Neighborhood Community Service Standing Committee Meeting – January 29, 2026

The Detroit City Council Neighborhood Community Service Standing Committee met on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 7:23 PM. The meeting included a special presentation to community volunteer Michael Cunningham, approval of minutes, public comment from residents and advocates, and discussion and advancement of five contracts for city services. Committee members focused on increasing Detroit-based vendor participation in city contracts.

Special Presentation to Michael Cunningham

• Committee President Pro Tem Colleen Young presented a donation of winter gear to Michael Cunningham of D Dot Riders. The donation included: 320 lip balms, 100 pairs of large socks, 100 pairs of extra large socks, 150 pairs of hand warmers, 100 beanie hats, 100 matching scarves, and 60 pairs of gloves with touch-screen capability. Cunningham expressed gratitude and noted that he runs low on hand warmers during cold weather. Council members praised his service to vulnerable residents, especially bus riders.

Consent Calendar

• The committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting by motion with no objections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Charles Miles (in-person) – Expressed frustration about a property tax issue since 2017 where his payments were misapplied. He said he has not received resolution from multiple city departments. Council Member Miller offered to assist personally.
• Reuben Prowley (in-person) – Supported Miles, alleging city officials mishandled the matter. He called for a halt to an upcoming eviction hearing and referenced a pending circuit court case.
• Tina Lewandowski (in-person) – Thanked the committee for the donations to Cunningham and said she partners with him to serve the community.
• Michael Cunningham (in-person) – Thanked the committee and urged continued support. He provided his contact number (313-444-9114) for donations and collaboration.
• Virtual callers:
  • Caller 169 – Thanked the committee and promoted Cunningham's transportation services.
  • Betty A. Brown (President, Soto Elswork Block Association) – Thanked the committee and provided information about Nolan Family Health Center, a sliding-fee clinic on Seven Mile Road.
  • William M. Davis – Thanked the committee and advocated for recreation centers to be open six days a week with extended hours, especially during extreme weather. He also urged more support for city retirees.
  • Roshella Stewart (DPP) – Thanked the committee and called for improved transit and more housing at 30% AMI.
  • Caller 124 – Congratulated Cunningham, urged people to layer up in cold weather, and criticized the city's solar initiative, alleging bullying of residents.
  • Caller 1 (user number one) – Complained about uncleared snow on walkways leading to Northwestern High School and asked for fines against property owners. Also expressed dissatisfaction with Council Member Miller's responsiveness, noting she has been in office only 19 days. Council Member Miller apologized and offered to meet.

Discussion Items

• Office of Contracting and Procurement – New Business (Items 6.1–6.5)
  • The committee discussed five contract amendments and new contracts:
    • 6.1 – Amendment to fleet vehicle upfitting contract with Canfield Equipment Services (Warren, MI) – extension of time only, total amount $12,249,360.40.
    • 6.2 – Amendment to pump repair/maintenance contract with Phoenix Environmental (Plymouth, MI) – increase of $418,000 for DDOT and DDC sites, total $1,043,000.
    • 6.3 – New heavy-duty truck repair contract with Southern Truck Equipment (Alma, MI) – $250,000, three years.
    • 6.4 – New athletic equipment contract with BSN Sports (Rochester Hills, MI) – $750,000, two years.
    • 6.5 – New irrigation system repair contract with American Sprinkler and Landscaping (Livonia, MI) – $295,000, two years.
  • Council Members Benson and Miller raised concerns about the lack of Detroit-based prime contractors in several items. CPO Sandra Stahl explained that equalization credits are applied and that the city actively recruits Detroit vendors. She noted that for contract 6.3, one of the four awardees (Kerry Brothers) is Detroit-headquartered. For 6.4, only two bids were received. For 6.5, two Detroit-certified bidders submitted but were not competitive.
  • Member Benson requested quarterly reporting on Detroit vendor participation and subcontracting metrics. Member Miller asked for a list of all bidders for the contracts. Stahl agreed to provide the information.

Key Outcomes

• The committee approved the minutes by unanimous consent.
• All five contracts (6.1–6.5) were moved to the formal session of the City Council with a recommendation for approval.
• Council Member Benson announced upcoming Life and Legacy Planning sessions for estate planning.
• Council Member Miller reported a successful District 5 community kickoff event with over 100 attendees despite cold weather.