Public Meetings - Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Grand Rapids City Commission Committee of the Whole met on July 29, 2025, to address a range of items including rescheduling a planned retreat, governance changes to the Land Bank Authority, a discussion of the city’s ethics policy, a comprehensive update from the Grand Rapids Police Department, and approval of a new collective bargaining agreement with the firefighters’ union. The meeting also included a closed session for collective bargaining and legal consultation. Consent Calendar - Resolution rescheduling the November 11 planned meeting/retreat to November 13, 2025 – Approved unanimously by voice vote. - Resolution approving the mayor and all commissioners to attend the 2025 Michigan Municipal League (MML) convention in Grand Rapids – Approved unanimously by voice vote. Discussion Items - Governance of the Grand Rapids Land Bank Authority Board – Staff provided an update on the governance change, noting that the intergovernmental agreement with the state had been modified to transfer property control to the local land bank. The item required the formal rescission of the Brownfield Authority Board as the governing board. Commissioner Belchek expressed opposition, stating that while she agreed with most of the appointees, she believed the board still needed another minority female and that she had requested to serve on the committee due to her lived experience and community work. The motion carried with a voice vote; the commissioner voted no. - Ethics Policy (Commission Policy 100-06) – Conflicts of Interest and Ethical Standards of Conduct – Deputy City Attorney Strong led a discussion on the existing policy, noting that it has been in place since 2016 and aligns with state law. Mayor LeGrand advocated for enhanced financial disclosure, arguing that the public should know the sources of commissioners’ income to detect potential conflicts of interest. He cited his own business interests (e.g., Long Road Distillers) and criticized the state’s financial disclosure law for exempting spouses. Commissioners generally supported public disclosure of income sources but not necessarily dollar amounts. Commissioner Kilgar suggested including debt disclosure (excluding medical debt). Commissioner Purdue raised concerns about business partners benefiting from public service. Commissioners agreed to have staff benchmark other municipalities and bring back a menu of options for improving the policy, including the disclosure form. - Grand Rapids Police Department Progress Update – Chief Eric Winstrom and a large team of command staff presented a timeline of progress since 2022, highlighting key reforms: civilianization of roles, co-response team expansion, drone program, new body-worn cameras and tasers, virtual reality training, CalEA accreditation, community engagement programs, and a focus on cultural competency. The chief noted that calls for service exceed 300 per day (80,000–100,000 annually) and that staffing had dropped to a low of 261 officers before his tenure but is projected to exceed 300 in the coming months. Commissioners praised the department’s efforts, with Commissioner Kilgar asking about the LGBTQ+ liaison and cultural competency training. Commissioner Purdue inquired about officers living in the city (estimated 25–30%) and the potential for non-police crisis response. Mayor LeGrand discussed incentives for officers to live in the city and the importance of community policing. The chief expressed interest in adding five to ten community officers as early as fall 2025, pending commission support. Key Outcomes - Approved the Land Bank governance change (motion carried, one commissioner opposed). - Approved the collective bargaining agreement with the firefighters’ union (IAFF Local 366) for July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028 – The agreement includes an 11% wage increase over three years, a reduction in the work week from 52.88 to 50.4 hours effective January 2028, and an increase in retiree health care savings account contributions to $2,750 annually (up $500). The union had already ratified the tentative agreement. - Approved the ordinance adjusting salaries for certain classified titles in the GR union to adopt annual ranges, implementing the wage increases from the fire contract. Budget amendments will be brought forward in August or September. - Directed staff to research and present options for improving the ethics policy and financial disclosure form, including public disclosure of income sources, debt, and gift thresholds, with a focus on both elected and appointed officials. - The commission moved into closed session for collective bargaining and legal consultation, then reconvened to take public action on the firefighter contract and salary ordinance.

The Committee on Appointments met on July 29, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., to consider mayoral appointments to the Grand Rapids Land Bank Authority, confirm the street administrator, and discuss board and commission vacancies. The meeting adjourned at 8:14 a.m. Discussion Items - Land Bank Authority Appointments: Six mayoral appointments were considered: David Legrand, Eric Brown, Guillermo Cesarnos, Kurt Repart, Chris Spaulding, and Randy Thielen. A commissioner moved to postpone all appointments, citing the absence of a seventh promised member (Tammy Vandenberg, not yet vetted), lack of gender and racial diversity (only one female appointee, no Black or brown women), and a desire to see the full slate. The Chair noted that Ms. Vandenberg, a housing advocate from Wellhouse, is expected to be added at the next meeting. Commissioner Robbins expressed comfort proceeding with the six appointments to keep the process moving. After discussion, the commissioner who made the postponement motion agreed to support the six appointments, asking the mayor to reconsider the final slot for diversity. All six resolutions passed unanimously. - Street Administrator Appointment: The city commission approved the appointment of John Gourney as street administrator, a formality required by MDOT. The resolution passed unanimously. - Board and Commission Vacancies: Ms. Bosker reported that few changes have occurred since the last meeting. She is awaiting recommendations from the Community Relations Commission and is compiling packets for the mayor. Attendance issues were discussed, with liaisons asked to report any concerns. The Civilian Board of Appeals was highlighted as a board needing strong community representation. Key Outcomes - All six Land Bank Authority appointments were confirmed unanimously (no recorded opposition). - John Gourney was confirmed as street administrator. - The committee will revisit the seventh Land Bank Authority appointment (Tammy Vandenberg) once vetting is complete. - Continued efforts to fill board vacancies and improve attendance were noted.

The Grand Rapids City Commission met on July 15, 2025, to address a consent agenda, two public hearings, three resolutions (including a Brownfield plan, an opioid settlement, and a litigation contract), and extensive public comment on police-community trust, affordable housing, and the proposed Umatilla Street commemorative renaming. Commissioners also discussed the climate action plan, upcoming Commission Night Out, and responded to allegations regarding city management. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from previous meeting. - Petitions and communications received and filed, including resignations from the Community Relations Commission, a police and fire retirement system actuarial evaluation, and multiple public communications on various topics (park name change, potholes, Umatilla Street, climate action, and charter violation allegations). - Reports of city officers: Comptroller's warrant report for May–June 2025 ($116,059,636.15) and Treasurer's report for May 28–June 30, 2025, both received and filed. - Consent agenda (items that passed committee unanimously) approved by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Mark (public comment on agenda): Expressed concern about the Grand Rapids Police Department recruit class paying up to $99,258 for academy training, questioning who the instructors would be and warning against any association with hate groups or rogue policing. - Tony Foster: Requested that the city reinstall a sign honoring his mother, Mary Freeman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, after the city removed it despite prior permission. He stated the former police chief admired her work. - D Jones (public comment): Described an assault on his brother outside the DeVos hotel and called for police accountability and community sympathy. - John Lorax: Criticized the city for spending on a soccer stadium and not addressing flooding on his street, accused the mayor and city manager of neglecting poor residents, and called for justice in police-related cases. - Terry Freeman Battle: Expressed support for the current police chief, saying he has earned her trust. - Multiple speakers (name not always clear): Spoke about the incident involving Victor Williams and Ned Andre in the Boston Square neighborhood, calling for charges to be dropped. Speakers included Robert Womack, Wesley Watson, Sine Gan Jordan, and others. They argued that the police used excessive force, that the two men were merely filming police, and that the charges threaten community trust. Some referenced the 2023 police shooting of Patrick Leoya and a hung jury. - Ivan Diaz: Urged faster action on the climate adaptation plan, called for housing affordable to households making under $70,000/year (not $2,000/month rent), and demanded charges be dropped against Victor Williams and Ned Andre, citing his own experience of being pepper-sprayed while recording police. - Mark (second public comment): Criticized national politics and the administration. - Robert Womack (first public comment later): Thanked city manager for youth program, commended mayor and police chief for community meetings, and reiterated request to drop charges, warning that community would meet the city in court. - Brian Cody: Submitted a letter advocating for review of the 2014 short-term rental ordinance. He stated that in 2024, short-term rentals supported 281 jobs and generated $21.7 million in economic activity, including $5.7 million in tax revenue, but only about three dozen of 500+ Airbnb listings are licensed. He argued that fears of noise and crime have not materialized and that updating the ordinance aligns with the new master plan. - Sine Gan Jordan: Called for culture change in policing, referenced police entering her home, and asked that the city committee applications be processed. Also supported the climate action plan (CAP). - Shannon Tannis: Raised concerns about Grand Rapids Public Schools properties (Stocking Elementary and Alexander) being held vacant by the city in possible violation of state law. Also alleged incompetence by city manager and mayor, and called for a recall. Discussion Items - Umatilla Street Commemorative Designation: Commissioner Yasasi reported that the Community Development Committee did not vote on this item. Instead, they discussed alternative ways to honor victims of gun violence, such as a mayoral proclamation during Gun Violence Prevention Month (June), while keeping the street name as is. No motion was made on the resolution; it failed for lack of action. - Robinson Flats Brownfield Plan Amendment (Public Hearing): The project at 1407–1417 Robinson SE will demolish existing structures and build a 4-story mixed-use building with 24 apartments (all at less than 100% AMI) and three commercial spaces. Total project cost: $8.2 million. Commissioner Belchuk asked about rent amounts: one-bedroom units projected at $1,750, two-bedrooms at $2,050, three-bedrooms at $2,500. Renters would need incomes of $70,500–$100,700 (2024 AMI data). Public commenters (Tony Foster, Mark, Commissioner Robbins, Martha Cooper, Shannon Tannis) criticized these rents as unaffordable for low-income residents, noting the city is thousands of units behind. Commissioner Robbins noted a new county loan program. After the hearing, the commission suspended rules and approved the resolution. - Opioid Litigation Settlement: Commissioner Robbins presented a resolution authorizing participation in a partial national settlement with Sandas Inc. (opioid manufacturer). The city would receive a one-time payment of $261,659 earmarked for treatment, prevention, and abatement. Commissioners noted this fills a gap in federal investments this year. Approved. - Expert Case Evaluation Contract (Hodges v. Grand Rapids): City attorney's office sought up to $35,000 for expert case assessment and witness services in a 2023 federal lawsuit. Commissioner Knight provided background. Approved. - Climate Action Plan (CAP): Commissioner Purdue announced that after months of delay, a majority opinion today will bring the CAP before the commission for adoption in August. Several public commenters urged speed on the plan. - Short-Term Rentals: Commissioner Bouch asked city manager about a review of the short-term rental ordinance. City manager responded that the legislative committee will discuss local control and preemption on July 29. - Police Accountability and Trust: Multiple commissioners (Kilgore, Purdue, Yasasi, Bouch, Mayor) addressed concerns. Commissioner Purdue expressed disappointment that city leadership made premature statements about the Boston Square incident before investigations were complete, and called for consistency. City attorney clarified that the commission cannot mandate charges be dropped because the matter is in court; doing so could constitute obstruction. City manager noted two complaints (one to Office of Public Accountability, one to internal affairs) are pending, and encouraged attendance at the July 29 public safety committee meeting where police chief will discuss initiatives since 2022 and community-informed training. - City Management Controversy: City manager responded to allegations in a media interview by the city controller regarding a $500 sponsorship in 2021 and a reorganization of fiscal services. He stated the sponsorship was appropriate and investigated, the reorganization was for efficiency, and he was not aware of any complaint to state police until reading about it. He asserted the allegations are false and called them slanderous. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved. - Umatilla Street commemorative designation failed due to lack of motion. - Robinson Flats Brownfield plan amendment approved (after suspension of rules, voice vote with one nays? Not specified; apparently passed). - Opioid settlement resolution approved (voice vote). - Force Science contract approved (voice vote). - Climate Action Plan to be considered for adoption in August 2025. - Short-term rental ordinance review to be discussed at legislative committee on July 29. - Public Safety Committee will meet on July 29 at 12:30 p.m. (tentative) before Commission Night Out at Gerald Ford Academic Center (5:00 p.m. doors, 5:30 dinner, 7:00 p.m. meeting). - Mayor's Monday meetings continue; next commissioner coffee hour July 26 at Lincoln Park with Commissioner Bouch. - City clerk clarified redistricting cards were mailed and absentee voting continues.

The Grand Rapids City Commission met on July 15, 2025, to discuss and vote on several resolutions, including approvals for social districts, tax abatements, and an MOU with Canal Street Brewing. The commission also deliberated on a zoning ordinance amendment, a closed session for pending litigation, and received updates on the climate adaptation plan and facilities master plan. Key decisions included postponing a meeting date, setting a hearing for ordinance changes, and failing to reach consensus on adopting the climate plan. Consent Calendar - Resolution recommending approval of a social district under PA 12 of 2020 for Grandville L C at 15 Ionia. Passed unanimously. - Resolution scheduling the November 11 city commission meeting to November 13. Postponed to the July 29 meeting after a motion by the mayor to allow more time for calendar checks. - Resolution for a 12-year Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) for ICCF's project at 2017 Eastern Avenue, adding 15 residential units and continuing a U.S. Postal Service location. Passed unanimously. - Resolution for a 12-year OPRA for Chivas Scott's project at 1032 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, activating five new residential units and two commercial spaces. Passed unanimously. - Resolution for an amended MOU with Canal Street Brewing (formerly Founders) for a three-year agreement to accept concentrated waste at off-peak hours, with rates set through the rate study. Passed unanimously. Discussion Items - Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Lot and Yard Requirements): The commission discussed a resolution to set a July 29 hearing for adopting amendments recommended by the Planning Commission. The amendments would allow administrative departures (staff-level variances) for basement egress windows and front yard parking instead of the current variance process. Commissioners raised concerns about the clarity of criteria, particularly the phrase "no other feasible location is practical" (subpoint 1). The mayor suggested removing subpoint 1, while the planning director noted that the city commission could amend the language at adoption. The resolution to set the hearing date passed unanimously. - Climate Adaptation Plan (CAP) Update: Chief Sustainability Officer Annabelle Wilkinson presented an update on the CAP, which aims for 62.8% per capita greenhouse gas reduction by 2030 and 100% by 2050. She outlined three options: (1) adopt the plan with 14 prioritized actions (from the May 13 workshop) and 6 staff-recommended actions, (2) adopt only the 20 priorities, or (3) adopt the plan after a 3-month implementation analysis. Commissioners expressed varying views: Commissioner Kilgore supported option 1 but wanted to incorporate community input on the final six priorities; Commissioner Purdue strongly supported option 1, arguing the plan is ready; Commissioner Robbins preferred option 3 to understand financial impacts; Commissioner Asassi leaned toward option 1 but wanted more clarity on the six staff recommendations; Commissioner Knight supported option 3; Commissioner Belcher leaned toward option 3; and the mayor supported option 3, wanting clearer separation of city vs. community actions. A poll showed 4 commissioners (Kilgore, Knight, Purdue, Asassi) favored option 1, and 3 (Robbins, Belcher, Mayor) favored option 3. No consensus was reached; the city manager will bring the item back for further discussion on July 29. - Facilities Master Plan and Calder Plaza Update: City Engineer Mr. Berkman presented an overview of the facilities master plan, including a $280 million investment in recent projects, and proposed three preliminary design studies: renovation of City Hall (300 Monroe), a new community resource center (one-stop shop for permits), and co-location of Environmental Services and Water at the Water Resource Recovery Facility. The studies would cost about $600,000 total, requiring a budget amendment. The Calder Plaza deck replacement is overdue, with construction planned for 2026-2027. Enhancements under consideration include more green space, shade, and improved access to Monroe Avenue. No funding source has been identified for the enhancements. Commissioners asked about the timeline and ensuring the plaza remains functional for large events. No vote was taken. - Closed Session: The commission unanimously voted (roll call) to move into closed session immediately after the public hearing for consideration of pending litigation. Key Outcomes - Resolution to postpone November meeting: Postponed to July 29 meeting for further discussion. Passed unanimously. - Resolution setting hearing date for zoning ordinance amendment: Set for July 29. Passed unanimously. - Climate adaptation plan: No decision reached. Staff will continue discussions and seek input from community partners. The item will return on July 29. - Facilities master plan and Calder Plaza: No action taken; further updates expected at future meetings.