Detroit Public Health and Safety Committee Meeting – September 15, 2025

The Detroit City Council Public Health and Safety Committee met on September 15, 2025, at approximately 10:00 AM under Chairperson Santiago Romero. The meeting covered public comments, unfinished business, new business, and several committee reports. Key discussions included the status of the Broadhead Armory, DPD video release ordinance, a recalcitrant landlord (Munoz Real Estate), and various contracts and petitions. The committee also noted a dangerous buildings hearing scheduled for 1:30 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Cunningham (in-person) expressed concerns about Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) service delays on Jefferson and Woodward routes, describing 30–40 minute waits. He thanked the council for support and urged improvements.
• Tony Camillary (in-person) voiced strong support for the Marine Corps Reserve Center (Broadhead Armory), calling it a “gem” and urging the city to allow the parade company to purchase or extend the lease. He shared personal history of maintaining the facility and noted its deterioration after the Marines left.
• Not that Karen (online) criticized the committee for allowing extra time to the first speaker, demanded restoration of Detroit retiree pensions, and called for return of property tax overpayments ($600 million). She also highlighted homelessness and child welfare.
• Betty A. Varner (online, president of Soda Ellsworth Black Association) promoted a senior/disabled assistance program through DAA (Detroit Area Agency on Aging), providing Medicaid eligibility and in-home support. She also gave donation information for her organization.
• Owner Papa (online) accused the chair of lying about receiving a voter fraud report, alleged cheating by certain officials, and referenced the murder of Kenisha Coleman. He also criticized the city’s handling of municipal bonds and voter fraud.
• Miko A. Williams (online) expressed concern about residents getting sick and inquired about the Broadhead Armory status. She also criticized the parade company and called for action on the $600 million taxation issue and senior homelessness.
• Caller ending 124 (online) opposed the parade company’s efforts on the Broadhead Armory, called for contacting Senator Rand Paul, and criticized the solar vote and eminent domain. She also commended Councilmember Coleman Young for calling out political violence.
• William and Davis (online) agreed with “Not that Karen” on retiree pensions, noted over 400 Detroit general fund retirees died this year, asked about reimbursement for emergency demolitions, criticized DPD video release delays, and supported the “Fix Our Flooded Basement Act.”
• Tahira Ahmed (online) objected to sanctuary cities, claimed illegal immigrants are replacing black residents, and accused Councilmember Romero of supporting immigration policies harmful to Black Detroiters. She also asked about reparations.
• Ronald Foster (online) defined political violence, urged a memorandum to the U.S. Attorney’s Office against political violence, and called for fair elections free from harassment.
• Later caller (owner Papa again) demanded action on retiree pensions, criticized Munoz Real Estate for unsafe housing, and asked about speed humps and particulate matter. She noted the committee had received and filed a report on speed humps.

Discussion Items

• Unfinished Business 5.1 and 5.2 – Emergency Demolitions (23241 Finkel and 1974 Stalin): Brought back after one week; motion to approve carried.
• 5.3 – Renovation of Linden Street Facility (Police) – Contract No. 6007191, $500,000. A correction letter was needed to indicate funding from 911 surcharge rather than general funds. Robert Millender (director of public safety IT) confirmed the funding source and promised a correction letter by next formal session. Motion to approve and send to new business carried.
• 5.4 – DPD Video Release Ordinance – Law Department presented a draft ordinance (30-day hold on video release). The ordinance had been coordinated with Prosecutor Kim Worthy and Police Chief Todd Bettison. Motion to receive and file carried.
• 5.5 – Rescission for 7285 Prairie – Concurred with BSEED recommendation; approved.
• 5.6–5.8 – Memos on Flooded Basement Act, Child Abduction Broadcast Act, and Senate Bill 492 – LPD requested these be brought back in one week; motion carried.
• 5.9 – Munoz Real Estate Compliance – BSEED officials reported that Munoz has registered 95% of properties but only 37% are in compliance. He owes approximately $200,000 in tickets. An update was provided on bi-weekly meetings and a target of 18 inspections per week. Chair Romero expressed concern about tenant safety, lack of water accounts, and slow progress. The committee discussed legal options, escrow accounts, and potential litigation. Motion to bring back TBD (to be determined) carried. Councilmember Waters noted the need for HRD to launch an online rental escrow process.
• New Business 6.1–6.5 – Contracts approved: 6.1 (environmental remediation for Preserve on Ash III, $1M, contractor from Columbus, OH), 6.2 (HIV/STI navigation services, $85K, Detroit), 6.3 (ShotSpotter evaluation extension, ARPA-funded), 6.4 (Rides to Care renewal, $400K increase), 6.5 (conduit lines, $1,500 per pole/year). All sent to formal with recommendation to approve.
• 6.6 – Dangerous Buildings Findings (Aug 29, 2025) – Received and filed.
• 6.7–6.8 – Deferrals for 5301 and 5311 East Outer Drive – Vice Chair Benson requested a week’s delay to investigate the proposed use of a defunct SOB (sexually oriented business). Motion to bring back in one week carried.
• 6.9 – Deferral for 9765 Sanalic – Concurred with department recommendation.
• 6.10–6.11 – Grants – 6.10: $1,245,790 grant for battery electric buses and charging infrastructure (four buses: two 60-ft articulated, two 40-ft). Expected in service by end of 2025. 6.11: Firearm safety grant application authorization. Both approved.
• 6.12–6.16 – Encroachments and Vacations – 6.12 (Arab American/Chaldean Council sign), 6.13 (MDOT decertification of streets for Roosevelt Park), 6.15 (vacation of Columbia Street for Olympia Entertainment), 6.16 (alley vacation) approved. 6.14 (Himelhoch building sign for Museum of Illusions) – brought back one week due to resident concerns about illumination and tenant impact.
• 6.17 – Vape Products Ordinance Questions – Brought back in two weeks.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes from last session approved.
• Public comment cut off at 10:05 AM; each speaker given 2 minutes.
• 5.1 and 5.2 – Emergency demolitions brought back in one week.
• 5.3 – Approved pending correction letter; sent to new business.
• 5.4 – DPD video release ordinance received and filed; draft to be presented next week.
• 5.5 – BSEED rescission concurred.
• 5.6–5.8 – Memos brought back in one week.
• 5.9 – Munoz compliance update; motion to bring back TBD; LPD asked to explore punitive options; committee to meet with HRD and BSEED.
• 6.1–6.5 – Approved and sent to formal.
• 6.6 – Received and filed.
• 6.7–6.8 – Brought back one week for further information.
• 6.9 – Concurred.
• 6.10–6.11 – Approved.
• 6.12–6.16 – 6.12, 6.13, 6.15, 6.16 approved; 6.14 brought back one week.
• 6.17 – Brought back two weeks.
• Committee recessed at approximately 11:00 AM, with a dangerous buildings hearing scheduled at 1:30 PM.