Internal Operations Standing Committee Meeting - September 17, 2025

The Internal Operations Standing Committee met on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, with Councilmembers Letitia Johnson (Chair), Mary Waters, and Angela Whitfield Callaway present. The committee heard public comment, conducted interviews for two city board appointments, and voted on several contracts and settlements.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Rue alleged absentee ballot fraud by the Detroit City Clerk and Election Commission, urging the committee to investigate. He stated that “Detroit has been took over by absentee ballot fraud.”
• iPhone promoted the neighborhood beautification grant and shared free senior services offered by Franklin Wright Settlement Organization, including home repairs and seasonal maintenance.
• Not That Karen expressed disappointment that many seniors do not qualify for the fast-track city council resolution. She called for restoring pensions and healthcare for Detroit retirees, stopping clawbacks, and addressing homelessness. She also advocated for term limits and rotating committees per the city charter.
• William M. Davis argued that the city should do more for retirees and predicted Mayor Mike Duggan would “lose badly” if he did not address retiree issues. He criticized rising property taxes and tax abatements for the rich, noting Detroit fell from 18th to 26th largest city.
• Miko A. Williams condemned comments made by a previous speaker as anti-Semitic and warned about political violence. She called for civility and accountability, referencing threats made by others.
• Cunningham discussed bus service issues, handing out bus tickets and supplies, and asked for support for outreach efforts.
• Ronald Foster praised the council for listening but urged transparency on police settlements (citing line item 8.4, $250,000) and said the public has a right to know payouts. He also warned about unmarked law enforcement.
• Carolyn Hughes (Owner Papa) asked why the committee does not call police to explain lawsuits, and criticized the police union and indemnification of officers. She also questioned the legality of a contract amendment and Mr. Hornsby’s forgiveness of millions to the Land Bank.
• Caller ending 124 asked for notice of Brownfield CAC meetings, questioned the right-to-counsel program’s absence for solar-taking victims, demanded the city clerk explain Melissa Love’s voter record, and alleged lies by the law department.
• Tohear Ahmed thanked Councilmember Callaway and complained about home repair corruption, accusing other council members of blocking help. He promoted the Michigan Home Energy Rebate Program and argued against illegal immigrants taking resources.
• Galaxy S22 Ultra (Mr. Holloway) urged unity, prayed for the council, and called for restoring retiree money. He criticized funding billionaires over retirees.

Discussion Items

Appointments

• Kristen Lessen (Elected Officials Compensation Commission) was interviewed. She is an attorney and former Board of Ethics member. Councilmember Callaway supported her, citing her fairness. Lessen confirmed no conflict of interest. The committee combined line items 5 and 8.1 and voted to send to formal session with a recommendation to approve.
• John Barth (Detroit Brownfield CAC) was interviewed. He holds a master’s in urban planning and works in community development. He discussed his experience with community engagement and data analysis. The committee combined line items 6 and 7.1–7.4 and voted to send to formal session with a request to the Law Department to draft a ballot motion.

New Business (Line Items)

• 8.2 – Amendment to Right to Counsel contract with Lakeshore Legal Aid. Attorney Diamond Conley explained that the amendment transfers ownership of the intake and income verification system to Lakeshore to protect attorney-client privilege. Approved unanimously.
• 8.3 – Monthly report of administratively approved contracts ($25k–$50k) for July–August. Chair Johnson requested more information; the item was brought back in two weeks.
• 8.4 – Workers’ comp settlement ($250,000) for Philip Leonard vs. Detroit Police Department. Approved.
• 8.5 – Settlement ($4,000) for All Ways on Time Transportation vs. city (DDOT). Approved.
• 8.6 – Settlement ($14,500) for Atia Hunt vs. city (Fire Department). Approved.
• 8.7 – Settlement ($310,000) for Cornell Jackson vs. city and Darrell Russell (DDOT). Approved.
• 8.8 – Settlement ($75,000) for Jill Babcock et al. vs. State, County, City, and Detroit Wayne Joint Building Authority. Approved.
• 8.9 – Inspector General debarment report for Lucas Enterprises. Received and filed.
• 8.10 – Councilmember Callaway’s request for a report and resolution on a domestic violence task force. Brought back in two weeks.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments: The committee approved sending Kristen Lessen’s nomination for the Elected Officials Compensation Commission and the four nominees (including John Barth) for the Brownfield CAC to full council for formal approval. A ballot motion will be drafted for the Brownfield appointments.
• Right to Counsel Amendment (8.2): Approved with a motion to send to formal session.
• Settlements (8.4–8.8): All approved unanimously.
• Administrative Contracts (8.3): Held for two weeks pending further research.
• Domestic Violence Task Force (8.10): Held for two weeks due to committee cancellation.

Member Reports

• Councilmember Waters reminded of the Skilled Trade Task Force meeting at 4–6 p.m. at the Copper to Mirror Rights Training Center.
• Councilmember Callaway reported on protesting non-union workers at a project at Pershing High School, announced an expungement clinic on September 20, and celebrated new banners on Livernois (Avenue of Fashion).
• Councilmember Johnson reminded that the Neighborhood Beautification Grant closes October 24, 2025, with special funding for areas within the Stellantis footprint.