Internal Operations Standing Committee Meeting - July 15, 2026

The Internal Operations Standing Committee of the Detroit City Council met on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:04 AM. The meeting covered a wide range of items including contract approvals, settlement authorizations, a reappointment interview, and updates on a major power outage in District 2. The committee also received public comments on various community issues.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Charlene Brawless (in-person) raised concerns about an eviction and court proceedings; Councilmember Miller’s staff spoke with her afterward.
• Betty A. Varner, President of the Soda Elsewhere Black Association, expressed full support for a proposed mini-market at Finkel and Wyoming, citing food desert needs. She also promoted the Rise Detroit event on August 1st, 2026, seeking volunteers.
• Jadante Smith criticized the chair for allegedly taking credit for his idea about reporting blighted homes to demolition. He also called for the arrest of Arvin Walker and complained about potholes and unboarded houses. He criticized Councilmember Scott Benson for not crediting citizens who helped police.
• Caller ending in 534 (likely Joanne Warwick) complained about hand-lowering and requested a meeting with Councilmember Miller regarding the master plan update, alleging an unfair process and lack of outreach in District 5.
• Owner Papa thanked Councilwoman Callaway for courage and called for investigations into DTE and the removal of Conrad Mallet and Mr. Whitaker, alleging misuse of federal dollars.
• Legendary Detroiter accused the City Clerk and Election Commission of lying about voter fraud findings and claimed a report was not shared with council or the mayor’s office.
• Mr. Ronald Foster acknowledged sidewalk improvements but criticized DTE for poor service, noting other jurisdictions benefit while Detroit residents lose power.
• William M. Davis wished his grandson a happy birthday, shared his sister’s repeated power outages, and encouraged voter turnout.

Discussion Items

• Chair’s Remarks (Power Outage): Councilmember Callaway reported a major outage in District 2 caused by an underground cable failure at a DTE substation. DTE planned to deploy 14 large diesel generators to eight locations, with restoration expected by the evening of July 15. Community vans were set up at Adams Butzel Recreation Center (and a request for one at Northwest Activity Center). The day was designated as extreme heat; DTE was contacting vulnerable customers.
• Reappointment of Teresa Dubos (Item 6): Ms. Dubos appeared in person. She stated her desire to serve the community through the Property Assessment Board of Review. Councilmember Miller praised her passion and thoroughness. The committee voted to move the appointment to formal session with a recommendation for approval.
• Community Advisory Council (CAC) Rules (Item 7.1): LPD presented a draft ordinance amendment allowing the council to adopt CAC rules by resolution. The item was brought back after recess.
• CAC Grant Funding (Item 7.2): Councilmember Miller read into the record that CACs may accept grants/donations but must comply with city charter and grant management requirements. The item was received and filed.
• Digital Evidence Management System (Items 7.3 & 7.4): Robert Millinder (Director of Public Safety IT) explained these contracts for body-worn cameras and in-car video systems, used by police, DDOT, General Services, and Animal Control. The contracts were moved to formal.
• Legal Representation Contract (Item 7.5): A $15,000 contract with Shermita, Kilpatrick & Associates (Auburn Hills) for legal representation. Councilmembers questioned why a Detroit-based firm wasn’t used. The law department asked for more time; the item was brought back and later moved to be brought back in one week for further information.
• State Planning Program Income Eligibility (Item 7.6): Councilmember Benson requested an update from the law department. The drafter needed additional time; the item was brought back after recess.
• Network Equipment Contract (Item 8.1): A $600,000 increase for network and voice equipment from a Detroit-based company. Mr. Millinder noted it was for rebuilding the network at the detention center. Moved to formal.
• Verizon Cellular Data Contract (Item 8.2): A five-year, $17 million contract for citywide cellular data and equipment. Mr. Millinder explained it covers data communications for public safety vehicles, DDOT, fire, EMS, etc., and includes immediate credits and savings. After discussion about LTE networks, the item was moved to formal.
• Applicant Tracking System (Item 8.3): A two-year, $403,000 contract with NeoGov (California) for an applicant tracking system. HR and OCP explained it was competitively bid and NeoGov was the best option. Moved to formal.
• Settlements (Items 8.4-8.21, 8.22): Multiple lawsuit settlements and legal representation indemnifications were presented. Most were moved to formal without objection. Item 8.5 ($450,000, Robert Gross vs. City) was held for one week at Councilmember Benson’s request due to questions about bus camera video. Item 8.22 (cost recovery questions) was received and filed, but Councilmember Callaway indicated dissatisfaction with answers and planned follow-up.
• Workforce Quarterly Reports (Item 8.24): Requested by Councilmember Waters. The item was brought back after recess due to timing.
• Support for Senate Bill 1035 (Item 8.25): Councilmember Callaway introduced a resolution supporting SB 1035, which would allow felony convicts to petition for DNA testing and a new trial. LPD asked for one week to work on the resolution; the item was brought back in one week.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment: Teresa Dubos’s reappointment to the Property Assessment Board of Review advanced to formal session with a favorable recommendation.
• Contracts Moved to Formal: Items 7.3, 7.4, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and numerous settlements (8.4, 8.6-8.21) were approved for formal session.
• Items Held for Further Information:
  • Item 7.5 (legal contract) held one week.
  • Item 7.6 (state planning program) held until after recess.
  • Item 8.5 (settlement) held one week.
  • Item 8.24 (workforce reports) held until after recess.
  • Item 8.25 (SB 1035 resolution) held one week.
• CAC Rules (Item 7.1): Brought back after recess for consideration of the draft ordinance amendment.
• CAC Grant Funding (Item 7.2): Received and filed with clarification of procedures.
• Power Outage: The chair directed staff to request additional community van services at Northwest Activity Center.
• Cost Recovery (Item 8.22): Received and filed, but Councilmember Callaway will follow up with the law department.
• Members’ Reports: Councilmembers announced upcoming events including District 5 coffee hours, a community meeting on traffic safety, a human trafficking awareness rally, and reminders of cooling centers due to extreme heat.