OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Detroit City Council Budget Committee Meeting - April 1, 2026: Executive Session Line Items Discussed

City Council — Wednesday, April 1, 2026
BodyDetroit, Michigan
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, April 1, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:09:46

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Good morning, everyone.

0:02

We are back in session for the expanded budget finance and audit standing committee for today, April 1st.

0:09

No fooling.

0:11

Okay, I got a little laugh, a little laugh.

0:14

It was funnier in my head, I promise you.

0:16

We're here for the executive sessions for today.

0:23

Oh, and our former colleague Fred Durha, I'm being told it's his birthday today.

0:27

Oh we just got a chance to see him.

0:29

I wish I would have been able to uh say happy birthday last night about similar text.

0:33

Uh Madam Clerk, I'm sorry.

0:36

Will you please call the roll?

0:38

Yes, good morning.

0:38

Councilmember Scott Benson.

0:41

Councilmember Letitia Johnson.

0:43

President.

0:43

Councilmember Denzel McCampbell.

0:46

Councilmember Renata Miller.

0:48

Member Miller indicated that she would not be present today dealing with a personal issue as well as Member McCampbell did indicate that he would be uh delayed this morning as well.

0:57

Clerk will know.

0:58

Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero.

1:00

Present.

1:01

Councilmember Mary Waters.

1:03

Present.

1:04

Councilmember Angela Whitfield Callaway.

1:06

Present.

1:07

Council President Pro Tim Coleman Young.

1:11

Here.

1:12

Council President James Tate.

1:14

Here.

1:14

Mr.

1:15

President, we have a quorum.

1:16

Thank you.

1:16

We have a quorum, which means we're now in session.

1:19

Colleagues, yesterday we left off page 158.

1:23

Want to get some rules of the road today and just a little guidance.

1:38

But then also want to uh discuss what time we want to wrap up this portion.

1:44

I know right now it's slated for what's that 12 from 10 until 12.

1:48

Started a little bit late, which is not much of an issue, but uh that leaves us with a pretty big gap in between uh what we would start the second executive session uh today at 2 p.m.

2:02

So wondering if we would be open to um going from now through 1 p.m.

2:08

and allowing us to recess at 1 and then reconvene at 2.

2:12

Is that how does that sound, colleagues?

2:14

Uh-huh.

2:15

Okay.

2:15

So that's what we shall do.

2:16

We shall uh start off uh this meeting uh now and we will uh recess until 1 p.m.

2:24

have a break and then return at 2 for the PM version of our executive session.

2:30

Uh yesterday, member Benson brought up a uh concept that um he believes may uh provide a bit more efficiency.

2:39

Always want to make sure that we have an opportunity to discuss these items at the table.

2:43

Member Benson, if you don't mind, the floor is yours, sir.

2:45

Thank you.

2:46

Um yesterday I had the thought that since the vast majority of our items go to closing resolution, and often closing resolution items take up to four minutes to discuss with not much in the way of changes.

3:00

Maybe we could just move them as blocks, and that way we don't have to have for every 10 items 30 minutes of conversation.

3:09

We can move them if they're if they're not controversial, they can easily be approved, and that way we'll be able to save time.

3:15

We're losing a day uh Friday, and and we have to obviously cut off on Tuesday at midnight.

3:22

So hopefully we're not gonna be here that late.

3:24

So we can expedite these as possible.

3:26

And so I'd look through mine, uh, and I have five closing resolution items left.

3:32

I'm prepared to move them as a block today.

3:35

They're not controversial, they don't have any monies attached to them, so there's really no need to negotiate.

3:40

But if others felt differently, more than happy to have the conversation.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████████28%
Public Safety█████████9%
Parks and Recreation█████████9%
Public Comment█████████9%
Budget████████8%
Workforce Development██████6%
Blight██████6%
Transportation Safety████4%
Historic Preservation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Detroit City Council Budget Committee Meeting - April 1, 2026

The Budget Finance and Audit Standing Committee, presided by Council President James Tate, convened on April 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM to review executive session items for the FY2027 budget. The meeting proceeded through dozens of line items, with council members moving many to closing resolution, approving some with specific funding, and pinning others for further discussion. The session recessed at 12:10 PM and was scheduled to reconvene at 2:00 PM. Public comment was held at the end of the morning session.

Discussion and Actions on Line Items

  • Line 158 (DESC - B Next expansion): Pinned for further discussion. Councilmember McCampbell noted a request for $1 million to be restored, with Councilmember Waters joining.
  • Line 159 (DESC - Pipeline into trades training): Approved. $70,000 one-time, with the understanding that it will be merged with a workforce program proposed by Councilmember Waters.
  • Line 162 (Police - License plate readers): Moved to closing resolution. Councilmember McCampbell proposed broader language on surveillance technology cost-benefit analysis.
  • Line 163 (Police - Mini stations policy): Moved to closing resolution. Pro Tem Young requested emphasis on senior citizen buildings.
  • Line 164 (Police - Shell casing collision robots): Moved to closing resolution.
  • Line 165 (Police - Hospital violence intervention program): Pinned.
  • Line 166 (Police - Wellness rooms for DPD): Moved to closing resolution.
  • Line 168 (Police - Truck traffic enforcement pilot): Approved with amendment. Originally $1 million, reduced to $550,000 one-time for a pilot in District 6, with closing resolution language for future citywide expansion.
  • Line 170 (PDD - Entire planning department budget): Pinned for further discussion with Director.
  • Line 176 (GSD - Mosquito abatement): Moved to closing resolution; dollar amount pinned for later determination.
  • Line 178 (GSD - Blight patrol rollout): Approved. $50,000 recurring, with a separate cost center to be established. Modeled after Citizens Radio Patrol.
  • Line 179 (GSD - Full restoration program for rec centers): Pinned for further information from Pro Tem Young.
  • Line 181 (GSD - Fort Wayne feasibility study): Moved to closing resolution; $40,000 removed after administration committed to cover the amount from existing capital.
  • Line 182 (GSD - Forestry department): Pinned. $4 million recurring from street fund requested; administration expressed concerns about impact on road funding.
  • Line 183 (GSD - 24 FTEs for forestry): Pinned (related to 182).
  • Line 184 (GSD - Security at rec centers): Pinned.
  • Line 186/187 (GSD - Recreation center at Brennan): Pinned.
  • Line 191 (GSD - $1 million for recreation): Removed.
  • Line 193 (GSD - Connor Creek Trail): Moved to closing resolution.
  • Line 194 (GSD - Resilience hubs): Moved to closing resolution.
  • Line 195 (GSD - Support to block clubs): Moved to closing resolution.
  • Line 196 (GSD - Dead/dangerous/diseased tree program): Approved. $1 million one-time for private trees.
  • Line 198 (GSD - Water feature at Kimani Park): Pinned.
  • Line 199 (GSD - Detroit Animal Care Control): Pinned.
  • Line 200 (GSD - Senior smoothies): Pinned. $75,000 one-time requested; discussion on equitable distribution and locations.
  • Line 202 (GSD - Gazebo roof at Hyde Park): Moved to closing resolution; $50,000 removed, administration committed $7,500 for repairs.
  • Line 203 (GSD - Pocket parks): Moved to closing resolution.
  • Line 205 (DWSD - Flooding prevention): Removed.
  • Line 207 (DWSD - Southfield Yard pumps): Moved to closing resolution; later reassigned to DPW.
  • Line 208 (Auditor General - Entire budget): Pinned for further review.
  • Line 209 (OAG - Report on duplication of services): Moved to closing resolution.
  • Line 210 (BZA - Court reporting): Pinned.
  • Line 211 (BZA - Entire budget): Pinned for further discussion.
  • Line 212 (BZA - Community outreach): Pinned.
  • Line 213 (City Council - Sensory/quiet room): Moved to closing resolution and pinned for negotiation with Joint Building Authority.
  • Line 214 (36th District Court - $1.8M): Pinned.
  • Line 216 (36th District Court - Southwest Detroit Community Justice Center): Pinned. Originally $300,000 one-time, but questions about cost center raised.
  • Line 217 (City Clerk - Entire budget): Pinned.
  • Line 218 (City Clerk - Executive protection): Pinned.
  • Line 219 (City Clerk - Additional budget): Pinned.
  • Line 221 (Library - Early learning impact study): Pinned.
  • Additional items: Pro Tem Young moved to add guaranteed income, baby bonds, and virtual power plant to closing resolution; all approved. Councilmember Santiago Romero added a free fare pilot for DDOT to closing resolution. Councilmember Benson added $135,000 one-time for holiday installations/events (approved).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Chris Mbime (District 2): Introduced himself and interest in food processing/manufacturing grants.
  • Betty A. Varner (Soda Ellsworth Block Association): Requested relief for block clubs, specifically waiving the $1,500 BSEED application fee, and funding for corridors lacking development.
  • Caller from District 6: Supported Varner's request, criticized inequitable distribution of funds.
  • Tyson Gersh: Urged Council to address the BZA budget and transcript availability, calling for prompt action.
  • Caller (name not stated): Supported Gersh's comments, proposed a nap diversion program for housing issues.
  • Caller (number ending 039): Accused Council and others of election cheating and conspiracy to remove Councilmember Waters.
  • Denise Darnell (PHT): Highlighted air quality issues and upcoming community training sessions.
  • Caller (iPhone): Requested better government transparency, including recorded meetings and water department records.
  • Steen (Financial Review Commission): Asked for the spreadsheet to be posted online for public access.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved with funding: Line 159 ($70,000), Line 168 ($550,000 pilot), Line 178 ($50,000 recurring), Line 196 ($1 million), Line 202 ($7,500 committed by administration), and Line 168 closing resolution language. Also, $135,000 for holiday installations approved.
  • Moved to closing resolution: At least 20 items covering police, GSD, parks, court, and other departments, with language to be provided by council members.
  • Pinned for further discussion: Over 15 items, including forestry, rec center programs, senior smoothies, and various budgets, pending further information or negotiations with administration.
  • Removed: Line 167, 191, 205, and 180 (motion to remove).
  • Next steps: The committee will reconvene at 2:00 PM for the afternoon session, including discussion of oversight agency funding requests. An updated spreadsheet is expected the next day.

Meeting Transcript

Good morning, everyone. We are back in session for the expanded budget finance and audit standing committee for today, April 1st. No fooling. Okay, I got a little laugh, a little laugh. It was funnier in my head, I promise you. We're here for the executive sessions for today. Oh, and our former colleague Fred Durha, I'm being told it's his birthday today. Oh we just got a chance to see him. I wish I would have been able to uh say happy birthday last night about similar text. Uh Madam Clerk, I'm sorry. Will you please call the roll? Yes, good morning. Councilmember Scott Benson. Councilmember Letitia Johnson. President. Councilmember Denzel McCampbell. Councilmember Renata Miller. Member Miller indicated that she would not be present today dealing with a personal issue as well as Member McCampbell did indicate that he would be uh delayed this morning as well. Clerk will know. Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero. Present. Councilmember Mary Waters. Present. Councilmember Angela Whitfield Callaway. Present. Council President Pro Tim Coleman Young. Here. Council President James Tate. Here. Mr. President, we have a quorum. Thank you. We have a quorum, which means we're now in session. Colleagues, yesterday we left off page 158. Want to get some rules of the road today and just a little guidance. But then also want to uh discuss what time we want to wrap up this portion. I know right now it's slated for what's that 12 from 10 until 12. Started a little bit late, which is not much of an issue, but uh that leaves us with a pretty big gap in between uh what we would start the second executive session uh today at 2 p.m. So wondering if we would be open to um going from now through 1 p.m. and allowing us to recess at 1 and then reconvene at 2. Is that how does that sound, colleagues? Uh-huh. Okay. So that's what we shall do. We shall uh start off uh this meeting uh now and we will uh recess until 1 p.m. have a break and then return at 2 for the PM version of our executive session. Uh yesterday, member Benson brought up a uh concept that um he believes may uh provide a bit more efficiency. Always want to make sure that we have an opportunity to discuss these items at the table. Member Benson, if you don't mind, the floor is yours, sir. Thank you.

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