Memphis City Council Addresses Property Concerns, Parking Issues, and Fire Station Plans

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 The Memphis City Council convened on October 3, 2024, with Mayor Mike Ahland presiding over the meeting. All council members—Mike Gundy, Lane Campbell, Katie Harris, and Jenny Aldridge—were present. The meeting addressed a range of local issues, from citizen concerns about property upkeep to department updates on city projects and operations. 

Citizen Participation 

During the public comment period, Shelly Walden expressed concern over neglected properties around Memphis, urging the council to take action on houses that have not been maintained. Walden also raised the issue of speeding vehicles, golf carts, and ATVs near her home, specifically mentioning that drivers frequently run stop signs. She shared that she had reported the issue to the police but wanted further attention from the council. 

Maxine Cook echoed Walden’s concerns about property maintenance in Memphis, pointing out that the problem has persisted for some time. Both residents stressed the need for the city to address these issues to improve the community’s appearance and safety. 

Kelsey Hunt presented a detailed report on wage disparities, particularly focusing on the pay of city linemen. She provided a presentation to highlight the differences in wages and urged the council to review and possibly adjust compensation to retain skilled workers. 

Eric Probst and Tim Graham spoke about the city’s fire station, discussing the need for either expanding the current facility or building a new one. They asked the council about the processes required to begin such a project, including securing funding and selecting a new site. The council acknowledged the need for further research and planning on this issue. 

New Business 

One of the key issues discussed was city street parking. The council noted that parked cars on narrow streets are causing traffic difficulties, particularly in areas with high congestion. Council members discussed potential solutions to limit street parking in problem areas, but no immediate action was taken. The issue is expected to be revisited in future meetings. 

The council unanimously approved a motion to hold a public hearing on electric rates on October 21, 2024, to address potential changes to the city’s electricity rates. This hearing will provide residents with the opportunity to voice their opinions on any proposed rate adjustments. 

Department Reports 

Various department heads provided updates on their respective areas: 

•Water and Sewer Department Head Randall Aldridge reported that his team has been working on a Lead and Copper inventory as well as completing inspections on two sewer line retirements. Aldridge also mentioned that the crew had completed 25 utility locates and brush-hogged the New Lake spillway to maintain the area. 

•Electrical Department Head Jordan Fulk shared that his department had recently replaced a three-phase primary dip pole near the city pool. Fulk also reported on an outreach visit to the local high school, where the electrical crew spoke with students about their work for the city. Additionally, the electrical team installed temporary services for a new house under construction in the area. 

•Parks and Recreation Department Head Cecily Williams provided an update on maintenance activities, including cleaning the fence row and mulching trees at Johnson Park. She shared her preparations for the upcoming disc golf tournament, which will take place on October 19, 2024, at New Lake. Williams also secured quotes for Little League sponsorship signs and hired a crew to fix pipes at the city pool in preparation for the next swimming season. 

Council Reports 

The council members gave their reports following the department updates: 

•Alderman Mike Gundy had no new updates. 

•Alderman Lane Campbell also did not have any specific items to report. 

•Alderman Katie Harris reiterated complaints she had received from citizens regarding parking issues and properties in disrepair, echoing concerns brought up during citizen participation. 

•Alderman Jenny Aldridge discussed dividing the meter reading duties among department heads to balance workloads. She also mentioned that the road on Lovers Lane, near the baseball field, had been repaired by the Street Department following a citizen’s request. 

Closed Session and Adjournment 

The council then moved into a closed session at 8:55 p.m. to discuss legal matters, including potential litigation. After a lengthy discussion, the closed session adjourned at 10:27 p.m., with no further public business. The next council meeting will include the public hearing on electric rates, scheduled for October 21, 2024.