00:10:07,533 every month, they are -- I can't say enough 142 00:10:07,533 --> 00:10:13,533 about what the police are doing and the leadership of 143 00:10:15,533 --> 00:10:17,533 colonel jackson. They are taking pride in the experience and it 144 00:10:17,533 --> 00:10:19,533 is everybody's park but if we all don't come together and make 145 00:10:19,533 --> 00:10:23,733 sure we expect that experience it isn't 146 00:10:25,533 --> 00:10:30,533 guaranteed. So, yes, I can't stay enough but the strategies we continue 147 00:10:30,533 --> 00:10:31,533 having enough every month. 148 00:10:31,533 --> 00:10:34,533 >> that is with every group here 149 00:10:34,533 --> 00:10:39,533 met individually? I guess the other question is, whether extra security 150 00:10:39,533 --> 00:10:42,533 people hired for events and 151 00:10:46,533 --> 00:10:47,533 things like that? If so, how much is that costing? 152 00:10:47,533 --> 00:10:50,533 >> that is a good question. I could 153 00:10:50,533 --> 00:10:52,600 speak for the shelf and I will let my partners talk about 154 00:10:52,600 --> 00:10:55,533 other areas. For us we have a private entity that 155 00:10:55,533 --> 00:11:00,533 comes in alongside the park patrol who are on the perimeter and 156 00:11:00,533 --> 00:11:03,533 we have ramped up both security entities that are 157 00:11:03,533 --> 00:11:09,533 in uniform but also in plain close to make sure 158 00:11:09,533 --> 00:11:12,533 there is care around the 159 00:11:13,533 --> 00:11:16,533 perimeter of this and inside but also looking at roof lines and 160 00:11:16,533 --> 00:11:18,533 making sure all of the concerts from the backstage to front of house and 161 00:11:18,533 --> 00:11:22,133 everywhere that people are and children 162 00:11:24,533 --> 00:11:27,533 are running that people feel safe and we are proactive 163 00:11:27,533 --> 00:11:30,533 but the cost of that for the shell is roughly $5000 a concert 164 00:11:30,533 --> 00:11:32,533 for our security. 165 00:11:33,533 --> 00:11:36,533 >> interesting. >> what about the zoo and what have they 166 00:11:36,533 --> 00:11:37,600 been doing for 167 00:11:37,600 --> 00:11:38,400 security? 168 00:11:38,400 --> 00:11:43,800 >> we do a lot for security and we do 169 00:11:45,533 --> 00:11:51,533 appreciate your asking. If you do remember, unfortunate events with 170 00:11:51,533 --> 00:11:56,333 shooting that happened, we heard directly from our 171 00:11:57,533 --> 00:11:58,533 members that -- a lot of them live in the 172 00:11:58,533 --> 00:12:02,533 suburbs that they didn't want to come back 173 00:12:02,533 --> 00:12:05,533 into town. We did see a significant reduction in 174 00:12:05,533 --> 00:12:09,533 our attendance. So we have really worked on ramping 175 00:12:09,533 --> 00:12:14,933 up security and trying to create a safe space 176 00:12:15,533 --> 00:12:17,533 along with our park partners. As you know, parking is 177 00:12:17,533 --> 00:12:21,533 limited at the zoo. When the lot is full, they extend 178 00:12:21,533 --> 00:12:24,533 into the lot and if they don't feel safe, they won't 179 00:12:24,533 --> 00:12:29,533 come. The short answer is two years ago we were spending about 180 00:12:29,533 --> 00:12:33,133 $40,000 annually on security. And that is 181 00:12:33,533 --> 00:12:36,533 off duty npd officers and 182 00:12:37,533 --> 00:12:42,533 then at the close of this fiscal year we have 183 00:12:42,533 --> 00:12:45,533 had spent $270,000 on security. I 184 00:12:47,533 --> 00:12:51,533 will say, it is a tremendous increase and we hope it doesn't 185 00:12:51,533 --> 00:12:57,533 last forever. But we do survey guests weekly and have heard directly 186 00:12:57,533 --> 00:13:00,533 from them that they do feel safe at the zoo 187 00:13:00,533 --> 00:13:03,533 and at the park and they see the patrols come through which is the 188 00:13:03,533 --> 00:13:06,533 city and county as a 189 00:13:09,533 --> 00:13:10,533 result of us working with them. 190 00:13:10,533 --> 00:13:14,133 anyway, significant resources, but it is 191 00:13:14,267 --> 00:13:15,233 working. 192 00:13:15,233 --> 00:13:17,233 >> tina then zoe. 193 00:13:21,533 --> 00:13:23,533 >> we mainly limit our private security operation to 194 00:13:23,533 --> 00:13:27,533 special events in the park where we may have a critical mass of people 195 00:13:27,533 --> 00:13:30,533 attending the festival and we need to 196 00:13:30,533 --> 00:13:37,133 manage traffic and public safety generally. That is a few times 197 00:13:39,533 --> 00:13:40,533 per year. Under $10,000. We have invested also in 198 00:13:40,533 --> 00:13:45,533 park ranger staff. We believe that having that positive visible presence 199 00:13:45,533 --> 00:13:50,533 in the park on the weekends when the park's busiest is 200 00:13:50,533 --> 00:13:54,533 an impact and we also hear feedback from visitors 201 00:13:54,533 --> 00:13:58,133 that that staffing presents makes people 202 00:13:58,533 --> 00:14:03,533 feel safe and somebody is watching and taking care and maintaining the 203 00:14:03,533 --> 00:14:05,533 space which creates a more positive experience. And then between that 204 00:14:05,533 --> 00:14:06,533 and coordinating with the police and the sheriff's department, the two-way 205 00:14:06,533 --> 00:14:08,933 munication between them and 206 00:14:10,533 --> 00:14:15,533 our park partners has been helpful getting a heads up when something 207 00:14:15,533 --> 00:14:21,533 is happening and it allows us to prepare and communicate. And with that I will 208 00:14:21,533 --> 00:14:22,533 introduce zoe from the brooks museum. 209 00:14:22,533 --> 00:14:24,533 >> thank you, 210 00:14:26,533 --> 00:14:29,533 tina and thank you for inviting us and it is wonderful to be a part of 211 00:14:29,533 --> 00:14:32,533 this park partnership and talk about the work we do together. My name is 212 00:14:32,533 --> 00:14:37,333 zoe the executive director of the museum of 213 00:14:37,533 --> 00:14:41,533 art and just to talk about security for a second before we talk about 214 00:14:41,533 --> 00:14:45,533 other things, as a museum, security is a huge part of what 215 00:14:45,533 --> 00:14:52,733 we do any significant portion of our operating budget. We also proactively 216 00:14:53,533 --> 00:14:56,533 go out and walk around so we have eyes on things, but we also have been 217 00:14:56,533 --> 00:15:01,533 really happy with the work we have been doing as a park 218 00:15:01,533 --> 00:15:04,533 partnership with mpd and the sheriff's office. We do see them 219 00:15:04,533 --> 00:15:08,533 in the park and we could see the 220 00:15:08,533 --> 00:15:10,533 impact of their presence in terms of break-ins and activity. And then to 221 00:15:10,533 --> 00:15:14,733 answer your question, we also bring in 222 00:15:16,533 --> 00:15:20,533 extra security anytime we have a large-scale event. Etiquette 223 00:15:20,533 --> 00:15:25,533 to talk about a fun thing, which is we all love working together. We proactively 224 00:15:25,533 --> 00:15:26,533 look for opportunities to find connections 225 00:15:26,533 --> 00:15:31,533 between our programming and build connections between art and nature, 226 00:15:31,533 --> 00:15:36,933 animals, zoology, music and there is so much to 227 00:15:37,533 --> 00:15:40,533 do together. It is something we have really enjoyed. Part of the benefit 228 00:15:40,533 --> 00:15:44,733 of the regular meetings both to the 229 00:15:47,533 --> 00:15:49,533 security team and we work closely together on programming and actively 230 00:15:49,533 --> 00:15:54,533 look for ways that we connect anything the museum 231 00:15:54,533 --> 00:15:58,533 is doing to what other partners are doing and vice versa and that has 232 00:15:58,533 --> 00:16:02,533 been powerful as we have cross pollinated audiences 233 00:16:02,533 --> 00:16:04,533 and built stronger I think the more people come the more they feel comfortable 234 00:16:04,533 --> 00:16:08,533 in a setting and the more they understand 235 00:16:08,533 --> 00:16:11,533 the park is theirs and that is what we are trying to do together. And if 236 00:16:11,533 --> 00:16:15,533 you keep clicking through, these are images of recent projects we have 237 00:16:15,533 --> 00:16:19,533 done together and one that we were really proud of as 238 00:16:19,533 --> 00:16:22,533 we cohosted karaoke along with opc and the symphony and that 239 00:16:22,533 --> 00:16:25,533 was a really fun festive 240 00:16:28,533 --> 00:16:33,533 holiday evening. And if we click through again, and 241 00:16:33,533 --> 00:16:37,533 just a few other images of recent things and maybe you can 242 00:16:37,533 --> 00:16:39,533 see in the last slide to talk about the ultimate collaboration 243 00:16:39,533 --> 00:16:42,533 which is this summer we were pleased to 244 00:16:42,533 --> 00:16:46,533 work together on a summer camp and we partnered with 245 00:16:46,533 --> 00:16:51,533 the art garden and we each took turns providing 246 00:16:51,533 --> 00:16:53,533 an amazing in experience for a group of kids so this is a 247 00:16:53,533 --> 00:16:58,533 pilot program and we also funded that this year and 248 00:16:58,533 --> 00:17:02,533 really devoted a significant amount of materials and staff time 249 00:17:02,533 --> 00:17:05,533 to it. But a wonderful collaboration with 250 00:17:05,533 --> 00:17:07,333 the carpenter art garden. 251 00:17:07,333 --> 00:17:08,967 >> this was a weeklong 252 00:17:08,967 --> 00:17:09,600 camp? 253 00:17:09,600 --> 00:17:16,200 >> right. >> what they did is they went and they went to 254 00:17:16,533 --> 00:17:20,733 each program after they were bussed over 255 00:17:25,533 --> 00:17:27,533 one day a week so one day was the zoo and one day was at the 256 00:17:27,533 --> 00:17:29,533 brooks and one day I think and you can explain it better but that is the general idea? 257 00:17:29,533 --> 00:17:31,533 >> we each took 258 00:17:37,533 --> 00:17:38,533 turns taking this group and providing a 259 00:17:38,533 --> 00:17:42,400 different experience so they all get a slice of the amazing opportunities that 260 00:17:42,400 --> 00:17:43,733 are available in the park. 261 00:17:43,733 --> 00:17:46,533 >> with the record show that 262 00:17:46,533 --> 00:17:48,933 councilman green is present. 263 00:17:49,533 --> 00:17:51,533 >> any questions? 264 00:17:52,600 --> 00:17:54,533 >> I do want to chime in. 265 00:17:54,533 --> 00:18:01,533 the one thing, unfortunately, the gulf manager is currently at the course 266 00:18:01,533 --> 00:18:03,533 working but, patrick 267 00:18:06,533 --> 00:18:09,533 is just as much a part of this programming is the partner 268 00:18:09,533 --> 00:18:13,133 sure ships -- partnerships created through 269 00:18:16,533 --> 00:18:20,133 the nature --of the kids that 270 00:18:34,533 --> 00:18:37,533 come through the 25 summer camp programs and have them participate 271 00:18:37,533 --> 00:18:42,533 in things at the brooks, the zoo and to participate in programming 272 00:18:42,533 --> 00:18:46,533 taking place last summer. We had one of the family fun friday 273 00:18:46,533 --> 00:18:49,533 events at overton park and had the closing ceremonies 274 00:18:49,533 --> 00:18:52,600 at the shell. It is a wonderful opportunity 275 00:18:52,600 --> 00:18:55,000 for us to always 276 00:18:56,533 --> 00:19:01,533 remember, although this is not one of the 162 parks that 277 00:19:01,533 --> 00:19:04,533 they operate, but the resources are available to 278 00:19:04,533 --> 00:19:06,533 us every day. 279 00:19:10,533 --> 00:19:12,533 not only are they available, but I do get phone calls from all 280 00:19:12,533 --> 00:19:14,533 of these participants saying, how can we participate in the programming? 281 00:19:14,533 --> 00:19:16,533 or extend or provide opportunities that you normally wouldn't have? So 282 00:19:16,533 --> 00:19:19,533 we are appreciative of that. 283 00:19:19,533 --> 00:19:22,533 >> let the record show that 284 00:19:25,533 --> 00:19:27,933 chairwoman walker and white 285 00:19:31,533 --> 00:19:35,733 are present. Is that the last speaker? 286 00:19:40,533 --> 00:19:43,533 yes?'s -- we asked 287 00:19:52,600 --> 00:19:55,533 to come back and give us specifically for those organizations 288 00:19:55,533 --> 00:19:59,133 a vacancy with the problems are. 289 00:20:01,533 --> 00:20:05,733 >> as we are working together in a 290 00:20:07,533 --> 00:20:11,533 wonderful way as we have talked safety and 291 00:20:11,533 --> 00:20:14,533 security and serving tens of thousands of 292 00:20:14,533 --> 00:20:16,533 schoolchildren annually, we came up with three things for your consideration. 293 00:20:16,533 --> 00:20:19,533 and this is in terms of support for us 294 00:20:19,533 --> 00:20:23,133 collectively within the park. That is 295 00:20:25,533 --> 00:20:28,533 just support for summer camp 2025. We do love what we do for 296 00:20:28,533 --> 00:20:33,933 the children and how they make stops at all 297 00:20:34,533 --> 00:20:39,933 of the amenities in the park and we would 298 00:20:40,533 --> 00:20:41,533 love consideration for that, support for security technology. The 299 00:20:41,533 --> 00:20:45,533 memphis police department has requested we install flock cameras that feed 300 00:20:45,533 --> 00:20:47,533 directly into the npd system and the more we have around the city the better 301 00:20:47,533 --> 00:20:49,533 that they can 302 00:20:51,533 --> 00:20:56,533 serve us. They have suggested that we do that and 303 00:20:56,533 --> 00:20:58,533 they aren't free. 304 00:21:02,533 --> 00:21:05,533 we would love that support and finally for security 305 00:21:05,533 --> 00:21:12,133 in general. It is expensive and we all do pay for 306 00:21:12,533 --> 00:21:14,533 it individually. And we do want, as I said earlier, when people come to 307 00:21:14,533 --> 00:21:19,333 the zoo, they may be coming to the 308 00:21:22,533 --> 00:21:24,533 zoo and we are a big draw, but overflows are in 309 00:21:24,533 --> 00:21:26,533 the park and they go eat lunch there. 310 00:21:26,533 --> 00:21:27,533 they go to events afterwards. 311 00:21:27,533 --> 00:21:29,533 they want to know that they are safe. 312 00:21:29,533 --> 00:21:32,533 again, we have seen people safe --say they feel safe because 313 00:21:32,533 --> 00:21:35,533 of the increased security. We are getting 314 00:21:35,533 --> 00:21:37,533 this, but 315 00:21:39,533 --> 00:21:43,533 encouragement and in shelby county to continue to 316 00:21:43,533 --> 00:21:47,533 support us as a matter of security. Thank you. 317 00:21:47,533 --> 00:21:52,600 >> thank you all for coming so bright and early and really impressed 318 00:21:52,600 --> 00:21:54,533 that there are people who got here this morning. 319 00:21:54,533 --> 00:21:58,133 thank you, councilmembers. Any questions for 320 00:21:58,533 --> 00:22:02,533 these guys? I think we have one more item on 321 00:22:02,533 --> 00:22:04,533 our agenda. Thank you. We appreciate it. 322 00:22:04,533 --> 00:22:08,533 >> as they are wrapping up, I do 323 00:22:08,533 --> 00:22:12,733 want to just say, memphis parks overseas 13 324 00:22:16,533 --> 00:22:19,533 things and 10 leases and one quarter of those agreements are inside this 325 00:22:19,533 --> 00:22:23,533 park and soon to be two of those 10 leases are inside of 326 00:22:23,533 --> 00:22:29,533 that park. They do vary about the level of engagement 327 00:22:30,533 --> 00:22:32,533 across the board and we talked about this and the fruitfulness of those agreements. 328 00:22:32,533 --> 00:22:34,533 so as a point of personal privilege I would like to 329 00:22:34,533 --> 00:22:38,533 say that every single person sitting behind 330 00:22:38,533 --> 00:22:42,533 me here has reached out multiple times 331 00:22:42,533 --> 00:22:44,533 and more so than the contract demands and they have gone out of their way to 332 00:22:44,533 --> 00:22:47,533 make sure that the partnership is strong and I would 333 00:22:47,533 --> 00:22:49,933 like to again take 334 00:22:51,533 --> 00:22:53,533 a second to say thank you to each and every one of them for their partnership, 335 00:22:53,533 --> 00:22:55,533 friendship, and support. 336 00:22:56,533 --> 00:22:58,533 >> thank you. 337 00:22:59,533 --> 00:23:04,933 >> item number two is a question about the future 338 00:23:05,533 --> 00:23:10,533 of the mud island park. Mr. Walker, I will turn that 339 00:23:10,533 --> 00:23:14,533 over to you and this is requested by councilwoman 340 00:23:14,533 --> 00:23:16,200 swearengen-washington . Do you have any 341 00:23:16,200 --> 00:23:17,300 questions before you start? 342 00:23:17,300 --> 00:23:20,533 >> thank you, chair. I would like to 343 00:23:20,533 --> 00:23:25,333 share some pictures that I had taken on 344 00:23:26,533 --> 00:23:33,133 a park visit on july 8. It is on the screen at 345 00:23:35,533 --> 00:23:37,533 this time. 346 00:23:44,533 --> 00:23:47,533 and the amphitheater still has 347 00:23:50,533 --> 00:23:56,533 the seat numbers in there. I was really surprised at how beautiful the 348 00:23:56,533 --> 00:24:00,533 park is. Beautiful. And as I was walking through 349 00:24:00,533 --> 00:24:05,533 the park, I saw some people from out of 350 00:24:05,533 --> 00:24:08,533 town and they stopped me and said what is going 351 00:24:08,533 --> 00:24:11,533 on and what happened? And I said I don't 352 00:24:11,533 --> 00:24:14,533 know but we are going to find out and we are 353 00:24:14,533 --> 00:24:16,933 on top of it. 354 00:24:17,533 --> 00:24:20,533 it is absolutely beautiful and that is the 355 00:24:20,533 --> 00:24:26,533 pool area. I was surprised that the water was clean. 356 00:24:29,533 --> 00:24:31,933 and there is a 357 00:24:35,533 --> 00:24:38,533 thought that the park is abandoned. It really is a 358 00:24:38,533 --> 00:24:41,533 beautiful park. Am hoping we can utilize it 359 00:24:41,533 --> 00:24:44,533 more and be intentional, mr. Walker, with planning 360 00:24:44,533 --> 00:24:49,333 activities, whether it be yoga or many concerts 361 00:24:52,600 --> 00:24:53,533 or something, but some of the activities that we are having at other parks 362 00:24:53,533 --> 00:24:57,133 if we could start with that 363 00:24:59,533 --> 00:25:03,733 or planning some activities over there so 364 00:25:05,533 --> 00:25:08,533 people will migrate over there and enjoy the park. 365 00:25:08,533 --> 00:25:14,533 some of the areas it seems as if needed some 366 00:25:17,533 --> 00:25:19,533 power washing. 367 00:25:28,533 --> 00:25:32,533 it really was a beautiful experience , and I just wanted to share some 368 00:25:32,533 --> 00:25:34,533 of the pictures. 369 00:25:38,533 --> 00:25:43,533 and I also would like us is a counsel to go over there. 370 00:25:43,533 --> 00:25:47,533 it is something you really just have to see 371 00:25:47,533 --> 00:25:53,533 to believe. How beautiful it is. Okay. I yield the floor. 372 00:25:53,533 --> 00:25:54,200 >> mr. 373 00:25:54,200 --> 00:25:55,567 walker, go ahead. 374 00:25:55,567 --> 00:25:58,567 >> I will be incredibly brief. 375 00:26:02,533 --> 00:26:05,533 we had this conversation when councilwoman swearengen-washington 376 00:26:05,533 --> 00:26:08,533 reached out to have a conversation, and truthfully, historically, 377 00:26:08,533 --> 00:26:11,533 the connection between memphis parks 378 00:26:14,533 --> 00:26:18,733 and the riverfront development corporation has varied 379 00:26:20,533 --> 00:26:21,533 throughout administrations. The way that the 380 00:26:21,533 --> 00:26:23,533 management agreement as written is that essentially the city appoints 381 00:26:23,533 --> 00:26:25,933 a representative to interact 382 00:26:29,533 --> 00:26:32,533 , and under the previous administration, that was not the parks director. 383 00:26:32,533 --> 00:26:35,533 we have had conversations, and I believe in conversation 384 00:26:35,533 --> 00:26:38,533 with counsel, they have been pretty clear that the 385 00:26:38,533 --> 00:26:41,533 relationship between memphis parks and memphis river parks 386 00:26:41,533 --> 00:26:46,933 partnership needs to strengthen. We have begun that work 387 00:26:47,533 --> 00:26:50,533 with conversations we had about making sure that there is a more 388 00:26:50,533 --> 00:26:53,533 regular cadence of participation on all of those things that I think truly 389 00:26:53,533 --> 00:26:59,533 are a great idea. I'm glad we are having this phone right now. 390 00:26:59,533 --> 00:27:02,533 at the end of the day, similar to the presentation that you just 391 00:27:02,533 --> 00:27:08,533 saw from that conservancy , they are in this park every day. 392 00:27:08,533 --> 00:27:10,533 and so in fairness to them, I think that 393 00:27:10,533 --> 00:27:14,533 my goal was to get some feedback this morning from counsel and 394 00:27:14,533 --> 00:27:19,533 then put on the council agenda in two weeks 395 00:27:19,533 --> 00:27:23,533 a presentation from memphis river parks partnership to talk about 396 00:27:23,533 --> 00:27:26,533 the vision , what is being done, what is being 397 00:27:26,533 --> 00:27:32,533 done today, what will be done in the future, and what it will look like. 398 00:27:32,533 --> 00:27:35,533 I don't have a whole lot to add this morning. 399 00:27:35,533 --> 00:27:38,800 I appreciate the pictures and sort of the direction of where we would 400 00:27:38,800 --> 00:27:40,167 like this conversation to go. 401 00:27:40,167 --> 00:27:41,533 >> thank you, 402 00:27:41,533 --> 00:27:43,533 mr. Walker. 403 00:27:43,533 --> 00:27:47,533 I think the council, recently, we just placed 404 00:27:47,533 --> 00:27:50,533 mrp p under parks jurisdiction. 405 00:27:50,533 --> 00:27:53,533 can you explain how that and if it's us 406 00:27:53,533 --> 00:27:59,533 as a parks department and national grants and things along that line , what 407 00:27:59,533 --> 00:28:01,467 that does for us as a city? And then I 408 00:28:01,467 --> 00:28:02,500 will take questions. 409 00:28:02,500 --> 00:28:04,500 >> probably the quickest 410 00:28:06,533 --> 00:28:09,533 way to describe it is particularly outdoors constituents 411 00:28:09,533 --> 00:28:14,933 have talked to you about a study that is 412 00:28:15,533 --> 00:28:19,533 done annually. It is called the 10 minute walking plan. 413 00:28:19,533 --> 00:28:23,133 and there's actually two of them. 414 00:28:24,533 --> 00:28:27,533 the parks court is sort of the number assigned to every municipality 415 00:28:27,533 --> 00:28:32,333 in every jurisdiction that has a parks system. 416 00:28:33,533 --> 00:28:36,533 parks traditionally has not been great. Part of that is we are 417 00:28:36,533 --> 00:28:39,533 300 square miles, and it is difficult to 418 00:28:39,533 --> 00:28:41,933 have density of parks. 419 00:28:43,533 --> 00:28:47,533 the important thing about it is that one of the things that 420 00:28:47,533 --> 00:28:50,533 is factored into it is what your municipality spends on 421 00:28:50,533 --> 00:28:57,533 the parks. And again, at the end of the day , the city is spending 422 00:28:57,533 --> 00:29:00,533 $3 million on parks, but it is counted as a grant underneath the 423 00:29:00,533 --> 00:29:03,533 mayor's office and not listed as a part of 424 00:29:03,533 --> 00:29:05,533 the parks budget. 425 00:29:05,533 --> 00:29:09,533 so by simply doing an accounting change to 426 00:29:09,533 --> 00:29:13,533 reflect that, what we have done has shown 427 00:29:13,533 --> 00:29:18,533 to funders and statewide entities and outside entities that the 428 00:29:18,533 --> 00:29:21,533 parks budget looks more like what the parks budget actually is. 429 00:29:21,533 --> 00:29:25,133 >> increasing our score does what forest? 430 00:29:27,533 --> 00:29:30,533 >> anybody that has applied for a grant, there's 431 00:29:30,533 --> 00:29:34,733 a narrative that goes along with that. 432 00:29:36,533 --> 00:29:39,533 a nonprofit, whatever, should give us some money. 433 00:29:39,533 --> 00:29:42,533 and one of those is to show the improvements that you 434 00:29:42,533 --> 00:29:48,533 are making in terms of things like those scores. And so 435 00:29:48,533 --> 00:29:51,533 by increasing our scores, and by increasing to accurately 436 00:29:51,533 --> 00:29:56,533 represent what we spend on the parks, we are telling 437 00:29:56,533 --> 00:29:58,533 other people that we value ourselves, and 438 00:29:58,533 --> 00:30:00,533 they should in turn value us as well. 439 00:30:00,533 --> 00:30:01,533 >> thank you. 440 00:30:01,533 --> 00:30:04,533 let the record show that councilman logan is here . We 441 00:30:04,533 --> 00:30:09,533 have two people in queue. The floor is yours. 442 00:30:09,533 --> 00:30:11,533 >> thank you, chair. 443 00:30:11,533 --> 00:30:15,533 good morning. Thank you councilwoman swearengen-washington for bringing 444 00:30:15,533 --> 00:30:18,533 this up . We visit over there with that beautiful restaurant, mahogany, 445 00:30:18,533 --> 00:30:23,333 that is over there. And the food is 446 00:30:24,533 --> 00:30:26,533 absolutely delicious. 447 00:30:27,533 --> 00:30:30,533 thank you for the pictures of your analyst. I walked over there 448 00:30:30,533 --> 00:30:36,533 about a month or so ago, and I concur with everything 449 00:30:36,533 --> 00:30:40,733 that councilwoman swearengen-washington has set as well. 450 00:30:42,533 --> 00:30:45,533 but I want to clear up a myth. I don't know if it's 451 00:30:45,533 --> 00:30:48,533 a myth, but I don't like to hear things and I don't have 452 00:30:48,533 --> 00:30:50,533 a clear understanding. It's something about $4 453 00:30:50,533 --> 00:30:54,533 million that is floating around that was supposed to have been 454 00:30:54,533 --> 00:30:59,533 given to m rrp or whatever to do something with. 455 00:30:59,533 --> 00:31:02,533 can you explain that, if that's true or if that 456 00:31:02,533 --> 00:31:05,533 isn't true? Was the city of memphis given any money? Was 457 00:31:05,533 --> 00:31:08,533 this part of a package? Can you just kind of clear that up 458 00:31:08,533 --> 00:31:13,933 so we can get a clear address handing , and 459 00:31:14,533 --> 00:31:16,533 as my colleague has said, if we are going to invest or start something, 460 00:31:16,533 --> 00:31:21,533 let's clear something up about these $4 million so I can get a 461 00:31:21,533 --> 00:31:24,533 clear understanding . I need to understand that. 462 00:31:24,533 --> 00:31:26,933 >> is a great question. 463 00:31:30,533 --> 00:31:33,533 I will give just a general answer, and I will 464 00:31:33,533 --> 00:31:36,533 rely on my friends from the finance office and the cro's office 465 00:31:36,533 --> 00:31:39,533 to get more detail, and that I will make sure that a further 466 00:31:39,533 --> 00:31:44,933 explanation is given in the explanation in two weeks. 467 00:31:45,533 --> 00:31:50,533 as a part of accelerate memphis, there were $4 million identified for various project 468 00:31:50,533 --> 00:31:54,533 at mud island. A lot of it had to do with lighting 469 00:31:54,533 --> 00:32:01,733 and repairs, because a big focus of accelerate maintenance was deferred maintenance. 470 00:32:03,533 --> 00:32:06,533 we can get for you a specific breakdown of what that is. The notes 471 00:32:06,533 --> 00:32:09,533 I received from them to be able to answer some of these questions 472 00:32:09,533 --> 00:32:11,533 --one of the last two improvement project that 473 00:32:11,533 --> 00:32:14,533 was a part of that is the removing of the memphis belle structure 474 00:32:14,533 --> 00:32:20,533 and improvements to the watershed walls , which are being paid for out of 475 00:32:20,533 --> 00:32:24,533 those funds. I think that where confusion lies is that the 476 00:32:24,533 --> 00:32:27,533 city council has set aside --I want to say it was $3 million 477 00:32:27,533 --> 00:32:32,333 --for improvements to be made to mud island. 478 00:32:33,533 --> 00:32:38,533 there was a pullback of some of that money in fy '23 479 00:32:38,533 --> 00:32:43,933 , and then the remainder of it was reallocated to 480 00:32:45,533 --> 00:32:50,333 memphis fire and memphis parks in fy '24 . 481 00:32:53,533 --> 00:32:54,533 and so there are two separate things. 482 00:32:54,533 --> 00:32:57,533 they were given $4 million as a part of accelerate memphis. 483 00:32:57,533 --> 00:33:00,533 I'm sure they will be happy to share with you what repairs were made to mud 484 00:33:00,533 --> 00:33:05,533 island as a part of that, and again, there was $3 485 00:33:05,533 --> 00:33:08,533 million originally allocated for memphis parks that was 486 00:33:08,533 --> 00:33:12,533 then reallocated to other projects through counsel action 487 00:33:12,533 --> 00:33:14,533 --prior counsel action. 488 00:33:18,533 --> 00:33:20,933 >> so were those repairs 489 00:33:23,533 --> 00:33:28,533 made? I need to know if there's repairs were made. 490 00:33:28,533 --> 00:33:30,533 thank you. 491 00:33:31,533 --> 00:33:33,533 I see him. 492 00:33:36,533 --> 00:33:40,533 >> I sensed it. >> I see him coming. Thank you. 493 00:33:40,533 --> 00:33:41,533 always ready. That's what I love about you. 494 00:33:41,533 --> 00:33:42,533 >> antonio adams, chief operating officer and -- 495 00:33:42,533 --> 00:33:44,533 >> art davis, 496 00:33:48,533 --> 00:33:49,533 chief operating officer for memphis parks. 497 00:33:49,533 --> 00:33:51,533 >> is a part 498 00:33:55,533 --> 00:33:57,533 of the overall accelerated office package, $4 million 499 00:33:57,533 --> 00:33:58,533 was allocated to this writer parks. 500 00:33:58,533 --> 00:34:00,933 part of these projects, 501 00:34:03,533 --> 00:34:07,533 they were delineated out at all levels. 502 00:34:07,533 --> 00:34:10,533 they talk about the packages and the projects that 503 00:34:10,533 --> 00:34:13,533 were identified, and either under 504 00:34:14,533 --> 00:34:19,933 contract, has been completed, or in progress right now. 505 00:34:21,533 --> 00:34:26,333 >> so our city entered into a contract -- 506 00:34:34,533 --> 00:34:36,933 direction on the projects. 507 00:34:37,533 --> 00:34:40,533 we have contracted to all 508 00:34:43,533 --> 00:34:46,533 but one of those projects. 509 00:34:46,533 --> 00:34:48,533 it is the watershed repair. 510 00:34:48,533 --> 00:34:49,533 and all others have been contracted. 511 00:34:49,533 --> 00:34:52,600 all of them have been completed, except 512 00:34:52,600 --> 00:34:55,533 for the belle structure and the repaving of 513 00:34:55,533 --> 00:34:58,533 the parking lot that we are in the process of doing now. I 514 00:34:58,533 --> 00:35:02,733 have a list of those. They include 515 00:35:03,533 --> 00:35:10,133 the north courtyard pavers, parking lot, restaurant, pole light, signage, golf, 516 00:35:10,533 --> 00:35:13,533 roof pavers, escalators, elevators. There 517 00:35:13,533 --> 00:35:18,333 was an amount for river terrace. And belle 518 00:35:19,533 --> 00:35:23,733 structure demo , wi-fi, and some work in 519 00:35:24,533 --> 00:35:28,133 the museum and transfer of assets. 520 00:35:28,533 --> 00:35:35,733 >> so all the work has been completed except for the belle structure? 521 00:35:37,533 --> 00:35:40,533 >> and the repayment of the parking lot once that structure 522 00:35:40,533 --> 00:35:46,533 is gone. Additional parking will be available across the mahogany 523 00:35:46,533 --> 00:35:49,533 and the video installation that is happening. 524 00:35:49,533 --> 00:35:51,533 >> okay. 525 00:35:51,533 --> 00:35:55,533 I would like it in full detail to see what 526 00:35:55,533 --> 00:35:58,533 it's look like. After this, I would like a tour of everything 527 00:35:58,533 --> 00:36:01,533 you said that has been done. My colleagues said 528 00:36:01,533 --> 00:36:04,533 that the bathrooms were locked. 529 00:36:04,533 --> 00:36:08,733 >> we would have to check on that. 530 00:36:10,533 --> 00:36:13,533 >> we would like to know why they are locked and would love to 531 00:36:13,533 --> 00:36:14,533 know what the inside of those restrooms looks like. 532 00:36:14,533 --> 00:36:18,733 >> absolutely. >> to yield the floor. Thank you. 533 00:36:19,533 --> 00:36:21,933 >> thank you. Councilwoman swearengen-washington. 534 00:36:22,533 --> 00:36:25,533 >> what is going on with the museum area? 535 00:36:25,533 --> 00:36:29,733 >> last week, there was a fire sprinkler 536 00:36:30,533 --> 00:36:34,533 head system --sprinkler head that was activated. 537 00:36:34,533 --> 00:36:40,533 so there was a lot of water that was lost during that period so there was 538 00:36:40,533 --> 00:36:43,533 prior damage. We had to go in, remove a lot of the 539 00:36:43,533 --> 00:36:47,733 sheet rock on the second floor that 540 00:36:48,533 --> 00:36:52,600 went down to the first floor, so the remediation of that 541 00:36:52,600 --> 00:36:56,800 is being worked on at this point. 542 00:36:58,533 --> 00:36:59,533 >> what is the plan in this area? 543 00:36:59,533 --> 00:37:03,533 >> right now, general services is going to come over along 544 00:37:03,533 --> 00:37:07,533 with contractors to mitigate the damage , and in the course, we will have 545 00:37:07,533 --> 00:37:09,533 contractors move in. 546 00:37:13,533 --> 00:37:18,533 we have a plan to bring appropriations to you this week. 547 00:37:18,533 --> 00:37:22,533 we were just a little too late to get in. 548 00:37:22,533 --> 00:37:27,533 we want to get on the next council's agenda 549 00:37:27,533 --> 00:37:31,533 , moving with restoration. Because they do have a down 550 00:37:31,533 --> 00:37:34,533 effect on the chillers as well. 551 00:37:34,533 --> 00:37:40,533 you be able to repair the lines, and have some repairs as well. 552 00:37:40,533 --> 00:37:45,933 it will be coming out of their cover line. 553 00:37:46,533 --> 00:37:48,933 >> is that a plan ? 554 00:37:52,600 --> 00:37:56,200 >> there is a lease, which is 555 00:37:58,533 --> 00:38:00,533 an interactive experience. 556 00:38:00,533 --> 00:38:04,533 they were to be open by the end of the year. 557 00:38:04,533 --> 00:38:10,533 it may be the first of january. It's an immersive experience 558 00:38:10,533 --> 00:38:15,330 that christopher wray is building , so we do have a lease on 559 00:38:15,330 --> 00:38:16,330 that space. 560 00:38:16,330 --> 00:38:18,330 >> thank you, councilwoman. 561 00:38:18,767 --> 00:38:20,767 councilwoman walker. 562 00:38:20,900 --> 00:38:23,900 >> thank you, mr. Chair. Okay. 563 00:38:25,533 --> 00:38:27,533 thank you, mr. 564 00:38:28,533 --> 00:38:29,533 chair. Good morning, everyone, and thank 565 00:38:29,533 --> 00:38:34,533 you so much, councilwoman swearengen-washington for this . I have 566 00:38:34,533 --> 00:38:39,333 some comments, and then I had a question . 567 00:38:43,533 --> 00:38:46,533 so I don't know how many of you all are maxwell fans, but I have 568 00:38:46,533 --> 00:38:48,533 been a big maxwell fan for years. 569 00:38:48,533 --> 00:38:52,600 and the first time I saw maxwell, and I think the 570 00:38:52,600 --> 00:38:58,533 first time I attended a concert at mud island was to see maxwell, 571 00:38:58,533 --> 00:39:01,533 and the opening act was those two young ladies who had 572 00:39:01,533 --> 00:39:03,933 little duet thing going. 573 00:39:04,533 --> 00:39:06,833 but I just wanted to --I wanted you all to know that. I wanted to share 574 00:39:06,833 --> 00:39:07,100 that. 575 00:39:07,100 --> 00:39:09,100 >> thank you, councilwoman. 576 00:39:09,533 --> 00:39:15,533 >> I have a lot of great memories at mud island 577 00:39:16,533 --> 00:39:18,533 over the years, and even up to recent times. 578 00:39:18,533 --> 00:39:22,533 when people say that individuals are being nostalgic 579 00:39:22,533 --> 00:39:26,733 back in the day, in recent years, 580 00:39:27,533 --> 00:39:30,533 I have attended lionel river, produced by dr. Phil boutin. 581 00:39:30,533 --> 00:39:32,933 cgi entertainment, curtis gibbons. 582 00:39:34,533 --> 00:39:39,933 tonya dyson , she is a local vocalist, producer, and 583 00:39:41,533 --> 00:39:46,533 executive entertainer of the memphis collaborative over and souls bill. 584 00:39:46,533 --> 00:39:48,533 when deja vu was at the river terrace, I celebrated my 585 00:39:48,533 --> 00:39:51,533 birth day there, and I believe it was on a wednesday day and they were 586 00:39:51,533 --> 00:39:56,533 already having jazz going on. And I do have pictures. 587 00:39:56,533 --> 00:40:00,133 the mahogany river terrace --and so 588 00:40:02,533 --> 00:40:05,533 I was part of a luncheon with the ladies several 589 00:40:05,533 --> 00:40:08,533 months back , and attorney mccullough has done 590 00:40:08,533 --> 00:40:14,533 an incredible job with the redesign. It is absolutely beautiful 591 00:40:14,533 --> 00:40:16,533 . And in taking the tours many times that I have been 592 00:40:16,533 --> 00:40:22,533 over there, I didn't know they had a rooftop. We 593 00:40:23,533 --> 00:40:26,533 had to experience that as well. 594 00:40:26,533 --> 00:40:29,533 I guess that said, with my comments and my question 595 00:40:29,533 --> 00:40:32,533 is about the monorail. Have you all specifically 596 00:40:32,533 --> 00:40:36,133 spoken to the monorail today? There 597 00:40:37,533 --> 00:40:41,533 was a survey in the paper several years ago 598 00:40:41,533 --> 00:40:45,533 about how people felt about the monorail, 599 00:40:45,533 --> 00:40:48,533 and people said they didn't like being up in the air over 600 00:40:48,533 --> 00:40:50,533 the water . But simultaneously, a lot of people do like the monorail, 601 00:40:50,533 --> 00:40:54,133 and that was part of why 602 00:40:55,533 --> 00:40:59,533 they liked it. The most recent thing I 603 00:40:59,533 --> 00:41:02,533 found was in 2022, a few of our outlets reported with 604 00:41:02,533 --> 00:41:08,533 the counselor given five -- $5.5 million specifically to the monorail. 605 00:41:08,533 --> 00:41:10,533 can someone comment on the status of the monorail? 606 00:41:10,533 --> 00:41:13,533 >> let me help you with 607 00:41:14,533 --> 00:41:16,533 that, councilwoman. 608 00:41:16,533 --> 00:41:19,533 the monorail is 1960s technology, and it is a 609 00:41:19,533 --> 00:41:20,533 lot like --I have a lot of antique cars. 610 00:41:20,533 --> 00:41:23,533 it is hard to find the parts. They don't 611 00:41:23,533 --> 00:41:26,533 run on a regular basis. 612 00:41:38,533 --> 00:41:40,933 because they look nice. 613 00:41:43,533 --> 00:41:45,533 and the issue is, we have looked at this and 614 00:41:45,533 --> 00:41:48,533 gone into detail about, what would it take to do that? It is way more 615 00:41:48,533 --> 00:41:52,600 expensive to do it and that to keep it going 616 00:41:52,600 --> 00:41:56,533 then we possibly could based on the technology. 617 00:41:56,533 --> 00:41:59,533 if we wanted to take that thing down and 618 00:41:59,533 --> 00:42:02,533 try to find a new technology that my work there, that might be something. 619 00:42:02,533 --> 00:42:03,533 but using that whole technology would not 620 00:42:03,533 --> 00:42:07,533 work. At least that is what we have been told 621 00:42:07,533 --> 00:42:08,533 with the research that has been done. 622 00:42:08,533 --> 00:42:11,533 but the record show that councilwoman easter-thomas 623 00:42:11,533 --> 00:42:16,333 is also here. Do you have another question? 624 00:42:17,533 --> 00:42:20,533 >> thank you , but I'm not done. 625 00:42:20,533 --> 00:42:25,533 I think you for that. So what happened to the 626 00:42:25,533 --> 00:42:29,533 $5 million, and do any of you want to comment on 627 00:42:29,533 --> 00:42:31,533 the monorail? 628 00:42:34,533 --> 00:42:38,533 >> I may be conflating the two, but I believe 629 00:42:38,533 --> 00:42:41,533 that was tied up with the money that was reallocated. 630 00:42:41,533 --> 00:42:43,533 I believe any funding that was set aside 631 00:42:43,533 --> 00:42:47,533 for buddies, more work to be done on the monorail was reallocated 632 00:42:47,533 --> 00:42:50,533 by council for other projects. 633 00:42:50,533 --> 00:42:54,733 >> I concur with that recollection as well. 634 00:42:55,533 --> 00:42:58,533 >> thank you for that. One moment, mr. Chair. 635 00:42:58,533 --> 00:43:02,733 somebody might have been sending me something. 636 00:43:05,533 --> 00:43:07,933 >> councilman jones is here. 637 00:43:08,533 --> 00:43:10,533 >> so 638 00:43:14,533 --> 00:43:18,133 --so in my notes here -- 639 00:43:20,533 --> 00:43:23,533 so in my notes here, there were two different 640 00:43:23,533 --> 00:43:27,733 allocations, 4 million from innovate memphis . Accelerate memphis. 641 00:43:29,533 --> 00:43:32,533 and then that was separate from that. 642 00:43:32,533 --> 00:43:36,133 >> the subsequent --so subsequent to accelerate 643 00:43:38,533 --> 00:43:42,733 , the chair at the time did desire 644 00:43:44,533 --> 00:43:50,533 to upgrade and identify upgrades to the monorail. Subsequent councilmembers 645 00:43:50,533 --> 00:43:55,933 did reallocate those funds to other projects. So the 646 00:43:56,533 --> 00:44:01,533 funds no longer existed as you identify. So the original intent, you 647 00:44:01,533 --> 00:44:05,533 are correct . But the reallocations were made to 648 00:44:05,533 --> 00:44:07,533 the project. 649 00:44:08,533 --> 00:44:11,533 >> thank you for that. So the reallocation is being 650 00:44:11,533 --> 00:44:13,533 made to other project. So if a plan was 651 00:44:13,533 --> 00:44:19,533 requested --if a plan was requested, was there never a plan submitted, 652 00:44:19,533 --> 00:44:23,733 and that's why the funds were reallocated? 653 00:44:26,533 --> 00:44:29,533 >> a plan was requested, then the body decided 654 00:44:29,533 --> 00:44:31,533 to go a different direction. And then the funds 655 00:44:31,533 --> 00:44:34,533 were reallocated to different areas . 656 00:44:34,533 --> 00:44:38,533 so that is why no plan was submitted. 657 00:44:38,533 --> 00:44:41,533 >> to the body need permission to go in another direction? Are they 658 00:44:41,533 --> 00:44:44,533 just took it upon themselves -- 659 00:44:44,533 --> 00:44:46,533 >> you all are 660 00:44:49,533 --> 00:44:53,533 the funding body. So until the funds are in our hands, we have no way 661 00:44:53,533 --> 00:45:00,733 to act. So without funds, we can act. And so the body 662 00:45:01,533 --> 00:45:02,533 decided to go in a different direction. 663 00:45:02,533 --> 00:45:05,533 >> I'm not trying to beat a dead horse here, but it seems like 664 00:45:05,533 --> 00:45:08,533 there would supposed to have been a plan for these 665 00:45:08,533 --> 00:45:11,533 funds, and the plan never happened. So the funds 666 00:45:11,533 --> 00:45:13,533 were reallocated . 667 00:45:14,533 --> 00:45:16,933 >> the council voted -- 668 00:45:26,533 --> 00:45:28,533 beneficial and 669 00:45:31,533 --> 00:45:35,533 cost display too much, and so we did not do it. And we 670 00:45:35,533 --> 00:45:37,533 reallocated those funds. 671 00:45:38,533 --> 00:45:41,533 >> to yield the floor and I need to get 672 00:45:41,533 --> 00:45:42,400 back to you. 673 00:45:42,400 --> 00:45:43,133 thank you. 674 00:45:43,133 --> 00:45:45,533 >> the floors councilwoman logan. 675 00:45:46,533 --> 00:45:48,533 >> thank you, chair. 676 00:45:50,533 --> 00:45:54,133 bringing this forward. Today's discussion -- 677 00:45:56,533 --> 00:46:00,533 what I would like to ask , I am really 678 00:46:00,533 --> 00:46:04,733 interested in seeing administrations comprehensive plan for 679 00:46:05,533 --> 00:46:09,133 the riverfront an entire riverfront, riverside . 680 00:46:11,533 --> 00:46:18,133 we have been focusing a lot on what is going on 681 00:46:18,533 --> 00:46:23,333 with memphis river parks partnership, and rightly so. 682 00:46:25,533 --> 00:46:27,533 but I can understand how the money got reallocated, because I'm not sure 683 00:46:27,533 --> 00:46:30,533 if we needed to give that responsibility 684 00:46:30,533 --> 00:46:34,133 to a nonprofit or another entity. 685 00:46:38,533 --> 00:46:42,533 that is something that we need to come up with, in 686 00:46:42,533 --> 00:46:46,733 my opinion, as an administration , council, however. 687 00:46:48,533 --> 00:46:51,533 what do we want the riverfront to look like? What do we wanted to do? 688 00:46:51,533 --> 00:46:54,533 what we wanted to be for the city of memphis 689 00:46:54,533 --> 00:46:56,533 and the citizens? 690 00:46:58,533 --> 00:47:02,533 what is that cost, and how long will it take? That type 691 00:47:02,533 --> 00:47:04,533 of thing. We will continue to piecemeal all the 692 00:47:04,533 --> 00:47:09,533 way down the riverfront, and people come in, they have come in 693 00:47:09,533 --> 00:47:12,533 with the zip line part --somebody came in and did a 694 00:47:12,533 --> 00:47:15,533 presentation on that. And right now, it looks like the river 695 00:47:15,533 --> 00:47:21,533 parks partnership has done a remarkable job with that area that 696 00:47:21,533 --> 00:47:27,533 they have, but I still don't see the vision of what is downtown 697 00:47:27,533 --> 00:47:29,933 , what it looks like. 698 00:47:31,533 --> 00:47:36,533 they have the wharf, and you know, they have a plan 699 00:47:36,533 --> 00:47:39,533 and a purpose, a destination for their riverside. We 700 00:47:39,533 --> 00:47:44,933 don't have that, and I haven't seen that plan. 701 00:47:45,533 --> 00:47:48,533 you know, we keep the money --we can talk about the 702 00:47:48,533 --> 00:47:54,533 monorail and all that, but we are throwing money into 703 00:47:54,533 --> 00:47:57,533 an area or a project that has not been defined, and it is not 704 00:47:57,533 --> 00:47:59,533 phased in. Were we going with it? 705 00:47:59,533 --> 00:48:06,533 and so I don't think it is wise of us , I don't think it is prudent. I don't 706 00:48:06,533 --> 00:48:09,533 think it is good management of the city's resources 707 00:48:09,533 --> 00:48:12,533 for us to continue in this vein for anything, everything, wherever we are going 708 00:48:12,533 --> 00:48:18,533 to invest dollars. So downtown , I want to make certain that we have 709 00:48:18,533 --> 00:48:21,533 a holistic plan before we just start 710 00:48:21,533 --> 00:48:25,133 accelerate dollars. I appreciate the effort 711 00:48:27,533 --> 00:48:29,533 , but because it was no holistic comprehensive plan 712 00:48:29,533 --> 00:48:33,533 for that entire way , it probably was just going to sit there until 713 00:48:33,533 --> 00:48:36,533 somebody figured it out, and then they come 714 00:48:36,533 --> 00:48:41,333 and pitch it, and it could have been 715 00:48:41,533 --> 00:48:44,533 --you know, it could have been a plan, but I don't think 716 00:48:44,533 --> 00:48:46,533 it is money well spent. If you could eke to if you all 717 00:48:46,533 --> 00:48:51,533 have started one, thought about it, if that's a direction that you feel we 718 00:48:51,533 --> 00:48:54,533 need to go in, how can we approach it? Can 719 00:48:54,533 --> 00:48:57,533 you all come back to our next meeting with some information 720 00:48:57,533 --> 00:49:00,533 with how we are going to move forward with 721 00:49:00,533 --> 00:49:01,533 our riverfront? 722 00:49:01,533 --> 00:49:05,533 >> councilman logan, before you got here, mr. Logan had said 723 00:49:05,533 --> 00:49:09,533 that next meeting we are going to have a presentation looking at that 724 00:49:09,533 --> 00:49:11,533 very thing. 725 00:49:12,533 --> 00:49:15,533 >> that is good. I don't mean to interrupt, chairman, but that's 726 00:49:15,533 --> 00:49:20,533 not what I'm looking for. I want administration to come and pitch some ideas, 727 00:49:20,533 --> 00:49:24,533 and we together have a dialogue about what it looks 728 00:49:24,533 --> 00:49:27,533 like, and then maybe include two were there will be some community 729 00:49:27,533 --> 00:49:32,333 involvement later on in that type of thing. 730 00:49:33,533 --> 00:49:36,533 so a long-term plan, like we did with memphis 3.0, that was for land-use 731 00:49:36,533 --> 00:49:38,533 of the city, the more so for the riverfront. That's a great 732 00:49:38,533 --> 00:49:45,533 resource. We have the most beautiful water --the most beautiful opportunity downtown. 733 00:49:45,533 --> 00:49:51,533 so if you can use that, build on that, and 734 00:49:54,533 --> 00:49:57,533 if it creates the money for us and revenue for people coming to visit 735 00:49:57,533 --> 00:50:00,330 our riverfront, especially if we can tap into 736 00:50:00,330 --> 00:50:01,600 our money. I mean, are water. 737 00:50:01,600 --> 00:50:05,200 >> I have been asked by administration 738 00:50:06,533 --> 00:50:09,533 to move us on, and we will continue this discussion 739 00:50:09,533 --> 00:50:12,233 at our next meeting. I know I got a number of people in the queue. 740 00:50:12,233 --> 00:50:13,433 please save those questions -- 741 00:50:13,433 --> 00:50:14,867 >> I just ask next meeting for them to 742 00:50:14,867 --> 00:50:15,333 come back. 743 00:50:15,333 --> 00:50:19,533 >> we will work with river parks, because I'm 744 00:50:19,533 --> 00:50:24,533 pretty sure that they have studies, and as director walker mentioned, 745 00:50:24,533 --> 00:50:26,533 for -- 746 00:50:27,533 --> 00:50:30,533 >> when we have the opportunity, we will 747 00:50:30,533 --> 00:50:33,533 lay out a plan for an income plan, incorporating 748 00:50:33,533 --> 00:50:35,533 what has been done in the past, and then 749 00:50:35,533 --> 00:50:39,533 moving it to the future. We will relay it out 750 00:50:39,533 --> 00:50:44,533 to you. A conference a plan by next week, maybe not. But charting 751 00:50:44,533 --> 00:50:47,533 a course for the future, definitely. 752 00:50:47,533 --> 00:50:50,533 >> okay. So if it's not, if you can let us 753 00:50:50,533 --> 00:50:51,533 know when you're able to come back, you know, whether it's three months 754 00:50:51,533 --> 00:50:54,533 or two months, we will -- 755 00:50:54,533 --> 00:50:56,533 >> we will do. 756 00:50:57,533 --> 00:50:59,933 >> we are now adjourned.