Public Health and Safety Standing Committee Meeting – May 11, 2026

The meeting was called to order at approximately 10:00 AM by Chair Gabriela Santiago Romero, with Councilmembers Danzel McCampbell (tardy, excused) and Mary Waters present. After brief audio issues, the committee heard general public comments, then proceeded through a lengthy agenda covering contaminated dirt remediation, demolition contracts, encroachments, and various memos and resolutions. Several items were discussed at length, with concerns raised about costs, processes, and communication with the public.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brother Cunningham called for urgent action on Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) issues, especially after 6 PM and on weekends, and criticized indifference toward the poor.
• Dr. Darnell shared information about summer youth programs sponsored by Vanguard Community Development at three churches, expanded to include 9th and 10th graders.
• Tahira Ahmed argued that America's 250th anniversary celebration excludes Black and Indigenous people, demanding reparations and recognition of enslaved labor's role in building U.S. wealth.
• Carolyn Hughes urged swift cleanup of contaminated “dirty dirt” sites across the city, opposed a $63,000 commercial demolition (6.3) before residential areas, criticized an ordinance related to federal overreach (6.6), and noted that Councilmember Waters' memos lack dates.
• Ruben Crowley accused Chair Romero of lying about voter fraud allegations and of being part of a “University of Michigan alumni naughty” controlling city contracts. He threatened exposure.
• Caller ending in 169 criticized religious bullies, referring to Brother Cunningham.
• William M. Davis supported AI review of police body and vehicle cameras to reduce lawsuits and improve accountability, and advocated for auto insurance reform and increased voter turnout.
• Mr. Foster raised concerns about GLWA reliability, proposed volunteer EMS in each district, highlighted a large pile of contaminated dirt on Puritan and Dexter, and requested public findings on item 5.12.
• Clarity about plywood (likely Ms. Warwick) questioned disparate treatment: developers (e.g., Richard Hosey of the Land Bank) allowed plywood while residents are not, cited rodent migration from Detroit People's Food Co-op, and noted lack of proper noticing for BCA meeting.
• Betty A. Varner requested the phone number for seniors to call into meetings, reported new businesses opening in her neighborhood, and asked for funding for corridor revitalization.

Discussion Items

• 5.1 – Contaminated Dirt Memo (McCampbell): Received and filed after discussion. McCampbell expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of cleanup and demanded swift action. Waters clarified that memos are dated in hyperlinks, but the date does not appear on the face of the memo. Chair Romero noted a contract had been approved to address the issue, but costs are high.
• 5.2 – Hope Program Memo (President Tate): Brought back in two weeks.
• 5.3 – Quick Claim Deeds Memo (Waters): Received and filed.
• 5.4 – Animal Wildlife Enforcement Memo (McCampbell): Brought back in two weeks per administration request.
• 5.5 – Make Safe Fire Response Contract ($47,000): Brought back in one week because Chair Romero requested images of the property before demolition to justify costs.
• 6.1 – Environmental Consulting Services (Tetra Tech, $400,000): Initially delayed, then discussed at end of meeting. GM Crystal Rogers confirmed the contract uses 100% EPA grant funding (not city funds) for Phase I/II assessments along the Joe Louis Greenway. Approved with recommendation to formal.
• 6.2 – Fill Removal at 5562 Pennsylvania ($51,842): Discussed at length. Concerns raised about cost ($50,000 per site) and lack of comprehensive plan. Staff explained the process involves testing, excavation, landfill approval, and refill. Sent to formal without recommendation.
• 6.3 – Emergency Demolition at 14501 East Jefferson ($63,175): Discussed with 6.2. Staff said BSEED deemed it imminent danger. McCampbell questioned why privately owned property wasn't addressed through dangerous buildings process. Sent to formal without recommendation.
• 6.4 – Cannabis Secure Storage Ordinance: Received and filed.
• 6.5 – Dangerous Buildings Findings (April 24, 2026): Received and filed.
• 6.6 – Ordinance on Federal Overreach: Brought back in one week.
• 6.7 – Banners for Aretha Franklin Summer Concert Series: Approved and sent to new business.
• 6.8 – Banners for National Veterans Wheelchair Games (July 9-14): Approved after clarification of acronym (NVWG).
• 6.9-6.14 – Various Encroachment Petitions: Approved after discussion. Included awnings, signs, retaining walls, and door swings. City Engineer Richard Doherty explained the process.
• 6.15 – Lee Plaza Storm Drain Encroachment: Brought back in one week because the resolution and map were not provided.
• 6.16 – Demolition Cost and Collections Report Memo: Brought back in one week.
• 6.17 – Resolution Recognizing Post-Traumatic Prison Disorder (McCampbell): Brought back in one week.
• 6.18 – South Fort Street Road Diet Resolution (Romero): Brought back in one week. Romero noted ongoing work with MDOT to improve safety after student fatalities.
• 6.19 – Police Activity at Lovely Vibes Bar & Grill Memo (President Tate): Brought back in one week.
• 6.20 – Police Training Programs and Employment Requirements Memo (Johnson): Brought back in one week; administration response sent May 5.
• 6.21 – Impact of School Closings Memo: Brought back in two weeks.
• Member Reports: McCampbell reported a successful community baby shower; Waters announced a skill trade task force meeting on May 20 and an evening community meeting on May 12 at Northwest Activity Center.
• Walk-on Request: Administration requested approval at formal session on May 12 for a DDOT safety plan resolution to obligate federal FTA funding.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Minutes from previous session approved without objection.
• Motions Approved:
  • 5.1, 5.3, 6.4, 6.5 received and filed.
  • 5.2, 5.4, 6.6, 6.16, 6.17, 6.18, 6.19, 6.20 brought back in one week (or two for 5.2, 6.21).
  • 5.5 brought back in one week for additional images.
  • 6.1 approved with amendment noting grant funding, sent to formal.
  • 6.2 and 6.3 sent to formal without recommendation.
  • 6.7 approved and sent to new business.
  • 6.8 approved (banners).
  • 6.9–6.14 approved (encroachments).
  • 6.15 brought back in one week.
• No votes requiring roll call were recorded; most actions were by voice vote with no objections.
• Public comment period lasted approximately 30 minutes (10:00–10:30 AM).
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:45 AM.