Public Health and Safety Standing Committee Meeting – June 22, 2026

The Detroit City Council Public Health and Safety Standing Committee met on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM to discuss several agenda items, including the ShotSpotter contract extension, emergency demolitions, and other public safety matters. The meeting included public comment, department presentations, and committee votes.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the last session.
• 5.2 – Encroachments (Haywood Development LLC): Approved without discussion.
• 5.4 – Dangerous Buildings Findings (May 22, 2026): Received and filed.
• 5.5 – African American Music Month Resolution: Removed from agenda (already approved).
• 5.6 – Accessibility of 36th District Courts: Received and filed.
• 5.16 – Wrongful Arrests and Lawsuits from ShotSpotter: Received and filed.
• 6.2 – Emergency Demolition (6134 Lynwood): Approved.
• 6.3 – Emergency Demolition (1554 Asylum): Approved after correcting clerical error (residential, not commercial).
• 6.4 – Emergency Demolition (504 West Savannah): Approved after correction (residential).
• 6.5 – Emergency Demolition (3250 Clements): Approved.
• 6.13 – Dangerous Buildings Findings (May 15, 2026): Received and filed.
• 6.15 – Encroachments (1528 Wibword Av LLC): Approved.
• 6.20 – Memo re Stephen Thompson’s Mason School: Received and filed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stephen Sancho: Opposed ShotSpotter, citing militarization of law enforcement and lack of reliability. Asked council to stop the technology.
• Brother Cunningham: Thanked council for past support on paratransit issues and promoted his “Free Fair Fridays” bus ticket distribution.
• Lucia Salcedo (Detroit Justice Center intern): Argued against ShotSpotter, stating it fails on decibel levels, data storage concerns, and does not reduce response times. Urged council not to extend the contract.
• Olivia Jones (youth organizer, University of Michigan student): Opposed ShotSpotter, citing lack of evidence for violence reduction and opportunity cost. Called for investment in housing, education, and mental health.
• Alicia Howell: Described safety threats in her apartment complex due to mental health issues, requesting help with relocation and improved tenant safety protocols.
• Mo Reese Weeks: Criticized DPD’s defense of ShotSpotter, noting other cities have dropped it. Requested data on completed investigations and fair vendor selection.
• Multiple online callers (Mr. Foster, Legendary, William M. Davis, Richard Clay, Molly Menning, Liz Kennedy, Taron Haynes, Resident, Kisa Michelle, Marguerite Maddox, Cindy Dara, and a senior citizen): Overwhelmingly opposed ShotSpotter and other surveillance technologies (Flock, facial recognition). Cited lack of efficacy, over-policing, privacy violations, and urged funds for community programs. Some also raised concerns about dirty dirt, solar panel fires, and the Board of Police Commissioners needing independent counsel.

Discussion Items

• ShotSpotter Contract Extension (5.11): Deputy Chief Bliss from DPD presented, stating the department has answered questions and is partnering with the University of Michigan to study Detroit’s specific use. He requested the item advance to full council. Committee members expressed concerns about effectiveness, surveillance, cost ($2 million for 9 months), and lack of public support. Vice Chair McCampbell moved to send to formal session with a recommendation to deny; the motion carried. Member Waters attempted to send to new business but was not supported.
• Speed Cushion Replacement Parts (5.3): Director Brundage explained the contract provides replacement parts for damaged speed cushions, with 39 locations identified. Members asked about cushion profiles and alternative traffic calming measures. Approved and sent to formal.
• Emergency Demolitions (5.12, 5.14, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5): Discussed cost discrepancies. Nick Payne (Planning & Strategy Manager) explained bidding process and nuances. Chair noted piecemeal approach and requested clearer process. 5.12 and 5.14 sent to formal without recommendation; 6.1 approved; others approved with corrections.
• Security Services Amendment (5.13): Kelly Chmel (OCP) explained the amendment adds two Detroit-certified vendors. Approved.
• Contaminated Soil Remediation (5.18 and 6.6): 5.18 (Mannequin Smith Group) for environmental due diligence at 4551 25th Street – approved and sent to new business. 6.6 (removal and replacement) brought back TBD pending a fuller picture of future contracts.
• EMS Emergency Procurement (6.7): Discussion on moving services in-house. Member Waters noted an upcoming ordinance to protect seniors from balance billing. Approved and sent to new business.
• Fire Alert System (6.8): Amendment for BRICS Inc. to cover new stations. Questions about local vendor capacity; OCP noted federal funding constraints. Approved and sent to new business.
• Youth Programs (6.9, 6.10): Detroit Public Safety Foundation presented contracts for youth violence prevention and truancy reduction, using educators and case managers, not police. Approved and sent to new business.
• Police Testing Services (6.11): Contract with Illinois firm for promotional exams. Approved and sent to new business.
• Lighting Plan Amendment (6.14): PLA presented map of new lights; members requested review time. Approved and sent to formal.

Key Outcomes

• ShotSpotter (5.11): Sent to formal session on June 30 with a recommendation to deny (3-0 vote? Not explicitly stated but no objections).
• Speed Cushion Parts (5.3): Approved and sent to formal.
• Emergency Demolitions: Several approved, some sent without recommendation; 6.6 held for more information.
• Security Services (5.13): Approved.
• Contaminated Soil (5.18): Approved; (6.6) held.
• EMS (6.7): Approved and sent to new business.
• Fire Alert System (6.8): Approved and sent to new business.
• Youth Programs (6.9, 6.10): Approved and sent to new business.
• Police Testing (6.11): Approved and sent to new business.
• Lighting Plan (6.14): Approved and sent to formal.
• Memos (5.15, 5.17, 6.16-6.19, 6.21): Brought back in one to three weeks as noted.
• Member Reports: Suspended.