Detroit City Council Meeting - September 9, 2025

The Detroit City Council convened on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at approximately 10:00 AM (based on the morning invocation). The meeting featured two celebratory presentations—Prince Valley market's 50th anniversary and the Detroit Tigers Nike RBI U18 softball team's world championship—followed by extensive public comment and a legislative session where multiple contracts and resolutions were approved. Notable actions included postponement of a special event permit for Roosevelt Park and approval of ARPA-funded home repair contracts.

Consent Calendar

• 13 reports from city departments were referred to the public health and safety standing committee.
• Multiple contracts and resolutions were approved under consent, including:
  • Three resolutions from the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCFO) for auditing and grant compliance (items 15.1–15.3).
  • Six resolutions for media services, legal representation, and AV production (items 16.1–16.6).
  • Nine lawsuit settlement resolutions (items 16.7–16.15).
  • Approval of 2026 medical, dental, and vision plan rates for city employees (item 16.16).
  • Implementation of a labor agreement with the Association of City of Detroit Supervisors (item 16.17).
  • Appointment of Byron Osburn to the Detroit Wayne Joint Building Authority (item 16.18).
  • Three resolutions for housing and revitalization contracts (items 17.1–17.3), including roof/window replacements and homelessness services.
  • Eleven special event permits (items 18.1–18.12, excluding 18.3 which was postponed).
  • Two resolutions for software and repair services (items 18.14–18.15).
  • One resolution for environmental consulting (item 18.13).
  • Cancellation of standing committee meetings on September 24–25 for the Congressional Black Caucus (item 18.17).
  • Two resolutions recognizing Welcoming Week (Sept 12–21) and National Hispanic Heritage Month (items 18.18–18.19).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Detention Center Staff (Taiwan Durham, Richard Bass, Marcus Reed): Multiple detention officers expressed frustration over low pay and severe understaffing at the Detroit Detention Center. They stated that 11 employees had left since the city took over operations in August, and that pay is significantly lower than MDOC or DPD counterparts. They urged council to examine the situation.
• Senior Citizen Housing (speaker from Jefferson Ave buildings): A resident reported drug use, theft, and health hazards from chemical spraying in senior buildings (Whittier, River Towers, Parkview Place, Roberts). Councilmember Waters offered to connect her with community liaisons.
• Sanctuary City Advocates (Cassandra, multiple others from Detroit Community Action Committee): Several speakers demanded adoption of a sanctuary city ordinance, citing a Supreme Court ruling allowing racial profiling and DPD cooperation with ICE. They argued that 70% of Detroiters oppose using city resources for immigration enforcement (poll referenced). They called for ending ICE collaboration and protecting immigrant communities.
• Solid Waste Fee (speaker, name not given): Opposed the increase to $270 ($135 for seniors), calling it underhanded and noting that the cost was not clearly communicated. They stated that trash pickup is still inconsistent.
• Property Issues (Charles Miles, others): Complained about city attempts to take property despite taxes being overpaid. Mr. Miles alleged harassment by police and false reports.
• Land Bank and Tax Abatements (William M. Davis, virtual): Called for transparency in Land Bank board composition and a halt to tax abatements without accountability. Noted that 400 Detroit retirees died this year due to clawbacks.
• Tax Foreclosure (Tahira Ahmed, virtual): Reported that 834 homes face foreclosure on September 10, urging Treasurer Eric Sabree to impose a moratorium. Cited University of Chicago study showing 62% of owner-occupied homes under $50,000 are illegally overassessed.
• Speed Humps (Omar Papa, virtual): Cited a report that speed humps increase particulate matter by 5%, contributing to asthma and cancer. Urged removal.
• Youth Curfew (Bobby Johnson, in person): Criticized the new curfew and first-time misdemeanor prosecution policy, arguing it criminalizes young people. Councilmember Young responded that the legislation was amended to remove jail time and instead provide services and parental training.
• Other topics: Election fraud claims (Melissa Love, Ramal Jackson), police harassment (speaker who said he was attacked by 9th precinct officers), support for Willie Burton's council campaign (Miko A. Williams), and congratulations to the softball team (multiple callers).

Discussion Items

• Item 18.3 – Tailgate Event at Roosevelt Park: Councilmember Santiago Ramiro expressed concerns about parking and noise impacts on residents. Special Events staff confirmed outreach to block clubs and police coordination. Councilmember Young raised concerns about ICE targeting attendees in Southwest Detroit. A motion to postpone for one week was approved to allow further community engagement.
• ARPA Fund Status Walk-On: A request to walk on a report on American Rescue Plan Act fund status as of December 31, 2024 was approved for referral to the Budget Finance and Audit standing committee. Councilmember Callaway noted the attachment font was too small; staff agreed to post a readable version online immediately.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: All consent items passed without objection, including contracts for home repair, homeless services, auditing, and special events (except 18.3). Waivers were attached to several items to expedite implementation.
• Postponement: Item 18.3 (Roosevelt Park tailgate) was postponed for one week to allow further community outreach.
• Referrals: 13 departmental reports and the ARPA fund status report were referred to the appropriate standing committees.
• Public comment link: Councilmember Waters agreed to connect senior building resident with community liaisons; Councilmember Young clarified that the youth curfew policy does not involve jail time.

Additional Notes

• The meeting included invocation by Chaplain Ali (Islamic prayer).
• Presentations highlighted Prince Valley market (110 employees, 2-300 cakes/week, 1000 tamales/day) and the U18 softball team's world championship (allowed 1 run in final, won 3-1, three sisters on team).
• Councilmember Young visited Metro Detroit Youth Day and Austin Sweet Home Memorial Park; Councilmember Santiago Ramiro invited residents to community meetings on the DCFC Stadium project (Sept 11) and coffee council (Sept 18).