OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Detroit City Council Formal Session – March 25, 2026

City Council — Wednesday, March 25, 2026
BodyDetroit, Michigan
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, March 25, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:04:32

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

President, Councilmember Densdale and Todd McCampbell.

0:03

Present.

0:04

Councilmember Renata Miller.

0:06

Member Miller did send a memo indicating that she would not be present, so her absence is excused.

0:11

Purple So note, Mr.

0:12

President.

0:13

Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero.

0:17

Council Member Mary Waters.

0:19

Present.

0:20

Councilmember Angela Whitfield Callaway.

0:22

Member Callaway sent a memo indicating that she will be absence.

0:26

So her absence is excused.

0:30

Council President Pro Tem Cole Meneyon the second.

0:33

Here.

0:33

Council President James Tate.

0:35

Yep.

0:35

Mr.

0:36

President, you have a corn.

0:37

Thank you.

0:37

We have a corn present.

0:39

The council will now be in session.

0:42

We will now begin the collection of public comment cards.

0:44

Some of you have already provided your raise your hand for a card.

0:48

If you have not done so yet and you would like to provide comment to the council, please raise your hand if you're in person, but also if you're online.

0:57

Please raise your hand.

0:58

We will be cutting off the collection of public comments very shortly.

1:03

Providing this morning's invocation, we have none other than uh the Reverend Dr.

1:08

Willie A.

1:08

Ghost in the second, a senior pastor at the Historic Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, uh, located in uh District 7 at 5151 West Chicago.

1:22

Pastor Goldston uh holds a bachelor's of science and master of public uh health degrees from the Indiana University in Bloomington, as well as a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry as a Gardner C.

1:39

Taylor Fellow from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

1:45

Pastor Goldston is currently a secretary for the Michigan Annual Conference Board of Examiners for the AME Church, member of the Stewardship Finance Commission, Fourth District Christian Education Team and Co-Chair of the Michigan Conference of Social Action.

2:05

He's also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha 30 years in.

2:10

All right.

2:16

Thank you so much.

2:18

To President Tate, Coleman Pro Tim Young, Associate Council members in this August body that have assembled here, those in this workspace of endless possibilities and promises, plus those viewing across the airways of streaming capacities and technological spaces.

2:34

It is with great appreciation, adoration, and eminent expressions of elation that I've been afforded this opportunity to stand behind this desk for such a time as this.

2:43

The word of God reminds us how good and pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity.

2:50

It also says that we ought to always pray without ceasing.

2:53

Therefore, let us pray.

2:55

Supreme and loving God, the sustainer of our souls, creator of the universe, the giver of every good and perfect gift.

3:02

We bow in humble submission before your throne on this due day called Tuesday, a day in which we have not seen before, witnessed or experienced.

3:12

Yet we come first and foremost, thanking you for being our God.

3:16

Whether we call you the God of Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob, Elion, El Shaddai, Jehovah Jirah, Jehovah Shalom, Yahweh, the lily of the valley, our bright and morning star, more battle axe, our miracle worker, our heartfixer or mind regulator.

3:32

We come thanking you first and foremost for all that you have already done and what you're doing right now in the present and what you shall do in the future.

3:40

And we confess that we haven't always done the best that we should at all times.

3:45

Yet we are grateful for yet another day, another chance and another opportunity, a do-over that has been granted unto us to do better on this particular moment.

3:56

And we are grateful for contributions of faithful laborers across this city of Detroit.

4:01

Those, oh God, that carry the spirit and continue to serve humankind.

4:06

We pray, oh God, that you would set the atmosphere for this productive business meeting and deliberations.

4:13

We know that you shall supply all of our needs according to your riches and glory.

4:18

So come by here, God of grace and God of glory.

4:21

We humbly approach thy throne with appreciation for already the prayers that you have answered, the ones that we are anticipating you to do.

4:30

And we confess that you are still God, and beside you there is none other.

4:34

So we call upon the God of our weary years and our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far along the way, to keep us forever in thy path, we pray, as we attempt to discern next steps that will be beneficial to the kingdom of God.

4:49

Grant us courage to do what is just and right in your sight.

4:52

Grant us discernment so that we won't be selfish but be selfless in our undertakings, and grant us wisdom so that we can understand our assignments and our roles that impact the outcomes of everyone each and every day.

5:05

So from the balcony of heaven, where the ancestors are, and to those of us that are still finding our way here.

5:12

We pray, oh God, that you would touch those that are in the alleys, the boulevards, and the streets, from our neighborhoods and urban core and corners across this landscape of untapped potential.

5:23

Provide the resources for all greater elevation and excellence beyond our expectation.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████20%
Public Safety██████████████14%
Housing██████████10%
Procurement██████6%
Parks and Recreation█████5%
Community Engagement████4%
Immigrant Support████4%
Public Transit████4%
Pending Litigation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Detroit City Council Formal Session – March 25, 2026

The Detroit City Council held a formal session on March 25, 2026, beginning with an invocation by Rev. Dr. Willie A. Goldston Jr. and a special presentation honoring four women for Women's History Month: Amber Redric (Teen Hype), Irma Leppard (Sierra Club), Leslie Graham Andrews (Daisy Ventures), and Aleia Harvey Quinn (Force Detroit). Public comment featured over 25 speakers and online callers addressing topics including opposition to renewing ShotSpotter and NICE Systems contracts, tenant conditions at River Point Towers and other buildings, support for a property tax foreclosure moratorium, demands for a sanctuary city ordinance, concerns about the Roots Park recreation center, and proposals for workforce housing and transit improvements. Council then considered a lengthy agenda of resolutions and contracts, with several items postponed or objected to.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Danielle Said, Rohelio Landine, Joe, Alexandria Trombley, and others urged council not to renew contracts with ShotSpotter and NICE Systems, citing the $9.1 million cost, surveillance of Black and Brown communities, 78% inaccuracy rate, and ties to Israeli apartheid. They requested funds be redirected to community violence intervention.
  • Teresa McCormick spoke against Flock cameras, noting privacy concerns and data sharing with ICE, and cited misidentification incidents.
  • Several residents from River Point Towers (Jackie Rice, Walter Welch, Charles Cunningham, Stephen Remer) described pest infestations, maintenance failures, and retaliation by management, asking council to support their tenant union demands.
  • Betty Lyons criticized council member Powers for leaving early and alleged $600 million stolen.
  • Javon Perry proposed a community rebuild program using vacant homes for workforce training and transitional housing.
  • Multiple speakers (Jackson Robock, Tony Voigt, Cole Hamilton) demanded a sanctuary city ordinance prohibiting DPD cooperation with ICE, citing recent deportations and deaths.
  • Ella Sanders and others requested affordable housing and home repair assistance for seniors.
  • Angel Carter defended a veteran facility on West Chicago, disputing allegations by Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallet.
  • Bobby Johnson demanded progress on the Roots Park recreation center, promised in 2022 but not yet started.
  • Stephanie Via Nino complained about noise and waste from Riverview Rehab, which failed to meet city deadlines for a temporary boiler.
  • Casey Peller supported a resolution for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and urged protection of $1.4 million for the Office of Disability Affairs.
  • Online callers, including members of the Coalition for Property Tax Justice, urged council to pass a moratorium on property tax foreclosures, citing a 2026 University of Chicago study that 50% of homes valued ≤$70,000 are over-assessed.
  • Other callers raised concerns about land bank practices, bus stop conditions, and the need for unarmed transit ambassadors.

Discussion Items

  • Women's History Month Awards: Council recognized four women for contributions to youth, environment, philanthropy, and public safety. Each honoree spoke briefly.

  • Voting Action Items (Resolutions and Contracts)

    • Line 17.1: Approved (resolution from McCampbell).
    • Line 18.1: Objection by Waters; waiver denied; motion approved.
    • Lines 18.2-18.5: Approved with waivers (contracts for legal services, parking, legal services, cybersecurity).
    • Line 18.8: Postponed one week.
    • Lines 18.6-18.13 (minus 18.8): Approved; member McCampbell requested status of officers in 18.7, administration to follow up.
    • Lines 18.15-18.16: Postponed one week after debate over lifting privileges on documents requested by the Board of Ethics.
    • Line 18.17: Removed.
    • Line 19.1-19.2: Approved (contracts for housing rehabilitation and loan servicing).
    • Line 19.3: Postponed one week for more information on the salt mine lease (Detroit Salt Company). Pro Tem Young noted the current royalty rate of 0.52% or 3.24% of net sale price is far below the standard 12-20%.
    • Line 19.4: Approved with waiver (resolution urging Detroit Housing Commission to promote housing choice voucher homeownership). Joined by McCampbell and Waters.
    • Line 20.1: Approved (vacation request).
    • Line 20.2: Approved (resolution joined by McCampbell and Johnson).
    • Line 20.3: Postponed one week.
    • Line 21.1: Postponed one week (resolution for free bus fare for students).
    • Lines 21.2-21.5: Approved; waiver for 21.2.
    • Line 21.6: Postponed one week (ADA paratransit contract).
    • Line 21.7-21.12: Approved, with objections from member Callaway on 21.9 (tow truck parts from Livonia) and 21.11 (tow truck parts from Taylor), which were noted.
    • Line 21.13: Postponed one week (bus repair contract with a Minnesota vendor).
    • Line 21.14: Approved with waiver (tree trimming contract; Pro Tem Young disclosed personal use of the contractor).
    • Lines 21.15-21.17: Approved with waivers (grants).
    • Line 21.18: Postponed one week (U.S. Fish and Wildlife bird meadow grant). Member Callaway requested more information on park locations.
    • Line 21.19: Approved with waiver.
    • Line 21.20: Removed (walk-on not brought forward).
    • Line 22.1: Postponed one week and assigned to LPD for analysis (request to speak about naming a park after jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery). Debate over due diligence.

  • Walk-On Resolutions: A contract for scattered-site homeownership program was referred. A resolution urging Wayne County Treasurer to issue a moratorium on property tax foreclosures of owner-occupied homes was approved and placed in the name of the council.

  • Member Reports: Included announcements for office hours, tenant rights commission meeting, and condolences for Nabiel Leach and Director Marcel Todd's mother.

Key Outcomes

  • ShotSpotter/NICE Systems: No vote taken; public comment opposed renewal; Councilmember Santiago-Romero expressed doubts about effectiveness and called for reinvestment in CBI.
  • Property Tax Foreclosure Moratorium: Council passed a non-binding resolution urging Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree to halt foreclosures of owner-occupied homes in 2026.
  • Sanctuary City: Multiple speakers demanded action; Councilmember Santiago-Romero stated existing policies but emphasized accountability and encouraged residents to document DPD-ICE cooperation.
  • Tenant Union Support: Councilmember McCampbell committed to follow up with BCID and 36th District Court on River Point Towers issues.
  • Data Center Moratorium: Public comment urged reconsideration of a two-year moratorium; no council action taken.
  • Salt Mine Lease (19.3): Postponed to allow further analysis of royalty rates versus market.
  • Wes Montgomery Park (22.1): Postponed and assigned to LPD for due diligence.
  • Budgets and Contracts: Several items approved, postponed, or objected to as detailed above.
  • Meeting Adjourned after member reports.

Meeting Transcript

President, Councilmember Densdale and Todd McCampbell. Present. Councilmember Renata Miller. Member Miller did send a memo indicating that she would not be present, so her absence is excused. Purple So note, Mr. President. Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero. Council Member Mary Waters. Present. Councilmember Angela Whitfield Callaway. Member Callaway sent a memo indicating that she will be absence. So her absence is excused. Council President Pro Tem Cole Meneyon the second. Here. Council President James Tate. Yep. Mr. President, you have a corn. Thank you. We have a corn present. The council will now be in session. We will now begin the collection of public comment cards. Some of you have already provided your raise your hand for a card. If you have not done so yet and you would like to provide comment to the council, please raise your hand if you're in person, but also if you're online. Please raise your hand. We will be cutting off the collection of public comments very shortly. Providing this morning's invocation, we have none other than uh the Reverend Dr. Willie A. Ghost in the second, a senior pastor at the Historic Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, uh, located in uh District 7 at 5151 West Chicago. Pastor Goldston uh holds a bachelor's of science and master of public uh health degrees from the Indiana University in Bloomington, as well as a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary and Doctor of Ministry as a Gardner C. Taylor Fellow from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Pastor Goldston is currently a secretary for the Michigan Annual Conference Board of Examiners for the AME Church, member of the Stewardship Finance Commission, Fourth District Christian Education Team and Co-Chair of the Michigan Conference of Social Action. He's also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha 30 years in. All right. Thank you so much. To President Tate, Coleman Pro Tim Young, Associate Council members in this August body that have assembled here, those in this workspace of endless possibilities and promises, plus those viewing across the airways of streaming capacities and technological spaces. It is with great appreciation, adoration, and eminent expressions of elation that I've been afforded this opportunity to stand behind this desk for such a time as this. The word of God reminds us how good and pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity. It also says that we ought to always pray without ceasing. Therefore, let us pray. Supreme and loving God, the sustainer of our souls, creator of the universe, the giver of every good and perfect gift. We bow in humble submission before your throne on this due day called Tuesday, a day in which we have not seen before, witnessed or experienced. Yet we come first and foremost, thanking you for being our God. Whether we call you the God of Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob, Elion, El Shaddai, Jehovah Jirah, Jehovah Shalom, Yahweh, the lily of the valley, our bright and morning star, more battle axe, our miracle worker, our heartfixer or mind regulator. We come thanking you first and foremost for all that you have already done and what you're doing right now in the present and what you shall do in the future. And we confess that we haven't always done the best that we should at all times. Yet we are grateful for yet another day, another chance and another opportunity, a do-over that has been granted unto us to do better on this particular moment. And we are grateful for contributions of faithful laborers across this city of Detroit. Those, oh God, that carry the spirit and continue to serve humankind. We pray, oh God, that you would set the atmosphere for this productive business meeting and deliberations.

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