Detroit City Council Committee Meeting – July 8, 2026

The City Council committee met on July 8, 2026, to approve minutes, address public comments, discuss storm debris removal, and schedule future agenda items. The meeting included updates on power outages, tree debris cleanup after the July 3rd storm, and several items of unfinished and new business.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The July 1, 2026, meeting minutes were approved by unanimous consent with no objections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Angela Whitfield Callaway (District 2 representative): Expressed that her rights to freedom of speech were abridged and criticized Detroit Election Commission Chair Janice Winfrey, alleging absentee ballot fraud in 2020, 2022, and 2024. She also referenced accusations of lying at a 2024 Detroit Election Commission meeting.
• William M. Davis (Commissioner): Reminded attendees of the Rudy Malcolm service; requested assistance with yard debris pickup, noting large branches on his property; called for more help for city retirees; and expressed support for an entertainment or downtown tax to shift costs to visitors.
• D DOT Mobility Access Ambassador Unpaid Cunningham: Provided information about free bus tickets, low-income housing lists, and a phone number (855-646-7432) for requesting lists. Asked for prayers.
• Ms. Ward (caller): Questioned why some residents received housing upgrades through a solar initiative without a community benefits agreement or process, citing the city charter’s equality of opportunity and equal protection obligations. She noted a news report about the project in 2025 and requested an answer from Councilmember Waters.
• Ms. Hughes (caller): Praised the District 7 representative but questioned delays in filling the Citizens Review Board and the legality of spending city funds on freeway cleanup when neighborhoods have blight. She also referenced the Rules Committee and violence intervention programs.
• Councilmember Waters (response to Ms. Ward): Invited Ms. Ward to call her office with names of affected residents and confirmed that City Council did not execute a community benefits agreement for the solar project.

Discussion Items

• Storm Debris Removal (with Director Brunditch): The Director of Public Works (DPW) provided an update on tree debris cleanup after the July 3rd storm. The General Services Department’s forestry division cuts trees into manageable pieces; DPW then removes debris from curbside. Over 1,000 calls related to tree damage were received. DPW and GSD crews are working daily. Residents should not be ticketed for debris. For smaller amounts, residents can bundle limbs (under 4 feet) or place in yard waste bags for weekly pickup; larger debris will be collected by DPW/GSD but not on a fixed schedule. Street sweeping will eventually address debris in the street, but residents are encouraged to sweep debris to the curb. Councilmember Johnson asked about bundling requirements and small limbs; the director clarified that small limbs can be bundled or bagged for contractor pickup, but otherwise DPW will eventually collect them. Councilmember Waters asked about priority areas; the director noted damage was citywide, with no specific high-priority zones.
• Unfinished Business (5.1 and 5.2): Budget memos from the chair’s office were discussed. Item 5.1 (budget memo) was moved to be brought back in two weeks. Item 5.2 was moved to be brought back in one week. Both motions passed without objection.
• New Business (6.1): Performance audit of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners from the Office of Auditor General. The committee agreed to coordinate with the OIG, OAG, OCFO, and the Board of Police Commissioners and moved to bring the item back in three weeks. No objections.
• Miscellaneous (6.2): A memorandum from Councilmember Johnson’s office requesting a fiscal analysis of a proposed resolution on property tax reductions. The item was brought back in two weeks per the legislative policy division’s recommendation, with work planned with the Office of Treasury and OCFO. No objections.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved: Unanimous.
• Storm debris update: Residents advised of no ticketing for debris; DPW/GSD continuing cleanup; street sweeping later.
• Budget memos (5.1 and 5.2): Brought back in two weeks and one week, respectively.
• Police Commissioners audit (6.1): Brought back in three weeks.
• Property tax reduction fiscal analysis (6.2): Brought back in two weeks.
• Meeting adjourned: Motion passed without objection.

Member Reports

• Councilmember (District 4): Announced “Occupy the Summer” event on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 5 p.m. at Corrigan Park (East Warren and Altar Road) with Mayor Sheffield.
• Councilmember (District 7): Monthly meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 6 p.m. virtually.