Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting – July 21, 2025

On Monday, July 21, 2025, the Detroit City Council’s Public Health and Safety Standing Committee convened at 10:00 AM (ET) to discuss a curfew ordinance amendment, approve multiple contracts, and hear public comment. The meeting was chaired by Councilmember Gabriela Santiago‑Romero, with members Scott Benson, Mary Waters, and others present. The committee voted to advance a controversial curfew fine increase to a public hearing, approved several infrastructure and blight‑related contracts, and received updates on community programs.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The committee approved the minutes from the previous session without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Caller (East Side resident): Expressed frustration over lack of cleanup from film pollution, inadequate home repair grants, and feeling neglected by the city. Called for more resources for the east side.
• William Davis: Questioned whether blight patrol would negatively affect police response times; urged stronger water affordability policies and better compensation from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA).
• Betty A. Barner (President, Sola Else War Black Association): Requested donations for landscaping boulders after a stolen fence, promoted a Rise Detroit event on August 2, 2025, and sought volunteers for haircuts, school supplies, and bike giveaways.
• Caller (Not That Karen): Advocated for property tax credits for over‑taxed homeowners, criticized the city’s handling of land bank homes, and urged council members to be more respectful to constituents.
• Marguerite Scarlett Maddox: Raised concerns about child safety, youth violence, and the need for community involvement. Also noted sidewalk repair issues in District 6.
• Ron Foster (in person): Called for re‑evaluation of police tactics, better funding for crime prevention, and accountability for civil rights violations. Mentioned recent shootings of children.
• Caller (#124): Criticized the city’s use of eminent domain for solar farms without proper due diligence, questioned the handling of contaminated dirt, and demanded investigation into “dirty dirt” from Northland Mall.
• Malik Shelton (District 3): Demanded audits of ARPA funds, urged the city to declare a housing emergency, and argued that billions in municipal bonds should have been used for affordable housing.
• Cecily McClellan (retiree): Supported House Bill 455 (water affordability), criticized the Detroit Lifeline Program’s closure, and noted that 40% of Easy Pay participants fail to maintain payments. Called for renegotiation of the GLWA agreement.
• Renard Roski (District 6, daily bus rider): Highlighted safety and health concerns at transit centers due to metal detectors, aggressive security contractors, and lack of cooling/warming centers. Asked for city‑staffed transit centers.
• Sheila Gunn: Supported a curfew for teenagers, raised concerns about dead trees on Finlon, Conley, and Keystone (health hazard), and reported an unboarded school with illegal activity.
• Carolyn Hughes: Agreed with previous callers about district disparities, criticized council for prioritizing business over residents, and questioned the particulate matter impact of speed humps.
• Beatrice May Ramsey: Supported the curfew as a tool to protect minors and reduce crime, but cautioned about potential negative interactions with police and costly violations for parents.
• Caller (Roo): Accused council and the elections department of lying about a voter fraud report; claimed reports were not distributed as stated.
• Miko A. Williams: Opposed the curfew, arguing it criminalizes homeless youth and lacks support programs. Criticized Councilmember Santiago‑Romero for disrespecting a senior constituent and called for cultural sensitivity training.

Discussion Items

• Curfew Ordinance Amendment (6.11): The committee considered a proposal to increase fines for parental responsibility violations under the existing curfew ordinance. Chief Todd Edison (DPD) stated the fine had not been raised in 37 years and that the goal was to get parents’ attention, not to criminalize youth. He cited a July 4 weekend where six juveniles were shot, four of whom were out after curfew. Since increased enforcement began, 81 curfew violations and 44 parental responsibility tickets had been issued, with 25 tickets to non‑Detroit residents. Edison noted a decrease in teen violence since the press conference.

  • Councilmember Benson asked about data proving curfew effectiveness, the definition of “delinquent act,” and the lack of positive alternatives (carrot vs. stick). He suggested extending Grow Detroit Young Talent earlier and exploring later recreation center hours. Director Crystal Perkins (GSD) outlined existing programs (sports, STEM, literacy) but noted most rec centers close at 9 PM. She agreed to study the cost of extended hours, possibly midnight or 2 AM.
  • Councilmember Waters supported the curfew but also backed midnight recreation centers. She asked about gas station late‑night hours and the “Scared Straight” program, which Chief Edison said was abandoned due to ineffectiveness. The committee discussed the potential for requiring community service or court‑approved treatment programs for parents (e.g., parenting skills, employment training).
  • Councilmember Santiago‑Romero expressed concern about fines falling on parents who may be overburdened and suggested holding young people accountable through volunteerism or workshops. She voted against sending the item to formal, but did not object to the majority.
  • The law department confirmed that the ordinance applies to any “responsible adult” (21+) and that discretion exists in prosecution (city prosecutors, 36th District Court). No formal partnership with the court had been established yet.

• Other Agenda Items:

  • 5.1 (Blight Patrol): Held for one week pending law department review.
  • 5.2 (Blight Violations Memo): Held for one week; answer expected by Friday.
  • 5.3 (Business Licensing Ordinance): Received and filed after draft was shared with Councilmember Waters’ office.
  • 6.1‑6.2 (Construction/Demolition Contracts): Approved and sent to formal; 6.1 is a $200,001 contract extension for field inspection services; 6.2 extends time (no cost change) for a new EMS annex design.
  • 6.3 (Removed): Prematurely submitted.
  • 6.4‑6.8 (Basement Backup Protection Program): Five contract amendments approved and sent to formal. Kim Callaway (DWSD) reported 800 homes completed, with 300 more in District 4 and a list for District 1 awaiting funding. Participants have been waiting four years.
  • 6.9 (Mount Elliott & Conant Street Reconstruction): $10.25 million grant‑funded project (Phase 1 of three) to reconstruct Mount Elliott from I‑94 service drive to Hamtramck city limits. Includes sidewalk work, no bike lanes. Richard Doherty (City Engineer) explained the project supports GM’s Factory Zero and will improve truck routing. Approved and sent to formal.
  • 6.10 (Holden Bridge Retaining Wall): $2.01 million project to replace failing retaining walls under the railroad viaduct on Holden, currently closed to traffic and pedestrians. Approved and sent to formal.
  • 6.12‑6.13 (Encroachments): 6.12 (GLWA electrical upgrade) and 6.13 (GEM garage digital sign) approved and sent to formal.
  • 6.14 (Senior Wellness Checks Memo): Held for one week.
  • 6.15 (Resolution Supporting State Water Affordability Bills): Approved and sent to formal.

Key Outcomes

• Curfew Ordinance (6.11): The committee voted to send the amendment to the full council for introduction and setting of a public hearing, with Councilmember Santiago‑Romero objecting (but not blocking). The amendment would increase fines for parental responsibility and require court‑approved programs for repeat violations. Councilmembers requested data on curfew effectiveness and a study on extended recreation center hours before the public hearing.
• Contracts and Resolutions: All contracts and resolutions were approved or sent to formal with unanimous or near‑unanimous support, except 6.3 (removed) and items held for further review.
• Next Steps: The curfew ordinance will be formally introduced at the next council meeting; a public hearing date will be set. The law department will coordinate with 36th District Court on implementation. The administration will study the cost of keeping recreation centers open until midnight or 2 AM. DWSD will proceed with basement backup contracts. The city engineer will continue design and construction on Mount Elliott and Holden projects.