[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6395663,"mediaKeyId","2098363-82107755ced03d1e9e7d0048ccc3abe0","parentId",2098363,"title","Commission advances District 10 neighborhood pilot and awards Milton grants; community groups urge fairness and outreach","audioSeconds",193,"startMs",13035000,"endMs",13228000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2098363-82107755ced03d1e9e7d0048ccc3abe0&start=13035&end=13228","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2098363-82107755ced03d1e9e7d0048ccc3abe0/thumbnail_13035000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6395663/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Commission-advances-District-10-neighborhood-pilot-and-awards-Milton-grants-community-groups-urge-fairness-and-outreach","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395663-ada7769a4155a1f69b587231e5bd7d3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144697&Signature=YdtjVPn1E1yTpkOoexJdVghqafB0KVO3YN3slg1kyNNwNtw84kFXaVbfY-QKcUgnBsfGzXIWAOmEEUE~2ySQzerMaKpkTmDtwbHyCFZ0HBDAOBE-9HF4cSNXnsuGLJKPEUfn7m7qPjYm2s9mYG-6ihkjrI2Zjf6e1FRSoqSnimz8n7zao4BjIY2Z9bNKAPoOybwR6of4gdaEV7Z9qSLRqL~Ddli1JdeM8lGLzPozQRHrM6gfjOn51j9q3VhDamPvxDWEk3L2Hs0x-kQUrV3CONB46hFiMDYoDvFE3JYYoE9y-HontuSIx7iysu0gVh~6S38MARVn~h1DAWpfsLXwcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Shelby County, TN","date","2025-01-08T00:00:00Z","article","The committee handling Milton Community Enhancement Grants considered multiple small grant awards and a larger District 10 neighborhood ecosystem pilot proposal. Commissioners approved a number of small grants by voice or roll call and amended one award for First Congregational Church’s food program (First Congo) to $25,000. Several small awards approved included:

- First Congo / School Seed (First Congregational Church food justice program): amended to $25,000 (sponsor Amendment by Commissioner Whaley accepted in committee).
- New Memphis Institute: $5,500 (fiscal year 2025 Milton Community Enhancement Program grant).
- National Tourism and Heritage Association: $8,500 (district‑wide program and career readiness work).
- Clean Memphis: $5,000.

The committee also discussed a $2.7 million District 10 neighborhood ecosystem pilot (labeled the “District 10 plan / neighborhood ecosystem pilot program”) to fund organizing, neighborhood associations, workforce/education linkages and small organization capacity. Commissioner Britney Thornton, sponsor of the District 10 plan, said the money is intended to fund organizing and capacity building across neighborhood associations and charitable organizations in District 10, with a substantial allocation to Orange Mound. Thornton told the committee she planned community meetings to allow stakeholders to weigh in on distribution and implementation.

Public commenters urged fairness and broader access for small neighborhood nonprofits that lack grant‑writing capacity. Several speakers from Orange Mound and other parts of District 10 said they wanted assurance that the plan would not favor a small group of better‑resourced organizations and that the money would be distributed transparently by neighborhood stakeholders.

Committee members asked staff about application and selection mechanics and whether charitable organizations not named in the sponsor’s draft would be eligible to participate. Legislative counsel advised the committee that the sponsor could either name particular organizations and amounts or open a category to all charitable organizations and have a fiscal agent determine allocations. Sponsors and staff said the plan will include public meetings and that Orange Mound would receive a substantially larger allocation than other neighborhoods (sponsors cited about $600,000 for Orange Mound) to reflect needs and organizing capacity.

Why it matters: The District 10 pilot would be one of the largest concentrated neighborhood investments from the Milton fund; it attempts to fund organizing, capacity and local projects where many small groups have historically lacked access to grant support. Commissioners and residents signaled the need for an accessible application process, transparent selection mechanics and community input on allocations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee Meeting for January 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The committee approved several Milton Community Enhancement grants and advanced a $2.7 million District 10 neighborhood pilot while residents pressed for inclusive application and distribution processes.","taxTitle","Shelby County, Tennessee","taxId",19114,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6395668,"Commission approves $1.21 million Staples furniture contract after debate on local and minority vendor access",2275,7211000,9486000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2098363-82107755ced03d1e9e7d0048ccc3abe0&start=7211&end=9486","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2098363-82107755ced03d1e9e7d0048ccc3abe0/thumbnail_7211000.jpg","/articles/6395668/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Commission-approves-121-million-Staples-furniture-contract-after-debate-on-local-and-minority-vendor-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395668-a58dbdd3c17951630b394c7f7d10a847/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144697&Signature=BRSHOOoUFwMl3s9TJ8rYbRonVQn7V96VVwaOL0JbvCdv-Yjpx5sQ2XkzEHMbzfn27aiT0XfjGZbxkrBXQGkZk0QLb5w2VnnWq96YHGn2wDTRQ2Ogzq6b5bdiIKpuqpiHSiuHBsA3-mFRHgaosfS~VjJzBpJcWE-wBDlYAvD8AB1Xr9Y5gK33dnnhLAXvVk~tyiy5h3dzQNkoo1exjMmwMgXvOOpiOO5GOYQTqakkgdxmrXuNsDwC6y2kqhMkXzpOSCwaYGCIgPCT0yvR0cy4xb8XYxd3NQDov-vVr-dFIuuZlcBANtrE7f9ggkWTIC-wP2a0~BYgJYkHxDX6wHTFrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Budget & Finance Committee approved a sealed bid award to Staples Contract and Commercial LLC for general office furniture in FY2025 with a not‑to‑exceed amount of $1,212,906.67. Purchasing presented the sealed‑bid results and said Staples offered the highest discount percentage in the evaluated pool.

Several commissioners, led by Commissioner Thornton, raised concerns that a large commodity award favors national vendors and limits opportunities for local small businesses and minority‑owned firms (MWBEs). Commissioner Thornton asked whether the county could split future commodity purchases into smaller scopes and whether the EOC (Office of Equity & Compliance) could create goals to encourage prime/subcontractor arrangements that increase local participation.

James Gloucester (Purchasing) and EOC Administrator Shep Wilburn responded that commodities pose challenges for goal setting because bulk pricing differs from smaller orders. Wilburn said the county will look for opportunities to re‑structure commodity purchases where practical and that prior attempts to pair a minority vendor with Staples had broken down before the sealed bid was finalized. Purchasing cautioned that canceling or re‑soliciting the bid at this stage could delay county needs and lead to higher costs.

The committee approved the award with an 8–2 vote (Sugarman and Thornton voted no) but asked the EOC and Purchasing to examine scope/bundling options and to pursue arrangements that could increase MWBE participation on future commodity buys.

Why it matters: County commodity contracts worth more than $1 million can be lucrative for local suppliers and a potential avenue to support MWBEs. Commissioners pressed staff for process improvements to increase local participation while acknowledging the county’s need for timely, cost‑effective procurement.","After an extended debate about opportunities for local and minority vendors, the county’s purchasing department secured committee approval to award a $1.21 million office‑furniture contract to Staples.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6395678,"Commissioners debate no‑confidence resolution in Memphis‑Shelby County School Board; motion sent to full commission without recommendation",3050,3696000,6746000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2098363-82107755ced03d1e9e7d0048ccc3abe0&start=3696&end=6746","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2098363-82107755ced03d1e9e7d0048ccc3abe0/thumbnail_3696000.jpg","/articles/6395678/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Commissioners-debate-noconfidence-resolution-in-MemphisShelby-County-School-Board-motion-sent-to-full-commission-without-recommendation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395678-1b40c80a8b2bc17cfa32db3d5677d385/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144697&Signature=hkTN60dBGBuJ4ojdiiiZH3o5fVDSvFRZVXSXf44rglWqc9m~8FTJTnEVCcKZQPY4ONCdUoj8xpEKk8Ov4SNXWJvuhyZfecvh97sLSMCU~1EYmJTEkOmdDcYdsaYTucPLVSr43RdhNa5Uk9sodTdvKL10wqpclHsmFOFd9rIHaHSnyOzbIADAMyWRrEug-nc111sFnirtB1BbVnvr-egqs6NJqLE-vyLUkv9GrZKYEX6UugU2gzOnejfsOqQMv7p3zrKF6QYaoxHFDRzglpgNyHc9tuVKSObtWcr-ppcX0-EnEkHnBUjZLLEI5UP0VdkZwZ90lB1DE43955FwKvC6Xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Shelby County Board of Commissioners’ Education Committee on Jan. 8 considered a resolution expressing a formal position of no confidence in the Memphis‑Shelby County School Board amid a public dispute over the possible termination of Superintendent Dr. Ray Fagan.

Commissioner Erica Sugarman sponsored an amendment to the resolution’s caption to focus the action on “members of the Memphis‑Shelby County School Board who are advocating for the removal of Superintendent Dr. Ray Fagan.” Commissioner Amber Mills, a sponsor of the original resolution, framed the measure as a reaction to a special board meeting called shortly after the commission’s recent vote to advance funding for school construction, saying the move “jeopardizes not only this project, but the broader efforts to stabilize the school system’s finances and operations.”

Supporters said the resolution was a way to urge the MSCS board to pause termination actions and to prioritize mediation and continuity of leadership for the district. Opponents — including Vice Chair Avant, Commissioner Brooks and others — warned that a no‑confidence vote by one elected body against another elected body would set a dangerous precedent and risk politicizing governance; they urged focus on student outcomes and constructive remedies such as governance plans or mediation.

Chairman Michael Whaley signaled an alternative approach: a substitute that would ask the MSCS board to provide a public governance plan addressing short‑ and long‑term academic, operational and financial goals, and to describe how the superintendent is managed and evaluated. Whaley said a governance‑plan‑oriented resolution would be more constructive and focused on student outcomes.

After extended public comment and commissioner discussion, the committee voted on a motion offered by Commissioner Mills (seconded by Chairman Whaley) to send the resolution to the full commission without recommendation. The tally in committee was 8 ayes (Clay Bibbs, Caswell, Sugarman, Mills, Ford, Thornton, Avant and Whaley) and 2 no (Brooks and Lowry). The motion therefore carried and the resolution will proceed to the full commission for final consideration.

Why it matters: Commissioners and public speakers repeatedly framed the dispute as consequential to school stability, capital projects and public trust. Supporters emphasized continuity of leadership to complete projects and maintain momentum on capital improvements; opponents emphasized the limits of county authority over the elected school board and warned against escalation between elected bodies. Chairman Whaley’s proposal to ask for a public governance plan aims to shift the conversation toward accountability and transparency rather than a formal inter‑elective confrontation.

Key quotes (from the meeting):
- “This is not about one person … This is about ensuring that our school system is governed with integrity, stability, and a clear focus on providing the best possible education for our children,” Commissioner Amber Mills (sponsor) said.
- “When we open this door, please be very careful about what could come back to us as a commission,” Vice Chair Avant said, arguing against a no‑confidence declaration.
- “I think we have an opportunity on this body to refocus on the students … request a public governance plan that ensures public trust, accountability, and transparency,” Chairman Michael Whaley said.

Next steps: The resolution and proposed amendments were transmitted to the full Shelby County Commission for consideration at the commission meeting on Monday. Chairman Whaley said he planned to propose a substitute or amendment that would request a public governance plan from the MSCS board focused on student outcomes and superintendent management methods.","The Education Committee debated a resolution of no confidence in the Memphis‑Shelby County School Board after the board moved to consider removal of Superintendent Dr. Ray Fagan; the committee sent the measure to the full commission without recommendation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6395683,"County committees approve emergency repairs, grants and ordinances; several high‑profile items sent to full commission",434,282000,716000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2098363-82107755ced03d1e9e7d0048ccc3abe0&start=282&end=716","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2098363-82107755ced03d1e9e7d0048ccc3abe0/thumbnail_282000.jpg","/articles/6395683/Shelby-County/Tennessee/County-committees-approve-emergency-repairs-grants-and-ordinances-several-highprofile-items-sent-to-full-commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395683-e294b2cdff7f6e37b5f26e823cc7600d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144697&Signature=lWKSLqDDDNgpxDfiICBH~axxuUOdLgJVnVPzULAJn0oof9LtozLhJa5Jl7M4E4EWUKP6QHJUa-v~mgT~VbkvL8InZfU-9jJq-ZDpC~eW7zpvqqQZdxeoj9P~HUYGJ5S8nFrAv~-wT~qdcIHcSOcSZeu-wdsi9cxS9A-qqMVBZE7N~7vmo3hRI2g8fNFIffR9LPMFRmEFH2ZsRAzF4rulBhaaEAMaOuFpphdsNbZyIDdgzLQQresMmDNLp9ER3uN9gtmjz6fF-HHcJHXASZfkY49rtszzwaEWVEYXKgDdcDVppii1VLX1wTZE3zTa0GpE4pfAQshDh9bE2ury4jB0kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A series of items that required formal votes were decided during several Shelby County committee meetings on Jan. 8. Committee chairs read items into the record, presenters answered questions from commissioners, and committee panels recorded votes on contracts, grants and ordinances affecting county operations, public safety, health programs and school capital projects.

Highlights: the law enforcement committee approved an emergency contract to replace doors and access controls at 201 Poplar and accepted a $500,000 grant for traffic enforcement from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Hospitals & Health approved sponsorship and grant awards for the health department’s World AIDS Day event and an NIH‑related alcohol and abuse research grant focused on HIV. Two ordinances affecting juvenile court procedures and minors’ interrogations passed third reading in committee. The Board of Commissioners’ Budget & Finance Committee heard a monthly financial update, approved a Staples office‑furniture contract, and voted down (unfavorable recommendation) a 90‑day moratorium on a $33.9 million capital allocation for the new Frasier High School.

Votes at a glance (formal committee tallies from the transcript):
- Emergency contract with Dillard Security Services for door/access control replacement at 201 Poplar: Approved by Committee 4 (Law Enforcement, Corrections & Courts). Vote recorded as 5 ayes (Sugarman, Mills, Ford, Bradford, Avant). Motion/second recorded in the transcript but not attributed to named mover/second in the minutes. Outcome: approved.
- Tennessee Highway Safety Office grant ($500,000) for the sheriff’s office traffic enforcement: Approved by Committee 4. Vote: 5 ayes (Sugarman, Mills, Ford, Bradford, Thornton). Outcome: approved.
- Ordinance (3rd reading) — juvenile court: require judges to provide juveniles and caregivers written notification of expungement rights: Committee 4 recorded 3 ayes (Sugarman, Ford, Thornton). Outcome: approved in committee (third reading).
- Ordinance (3rd reading) — require legal representation and recordings for minors during interrogations as contemplated by state law: Committee 4 recorded 5 ayes (Sugarman, Ford, Bradford, Thornton, Lowery). Outcome: approved in committee (third reading).
- Staples Contract & Commercial LLC — purchase of general office furniture (contract award not to exceed $1,212,906.67, FY2025): Approved by Budget & Finance Committee. Vote: 8 ayes (Clay Bibbs, Caswell, Mills, Ford, Bradford, Brooks, Lowry, Whaley); 2 no (Sugarman, Thornton). Outcome: approved; minority‑participation concerns were raised during debate.
- Fraser High School — resolution to place a 90‑day moratorium on the amended FY2025 CIP allocation of $33,910,682 to Memphis‑Shelby County Schools for new construction: Budget & Finance recorded 2 yes, 7 no, 1 abstain, 1 recusal (Commissioner Bradford recused). Outcome: went down with unfavorable recommendation in committee (effectively no moratorium).
- Milton Community Enhancement Grants (several small awards plus the District 10 pilot): Committee approved grant awards for community nonprofits and advanced a District 10 neighborhood ecosystem pilot plan for further consideration. Outcome: favorable committee recommendations for several small awards; the larger District 10 pilot was discussed and will proceed toward full commission consideration with continuing public engagement.

What this means: Committee approvals send items on to the full commission meeting for final action on Monday (where applicable) or move projects forward administratively. Items that received unfavorable recommendations (for example, the Fraser moratorium) will nevertheless appear on the commission agenda for final consideration and public comment. Several items produced substantive committee debate — notably the Staples furniture contract (minority/business inclusion) and the Fraser moratorium (school governance and project timing) — signaling follow‑up questions at the full commission.","Shelby County committees on Jan. 8 approved an emergency security contract, multiple grant appropriations and three ordinances on juvenile records and minors’ interrogation protections. Committees also debated a moratorium request on Fraser High School funding and a countywide furniture contract; both drew extended discussion.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6395673,"Budget committee rejects 90‑day moratorium on Frasier High School CIP allocation amid concerns about project delays",1967,7934000,9901000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2098363-82107755ced03d1e9e7d0048ccc3abe0&start=7934&end=9901","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2098363-82107755ced03d1e9e7d0048ccc3abe0/thumbnail_7934000.jpg","/articles/6395673/Shelby-County/Tennessee/Budget-committee-rejects-90day-moratorium-on-Frasier-High-School-CIP-allocation-amid-concerns-about-project-delays","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6395673-8d15aac1c53533b19db5b2bc1bf5290e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144697&Signature=DZf5gS2ZNRcfpnNeV3CFr~NxRW6pZCVuLsEJstF534LT8AS1wfij0VBe528YVtqG39NOeE1jUS3rYISy6Lb9JDsTOVS-~kVXMjC6tLZkigHEPxoFjfwN17r-WhmAlFzWw~RTPn2S-DtLLN1asEqRPJ8EO4G4KKQ2AiK2br32wV3qfo2GXI8kVSfr~5ZTz-CakuNEcEZO~-vsWKm7TfaB32dz8fkdXKT-b-fHhOXAi8oxyFZU94IQJ1vR7qTdb5roXZYfsRl8QZEL24oeKHJd1J6MtEMXMODIJPLVjFOMejPr9hXWp0P~iZtkwbfgf-JGrF3YiVl4uzUdm~g34dgJXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Budget & Finance Committee considered a resolution from Commissioner Amber Mills asking the commission to place a 90‑day moratorium on an amended FY2025 capital allocation of $33,910,682 for construction of Frasier High School. Mills said the pause would allow the county and the school board to assess leadership stability after MSCS announced a special meeting to discuss terminating Superintendent Dr. Ray Fagan.

Commissioners who opposed the moratorium argued a short pause could undermine progress on a long‑delayed construction project and complicate the county’s debt timeline. Director of Finance and Administration Audrey Tipton told the committee the county planned a debt offering that could make funds available by mid‑February; she also explained how schools are reimbursed for invoices they submit. Opponents also noted that much of the project timing is already delayed and a moratorium could lengthen construction schedules further.

Commissioner Mark Ford said he supported a short pause only up to 90 days and asked staff to provide the precise timeline for receipt of the debt proceeds; Tipton said the county aimed for mid‑February funding after the offering. Several commissioners said more information was needed on invoices already submitted by the school system and on potential bid re‑solicitations if a pause were imposed.

The committee recorded 2 ayes, 7 noes, 1 abstain and 1 recusal (Commissioner Bradford). That produced an unfavorable committee recommendation; the item will still appear on the full commission agenda. Commissioners requested a fuller briefing from school‑system finance staff about how much has been spent, what has been invoiced, and the likely effects of any delay on currently contracted work.

Why it matters: The allocation relates to one of the county’s high‑cost school construction projects. A pause could affect contractor schedules, bid validity and the county’s debt plan. Commissioners signaled the need for clear, itemized information from the school system before any action that could slow construction timelines.","Shelby County’s Budget & Finance Committee voted against a 90‑day pause on a $33.9 million capital allocation for Frasier High School, recording an unfavorable recommendation. Commissioners debated project timelines, bond‑issuance scheduling and whether governance uncertainty at the school district justified a pause.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission advances District 10 neighborhood pilot and awards Milton grants; community groups urge fairness and outreach

Commission approves $1.21 million Staples furniture contract after debate on local and minority vendor access

Commissioners debate no‑confidence resolution in Memphis‑Shelby County School Board; motion sent to full commission without recommendation

County committees approve emergency repairs, grants and ordinances; several high‑profile items sent to full commission

Budget committee rejects 90‑day moratorium on Frasier High School CIP allocation amid concerns about project delays