OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Detroit City Council Regular Session: May 5, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, May 5, 2026
BodyDetroit, Michigan
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, May 5, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:50:40

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

The regular session of Tuesday, May 5th, uh 2026 will come to order.

0:05

Uh, Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll?

0:08

Councilmember Scott Benson.

0:09

Scott Vincent I.

0:10

Councilmember Letitia Johnson present.

0:14

Councilmember Denzel and Tom McCampbell.

0:18

Councilmember Reneta Miller here.

0:22

Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero present.

0:27

Councilmember Mary Waters.

0:30

Councilmember Angela Whitfield Callaway.

0:33

Council President Pro Tim Coman Ayon II.

0:36

Here.

0:37

Council President James Tate.

0:39

Here.

0:39

Mr.

0:39

President, you have a quorum.

0:41

Thank you, ma'am.

0:41

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

0:46

Um, before we uh go into the rest of the meeting, we will now like to begin the collection of public comment cards for those who would like to speak for this body, both in person as well as online.

0:57

So if you're in person, please raise your hand if you have not received a public comment card.

1:02

And again, you would like to address this body if you're online.

1:05

Raise your hand and you will be placed in the queue.

1:09

We will have public comment coming up very shortly.

1:12

Um, but before we do that, as always, we start with the morning's invocation and providing the invocation for this morning.

1:20

Uh, we have none other than Dr.

1:22

Waverley Brumbury uh Senior, who is the proud pastor and founder of Refuge Temple Cathedral of His Glory Church of God in Christ, located in District 4 at 1227 Findlay Avenue.

1:37

Superintendent Brumber, the floor is yours, sir.

1:40

Good morning, everyone.

1:42

Let us pray.

1:43

Father, in the name of Jesus, we gathered in gratitude for the gift of this community and for all that serve within it, our mayor, our council members, our city staff, first responders, educators, faith leaders, and every resident of Detroit.

2:00

Father, we ask you now in your son Jesus' name that you will guide us safely in this moment of this rich tapestry of culture, belief, and traditions that we are a strong city.

2:11

Father, we ask you to fill this chamber with wisdom that our leaders may discern what truly deserves the good of your people.

2:18

Father, we ask you that you will grant us strength in this difficult decisions and courage to act in integrity.

2:24

Father, continue to bless us and make us whole.

2:26

And Father, be so careful to give your name praise and glory.

2:29

This is our prayer in Jesus' name.

2:30

Let's all say amen.

2:32

Amen.

2:33

Thank you so much for the prayer and opening uh invocation.

2:36

Uh Pastor, if you would like to stay, we certainly welcome you to do so.

2:40

But if you have a schedule, we understand and appreciate your presence this morning.

2:46

Uh Madam Clerk, the journal of the session of Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, will be approved.

2:52

And before we move forward, I do know that member Callaway has a presentation, a very, very special presentation that she would like to provide to a very, very special individual that has um joined us and been part of a new number of our events um within the city of Detroit and the city council.

3:10

So I will now turn the floor over to member Callaway.

3:14

Thank you, Mr.

3:14

Um, Mr.

3:15

Chair, and good morning, everyone.

3:17

Um, it is my honor and privilege to present a spirit of Detroit award to the woman who we call the Queen of Composting of District 2.

3:25

She's probably known to be the queen of composting and recycling and green of Detroit, probably by the whole city, but I know for a fact in the district that we all live in, the three of us, we know we call you the queen of composting and recycling, um, protecting and making our environments much healthier.

3:43

Yeah, you want to give her an applause for that.

3:44

She's amazing.

3:46

She travels the country, um, teaching folks about the importance of composting.

3:52

So we are happy that you're here today, and this spirit of Detroit Award is presented here with as an expression of the gratitude and esteem of the citizens of Detroit to Renee B.

4:04

Wallace for pioneering community-driven composting systems that transform cities and empower climate resilience.

4:12

Renee Wallace, a district two resident, is a dynamic leader driving transformative environmental change as the founder and CEO of Doers Edge LLC and a key force behind food plus Detroit with deep roots in Detroit and a growing national and global impact.

4:32

She is advancing composting as a powerful tool for sustainability and urban resilience.

4:39

Through initiatives like the People's Compost Initiative, that she champions education, infrastructure development, and community engagement to build a thriving compost ecosystem.

4:52

Her work brings together policymakers, residents, and practitioners to create scalable soil-based solutions that address climate challenges and improve the quality of life for all of us.

5:07

Renee's visionary leadership is shaping a future where composting is not just a practice, but a culture of resourcefulness and resilience.

5:18

On behalf of myself, Councilmember Callaway and the entire city council, and on behalf of the city of Detroit, we celebrate you, Renee Wallace, for your outstanding accomplishments and impact in our community.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Contract Management████████████████16%
Public Safety███████████████15%
Public Comment█████████████13%
Housing█████████████13%
Procedural████████████12%
Community Engagement█████████9%
Environmental Protection██████6%
Zoning and Land Use█████5%
Homelessness█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Detroit City Council Regular Session: May 5, 2026

The Detroit City Council held its regular session on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, beginning with roll call (all nine members present), an invocation, and a Spirit of Detroit Award presentation to Renee B. Wallace for her leadership in community composting. The meeting then proceeded through committee referrals, public comments, and votes on numerous resolutions, contracts, and ordinances. Major discussions centered on the Leland House tenant relocation, emergency ambulance service contracts, and contracts for shelter expansions and housing inspections.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Betty Lyons criticized the council for inaction on toxic dust from a concrete company, illegal immigrants, property tax overpayments, and the Leland House situation.
  • Vanita Tompkins requested additional safety measures on Southfield Freeway after a child's death and inquired about the status of the Coleman Young bust.
  • Saskia, a student, thanked the mayor for free bus rides for students.
  • James Harris asked how to access $25,000 in homebuyer assistance.
  • Char Williams accused the city of failing to enforce building codes, allowing illegal voting, and criticized the handling of the Leland House.
  • Charles Cousin from New York reported his house was set on fire and appealed for more kindness and family-like support from the city.
  • Jeffrey Pegg, Vice President of Detroit Firefighters Association Local 344, opposed a three-year extension of private ambulance contracts, urging a one-year extension to hold the administration accountable for hiring more firefighters and EMS personnel.
  • Josh Mann opposed Flock camera technology (Raven), citing Fourth Amendment violations.
  • Terry Jones complained about demolition issues and lack of help from the city, threatening to involve federal authorities.
  • Mr. Foster urged the council to use resources to promote independence rather than dependency.
  • Online callers raised issues including reparations, the need for caretaker services (Betty A. Varner), concern about the illegal NAMP program (caller "please listen to member waters"), post-prison disorder resolution, money laundering in campaign finance, alleged voter fraud, and criticism of the Green Task Force (caller Owner Papa).
  • Jai Singletary praised the Cinco de Mayo celebration and supported immigrant communities.
  • Jacqueline questioned a resolution on post-prison disorder and requested a bike ride with Councilmember Benson.
  • Michelle Jackson thanked the council for recognizing International Compost Awareness Week and acknowledged council members for their support.

Discussion Items

  • Spirit of Detroit Award: Councilmember Callaway presented a Spirit of Detroit Award to Renee B. Wallace for pioneering community composting. Wallace spoke and provided compost awareness posters to council.
  • Budget Transfers and Write-offs (16.1, 16.2): Councilmember McCampbell moved to approve. Deputy Treasurer Norvire Barray explained that $554,000 in uncollectible accounts (personal property tax, etc.) would be written off. Councilmember Callaway requested a detailed report. The items were approved, with a waiver granted for 16.1 but not 16.2 due to an objection.
  • E-Scooter Fee Schedule (16.4): Councilmember McCampbell moved to approve. DPW Deputy Director Sam Krasenstein and Ryan Michael explained a simplified fee schedule (25 cents per trip in high-frequency areas, 5 cents outside). Estimated revenue of $117,000 over two years from Lime and Spin. Approved with waiver.
  • HR Flexible Spending Contract (17.4): Councilmember Callaway criticized the contract coming in after expiration (March 31), stating it was a recurring issue. Approved anyway.
  • Police Settlements (17.6, 17.7): Councilmember Johnson asked for details on officers involved; administration promised responses. Approved.
  • Zoning Ordinance for Trumbull/Lincoln Parcels (18.1): Councilmember Johnson moved to rezone parcels from PD to R5/SD1. Director Ty and staff explained Citadel of Faith church owned one parcel, land bank owned others; one parcel to undergo RFP for housing. Councilmember Waters asked for a six-month report. Approved 9-0.
  • Zoning Ordinance for 15th Street (18.2): Similar rezoning from R2 to R3. Approved 9-0.
  • Leland House Emergency Contracts (18.6, 18.7): Councilmember Johnson moved to approve $225,000 to Detroit Building Authority and $75,000 to Bayview Electric for temporary restoration of electrical and elevator service. Director Chelsea Newblatt reported 19 household relocations, 31 case-managed, and tenant belongings retrieval underway. Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallet said the city is an administrative expense creditor ahead of secured creditors; bankruptcy sale pending. Councilmembers McCampbell and Pro Tem Young raised concerns about preventing recurrence, barring negligent owners, and using technology like 3D printing. Councilmember Waters expressed frustration over the five-month delay and criticized past practices. Councilmember Santiago Romero thanked the administration for proactive work. Approved with waivers.
  • Ambulance Service Contracts (19.6-19.8): Three contracts totaling over $4.5 million for private ambulance services. Extensive debate ensued. Councilmember Santiago Romero questioned bringing services in-house. Councilmember Miller and Waters pushed for one-year contracts to force in-house transition. Chief Financial Officer David Corley noted a potential $42 million surplus but recommended phasing. Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Sims favored a phased approach to avoid service disruption. Councilmember McCampbell supported quarterly updates. The items were postponed for one week for further discussion.
  • CAS Community Social Services Shelter Expansion (18.4, 18.5): Contracts totaling $1.25 million to expand drop-in shelter from 110 to 185 beds. Councilmember Waters and Callaway questioned inspection failures and costs per bed (~$11,000). Postponed for one week pending more information.
  • Housing Inspection Contract (18.8): $150,000 contract with a new company (started 2025). Councilmember Callaway criticized it for not using Detroiters trained at Wayne County Community College. Postponed for one week.
  • Other Contracts and Resolutions: Numerous items approved without objection, including contracts for software, legal case management, collections, flexible spending, housing accessibility assessments, community air quality programs, metal containers, sidewalk repairs, and multiple grant acceptances. Also approved resolutions for Air Quality Awareness Week (19.19) and various testimonial resolutions.

Key Outcomes

  • Spirit of Detroit Award: Presented to Renee B. Wallace.
  • Budget Transfers and Write-offs (16.1, 16.2): Approved; waiver granted for 16.1 but not 16.2.
  • E-Scooter Fee Schedule (16.4): Approved with waiver.
  • Zoning Changes (18.1, 18.2): Both ordinances approved (9-0).
  • Leland House Emergency Contracts (18.6, 18.7): Approved with waivers.
  • Ambulance Contracts (19.6-19.8): Postponed for one week.
  • CAS Shelter Contracts (18.4, 18.5): Postponed for one week.
  • Housing Inspection Contract (18.8): Postponed for one week.
  • Air Quality Awareness Week Resolution (19.19): Approved.
  • Postponed Items: 18.3 (accessibility assessment), 18.4, 18.5, 18.8, 19.6-19.8 were postponed for one week.
  • Public Hearing Set: For 18.16 on May 21, 2026 at 10:15 a.m.
  • Member Reports: Upcoming meetings and events announced, including the Charter Mandated Evening Meeting on May 12 at Northwest Activity Center, District 2 Coffee Conversation on May 11, District 4 Motor City Makeover Day on May 16, and Juneteenth Bike Ride on June 19.

Meeting Transcript

The regular session of Tuesday, May 5th, uh 2026 will come to order. Uh, Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Scott Benson. Scott Vincent I. Councilmember Letitia Johnson present. Councilmember Denzel and Tom McCampbell. Councilmember Reneta Miller here. Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero present. Councilmember Mary Waters. Councilmember Angela Whitfield Callaway. Council President Pro Tim Coman Ayon II. Here. Council President James Tate. Here. Mr. President, you have a quorum. Thank you, ma'am. We have a quorum, which means we're now in session officially. Um, before we uh go into the rest of the meeting, we will now like to begin the collection of public comment cards for those who would like to speak for this body, both in person as well as online. So if you're in person, please raise your hand if you have not received a public comment card. And again, you would like to address this body if you're online. Raise your hand and you will be placed in the queue. We will have public comment coming up very shortly. Um, but before we do that, as always, we start with the morning's invocation and providing the invocation for this morning. Uh, we have none other than Dr. Waverley Brumbury uh Senior, who is the proud pastor and founder of Refuge Temple Cathedral of His Glory Church of God in Christ, located in District 4 at 1227 Findlay Avenue. Superintendent Brumber, the floor is yours, sir. Good morning, everyone. Let us pray. Father, in the name of Jesus, we gathered in gratitude for the gift of this community and for all that serve within it, our mayor, our council members, our city staff, first responders, educators, faith leaders, and every resident of Detroit. Father, we ask you now in your son Jesus' name that you will guide us safely in this moment of this rich tapestry of culture, belief, and traditions that we are a strong city. Father, we ask you to fill this chamber with wisdom that our leaders may discern what truly deserves the good of your people. Father, we ask you that you will grant us strength in this difficult decisions and courage to act in integrity. Father, continue to bless us and make us whole. And Father, be so careful to give your name praise and glory. This is our prayer in Jesus' name. Let's all say amen. Amen. Thank you so much for the prayer and opening uh invocation. Uh Pastor, if you would like to stay, we certainly welcome you to do so. But if you have a schedule, we understand and appreciate your presence this morning. Uh Madam Clerk, the journal of the session of Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, will be approved. And before we move forward, I do know that member Callaway has a presentation, a very, very special presentation that she would like to provide to a very, very special individual that has um joined us and been part of a new number of our events um within the city of Detroit and the city council. So I will now turn the floor over to member Callaway. Thank you, Mr. Um, Mr. Chair, and good morning, everyone. Um, it is my honor and privilege to present a spirit of Detroit award to the woman who we call the Queen of Composting of District 2. She's probably known to be the queen of composting and recycling and green of Detroit, probably by the whole city, but I know for a fact in the district that we all live in, the three of us, we know we call you the queen of composting and recycling, um, protecting and making our environments much healthier. Yeah, you want to give her an applause for that.

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