Detroit City Council District 5 Evening Meeting - October 14, 2025

The Detroit City Council held an evening meeting on October 14, 2025, at the historic Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in District 5, presided over by Council President Mary Sheffield. The meeting featured recognition of city staff, awards to community members, a video presentation celebrating Council President Sheffield's 12 years of service, and extensive public comment on various issues including police body camera ordinances, transit, solar farms, and neighborhood conditions.

Recognition & Awards

• Council President Mary Sheffield presented the Spirit of Detroit Award to Darnaz Minifield for transforming four vacant lots on Burlingame into a community gathering space ("DA De Lot") with no city resources. He described hosting ice cream socials, water balloon fights, free haircuts for children (about 100 girls last year), a trunk-or-treat with 600 kids, and a Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless (100 plates).
• Sheffield also honored Peter and Leslie Melcompson for over 50 years of marriage and decades of community service. Leslie has volunteered with Accounting Aid for over 40 years and serves as president of the Third Precinct Police Community Relations Council. They received recognition for their contributions to District 5 and Detroit.
• Sheffield thanked her staff, including Chief of Staff Brian White, legislative director Paris Blessman, and others who have served with her for 12 years.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Cunningham: Discussed DDOT meetings, distributed bus tickets, and encouraged ride-alongs. Expressed concern that residents feel unheard. Councilmember Santiago-Romero noted a public health and safety committee meeting on October 20th for DDOT updates.
• Joanne Warwick (virtual): Criticized the city's master planning process for excluding residents; noted that the Master Plan Advisory Group has 41 unelected members including developers. Also opposed solar farms using eminent domain, arguing the city should use its own land. Urged council not to rush zoning changes.
• Vanessa Peake: Representing District 3, described her community as overpolluted and disinvested. Accused the administration of withholding federal funds from District 3 and targeting it for unwanted facilities. Demanded better quality of life, not just giveaways.
• Marquita King: Asked council what laws they are changing regarding CPS and adoption systems. Highlighted lack of mental health services and pro bono lawyers for parents fighting for their children.
• Marcel Lacia (Detroit Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression): Opposed the council's draft of the body cam ordinance, saying it weakens community demands. Contrasted the coalition's version (7-day release, limits union influence, prohibits DPD collaboration with ICE) with council's version (30-day release with extensions, preserves union power, narrows harm definition to only shooting or killing). Also criticized Council President Sheffield for accepting donations from Dan Gilbert and endorsement from Mike Guggan.
• Ronald Foster: Questioned why the city's 2.7 billion budget does not fund community beautification efforts like Darnaz Minifield's, while the mayor gave $5 million to Detroit 300 and elections department. Urged reallocation of funds.
• Jacob Graham (Sheridan Townsend Block Club): Reported that the city's sidewalk repair program approved their block club in 2023 but delayed due to DTE construction; 2024 passed with no repairs despite DPW director's commitment. Urged council to hold DPW accountable.
• Russ Ballant: Announced a nationwide rally for October 18 at Roosevelt Park demanding no ICE raids, no police brutality, and no genocide. Also claimed the city has taken $1.3 billion without public reporting.
• Jacob Smith (Detroit Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression): Expressed disappointment at the body cam ordinance introduced today, calling it watered down. Asked when a public hearing would occur; Councilmember Callaway responded that it may be in committee on October 27 (date subject to change).
• Ruben Crawley: Accused Council President Sheffield and Councilmember Tate of betraying veterans. Referenced an incident involving Kinesha Coleman's death. (Emotional remarks)
• Betty Varner (virtual): Thanked Council President Sheffield for neighborhood grants and senior home repair programs. Promoted a program for seniors/disabled residents to get home help via 313-484-3808.
• Domika Williams (virtual): Thanked Sheffield for service, endorsed Willie Burton for District 5 council seat, and criticized dark money and illegal developments.
• Final caller (virtual): Praised Sheffield's presentation, raised concern about veterans being exploited in grant-funded housing facilities that overcharge and lack services.

Discussion Items

• Body Camera Ordinance: Multiple public commenters criticized the council's draft version as weak. Councilmember Callaway stated a public hearing is planned for committee on October 27 (date may change) and will be announced via social media.
• Senior Mobile Food Pilot Program: Fira Rushton from the Office of Sustainability provided an update. The program, supported by council, will bring fresh local produce to senior buildings in 2026, 16 weeks out of the year, citywide, at no cost to seniors. It aims to support urban farmers and increase food access.

Key Outcomes

• Council President Mary Sheffield was recognized by colleagues and public commenters for 12 years of service. She thanked her team and promised continued work.
• Awards were presented to Darnaz Minifield and Peter & Leslie Melcompson.
• Council member invited a DPW representative to follow up with Jacob Graham on sidewalk repairs.
• No formal votes were taken during this evening meeting; it was primarily a community outreach session with public comment and updates.

Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned after all public comments and the final update. Council President Sheffield noted this was not the last community meeting; there will be one more in District 6.