OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Detroit City Council Formal Session – July 22, 2025: Awards, Truck Ordinance, Homeless Services, and Curfew

City CouncilTuesday, July 22, 2025
BodyDetroit, Michigan
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, July 22, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record

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Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

The third councilmember Letitia Johnson present Councilmember Gabby Let's Santa Jaco Remero Present Councilmember Mary Walters present Councilmember and Slawfield Cutterway Councilman McCollemon the second here Council President for Tim James Tate and Council President Mary Sheffield President You have a quantum present Madam President Okay and we will start off with our invitation uh we have joining us Pastor Yvette Griffin Good morning Good morning This is today that the Lord has made and we shall rejoice and be glad in it what a mighty God we serve please bow your heads as we pray oh Lord our God how excellent is thy name eternal Father of heaven and earth who says high and looks low we're asking you to invoke your spirit into the city of Detroit in the state of Michigan invoke your spirit all around our city throughout the neighborhoods into this city council meeting through our council president Sheffield all of our council leaders that represent your people invoke your spirit lord into the churches that are opened up in your name touch all residents the police department fire department city departments go through the neighborhoods lord and touch our people our businesses schools help our children our grandchildren and their parents they're being targeted they're being attacked Lord that no weapon formed against them shall prosper help us lord we need you on today we thank you God for this opportunity for our leaders to serve the people of Detroit we ask for wisdom and guidance to crown their heads as they discuss and decide on matters that will affect our city grant us the ability for them to listen to each other's perspectives with compassion respect and understanding with love for you lord love for our neighbors bless our leaders their families and all who are affected by their decisions we also pray for those who are struggling in our city offering them hope comfort and love and we thank you Lord in your name we ask for all of these blessings amen amen right thank you so much Reverend Dr.

2:45

Griffin of Pilgrim Baptist Church for joining us for that invocation we truly appreciate you and God bless you thank you so much all right we will start off with we have two presentations this morning after the first presentation by councilmember young we will cut off our public comment um and so the perk would note also we've been joined by pro tim Tate and I will now yield the floor to member young thank you uh mad president um there's a great quote that I was told once it says that boys look to be served but men look to be of service and I can't find a better person who embodies that spirit than the person who I'm about to present this spirit of the Trait award to the significantly important and tremendously valuable Pierre Hatton everybody Pierre Hatton is a proud native son of Detroit and he is first and foremost a loving husband and devoted father as president of the historic Boston Edison Association he is best described by his fellow directors as selfless hardworking and resolute committed and effective and an effective change maker who strives to improve the quality of life of all Boston as in residents of the overnight hybrid historic homes in the heart of the city Detroit of which he resides his community involvement is evidenced in the actions words and deeds of his active participation in implementing the HBEA goals offering programs that support safety community engagement and beautification that's the first one second one hosting events that encourage greater community bond among neighbors and third promoting cultural and civic engagement for residents that live within the Boston Edison Historic District and beyond let us congratulate Mr.

5:00

The second one, hosting events that encourage greater community bond among neighbors, and third, promoting cultural and civic engagement for residents that live within the Boston Edison Historic District and beyond.

5:09

Let us congratulate Mr.

5:10

Pierre Haddon because he also received the United States President's Lifetime Service Award on Sunday, April 14th, 2024.

5:22

Yeah.

5:30

Which was presented by the Bridging the Gaps Community and Family Development Centers.

5:35

A 50 501 C3 nonprofit organization serving the Metro Detroit regions, which is committed to community development and restoration.

5:47

They believe communities, cities, and counties are enhanced where there is involvement by productive youth, families, and businesses.

5:57

Their programs are focused on providing tools that strictly families, educate youth and adults while providing employment, housing, food, and other resources.

6:09

Thank you, Mr.

6:10

Head.

6:11

Let's get another round of applause, please.

6:20

So it is my honor and privilege to present this expression of gratitude and esteem of the people of Detroit to significantly important and tremendously viable Pierre Haddon, president of the Boston Historic, Historic Boston Edison Association.

6:43

President Pierre Haddon is indeed a hero for the people of Detroit.

6:47

You are an honored asset to our great city of Detroit.

6:50

We thank you and are eternally grateful for your tireless efforts, exceptional achievement, outstanding leadership, and dedicated devotion that lifts the spirits and fills the hearts of the people of Detroit, Michigan, and America.

7:04

So the honorable Coleman A.M.

7:06

the second, Detroit City Councilman at large, number one, with the entire honorable city council of Detroit, Michigan.

7:13

I'm proud and humbled and honored to present this spirit of Detroit Award year and everybody.

7:31

Speak right to the microphone.

7:32

Microphone, please.

7:33

We're right there, sir.

7:34

You gotta push it to the transparency.

7:40

Thank you, Councilman Young.

7:42

Thank you to this amazing body of government.

7:45

Thank you to Mrs.

7:46

Calvert for a simple 15-minute conversation, transpired into something more organic.

7:54

My daughters do send a big hug to you as well.

8:02

It gives me purpose and gives me the energy to do what I do for each other.

8:08

So thank you, sweetheart.

8:11

And I do want to thank our great board and our great residents of the historic Boston Edison Association and all of our historic districts and our historic communities throughout this city.

8:28

Because as we've been preaching, this year is going to be the most pivotal election cycle we ever witnessed in the history of this city.

8:39

And we will elect a new city council, a new mayor.

8:44

And I just want to make sure all of our bodies of government make sure we don't forget our block clubs, neighborhoods, and our communities, because without that, we don't have a city.

9:09

That branch cannot do the work without this body.

9:12

And I think at times this body does not get recognized for the great work that you guys have done.

9:18

So thank you as well.

9:20

Thank you.

9:24

Anybody else have just been around?

9:25

Yeah, I just want to say to Pierre as the District 5 representative of Boston Edison for the last 12 years, and I've worked with other presidents and um all have been phenomenal, but working with you has just been absolutely amazing.

9:37

You are truly a leader.

9:39

Um, outside for just being a huge advocate for the Boston area, Boston Edison community.

9:44

You've also put together historic districts throughout the entire city uh to come together to advocate to preserve our historical uh culture here in the city of Detroit.

9:53

So congratulations, well deserved, and I'm looking forward to the continued leadership that you will continue to provide here in the city of Detroit.

10:02

Not just for the historic Boston Edison district, but for all of our neighborhoods and historic districts in Detroit.

10:07

Well deserved, sir.

10:10

Yes.

10:24

Answering questions.

10:25

Giving advice to other historic communities.

10:28

And I just want to say thank you so much for getting out there and working tirelessly on behalf of the city.

10:36

Appreciate you, Pierre.

10:37

Love you, and thank you.

10:43

Yes, member Callaway.

10:44

Yeah, thank you.

10:45

It was a pleasure to meet you not so long ago in the Boston Edison um district.

10:50

And thank you for all that you do.

10:51

You are working with areas in my district, Sherwood Forest, um, for example, in the University of Detroit um district.

10:58

And I know that you all partner on a lot of things.

11:01

And um when I drove down um, I think it was Chicago and I saw the banners on your polls.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Homelessness███████████████████19%
Procedural██████████████14%
Public Comment████████████12%
Public Safety███████████11%
Contract Management█████████9%
Public Health███████7%
Community Engagement██████6%
Transportation██2%
Transportation Safety██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Detroit City Council Formal Session – July 22, 2025

The Detroit City Council met on July 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (session started after invocation) for a formal session. The meeting included two presentations, public comment, and approval of numerous resolutions. Key topics included a Spirit of Detroit Award, a presentation on truck traffic and pollution, a contract for after‑hours homeless outreach, and introduction of a curfew ordinance with increased fines.

Presentations

  • Spirit of Detroit Award to Pierre Hatton – Councilmember Young presented the award to Pierre Hatton, president of the Boston Edison Association, for his community service and leadership. Multiple council members praised his work.
  • Trucks Off Our Streets Coalition – Simone (Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition), Jeff Jones (Hope Village CDC), Dr. Toby Lewis (pediatric pulmonologist, U‑M), and Dr. Natalie Sampson (public health, U‑M) presented on the health and safety impacts of truck traffic on residential streets. They highlighted that 1,000 trucks per day travel on Livernois Street, that Detroit has 16% childhood asthma (double the national rate), and that the city is out of attainment for particulate matter. They called for enforcement of existing laws and a strong truck route ordinance. Councilmember Santiago Romaro stated a truck route ordinance is expected to be voted on this fall.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Michelle Thurman (Garden View Estates tenant) complained of retaliation and harassment after settling a landlord‑tenant case.
  • Betty Lyons criticized Councilmember Santiago Romaro’s perceived power and the handling of senior issues.
  • Ann Goulet (architect) criticized the administration’s property development decisions and asked the council to stop sale of public properties.
  • Kenneth Holloway (east side resident) said the $15,000 grant from Chrysler was inadequate for the health impacts of pollution.
  • Malik Shelton urged the council to declare a health emergency, noting Detroit’s poor health rankings and lack of a health advisory commission.
  • Ramon Jackson complained about ballot irregularities and lack of representation.
  • Emily Ambeck (Southwest Detroit) urged quick action on the truck route ordinance.
  • James Garden alleged police misconduct and prosecutorial misconduct.
  • Cunningham (community advocate) thanked Councilmembers Johnson and Callaway for help.
  • Shirley Miller complained about DDOT bus driver rudeness.
  • Melissa Love alleged voter fraud and corruption.
  • Demetria Kins and Christian Gary (SEIU) expressed concern about janitors at the Renaissance Center facing displacement due to renovations.
  • Barbara Logan complained about overassessment of property taxes.
  • Richard Noto praised the council for positive work.
  • Charles Cousin urged the council to address poverty and create same‑day work programs.
  • Renita Moore complained about conditions at a child care center (Cash Community).
  • Dante Smith criticized Councilmember Benson’s handling of a conflict facility and thanked Councilmembers Sheffield and Santiago Romaro.
  • Virtual callers included support for Willie Burton for District 5, concerns about pension disparities, and many comments on truck traffic and health.

Discussion Items

  • Motor City Mission Contract (Line 19.1) – A $767,000 contract for after‑hours homeless outreach (6 p.m.–8 a.m. weekdays, 24 hours weekends/holidays). Councilmembers Waters and Callaway expressed concerns about the organization’s board composition, wages ($15–$17/hour), and the effectiveness of the program. After discussion, the contract was approved with objections from Waters and Callaway.
  • Curfew Ordinance (Line 21.14) – Introduced by Councilmember Young. The ordinance increases fines for parents whose children violate curfew (first offense $250, second $500, with possible probation and parenting programs). Councilmembers Tate, Santiago Romaro, and others raised questions about available diversion programs and wraparound services. The chief of police assured the council that programs would be developed. A public hearing was set for July 28, 2025, and the ordinance was approved on a 5‑day waiver.
  • 19.5 – Consolidated Plan Amendment – Postponed back to committee after discussion.
  • 19.7 – Land Bank resolution – Initially objected to by Councilmember Waters, but after reconsideration, she changed her vote to yes.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved Consent Calendar – Journal of July 8; referrals to standing committees.
  • Approved Resolutions (selected):
    • 17.1–17.5 (budget, audit, parking fees – 17.5 amended to include $225 inspection fee, later approved)
    • 18.1–18.23 (worker’s comp, lawsuit settlements, indigent defense grant, retiree fast track program)
    • 19.1 (Motor City Mission contract, $767,000) – Approved with objections (Waters, Callaway)
    • 19.2 (Home repair program, $3.2M) – Approved
    • 19.3 (Artifact donation to Wayne State) – Approved, waiver denied
    • 19.7 (Land Bank resolution) – Approved after reconsideration
    • 20.2 (Compliance system) – Approved
    • 21.1–21.5 (City events) – Approved with scrivener’s error corrected
    • 21.6–21.13 (Various contracts: EMS annex, basement backup, road reconstruction) – Approved, except 21.13 objected by Callaway (noted)
    • 21.14 (Curfew ordinance) – Introduced, public hearing set for July 28, 2025, approved with waivers
    • 21.15 (Public hearing scheduling) – Approved
    • 21.16 (OCFO resolution) – Approved
    • 21.17 (KEM Day resolution) – Approved as amended (July 23, 2025)
  • Waivers Granted – For numerous items to expedite.
  • Ombudsperson Search – Attorney Barcliff reported 10 nominees; interviews will be scheduled after recess in September.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 p.m. (after the last actions).

Meeting Transcript

The third councilmember Letitia Johnson present Councilmember Gabby Let's Santa Jaco Remero Present Councilmember Mary Walters present Councilmember and Slawfield Cutterway Councilman McCollemon the second here Council President for Tim James Tate and Council President Mary Sheffield President You have a quantum present Madam President Okay and we will start off with our invitation uh we have joining us Pastor Yvette Griffin Good morning Good morning This is today that the Lord has made and we shall rejoice and be glad in it what a mighty God we serve please bow your heads as we pray oh Lord our God how excellent is thy name eternal Father of heaven and earth who says high and looks low we're asking you to invoke your spirit into the city of Detroit in the state of Michigan invoke your spirit all around our city throughout the neighborhoods into this city council meeting through our council president Sheffield all of our council leaders that represent your people invoke your spirit lord into the churches that are opened up in your name touch all residents the police department fire department city departments go through the neighborhoods lord and touch our people our businesses schools help our children our grandchildren and their parents they're being targeted they're being attacked Lord that no weapon formed against them shall prosper help us lord we need you on today we thank you God for this opportunity for our leaders to serve the people of Detroit we ask for wisdom and guidance to crown their heads as they discuss and decide on matters that will affect our city grant us the ability for them to listen to each other's perspectives with compassion respect and understanding with love for you lord love for our neighbors bless our leaders their families and all who are affected by their decisions we also pray for those who are struggling in our city offering them hope comfort and love and we thank you Lord in your name we ask for all of these blessings amen amen right thank you so much Reverend Dr. Griffin of Pilgrim Baptist Church for joining us for that invocation we truly appreciate you and God bless you thank you so much all right we will start off with we have two presentations this morning after the first presentation by councilmember young we will cut off our public comment um and so the perk would note also we've been joined by pro tim Tate and I will now yield the floor to member young thank you uh mad president um there's a great quote that I was told once it says that boys look to be served but men look to be of service and I can't find a better person who embodies that spirit than the person who I'm about to present this spirit of the Trait award to the significantly important and tremendously valuable Pierre Hatton everybody Pierre Hatton is a proud native son of Detroit and he is first and foremost a loving husband and devoted father as president of the historic Boston Edison Association he is best described by his fellow directors as selfless hardworking and resolute committed and effective and an effective change maker who strives to improve the quality of life of all Boston as in residents of the overnight hybrid historic homes in the heart of the city Detroit of which he resides his community involvement is evidenced in the actions words and deeds of his active participation in implementing the HBEA goals offering programs that support safety community engagement and beautification that's the first one second one hosting events that encourage greater community bond among neighbors and third promoting cultural and civic engagement for residents that live within the Boston Edison Historic District and beyond let us congratulate Mr. The second one, hosting events that encourage greater community bond among neighbors, and third, promoting cultural and civic engagement for residents that live within the Boston Edison Historic District and beyond. Let us congratulate Mr. Pierre Haddon because he also received the United States President's Lifetime Service Award on Sunday, April 14th, 2024. Yeah. Which was presented by the Bridging the Gaps Community and Family Development Centers. A 50 501 C3 nonprofit organization serving the Metro Detroit regions, which is committed to community development and restoration. They believe communities, cities, and counties are enhanced where there is involvement by productive youth, families, and businesses. Their programs are focused on providing tools that strictly families, educate youth and adults while providing employment, housing, food, and other resources. Thank you, Mr. Head. Let's get another round of applause, please. So it is my honor and privilege to present this expression of gratitude and esteem of the people of Detroit to significantly important and tremendously viable Pierre Haddon, president of the Boston Historic, Historic Boston Edison Association. President Pierre Haddon is indeed a hero for the people of Detroit. You are an honored asset to our great city of Detroit. We thank you and are eternally grateful for your tireless efforts, exceptional achievement, outstanding leadership, and dedicated devotion that lifts the spirits and fills the hearts of the people of Detroit, Michigan, and America. So the honorable Coleman A.M. the second, Detroit City Councilman at large, number one, with the entire honorable city council of Detroit, Michigan. I'm proud and humbled and honored to present this spirit of Detroit Award year and everybody. Speak right to the microphone. Microphone, please. We're right there, sir. You gotta push it to the transparency. Thank you, Councilman Young. Thank you to this amazing body of government. Thank you to Mrs. Calvert for a simple 15-minute conversation, transpired into something more organic. My daughters do send a big hug to you as well. It gives me purpose and gives me the energy to do what I do for each other. So thank you, sweetheart. And I do want to thank our great board and our great residents of the historic Boston Edison Association and all of our historic districts and our historic communities throughout this city. Because as we've been preaching, this year is going to be the most pivotal election cycle we ever witnessed in the history of this city. And we will elect a new city council, a new mayor. And I just want to make sure all of our bodies of government make sure we don't forget our block clubs, neighborhoods, and our communities, because without that, we don't have a city. That branch cannot do the work without this body. And I think at times this body does not get recognized for the great work that you guys have done. So thank you as well. Thank you. Anybody else have just been around? Yeah, I just want to say to Pierre as the District 5 representative of Boston Edison for the last 12 years, and I've worked with other presidents and um all have been phenomenal, but working with you has just been absolutely amazing. You are truly a leader. Um, outside for just being a huge advocate for the Boston area, Boston Edison community. You've also put together historic districts throughout the entire city uh to come together to advocate to preserve our historical uh culture here in the city of Detroit. So congratulations, well deserved, and I'm looking forward to the continued leadership that you will continue to provide here in the city of Detroit. Not just for the historic Boston Edison district, but for all of our neighborhoods and historic districts in Detroit. Well deserved, sir. Yes. Answering questions. Giving advice to other historic communities.

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