Memphis Aldermen Raise Rates, Pass Election Ordinance, and Move Forward on Johnston Property Work
The Memphis Board of Aldermen met Thursday, November 6, 2025, at City Hall for a full regular session that covered everything from utility rates and airport hangar rentals to logging proposals and property maintenance. Mayor David Ahland called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with aldermen Lane Campbell, Katie Harris, Mike Gundy and Mike Stone present. Department heads from water, sewer, electrical, streets, parks, city administration and legal counsel were also in attendance, making for a comprehensive evening of reports and approvals.
The meeting opened with routine business. Minutes from the Oct. 9 meeting were approved unanimously, followed by approval of the monthly bills. No citizens addressed the board during the public participation portion of the agenda.
A major portion of discussion centered on the house located on the Johnston Ground property. Water Department Head Randall Aldridge reported that no DNR environmental codes would restrict removal of the structure, but that it could not be burned or buried. The only disposal option is to haul debris away. Several quotes were reviewed, including one from Jashua Robinson to provide construction dumpsters at a cost of $1,500 per container. With an estimated need of four containers, the total disposal cost would be approximately $6,000. After discussion, aldermen voted— pending asbestos test results—to allow city crews to tear down the house and contract Robinson for dumpster services. Harris, Gundy and Campbell voted in favor, while Stone cast the lone “no” vote.
The board also addressed concerns about trespassing and hunting on the Johnston Ground and directed staff to move forward with property research. Later in the meeting, aldermen approved advertising the Johnston property for bid under a two-year contract.
Much of the evening’s new business centered on financial adjustments tied to city services. The board approved Bill No. 25-2, which officially sets the 2026 municipal election for April 7, 2026. Positions on the ballot will include East Ward Alderman, West Ward Alderman and Mayor, each serving two-year terms. Candidate filing will open on Dec. 9 at 8 a.m.and close Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. All filings must be completed through the City Clerk.
Rates for several city services were reviewed and updated. Residential trash service will increase by $1 per month, while dumpster charges and extra dumpster dumps will each rise by $5. Airport hangar rental fees also increased, with older hangars now set at $120 per month and newer hangars at $140 per month. In both cases the vote passed with Stone opposing. Aldermen also approved raising sewer-only rates for customers outside city limits without city water service to $15 per month, this time with a unanimous vote. The board additionally discussed developing a new service fee for installation of 3-phase electrical meters for new customers. City Attorney Brett Bozarth will review ordinance language for future consideration.
Another financial discussion involved logging of city-owned land. Interim City Administrator Regina Long recommended opening eligible tracts for commercial logging. Aldermen voted to allow each property to be bid individually so the city could receive the best return on timber harvested.
Monthly department reports showed steady fall maintenance and project work across all city divisions. The Street Department, led by Roger Tinkle, installed driveway tubes, completed equipment maintenance, repaired potholes in multiple locations, cleaned tubes and signage, maintained the lake and lagoon areas and graded alleys. Crews also assisted with brush removal and kept the shower house and public facilities clean. The monthly chip list was completed as scheduled.
The Electrical Department, under Jordon Fulk, conducted utility locates, repaired streetlights, serviced the large bucket truck and continued ongoing cleanup inside the light plant. Christmas decorations were taken down and new lights began going up around the square and downtown buildings. Work also continued at the water filter plant with wiring for the air-source valve system, and equipment maintenance was completed on multiple engines. One apprentice advancement test was finished with the final year-end test scheduled for December. The department also handled service disconnections for structural upgrades, reviewed and approved permits, repaired sump systems and attended the MOPEP meeting for power and utility planning.
The Water Department, headed by Randall Aldridge, completed hydrant flushing, utility locates and routine monthly sampling, including bacterial and E. coli testing, which returned satisfactory results. Dead trees were removed from the Old Lake, meter routes were read, and turn-ons, turn-offs and read-outs were completed. Mowing continued across multiple properties including the cemetery and part of the Dial land. Workers assisted sewer crews with fall jetting and cleanup along Sigler Street.
The Sewer Department, led by Lucas Woollums, spent considerable time jetting sewer mains on the east side of town and excavating a major blockage caused by tree roots on Knott Street. Crews uncovered an unmapped manhole on Monroe Street and sealed an abandoned sewer connection discovered during the work. On Newman Street, jetting operations were delayed when the nozzle became stuck, as no manhole existed at that location. Routine lift station and lagoon checks were completed, and five gallons of degreaser were applied at the lift station. The department also cleaned and graveled the Johnston property driveway and hung additional “No Trespassing/No Hunting” signage to discourage unauthorized access.
Parks and Pool Director Cecily Williams continued facility upkeep, assisted at City Hall and coordinated repairs at the city pool, where contractors have begun painting and maintenance. Work also continued at the Johnson Park ballfield, and general park maintenance was ongoing.
Interim Administrator Regina Long reported progress on grant programs for both block funding and airport improvements. She completed interviews and hiring for the newly-created Health Insurance Clerk position and continues interviewing for the permanent City Clerk role. Long and staff worked on DNR lagoon compliance, reviewed sludge judge measurements with Gary Webber, and submitted variance documentation. She is also updating the city website and overseeing vault document cleanup. The Secretary of State’s office assisted with record sorting, and a shredding company will dispose of outdated files.
Council reports were brief. Alderman Campbell reported no citizen complaints. Alderman Gundy discussed hunting concerns at the Johnston property. Alderman Stone shared that an inquiry about a pig being kept inside city limits was resolved. Alderman Harris noted positive comments from residents about the city’s pool, parks and road conditions. Mayor Ahland reported no issues from the public.
The board entered closed session at 8:36 p.m. under provisions related to legal matters and personnel. After returning to open session at 9:21 p.m., aldermen voted to hire Laena Whitney as the new Health Insurance Clerk, with Stone voting no. The meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m.
