Public Meetings - Detroit, Michigan

The Budget, Finance and Audit Standing Committee met on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, with Vice Chair Letitia Johnson presiding and Councilmember Mary Waters present. Councilmember Denzel McCampbell was absent. The committee addressed a lengthy agenda including unfinished business, new business, and a major discussion on a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) proposal for the City Club Apartment project. Consent Calendar - No formal consent calendar was identified. Several routine actions were taken without objection, including approval of minutes, combining line items, and motions to receive and file reports. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Foster criticized the city's use of PILOTs and tax reductions, arguing the city is gambling on future income and exploiting residents' lack of understanding. He urged the city to change direction and have integrity. - Betty A. Varner (President, Soda Elsewhere Block Association) advocated for funding for the Finkel corridor, stating residents have ideas but no money. She noted that the Finkel Business Association is purchasing buildings and lots, but the city has not provided equal support. - Owner Papa opposed PILOTs and tax reductions, stating the city is squeezing residents while reducing taxes for others. She called for a feasibility study on PILOTs and cited the audit (item 9.8) as a basis for action. She also expressed frustration about salary increases without a feasibility study. - Caller “What happened to Mayor Duggan” raised concerns about missing videos of Mayor Duggan’s charter-mandated meetings, questioned whether data centers are the real purpose of solar farms, and alleged that the city mishandled the historic fairgrounds sale. He urged council to look into Matt Walters’ past. - Nini’s friend alleged voter fraud and made accusations about council members being “cheated in,” referencing a 105-year-old voter. He also mentioned the National Youth Generational Group Association. - Jadante Smith complained about being denied a meeting with Councilmember Scott Benson’s staff and criticized conditions at Kronos Concrete. He threatened that some council members would go to prison over bribery and illegal property sales. - Legendary Detroiter (Mr. Crowley) simply agreed with previous callers. - William M. Davis discussed the end of Detroit’s bankruptcy (final decree issued May 19, 2026) and urged council to do more to help retirees, particularly those in the General Retirement Fund who faced a 22.25% cut. - Last caller (ending 534) only thanked the committee. Discussion Items - Unfinished Business (Items 5.1–5.12): Several items were combined and brought back in two weeks (5.1–5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.9). Items 5.5 (participatory budgeting) and 5.8 (building fair pilot) were received and filed or brought back as noted. Item 5.10 (closing the gap) and 5.11 (amending city code for claims) were brought back in two weeks. Item 5.12 (payroll audit) was brought back in three weeks. - New Business (Items 6.1–6.15): Budget memo responses were combined and received and filed. - Item 6.16 – Insurance Brokerage Services Contract: The city requested a one-year extension for Alliant Insurance Services (increase of $3,708,673) to bind coverage for property, cyber, airport liability, etc. The city is self-insured for auto and workers’ comp. The contract was originally from a 2021 RFP. Council approved the extension, with a commitment to issue a new RFP. - Item 6.17 – Large Events Report (Q3 FY2025-26): The report details fees for police and fire services at large events. Councilmember Waters questioned whether fees are flat and how residents are notified about street closures. A memo was requested to get a breakdown of cost determination. The report was received and filed. - Item 6.18 – Financial Report (Nine Months Ending March 31, 2026): The city reported an operating surplus of $57.9 million for the nine months, projecting a $44.2 million surplus for the fiscal year. Income tax collections are below expectations but better than forecast; wagering taxes overperform. Council discussed staffing (ARPA positions, seasonal workers), collective bargaining impacts (especially DFFA), and concerns about gambling addiction. The report was received and filed. - Item 6.19 – NEZ Certificate for 2455 West Forest Street: Petitioner Karen Kelly requested a certificate for a new single-family home in Core City. The project is a 2,200 sq. ft. home with three bedrooms, built by the owner. Staff recommended approval. Council approved the motion to send to formal. - Item 6.20 – NEZ Certificates for Three Houses on 4th Street: Petitioner Lucas Bondi (Bondi Construction) proposed three new single-family homes in Midtown. Each home is 1,700 sq. ft. (two stories, three bedrooms), selling for $599,000. Council discussed accessibility (ramps) and market conditions. The committee approved the motion to send to formal. - Items 6.21, 6.22, 6.24 – Operating Budgets for DDA, 8-Mile Woodward Corridor, and LDFA: These were approved as routine, with a correction on the fiscal year for 6.21. - Item 6.25 – Data Center Tax Revenue Impact Analysis: Referred to Legislative Policy Division, brought back in three weeks. - Item 6.26 – Property Tax Rate Reduction Resolution: Referred to Legislative Policy Division, brought back in two weeks. - Item 6.23 – City Club Apartment PILOT (1501 Washington Boulevard): This was the major discussion item. The property (288 units, built in 2021) is in receivership. The developer (Downtown Detroit Owner LLC, represented by Sequel and Walters Group) seeks a 15-year PILOT at 7% of annual rental revenue to cover 224 units (workforce housing at 120% AMI), while the existing NEZ and PA210 would be reduced. HRD supports the plan, citing tenant protections (3% annual rent cap for legacy residents) and avoiding foreclosure. Council expressed concerns about the cost-benefit, the precedent set, and the city’s revenue loss. A motion was made to request a cost-benefit analysis from HRD and to bring the item back in two weeks. Both motions passed without objection. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved without objection. - Items 5.1–5.4, 5.6, 5.7, 5.9 brought back in two weeks. - Item 5.5 received and filed. - Item 5.8 brought back in two weeks. - Item 5.10 brought back in two weeks. - Item 5.11 brought back in two weeks. - Item 5.12 brought back in three weeks. - Items 6.1–6.15 received and filed. - Item 6.16 approved (sent to formal with recommendation to approve). - Item 6.17 received and filed; memo to be sent to administration for cost breakdown. - Item 6.18 received and filed. - Item 6.19 approved (sent to formal). - Item 6.20 approved (sent to formal). - Items 6.21 (as amended), 6.22, 6.24 approved (sent to formal). - Item 6.25 referred to Legislative Policy Division, bring back in three weeks. - Item 6.26 referred to Legislative Policy Division, bring back in two weeks. - Item 6.23 – Motion for cost-benefit analysis from HRD passed; motion to bring back in two weeks passed. - Member reports were suspended without objection. - Meeting adjourned.

The Detroit City Council convened on May 19, 2026, for a formal session. The meeting included special presentations, public comments, and votes on numerous contracts and ordinances. Key discussions focused on environmental testing contracts, ambulance services, and a land bank appointment dispute. Special Presentations - Recognition of Isabine Smith (94) with the Spirit of Detroit Award for decades of community service and faith. - Recognition of William Wellbourne (93), a retired Chief Master Sergeant and veteran, for his military service and continued community leadership. Public Comments & Testimony - Walter Brown requested benches and shelters at bus stops, improved grass cutting, and tree planting along Connor Street. - Eileen Williams reported gun violence and police non-response in her neighborhood, asking for help. - Renita Moore complained about Section 8 housing conditions, citing mold and health issues. - Char Williams alleged police misconduct and threats, calling for accountability. - Betty Lyons criticized the city for over $600 million in overpaid property taxes and the continued drainage fee. - Fidel Light and others objected to the water drainage fee, calling it illegal despite court rulings. - Josh Mann raised concerns about teen takeovers downtown and mass surveillance via Flock cameras. - Several callers commented on elections, the Leland House displacement, property tax reform, and other issues. Discussion Items - Line item 20.1 (Manic and Smith contract for environmental testing, $4.5M) was postponed to committee after debate about urgency and the need for a closed session to understand the full scope of contaminated soil issues. - Line item 20.2 (remediation of a specific site, $51,842) was approved over objections from Councilmembers McCampbell and Callaway, who wanted a comprehensive plan first. - Line item 20.3 (Tetra Tech environmental consulting, $400,000) was postponed one week for a correction letter regarding funding source. - Line items 22.1-22.3 (ambulance contracts) were postponed one week pending the fire department's strategic plan. - Line item 22.5 (Oakman Boulevard renovation) was postponed one week for additional questions. - Land bank appointment: Councilmember Waters raised concerns about the legal authority of council's appointment of Mr. Glenn. The law department explained that the appointment is a mayoral power, and a resolution will be submitted next week to formalize the selection. Key Outcomes - Approved: Debarment ordinance (18.1), Direct TV video franchise (18.2), mayoral appointments to DDA and Board of Ethics (18.4, 18.5), legal services contract (18.6), settlement resolutions (18.7-18.19), EMS compensation schedule (18.20), housing incentive portal (19.1), Youth Talent Program (19.2), Brownfield plan (19.3), property sales (19.4-19.9), various encroachments (20.5-20.11), and several firehouse and public works contracts (22.4, 22.7, 22.8). - Postponed: 20.1 (to committee), 20.3 (one week), 22.1-22.3 (one week), 22.4 (one week), 22.5 (one week), 22.6 (one week). - Motion to reconsider 20.3 due to correction letter was approved. - Council will hold a closed session on contaminated dirt issues in two weeks. - Land bank appointment resolution to be submitted by the mayor's office next week. Note: The meeting was adjourned without member reports.

The Detroit City Council's Public Health and Safety Standing Committee met on Monday, May 18, 2026, to discuss several items, including a contentious proposal to extend the ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology contract. The meeting featured extensive public comment opposed to the renewal, a detailed presentation by the Detroit Police Department (DPD) supporting the technology, and council deliberation on multiple contracts and memos. Key votes were deferred or sent to formal session with recommendations or without. Public Comments & Testimony - Brother Cunningham (in-person) – Spoke about distributing bus tickets and the importance of prayer. Urged support for public safety efforts. - Mr. Hanshu – Opposed the ShotSpotter contract renewal, citing proven ineffectiveness, privacy concerns, and the potential for misuse as surveillance. Stated that 95% of people before the Board of Police Commissioners are anti-ShotSpotter. - Richard Clay – Opposed ShotSpotter, calling it wasteful and a potential tool for spying. Urged council to vote no and redirect funds to community needs. - Mo (District 6 resident) – Quoted an AP investigation highlighting ShotSpotter's inaccuracy, misclassifications, and human bias. Argued the $2 million contract could fund mental health and youth programs. - Alejandro Navarrete (District 6) – Noted DPD cannot prove causality between ShotSpotter and crime reduction. Cited that gun crime was already declining and that other precincts without ShotSpotter saw sharper declines. - Mr. Foster – Spoke about RICO, unsolved cases, and the need for transparency in law enforcement. - Jadante Smith (virtual) – Opposed ShotSpotter, citing lack of conclusive evidence from Board of Police Commissioners meetings. Requested more youth programs and meetings with council. - Carolyn Hughes (virtual) – Opposed ShotSpotter, criticized surveillance expansion (Flock cameras), and argued the $9 million total could be better spent. - Molly Menning (Wayne Law postgrad fellow) – Urged non-renewal, citing studies showing ShotSpotter does not improve response times, arrest rates, or deterrence. Advocated for community violence intervention (CVI) funding. - William M. Davis – Opposed ShotSpotter, noting the $2 million could fund home repairs. Raised racial profiling concerns. - Maya Sapori (Detroit Anti-War Committee) – Urged ending the contract and redirecting funds to CVI programs. - Gwendolyn Howard – Opposed ShotSpotter due to cost and privacy concerns. - Jacob Smith (District 5) – Opposed ShotSpotter, citing data: police response time of 14 minutes for 911 calls vs. 30 minutes for ShotSpotter, only 12% of alerts led to arrests, 1% led to EMS. Suggested funds for schools and rec centers. - Alexandria Trombly (trauma/addiction researcher) – Opposed, supported proven CVI interventions. - Danielle Sayan – Opposed, noting less than 3% of arrests from ShotSpotter and arguing funds should go to schools. - Victoria Camille (Police Commissioner, District 7, speaking personally) – Opposed renewal, warned against over-reliance on technology, and asked to reallocate funds to CVI, de-escalation, and youth programs. - Carolyn Hughes (returned) – Opposed ShotSpotter and Flock cameras, cited illegal origins of contract, and urged funding rec centers. Discussion Items - ShotSpotter (Sound Thinking) Contract Extension (Item 6.5) – DPD Chief Todd Bettison and Deputy Chief Mark Bliss presented data arguing the technology is an effective investigative tool. Key statistics: 40% reduction in gunshot alerts from 2023 to 2025 across coverage areas; 9th precinct saw 45% reduction; average response time improved from 8:08 in 2024 to 6:49 in 2025; in 2025, 24.5% of non-fatal shooting alerts had no corresponding 911 call; ShotSpotter helped close 49.2% of firearm homicide cases in 2024; collected 11,954 shell casings in 2025 (down from 16,000 in 2023). DPD emphasized the technology is reactive and part of a broader CVI strategy. Councilmembers Santiago-Romero and McCampbell questioned the cost ($2.58M for 9 months), privacy concerns (audio data storage, vendor practices), lack of independent research, and the inability to prove causality. The contract was brought back in two weeks after a motion to continue discussion. - Specialty Uniforms Contract (Item 5.1, Ally Brothers) – Discussion on why a Livonia-based company was chosen over Detroit-based Enterprise. DPD cited capacity and timeliness issues with Enterprise. Council asked for documentation of those failures. The item was brought back in two weeks. - Emergency Demolition at 1456 Trinity (Item 5.2) – Brought back in two weeks. - Hydrogen Fueled Buses Report (Item 5.3) – Brought back in two weeks. - 36th District Court Accessibility (Item 5.4) – Brought back in three weeks awaiting response. - Office of Neighborhood Community Safety Services (Item 5.5) – Brought back in one week. - After-Hours Establishments Memo (Item 5.6) – Brought back in three weeks. - Securing City Property Against Federal Overreach (Item 5.7) – Received and filed; draft ordinance to be reviewed. - Advertising Signs Amendment (Item 5.8) – Sent to formal for introduction and public hearing. - Pre-Sale Inspection Ordinance (Item 5.9) – Brought back in two weeks for law department review. - Stevens Thompson Mason School Property (Item 5.10) – Brought back in two weeks. - After-Hours Establishments Ordinance (Item 5.11) – Brought back in three weeks. - Blight Fines Waiver Ordinance (Item 5.12) – Brought back in three weeks. - DPD Storage Requirements Report (Item 5.13) – Brought back in two weeks. - Safe Fire Response Contract (Item 5.14) – Sent to formal without recommendation after work was completed. - Ordinance to Address Federal Overreach (Item 5.15) – Brought back in three weeks. - Lee Plaza Encroachment Petition (Item 5.16) – Brought back in two weeks pending map and resolution. - Demolition Cost & Collections Report (Item 5.17) – Brought back in three weeks. - Post-Trauma Prison Disorder Resolution (Item 5.18) – Sent to formal as amended. - South Fort Street Road Diet Resolution (Item 5.19) – Brought back in two weeks. - Police Activity at Lovely Vibes Bar & Grill (Item 5.20) – Brought back in two weeks. - Police Training Programs & Employment Requirements Response (Item 5.21) – Received and filed. - DPD Oakman Boulevard Renovations (Item 6.1, Gandalf Construction) – Sent to new business with recommendation to approve after confirming union workforce. - Citywide Firehouse Renovations (Item 6.2, W3 Construction) – Sent to new business without recommendation due to incomplete information on specific projects. - DFD Annex Additions (Item 6.3, Major Contracting) – Sent to new business without recommendation; extension only, no additional funds. - Mount Elliott Senior Community Center Renovation (Item 6.4, DMC Consultants) – Approved with recommendation to new business (80% complete, sewer line issues). - Asphalt Paving Mixtures (Item 6.6, Ajax Paving) – Sent to new business without recommendation after councilmember noted low Detroit resident workforce (33%). - Dangerous Building Findings (Items 6.7, 6.8) – Received and filed. - Ordinance on Cannabis Locked Storage (Item 6.9) – Received and filed. - Alley Vacation Petition (Item 6.10) – Approved for formal session. - Adult-Oriented Businesses Memo (Item 6.11) – Brought back in two weeks. - Hazardous Materials in District 5 Memo (Item 6.12) – Brought back in two weeks. - Fire Department Plan Update Memo (Item 6.13) – Brought back in two weeks. - Drudas Promise Day Resolution (Item 6.14) – Brought back in two weeks. Key Outcomes - ShotSpotter extension (Item 6.5) – Brought back in two weeks for continued discussion; no vote. - Uniforms contract (5.1) – Brought back in two weeks pending documentation. - Firehouse renovations (6.2) – Sent to new business without recommendation. - Asphalt contract (6.6) – Sent to new business without recommendation with a note on Detroit resident hiring. - DPD renovation (6.1) – Approved to new business. - Other items either approved, filed, or scheduled for future committee meetings.

This meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee covered a public hearing for a brownfield redevelopment project, a discussion on secondary street sign policies, and multiple property sales and contracts. The committee voted on several items, sending most to formal session with recommendations for approval. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar was listed on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Gwendolyn Howard: Called in but did not comment on the project; her hand was raised for another item. - Legendary Detroiter (caller): Expressed opposition to the project, calling it "BS" and alleging that city officials are corrupt. The chair ruled the remarks out of order for not being specific to the project. - Carolyn Hughes (calling as "Owner Papa"): Questioned the definition of workforce housing, stated that $982 for a studio is "kind of pricey," and argued that the city needs family-sized units, not more studios and one-bedrooms. She also asked for clarification on utility allowances. - Marguerite Maddox: Asked about the number of elevators, whether washer/dryers would be side-by-side or stacked, automatic door openers, and ADA parking. Discussion Items - 1025 Public Hearing – Brownfield Redevelopment (Gentleman’s Hotel): The project team (developers Jameson, Scott, and others) presented a workforce housing project converting a historic building into mixed-income units. Rents were provided: studio at 60% AMI ($982 inclusive of utilities), one-bedroom at 80% AMI ($1,423), and top-end one-bedroom at $1,802. The development includes geothermal heating/cooling, an elevator in an addition, universal design units, and one-to-one parking for commercial tenants. Councilmember Johnson asked about parking costs and their impact on the brownfield request; the developer stated interior demolition and reconstruction were the primary cost drivers. Councilmember Johnson also noted that the city recently installed parking meters in the area, and the developer expressed concern about ticketing residents. - 1030 Discussion – Secondary Street Sign Process: Dr. Janice Chapman and Janice Tillman from the Historic Designation Advisory Board presented findings from a study of 16 cities’ honorary street sign programs. Key findings: 10 of 16 cities had no yearly limit; many required signature petitions or community input. Current Detroit process: 18 rollover applicants, no new applications this year, with only 5 selections allowed per year. Staff recommended not sponsoring new applicants for 2026 to reduce the pool. Councilmember Johnson proposed eliminating rollover, allowing one sponsorship per council member, reducing fees to $400, and making living seniors aged 80+ eligible with no sponsorship but still requiring signatures. Council President Pro Tem Young expressed preference for keeping the current system but with more flexibility. Council President Tate supported leveling the playing field by requiring signatures for all applicants, keeping the selection at 5 per year, and reducing rollover from 4 years to 2. - Unfinished Business / New Business – Property Sales and Contracts: Several property sales and contracts were discussed, including: - 8.2 – Sale of 16745 Lamphier to MSU Detroit Partnership for Food Learning and Innovation for $50,000 with a restrictive covenant. - 9.7 – Transfer of jurisdiction and revised purchase price of 13809 Joseph Campau (Alibi Studios) – price reduced by $10,000 due to vandalism. - Walk-on – Contract amendment for the Grow Detroit Youth Talent Program (GDYT) to extend time and increase funds. Key Outcomes - Line Item 6 (Public Hearing): Motion to send to formal session with recommendation to approve – passed unanimously. - Line Item 7 (Secondary Street Signs): Motion to bring back as a discussion item in three weeks – passed unanimously. Council members reached a general consensus: no new sponsorships for 2026, keep 5 selections per year, require signatures for all applicants, reduce fees to $400, reduce rollover from 4 years to 2, and allow one sponsorship per council member. The Law Department will draft ordinance changes. - Line Item 8.1 (Nuisance Abatement Policy): Brought back in one week. - Line Item 8.2: Sent to formal with recommendation to approve. - Line Item 8.3 (Brightmore DWSD Project): Sent to formal with recommendation to approve. - Line Item 8.4 (10800 West Chicago): Brought back in three weeks. - Line Item 8.5 (196 Vinewood): Brought back in one week. - Line Item 8.6 (3452 Buchanan): Sent to formal with recommendation to approve. - Line Item 8.7 (1310 & 13116 Kirchhoffville): Brought back in three weeks. - Line Item 9.1 (Incentive Portal System Contract): Sent to formal with recommendation to approve. - Line Item 9.2 (Quick Claim Deeds Report): Received and filed. - Line Item 9.3 (Butzel Family Recreation Center Development): Brought back in three weeks. - Line Item 9.4 (1755 14th Street): Brought back in one week. - Line Item 9.5 (8107 Michigan Avenue): Brought back in one week. - Line Item 9.6 (8386 Lifert Acquisition): Sent to formal with recommendation to approve. - Line Item 9.7 (13809 Joseph Campau): Sent to formal with recommendation to approve. - Line Item 9.8 (6209 Lawton Park Transfer): Sent to formal with recommendation to approve. - Line Item 9.9 (DLBA Development Activities Memo): Referred to legislative policy division, to be brought back in two weeks. - Walk-on (GDYT Program Contract): Walked onto the agenda and sent to formal with recommendation to approve.

The meeting convened on May 14, 2026, but lacked a quorum. The chair proceeded with public comment in person and virtually, then adjourned. No formal business or votes were conducted due to the absence of a quorum. Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Ward (in person): Spoke about unequal treatment in property takings for solar farms, stating the city refuses to swap lots with people whose land was tax-reverted, even when the current owner never failed to pay taxes. She called for changing state law and criticized a "sweetheart land swap deal" with Perfecting Church, where the church received 60 lots in exchange for 38. She described the Detroit solar project as a "solar scam" and suggested alternatives like solar parking lots (citing Michigan State University's award-winning project) instead of spending $7.7 million on attorneys and using eminent domain. She urged the council not to vote for state representatives who will not change blight definitions. - William M. Davis (virtual): Vice President of the Barton McFarland Neighborhood Association. Urged greater effort to provide neighborhood signage to identify areas and streamline the process, noting that obtaining signs took over two years. Also called for abandoned schools to be torn down, rehabilitated, or turned into resource centers (e.g., neighborhood city halls or police mini-stations), and emphasized that more city dollars should circulate within communities. - Betty A. Verner (virtual): President of the Soda Elsewhere Black Association. Requested equal attention and funding for the Finkel Corridor, stating it should be treated as well as other corridors (e.g., Dexter Avenue, Livernois to 6 Mile, 6 Mile and Livernois to Wyoming). Also asked the administration to waive the $1,500 fee for nonprofits that buy land from the land bank and need permits to continue community improvement work. - Cunningham (virtual): Spoke in an unrecognized language; the chair thanked him but no comprehensible statement was captured. - Legendary Detroiter (virtual): Accused Mayor Coleman Young (referenced as "Coleman") and the city council, school board, and board of police commissioners of cheating and lying on public record. Alleged that City Clerk Janice M. Winfrey lied about sending findings from allegations of voter fraud report. Stated that the Open Meetings Act and Detroit City Charter are being violated and that gentrification is ongoing. - Owner Papa (virtual): Stated that an agenda is needed and that public comment requires a quorum, implying it was disregarded. Criticized the council for spending "an hour talking about secondary streets" while neglecting District 7, which lacks a rec center and library, and called for redistricting. Said "the people" have rejected an analysis of a rec center and urged the council to respect that. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were made due to the lack of a quorum. - The Neighborhood Services Standing Committee adjourned without objection.

The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. Councilmembers Latitia Johnson and President Pro Tem Collin Young II were present; Councilmember Gabriel Santiago Romero was absent. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved. The majority of the session was devoted to public comment on a wide range of issues, followed by a public hearing on the Billinghurst Apartments Brownfield Plan. Consent Calendar - Approval of the meeting minutes (no objections). Public Comments & Testimony - First speaker (in-person): Criticized GLWA statements as deceptive and noted that a GLWA board member has not been a Michigan resident for nearly five years, questioning past decisions. - Second speaker (in-person, veteran): Requested free or reduced bus fares for veterans; received commitment from a councilmember to share with the Veterans Affairs department. - William M. Davis (virtual): Urged the city to keep more dollars in Detroit, provide promotion points for city workers, and give more benefits to Detroit-based businesses. Also suggested a past practice of comp time for shopping in the city. - Carolyn Hughes (virtual): Criticized the reduction in price for a surplus property due to vandalism, argued that ARPA funds should be distributed to citizens, and called for more youth and senior programs. - Betty Verner (virtual): Thanked Pro Tem Young for a Mother's Day event and provided information about the MI Choice Waiver program for seniors and disabled individuals. - Caller (identified as Samsung SMG991U): Expressed disappointment at not knowing about the Mother's Day event, supported free bus rides for seniors, and requested restoration of the full Davison bus route to Van Dyke. - Caller (Blackbag/Legendary Detroiter): Accused multiple public officials, including Council President Pro Tem Young, of cheating and corruption, referencing specific individuals and alleged mishandling of a suicide case. - Nicole Johnson (virtual): Raised concerns about corruption in the city solar project and the Office of the Inspector General refusing to investigate fraud. Asked if the council would support land swaps for other property owners similar to those given to Perfecting Church. - Marguerite Maddox (virtual): Requested that the city website be updated and agendas made available more reliably. Advocated for equitable distribution of affordable housing across all neighborhoods and for maintenance of alleyways and streetlights. - Cicely McClellan (virtual): Criticized the GLWA lease agreement, arguing it was done by an emergency manager without legislative input, yields only $33 million annually instead of the $218 million estimated by a HopS Institute study, and harms Detroit's finances and affordability programs. - Attorney Norrell Hemphill (virtual, We the People of Detroit): Called on the council to support funding for water assistance (noting only 4,710 households served vs. 60,000 in need) and to codify water affordability to ensure clean, safe, and affordable water as a human right. - Nicole Johnson (virtual, second call): Expressed frustration with delays and poor communication regarding a development project on Connor Street, requested better maintenance (dust, trash, bus stops, garbage cans), and urged reopening of Maheras Park building for public use, noting frostbite risk within 15 minutes. - Caller (ending 534): Raised concerns about corruption in the solar project and OIG inaction, questioned the legality of land swaps for Perfecting Church without equal treatment for others, and reported being removed from a committee meeting by security. - Caller (user two): Complained about filthy transit centers, human feces, stolen wheelchairs being used on buses, drug sales in public, and lack of protection for renters facing retaliation. Discussion Items - Billinghurst Apartments Brownfield Plan Public Hearing (1025): The hearing was called to order. Cora Kepler (DBRA Senior Brownfield Program Manager) presented the plan, which uses tax increment financing (TIF) to reimburse eligible costs for redeveloping the historic Billinghurst Apartment Hotel at 69 W. Willis. The 1922 four-story building (vacant since a 1990s fire) will become a mixed-use residential building with 3,348 sq ft ground-floor commercial space and 31 residential units (30 one-bedroom, 1 studio). A two-to-three-story addition will add an elevator for ADA compliance, with two units featuring universal design. Surface parking will be provided on adjacent parcels. At least 20% of units (one studio and six one-bedroom) will be reserved for households earning ≤80% Area Median Income (AMI). Total project cost is $9.5 million, with a requested TIF reimbursement of approximately $1.33 million for housing rehabilitation, site preparation, and infrastructure. Eligible activities must commence within 18 months of approval and be completed within 3 years. The DBRA makes no advances; reimbursement comes solely from captured tax increment. The developer also seeks a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes). The project is expected to create 40 temporary construction jobs and 2 permanent jobs. Developer Scott Lowell added that historic tax credits have been approved (Part 1 and Part 2) and the building will use geothermal heating/cooling. The units are targeted at 60–120% AMI, with an average rent target at 98% AMI. The public hearing was held with no questions from the council. - 1020 Discussion (Michigan taxing jurisdictions regarding Billinghurst Apartments): Called to order and recessed without discussion. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken on the Billinghurst Apartments Brownfield Plan; the meeting recessed after the public hearing. The public comment period was closed. The council is expected to consider the Brownfield plan at a future session. The meeting remains recessed to the call of the chair.

The Budget Finance Audit Committee of the Detroit City Council met on May 13, 2026, with Chair Denzel Anton McCampbell presiding. Councilmembers Letitia Johnson and Mary Waters were present. The committee reviewed audit findings, handled routine items, and approved an ARPA fund reallocation. Public Comments & Testimony - Betty A. Barner, President of the Soda Elsewhere Block Association, expressed support for new businesses in the Finkel Corridor, including a home health care agency at Finkel and Monica and a mini market with gas pumps at Finkel and Wyoming. She requested council support and funding for a land use hearing fee. - William M. Davis (Commissioner) questioned whether city vehicles are required to stay within Detroit, suggested savings from reduced travel, and asked about interest generated on city funds. He advocated for a full audit of the prior administration and opposed residents paying for "dirty dirt" costs. - Legendary Detroiter (Mr. Crawley) alleged election fraud in the 2024 presidential primary election, claiming a ballot was improperly counted for Mary Elaine Beckman. He called for the Elections Director to appear before the committee. - Ms. Hughes (Owner Papa) criticized the confidentiality of the risk management quarterly report, questioned ARPA fund spending on blight (which she said created more blight), and urged focusing remaining funds on youth and seniors. She also raised concerns about paramedic fund transfers without a feasibility study. - Brother Cunningham relayed a personal story about a former DDOT chief and offered a prayer, mentioning that he is "God's child." Discussion Items - 5.1 Unfinished Business – Resolution on Cinder Bill 559, 560, 561: Chair McCampbell requested a four-week deferral to align with state legislative developments. The motion carried. - 5.2 Participatory Budget Expansion: Postponed one week for a response from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO). - 5.3 Audit of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC): Auditor General Laura Goodsby presented a memo noting the office lacks resources to perform the requested audit immediately but will include it in the annual risk-based plan. She referenced prior audits of DESC's use of compliance fee dollars. Councilmember Waters noted concerns about how funds were spent. The item was received and filed. - 5.4 Risk Management Quarterly Report (Third Quarter): Attorney Graham Anderson explained the report is privileged because it contains sensitive litigation information. Settlements and indemnifications are handled through the Internal Operations Committee. The report was received and filed. - 5.12 Audit of Detroit Health Department Food Safety Operations: Chief Auditor Kevin Asadi and Auditor General Laura Goodspeed presented 11 observations related to cash handling weaknesses, including unsecured checks, untimely deposits, lack of segregation of duties, and failure to use the cash room. Health Department Director Ali Abazid reported that by April 27, 2026, a dedicated OCFO cashier had been placed on-site, the scanner repaired, and staff retrained. OCFO Deputy CFO Regina Greer confirmed ongoing process improvements. Vice Chair Johnson asked about impacts on minority-owned businesses. The report was received and filed, with a plan for a forensic audit. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: The minutes were approved without objection. - 5.1 (Cinder Bill Resolution): Deferred for four weeks. - 5.2 (Participatory Budget): Deferred one week. - 5.3 (DESC Audit): Received and filed. - 5.4 (Risk Management Report): Received and filed. - 5.5 (Independent Agency Item): Deferred one week. - 5.6 (Independent Agency Item): Received and filed. - 5.7-5.11: Various motions to defer or receive and file, all approved. - 5.12 (Health Department Audit): Received and filed. - 6.1-6.2 (Board of Review Responses): Received and filed. - 6.3 (ARPA Budget Transfer): Approved a resolution authorizing the transfer of $5.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds: $5 million for the Grow Detroit's Young Talent program and $300,000 for the Mont Elliott Senior Center. Funds come from projects that have ended or have surpluses. The OCFO anticipates an additional $5 million in reallocations by early June 2026, with council discretion on allocation. Member Reports - Councilmember Mary Waters announced a Skill Trade Task Force meeting on May 20, 2026, from 4–6 p.m. at Farwell Recreation Center (2711 Outer Drive East), and recognized Police Week. - Councilmember Letitia Johnson thanked community members for a career day at Wayne Elementary and reminded District 4 residents of a monthly meeting on May 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Impact Church (1284 Elmdale). - Chair McCampbell promoted the Skill Trade Task Force and announced a virtual District 7 meeting on May 19, 2026, featuring the Department of Neighborhoods and the Public Lighting Authority (mid-block lighting program). The meeting adjourned.

The Detroit City Council Internal Operations Committee convened on May 13, 2026, to address a range of items including public comments, public hearings on two ordinance amendments (Chapter 17 Finance and Chapter 45 Telecommunications), interviews for appointments to the Downtown Detroit Development Authority and the Board of Ethics, multiple settlement approvals, and various line items on legal representation and indemnification. The meeting featured extensive public testimony and discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Owner Popper: Criticized the use of Section 1311 of the municipal code for indemnifications, calling it unfair to citizens, and requested clarification on the code section. Also called for an internal investigation into the "dirty dirt" issue. - Legendary Detroiter: Alleged voter fraud involving a 105-year-old voter, Sharon Smith, and accused city officials of cheating in elections. - Betty A. Varner (President, Soda Elsewhere Black Association): Promoted free eye exams and dental care services at 10301 Woodward Avenue and requested waiver of a $1,500 land use hearing fee. - You Matter: Raised concerns about the lack of response from the city, questioned legal services for the multifamily plan, and asked about a lawsuit involving Rico Razo. Also sought clarity on plywood regulations. - Tahira Amad: Questioned soil testing notices from the Construction and Demolition Department and criticized Mayor Mike Duggan for alleged financial harm to Black residents. - William M. Davis: Suggested using AI to review police body cameras to reduce lawsuits, opposed Mayor Duggan, and called for more city resources to remain in Detroit. - Mr. Foster: Supported the invocation and praised council members for their work, urging transparency in interviews. - Sam Sung: Requested compensation for home repairs and appliances lost in a flood, citing an approved community corps passport program. - Call in user one (Ms. Shea): Complained about DDOT buses allowing stolen wheelchairs, drug activity downtown, and Building and Safety retaliation against complainants. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 17 (Finance Article 5, Purchases and Supplies) : Inspector General Ty Green and Deputy Inspector General Jennifer Bentley presented amendments to clarify debarment procedures, including explicit prohibitions on debarred persons working through non-debarred companies or as hidden members of LLCs. The amendments also codify rules for administrative hearings and allow longer debarment for egregious civil offenses (up to 20 years). Council members discussed the maximum debarment period and the ability to stack additional debarments. - Public Hearing – Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 45 (Telecommunications, Direct TV Franchise) : Scott Alexander (Senior Director, External Affairs, DirecTV) presented a ten-year franchise renewal governed by state statute. The agreement provides a 5% franchise fee and 2% PEG fee on gross revenues. Residents questioned whether fees could increase and whether the city could negotiate better terms, but Mr. Alexander stated the percentages are statutory maximums. He also explained PEG channel availability. - Interview – Fred Durhall III (Appointment to Downtown Detroit Development Authority) : Mr. Durhall, Director of State Governmental Affairs for the Mayor's Office, discussed plans to bridge downtown and neighborhood development, focus on small businesses, affordable and market-rate housing, and use of unrestricted DDA funds for neighborhood projects. Council members pressed for more family-friendly amenities, retail (Target, Walmart, bowling alleys), and ferry service. No objections were raised. - Interview – Stacey Clayton (Appointment to Board of Ethics) : Ms. Clayton, a former city staffer with over 30 years of experience, emphasized building community trust and transparency. No questions or objections. - Settlement and Lawsuit – Motor City Law, PLLC vs. City of Detroit: Law Department attorneys Eric Gobel and Graham Anderson explained a complex settlement involving programs to recover unpaid property taxes from non-owner-occupied properties (investors/landlords). The city could receive $5 million initially. Council members questioned the lack of prior council approval and requested that recovered funds be earmarked for retirees and impacted residents. Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett suggested a council resolution could encourage the administration to set aside funds. - Settlements/Legal Representations: Multiple line items for legal representation and indemnification of city employees were approved, with law department clarifying that representation is offered when employees acted in good faith. Line item 11.10 was held back for further review. - HR Compensation Schedule (24-hour shifts for Fire Department) : Jessica Frame (Compensation Manager) explained the new classifications for 24-hour shifts, affecting firefighters who may elect to move from 12-hour shifts. Approved. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approval: Approved without objection. - Ordinance Amendment (Chapter 17) : Moved to formal session with a recommendation to approve. - Ordinance Amendment (Chapter 45 – Direct TV) : Moved to formal session with a recommendation to approve. - Appointment of Fred Durhall III to DDA: Combined with resolution (line items 8 and 11.1) and moved to formal with recommendation to approve. - Appointment of Stacey Clayton to Board of Ethics: Combined with resolution (line items 9 and 11.2) and moved to formal with recommendation to approve. - Settlement – Motor City Law: Moved to formal with recommendation to approve. - Settlement – Trust Street Advisors: Moved to formal with recommendation to approve. - Line items 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 11.10: Brought back in two weeks (or one week for 11.10) for further information. - Line items 11.5 and 11.13: Combined and moved to formal with recommendation to approve. - Line items 11.6-11.12 (excluding 11.10) : Combined and moved to formal with recommendation to approve. - Line item 11.14 (Settlement – Parthhenia Gore): Moved to formal with recommendation to approve. - Line item 11.15 (Settlement – Wesley Bush): Brought back in one week with request for attached settlement information. - Line item 11.16 (HR Compensation Schedule): Moved to formal with recommendation to approve. - Line item 11.17 (Interview scheduling for Land Bank Authority): Received and filed; interview set for June 3, 2026. - Adjournment: Motion passed. Note: The meeting took place on May 13, 2026, as indicated by the transcription timestamp. All dates and times above reflect that date.

The Detroit City Council held its formal session on May 12, 2026, beginning with an invocation and a testimonial resolution for retiring Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) Chair Erica Ward Gerson. Council then heard public comments on housing accessibility, data centers, public safety, and property complaints, followed by discussion and votes on multiple contracts and appointments. Invocation and Presentation - Invocation was delivered by Brother Gary Wagner, Executive Director of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, focusing on food justice and hospitality. - Testimonial Resolution was presented by Councilmember Scott Benson honoring Erica Ward Gerson for her 12 years as DLBA Board Chair. Highlights: oversaw restoration of 13,000+ vacant homes, productive use of 30,000+ vacant lots, homeownership opportunities for 6,000+ Detroiters, and generation of $2 billion in value for Detroit homeowners. Public Comments & Testimony - Dessa Cosma (Detroit Disability Power) urged that Mayor Sheffield's Thousand Homes Initiative include accessible housing for the 100,000+ adult Detroiters with mobility disabilities. - Betty Lyons complained about $600 million allegedly stolen from residents and criticized attorney Fink's office in Bloomfield Hills. Praised Councilmember Callaway for questions. - Cunningham advocated for rider input on D-DOT, handing out bus passes and urging better on-time performance and route frequency. - Dante Smith raised concerns about Cronos Concrete and the Maroon family purchasing industrial property in District 3, warning about dust and zoning issues. - Josh Mann opposed the Flock surveillance system, citing privacy concerns and ties to Peter Thiel; warned about future in-car monitoring. - Adrian Times reported retaliatory treatment at 375 W Grand Boulevard after a city inspection; requested FBI investigation into building management. - Terry Jones alleged his home was stolen through improper legal proceedings and asked for federal investigation. - Eden Bloom (Detroit People's Platform) asked that the data center working group be elevated to a formal task force with public notice and accessible records. - Casey Peller (Detroit Disability Power) supported contract 600717 (KMA Associates) for an accessibility audit; urged disability inclusion in the Thousand Homes Initiative. - Betty Varner (Soda Elsewhere Black Association) promoted Local 68 apprenticeship program and urged removal of income requirements for home accessibility programs. - Julian Gonzalez (Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation) called for balanced public safety investments, emphasizing CVI programs alongside technology like ShotSpotter. - Darren McGleskey criticized the city’s solar takings as similar to Black Bottom slum clearance; alleged the city spent $2.8 million decommissioning a site that still stands. - Pamela Walker Dawson (75-year-old homeowner) supported a formal data center task force for transparency. - Multiple callers raised issues with data center development, housing conditions, bus service, and the need for cleaner streets. Discussion Items - Data Center Working Group (Councilmember Benson) – He clarified that the working group is developing zoning regulations; four subcommittees are meeting; the goal is to have recommendations to the planning commission by late June. Benson stated the threat is having no regulation, not regulation itself. - Land Bank Board Appointment (Line 17.7) – Council debated appointing Javont Glenn to represent council on the DLBA for the remaining six weeks of the term (through June 30). Councilmember Miller motioned to approve Glenn for that term while collecting resumes for the new four-year term starting July 1. Motion passed over objection (member Santiago-Romero recorded objection but resolution approved). - Accessibility Audit Contract (Line 18.1) – Councilmember Callaway objected, citing concerns about compliance backlog; HRD staff said 21 of 55 HUD projects are past due for inspection, but they are not seven years behind. Objection was maintained, waiver denied. - Ambulance Contracts (Lines 20.3-20.5) – Three emergency ambulance coverage contracts (totaling over $4.5 million) were postponed one week after debate over the need for a longer-term plan to bring EMS in-house and increase Detroit firefighter residency. Council also requested a concrete framework from the fire department. - Fink Law Firm Contract (Line 17.3) – Amendment 16 with Fink Bresack (total $6.37 million) for legal services, including Herman Kiefer litigation. Councilmember Callaway requested quarterly reports; Councilmember Santiago-Romero questioned why a new RFP was not issued. Contract was approved with objections from Callaway and Santiago-Romero. Key Outcomes - Testimonial Resolution presented to Erica Ward Gerson, unanimously recognized. - Data Center Working Group – Council took no formal action; working group continues with goal to write zoning regulations by year-end. - Land Bank Board Appointment (Line 17.7) – Javont Glenn appointed for the remainder of the term through June 30, 2026. A full process for the new term (starting July 1) will proceed with candidate names due by May 18. - Accessibility Audit (Line 18.1) – Contract with KMA Associates ($207,800) was approved despite objection from Callaway; waiver was denied. - Ambulance Contracts (Lines 20.3-20.5) – Postponed one week; council requested a concrete framework from the fire department on the transition to in-house EMS and increased Detroit residency. - Fink Law Contract (Line 17.3) – Approved; council requested quarterly reports. Objections noted. - Other Approvals: - Deferred compensation contract (Line 16.1) approved. - Planning Commission resolutions (Lines 16.2-16.3) approved. - Internal operations contracts (Lines 17.1-17.2, 17.4-17.6) approved. - HRD contracts (Lines 18.2-18.3) for shelter services approved. - Fire department ambulance contracts (Lines 20.3-20.5) postponed. - DDOT Safety Plan (Line 10.6 moved to new business) approved. - Event resolution (Line 20.1) approved with councilmember Santiago-Romero's query on parking coordination. - Meeting Adjourned at approximately 1:45 PM.