Detroit City Council Regular Session – October 14, 2025

The Detroit City Council convened on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at approximately 5:48 PM UTC (17:48) for a regular session. The meeting included three spirit of Detroit award presentations, a testimonial resolution for a water commissioner, public comment, and the approval of multiple contracts and resolutions. Key actions included a vote on a $31 million sub-recipient agreement for public housing rehabilitation and discussion on the Detroit Housing Commission's operations.

Presentations & Awards

• Spirit of Detroit Award – Angela Boone and Timothy Davis: Council Member Callaway honored Angela Boone and Timothy Davis for heroic actions during a house fire on San Juan Drive. Timothy Davis rescued a three-year-old boy and aided in resuscitation. The award was presented by Council Member Callaway and supported by the Detroit Fire Department.
• Spirit of Detroit Award – Edward Fisher: Council Member Young presented the Spirit of Detroit Award to Edward Fisher, an employee of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) for over 45 years, for his dedication to the city. Council Member Benson commended his institutional knowledge. Council Member Young noted the longevity of his service.
• Testimonial Resolution – Lane Coleman: Council Member Scott Benson presented a testimonial resolution to Lane Coleman for his nine years of volunteer service on the Detroit Board of Water Commissioners (since January 2016), during which he oversaw a $100 million annual capital improvement program. Mr. Coleman is also the founder of a service-disabled veteran-owned business and a retired U.S. Naval officer. The resolution recognized his service to Detroit residents.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Taxation and Property Issues: Multiple speakers expressed concerns about property tax assessments, including one homeowner from Riverfront whose taxes increased from $1,650 to $13,653. The speaker claimed the Board of Review was closed when he returned, preventing him from contesting the assessment. Council President Sheffield indicated staff would follow up.
• Voter Registration and Rights: Several speakers addressed voting rights for incarcerated individuals, citing MCL 168-11 regarding residency while confined. One speaker requested a specific law supporting a previous statement that a person cannot use a county jail address after 30 days. The council clerk provided documentation from that office. Another speaker, Melissa Love, claimed she never voted absentee despite a voting history showing otherwise. Others alleged corruption in elections and called for a city clerk write-in candidate.
• Housing and Public Safety: A speaker criticized the demolition of salvageable homes amid a housing crisis, and thanked Council Member Waters for work on land bank MOUs. Another speaker, a former police commissioner, called for consistent drug and alcohol testing for city employees involved in vehicle accidents. Concerns were raised about shelter conditions, lack of mental health support, and the treatment of veterans.
• Gratitude and Criticism: One speaker congratulated the council for repealing single-use plastics on October 7, 2025. Another expressed appreciation for Council President Sheffield's work on property tax reform. Several speakers criticized council members for alleged corruption and inaction.

Discussion Items

• 31 Million Dollar Sub-Recipient Agreement (Line items 19.1 and 19.2): The council discussed a $31 million, 100% CDBG-DR-funded contract (6007459) with the Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) to oversee rehabilitation and construction of public housing units. DHC Director Arthur Jemison confirmed that the funds would be used for both capital improvements (estimated at $28–29 million) and pre-development planning for projects such as Parkside, Sheridan, Brewster, Diggs, and Forest Park. Council Member Callaway requested a list of project locations, and Director Jemison noted one was already emailed. Council Member Johnson highlighted the need for improved property management and resident engagement, particularly at Parkside. Director Jemison reported that DHC's occupancy rate is 87% and that management improvements are underway. Council Member Waters raised concerns about safety at Sheridan and requested Narcan machines, which Director Jemison said DHC is now open to after community engagement. Council Member Young asked about partnerships with DPD for safety; Director Jemison noted paid police details and increased security patrols. Council Member Benson expressed concern about the complexity of spending federal funds logistically. A separate contract (6007355) for $750,000 for coordinated entry services for the homeless was also approved.
• Appointment to Elected Officials Compensation Commission (Line items 18.1 and 18.2): Council Member Johnson moved to approve appointments of Erica Hill and Nicholas Waller. A council member asked when the commission would begin work; the administration responded that a meeting would be scheduled immediately.
• Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (Line item 19.3): The council approved an extension of the review period for proposed zoning ordinance text amendments.
• DLBA MOU Amendment (Line item 11.11, walk-on): A resolution to draft an amendment to the DLBA MOU was referred to the Planning and Economic Development Committee. Council President Pro Tem Tate described it as a stopgap measure. Council Member Waters asked about a related IGA resolution.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (voice vote): Line items 17.1 (facility management for public safety headquarters), 17.2 (neighborhood enterprise zone certificate for 264 Watson), 18.1 and 18.2 (appointments to elected officials compensation commission), 18.3–18.7 (settlement requests, reappointment to Brownfield Redevelopment Authority), 19.1 and 19.2 ($31 million contract with DHC and $750,000 homeless service contract), 19.3 (zoning amendment extension), 19.4–19.7 (housing and revitalization resolutions), 20.1–20.27 (various construction and demolition contracts, with two items postponed and later approved), 20.28–20.31 (police and public works contracts), 20.32–20.33 (banner petitions), 20.34 (resolution for vulnerable adult medical alert system), 21.2–21.3 (requests to speak), 22.1–22.8 (various events and contracts).
• Postponed: Line item 21.1 (petition from Tanya Wells) was brought back in one week to handle as a constituent case.
• Waivers Attached: Waivers were attached to multiple items where required.
• Referrals: Multiple reports from various city departments were referred to standing committees. A walk-on resolution regarding the DLBA MOU was referred to the Planning and Economic Development Committee.
• Next Steps: The council will convene for an evening session at 7:00 PM at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in District 5.