Detroit Public Health and Safety Committee Meeting - April 13, 2026

The Public Health and Safety Standing Committee met on Monday, April 13, 2026, chaired by Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero. The agenda included public comments, review of memos, approval of demolition and other contracts, and a discussion on youth engagement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brother Cunningham announced a DDOT input meeting on Thursday and promoted his outreach work, requesting donations.
• Jadante Smith, a candidate for public office, criticized officials including Scott Benson and Joe Tate, and raised concerns about Kronos Concrete's silicosis dust and district conditions.
• Betty A. Verner promoted a health fair on April 18 at Mount Zion Baptist Church, offering free eye exams and health services.
• Denise Darnell shared information about DPSCD board meeting, garden resource program, and water backflow device inspections.
• William M. Davis supported a UN resolution on the transatlantic slave trade, suggested rainwater reuse for city facilities, and criticized drainage fees.
• A resident (District 3) raised concerns about rodent migration from development, mowing practices, and a disappointing master plan update meeting.
• A caller (Google Pixel) reported a dilapidated home on Van Dyke and truck traffic on a nearby street; Chair offered assistance.
• Foster criticized city leadership for lack of action until election season and questioned representation.
• Caller 124 accused officials of lying about a suicide case (not clarified).
• Caller 039 echoed similar accusations.

Discussion Items

• Memos (5.1-5.17): Various memos were discussed, including those on 36th District Court accessibility, language access, construction/demolition, and ICE property restrictions. Memo 5.15 on limiting ICE activities was noted as difficult due to legal challenges; brought back in two weeks.
• Contracts for Commercial Demolitions (6.1, 6.6, 6.8): Councilmember McCampbell questioned communication with property owners and cost recovery. BC Chief Arthur Russian explained two mailings and certified letters. Law Department's Jason Harrison outlined cost recovery lawsuits and promised quarterly reports. The contracts were approved.
• Contract 6.16 (Diesel Filter Services): Discussion on why a Canadian vendor was selected. OCP's Hillary Edwards explained bidding process: four respondents, two unqualified, one in Sterling Heights at 150% higher cost, no Detroit-based bidders. Council urged proactive outreach for specialized services. Contract approved.
• Youth Engagement (Teen Takeovers): Dr. Chanel Hampton and Director Terry Brent provided updates on the administration's response to teen gatherings. They emphasized the peaceful nature, collaboration with CVI groups, and a listening session with youth. They announced "Occupy the Summer" from June 12 to August 14. Councilmembers expressed support for creating third spaces and hiring youth.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes from April 6 meeting.
• Approved numerous contracts and memos including: 5.6, 5.8-5.14, 5.16-5.17, 6.2, 6.4, 6.5, 6.7, 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.14, 6.15, 6.16, 6.17, 6.20. (All with recommendation to approve.)
• Approved commercial demolitions 6.1, 6.6, 6.8 after discussion.
• Referred memos: 5.1 (1 week), 5.2-5.5 (2 weeks), 5.7 (2 weeks), 5.15 (2 weeks), 6.3 (2 weeks), 6.12 (1 week), 6.13 (1 week), 6.21 (2 weeks), 6.22 (2 weeks), 6.23 (1 week), 6.24 (1 week), 6.25 (2 weeks), and a walk-on memo on curfew violations (2 weeks).
• Sent 6.10 and 6.20 to new business.
• The law department will provide quarterly reports on demolition cost recovery.
• The administration will continue listening sessions with youth and develop summer programming.