Detroit City Council Formal Session – February 3, 2026
Detroit City Council Formal Session – February 3, 2026
The Detroit City Council held a formal session on February 3, 2026, beginning at approximately 10:00 AM with a quorum present. The meeting opened with an invocation by Reverend Lawrence Rogers of Second Baptist Church and included extensive public comment, discussion of multiple agenda items, and votes on resolutions and contracts. Notable actions included the approval of seven appointments to be confirmed at a special session on February 5, 2026, and a motion to hold a closed session at 2:30 PM to discuss independent legal counsel.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Rosanna Perkins: Lifelong Detroiter; presented a cancer awareness book titled Motown Melody Loving Bumblebees and requested to dedicate it to the city in honor of the women who raised her. She also provided honey to council members.
- Kenneth Smith / Sharon Richardson: Residents of the Camper Stevens Apartments (1410 Washington Boulevard). Mr. Smith described serious security concerns due to propped-open stairwells and a single working elevator, urging the council to hold owners/management responsible for tenant safety. Ms. Richardson added that she has had to walk 21 flights of stairs, has received a cortisone shot in her knee, and requested immediate attention.
- Claude Norwood: Expressed community fear regarding ICE encounters and referenced the death of a woman named Miss Cook who froze after being turned away from a shelter. Noted that the District 7 Community Advisory Council (CAC) is not funded per the city charter.
- Josh Mann: Criticized former Mayor Duggan's anti-graffiti laws, arguing they criminalize aspiring muralists. Called for the creation of legal practice spaces for street art and voiced concerns about the Flock Safety camera system.
- Michael's Mama: Criticized the Detroit Police Department for inadequate staffing and response after her son Michael went missing; was told she had to organize a search party herself. Council President Tate committed to following up with Chief Bettison.
- Betty Lyons: Complained about over $600 million in overpaid property taxes she says were stolen by former Mayor Duggan.
- James Chandler: In support of his petition (2026-009, Agenda 20.1) on price gouging and home-rule authority. Asked the council to process the petition fully.
- Shar Williams: Criticized the condition of homeless shelters, alleged police housing is taking up bed space, and objected to a contract going to an out-of-state firm.
- Ruby Riley: Expressed frustration with the city's flood response, claiming that while Southwest Detroit residents received hotel accommodations, she was left without heat for two years.
- Brother Cunningham: Reported giving out hand warmers, bus tickets, and gloves to the homeless. Councilmember Callaway provided a box of hand warmers.
Discussion Items
- Senior Building Conditions / Elevator Safety (Camper Stevens Apartments): Councilmembers raised concerns about non-working elevators and security. Director David Bell of BSEED reported that inspectors were en route to 1410 Washington Boulevard. He outlined a new initiative: monthly inspections of senior housing buildings, elevator inspections at least four times annually (double the current requirement), fines up to $2,000 for violations, and a goal of having 65 senior buildings up to code by August 2026.
- Snow Removal at Bus Stops: Jenny Whitfield (DDOT) and Alex Wetherup (GSD) explained that DDOT oversees all bus stops and GSD is responsible for the 153 city-owned shelters, with additional support from a private contractor for 120 advertising shelters. They are working to improve ADA compliance.
- Deed Fraud Prevention: Councilmember Waters announced a series of town hall meetings on deed fraud, held at multiple locations on February 4, 12, 24, and 26, 2026. The first meeting at the Northwest Activity Center had standing room only.
- Equitable Development Task Force: Councilmember Johnson moved to re-establish the task force and later to add Councilmember McCampbell as a member; both motions passed.
- Flock Safety Data Privacy (Line Item 19.7): Councilmember McCampbell objected to the contract, citing concerns about data use, while Council President Pro Tem Young supported it, noting the contract already includes prohibitions against use for ICE or private surveillance.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of the journal of January 20, 2026.
- Numerous routine resolutions and contracts passed unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Line Item 17.1–17.5, 17.10, 17.11: Postponed to a special session on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 2:30 PM for confirmation hearings.
- Line Item 17.29 / 17.31: Appointed Julie Castone to the property tax board of review and removed Maria Mohammed from the same board – both approved.
- Line Item 17.35: Re-established the Equitable Development Task Force, amended to include Councilmember McCampbell.
- Line Item 19.7 (Flock Safety contract): Approved 6–1 with McCampbell the sole dissenting vote.
- Line Item 20.1 (petition re: Wayne County Treasurer): Postponed one week for a legal review.
- Line Item 20.2 (James Chandler petition): Approved and referred to the Neighborhood and Community Services Standing Committee for a speaking opportunity.
- Line Item 21.8: Approved by a vote of 7–0 to hold a closed session at 2:30 PM to discuss independent legal counsel. The closed session will be part of this formal session.
- Water Shutoffs: Deputy Director Sam Smalley of DWSD confirmed that water service is not interrupted during freezing temperatures. Councilmember Callaway's motion to research a moratorium on evictions in extreme cold was passed.
- Member Reports: Included town halls on deed fraud, a community kickoff in District 5, and a District 6 skate night.
Meeting Transcript
Councilmember Letitia Johnson present. Councilmember Denzel McCampbell. Present. Councilmember Renata Miller. No day, thank you. Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero. Present. Councilmember Mary Waters. Present. Councilmember Angela Whitfield Callaway. Council President Pro Tim Colmey A. Young a second. Here. Council President James Tate. Here. Mr. President, you have a quorum present. Thank you so much. We have a forum present, which means we're now in session. We will now begin the collection of public comments. For those who would like to speak for this body this morning, both in person and online. If you're online and would like to speak, please raise your hand. If you're in person, raise your hand and someone will walk to you and provide you a card so your name will be provided. Providing this morning's invocation, we have none other than Reverend Lawrence Rogers, who serves as the senior pastor of Second Baptist Church in Detroit, the oldest historically black congregation in Michigan established in 1836 by former enslaved and free African Americans. Pastor Rogers, if you can please come forward. Good morning, so thank you, Senior. I'm glad you streamer. The floor is yours, sir. Thank you again for that. Absolutely. Good morning, Mr. President and distinguished members of the Detroit City Council, honored guests. It's a privilege to be with you today in this chamber, a place that sits on the wall for justice and protect the humanity of our beloved city. And I'm grateful to offer this invocation today. Let us bow. We thank you for this day and for the sacred moment, the sacred trust place in those who serve the city of Detroit. Thank you for calling each one gathered here to the noble work of leadership, service, and stewardship. We ask that your presence fill this chamber with peace, insight, and purpose. Lord guide these council members as they deliberate on matters that affect the lives, hopes, and futures of so many. Let their words be measured. Their motives continue to be pure and their decisions guided by both wisdom and compassion. We ask you to help them to see beyond the visions of this time, position, or pride, and rather to the shared vision of a stronger, fairer, and vibrant Detroit. Bless this city, oh Lord, from our riverfront to our neighborhoods, from our schools to our small businesses. Bless the people who give Detroit its soul, the dreamers, the workers, the builders, the caregivers. May every family know safety. May every family know dignity, opportunity, and hope. Anchor us in the belief that what unites us is always greater than what divides us. Remind us that leadership is not a privilege or power, but a burden of responsibility, an invitation to serve with humility and courage. We move through this meeting, dear Lord, as we move, we ask that your spirit of wisdom fall fresh on every heart and every decision. We ask you, the Lord, to continue to bless us with understanding, compassion, and faith.
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