Detroit City Council Regular Session - June 9, 2026

The Detroit City Council held its regular session on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The meeting began with a quorum present (with Councilmembers Benson arriving late and Santiago-Romero excused). The invocation was delivered by Pastor Maurice "Mo" Hartwick, founder of the Living Peace Movement, in recognition of Gun Violence Awareness Month. The council approved the journal of the last formal session, proceeded with presentations, received public comments, and debated numerous contract awards, land use items, and resolutions.

Presentations

• Spirit of Detroit Awards (introduced by Councilmember Waters): Awarded to Laquita Thomas, Brianna Avery, and Sheila Nose for their courage and quick action in helping recover a missing 12-year-old child. Council members praised their neighborly vigilance.
• Caribbean American Heritage Month Proclamation (introduced by Council President Tate): A testimonial resolution recognizing the contributions of Detroit's Caribbean American community. Remarks were made by Yelena Ramatar and Sophia Chu, who highlighted the community's long history and ongoing contributions. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the cultural and economic impact.

Public Comments & Testimony

• In-Person Speakers (12 cards): Robin Peoples (Living Peace Movement) reported on community violence intervention programs. Irving Morrow criticized the council for lack of responsiveness to community issues, referencing a convicted council member and contract irregularities. Fidel Lorenzo Sewell urged residents to monitor city spending and called out Wayne Metro for receiving $6 million without supporting his church. Shark Williams raised concerns about education, DTE, ex-offenders on police force, and voting irregularities. Michael Humphrey reported alleged sex crimes and requested council assistance. Josh Mann expressed losing faith in Detroit over data center plans and lack of response to graffiti. Betty Lyons and Bobby Johnson demanded transparency on tax foreclosures, land bank transfers, and called for reparations. Terry Jones emphasized public servant accountability, separation of church and state, and gun safety.
• Online Callers (19 callers): Calls focused on lack of neighborhood investment from downtown events, solar farm controversies (White Star to DTE transfer), lack of African Town designation, voter roll irregularities, criticism of CDI contracts, and demands for property tax compensation. Several callers referenced the "Detroit Solar Scam" website. Melissa Love and others raised concerns about lack of ASL interpretation, illegal voting, and street sweeping issues.

Discussion Items

• Pump Station Rezoning (Line 27.2): Councilmember Johnson moved to pull a resolution regarding the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) through-street pumping station rezoning from committee. After procedural steps, the ordinance was read, passed with eight yes votes, and a waiver attached. Councilmember Johnson detailed community benefits: $5 million in right-of-way improvements, indoor air quality/flood mitigation grants, a resident liaison, $75,000 for neighborhood beautification, and environmental justice training.
• Car Wash Contracts (Items 17.2-17.3): Two contracts for auto wash services (Downtown Auto Wash LLC and Star Auto Wash Inc.) totaling $521,312 were debated. Councilmembers Benson, Miller, and Callaway objected due to lack of east-side locations. A motion to send them back to committee failed with a 4-4 tie. After reconsideration and a roll call, item 17.2 and 17.3 were approved (5-3). Item 17.1 (appraisal services) was approved.
• Motorola Radio Maintenance Contract (Item 18.2): A five-year, $16.65 million contract for maintenance of the 800 MHz radio system was approved (8-1). Discussion included encryption of channels (limiting media scanner access) and cybersecurity. Councilmember McCampbell raised concerns about media access.
• Land Bank Appointment (Item 18.18): Appointment of Javon Glenn to the Detroit Land Bank Authority through June 30, 2026, was approved. Councilmember Waters clarified that the committee would forward his name along with other candidates for the full term starting July 1.
• Housing Repair Contracts (Items 19.4-19.6): Multiple contracts totaling over $60 million were approved for home repair, roof/window replacement, and tenant support. Discussion focused on the $2 billion repair need, targets for reducing housing deficiencies, and the allocation of funds to owner-occupied homes. Councilmember Young urged setting measurable targets and a public dashboard.
• Solar Farm Closed Session Debate: Council President Tate proposed a closed session to discuss the White Star/Eagle Creek/Apollo Global acquisition and potential litigation involving the solar neighborhood project. Councilmember Callaway opposed, stating she would not sign a confidentiality agreement and would share information publicly. Councilmember Benson noted the need for transparency. A motion to assign law department to draft a memo for a closed session was approved, with a committee of the whole to follow.
• Gun Purchase Contract (Item 20.5): A $75,400 contract for Smith & Wesson handguns for police was debated. Councilmember Young asked about outreach to minority gun associations. The contract was approved 5-3 after roll call.
• Other Contracts: Several out-of-state contracts (items 20.6, 20.7, 20.9-20.12) were initially voted down due to lack of local vendors, but after reconsideration and roll calls, each was approved (mostly 5-4 or 6-3). Item 20.11 (traffic management software from Ontario, Canada) passed 5-4.
• Joe Louis Greenway Maintenance (Item 22.12): Councilmember Callaway raised concerns about the City of Detroit bearing full maintenance costs for the 27.5-mile trail through four municipalities. The vote was postponed one week for further study.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance Passed (8-0): Rezoning of properties on Connor and Navajo streets for the GLWA pump station, including community benefit package.
• Car Wash Contracts (Items 17.2-17.3) approved after tie-breaking vote, with administration to seek east-side vendors.
• Motorola Radio Contract (Item 18.2) approved with discussion on encryption.
• Housing Repair Contracts (Items 19.2-19.9) approved, including $50 million supply schedule for home repairs.
• Solar Farm Closed Session assigned to law department for memo; committee of the whole to follow.
• Land Bank Appointment approved through June 30; committee to forward three candidates for full term.
• Out-of-state contracts (items 20.5-20.7, 20.9-20.12) approved after reconsideration, with members noting need for local vendor development.
• Joe Louis Greenway contract postponed one week.
• Freeway mowing contract (Item 22.8) failed (4-4 tie).
• Member reports suspended (motion passed 7-4). No evening community meeting tonight; rescheduled to June 30.

The meeting adjourned after approximately 5 hours.