Detroit Internal Operations Standing Committee Meeting – September 23, 2026
Detroit Internal Operations Standing Committee Meeting – September 23, 2026
The Internal Operations Standing Committee convened on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. with a quorum present (Councilmembers Angela Whitfield Callaway, Scott Benson, Renata Miller). The meeting opened with prayer, followed by public comments, interviews for board appointments, and discussion of several contracts, settlements, and policy items.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Adrian Tynes (resident at 375 West Grand Boulevard) reported ongoing harassment, health issues, and lack of city inspector response; she noted the building manager's conduct and an eviction notice. The committee arranged for a representative from BC to speak with her.
- Mr. Foster supported veterans and urged revisiting the city charter regarding hiring criteria, and commented on state senator representation.
- Virtual callers included: a caller alleging city corruption; Betty A. Varner (president of Soda Ellsworth Block Association) invited to a jazz event and advocated for clean-up of the Fink Corridor and fee waivers; Cindy Dara encouraged voting against fascism; William M. Davis invited to a club party, urged voter turnout, and raised concerns about city vehicles leaving Detroit; Bernisha asked about a District 3 blight task force; Samsung SMG991U reported bed bugs in senior/veteran buildings near Conor Creek; Denise Lyles (District 5) promoted a Department of Neighborhoods hybrid meeting and encouraged voting; Mr. Cunningham concluded with a personal testimony.
Discussion Items
- Reappointment of Janina Pina to the Board of Review – Pina, a Detroit native with two years of service, spoke about the board's role in property tax relief and homeowner assistance. Councilmember Miller questioned her about high property taxes and the importance of empathy. Motion to approve passed (pending resolution).
- Appointment of Harvey Santana to the Board of Police Commissioners – Santana, former state lawmaker and Wayne County Sheriff reserve, answered questions about police oversight, professionalism, and community relations. He committed to leading by example and addressing the backlog of civilian complaints. Approved pending resolution.
- Appointment of Carl Bentley to the Civil Service Commission – Bentley, with 40 years of experience in HR and youth development (First Tee of Greater Detroit), discussed the commission's role in grievance hearings and merit increases. He advocated for earlier involvement in decisions. Approved pending resolution.
- Contract 6007 905 – Legal representation (Shermita Kilpatrick & Associates, Auburn Hills) – Law Department requested $15,000 for bankruptcy expertise. Chair Callaway and Member Miller opposed due to the firm being outside Detroit. After discussion, motion to send to formal without recommendation passed (2-1, with Benson supporting approval).
- Amendment to City Code re Community Advisory Councils (CACs) – Item held for two weeks for law department review. Member Benson urged consultation with existing CACs.
- HR Compensation Schedule for Environmental Health Specialists – Health Director Ali Abzid and HR’s Takisha Allen Fields presented market study showing 13-17% below market; losing inspectors to counties. Supported by members Benson and Miller. Approved for formal.
- Memo re Family Assistance for Renaissance Men (doula training contract) – Health Director Abzid explained a $60,000 contract for workforce development with FARM, a Detroit-based agency. Member Benson highlighted the graduation location issue (Dave & Buster’s outside Detroit). Approved for formal.
- Feasibility Analysis for Private Restrooms – Held for two weeks.
- Settlement – Ware v. Engelman et al. ($60,000) – Chair Callaway questioned whether the civilian employee was on city business when accident occurred in Birmingham; facts disputed. Held for one week.
- Board of Review Continuing Education Costs – Director Donwell requested funding (approx. $20,000). Item received and filed; directed LPD to draft resolution for option three.
- Miscellaneous settlements and contracts – Several items moved to formal or held for further information.
Key Outcomes
- Janina Pina, Harvey Santana, and Carl Bentley appointments all approved and sent to formal session (pending resolutions).
- Contract 6007 905 sent to formal without recommendation.
- Environmental Health Specialist compensation adjustment approved for formal.
- Family assistance contract (9.14) and several settlements approved.
- Multiple items held for additional review (e.g., settlement 8.5, contract 9.7, feasibility analysis 8.4).
- Meeting adjourned after members' reports (District 2 and District 5 community events).
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to the internal operations standing committee meeting. It is Wednesday, September the 23rd, 2026. It is 10 a.m. And if the clerk could call the roll. Councilmember Angela Whitfield Callaway. Present. Councilmember Scott Benson. Councilmember Renata Miller. Madam Chair, you have a quorum present. Thank you so much. And um we'll take a moment to have a word of prayer if you will allow me. Feel comfortable. If you feel comfortable bowing your heads, you can do so. If not, um that's understandable. Heavenly Father, we come to you today asking for your guidance, wisdom, and support as we begin this meeting. Help us to engage in meaningful discussion. Allow us to grow closer as a group and nurture the bonds of community. Fill us with your grace, Lord God, as we make decisions that might affect this the community, our residents, taxpayers, all those here in the city of Detroit, and continue to remind us that all that we do here today, all that we accomplish is for the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of you and for the service of humanity. We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Hearing no objections, that action shall be taken. There are no chair remarks. And public comments will be closed off at three minutes after 10. It's now 1001. Public comment. Virtual public comments will be turned off at 1003. Do we have anyone here in the chamber of the hold and like to make a public comment? You can come to the microphone, both of you. You'll have a minute and a half to make those public comments. And if the clerk should um could note, uh member Benson has joined us. Thank you, Madam Clerk. We have two individuals here in the committee of the whole that would like to make public comment. Young lady, if you could introduce yourself, you'll have a minute and a half. And you can make you can begin. Okay, good morning. My name is Adrian Tynes. I'm here on behalf of 375 West Grand Boulevard. Um, still no city inspector has come out or contacted me. I spoke to the uh department last week. Um no one has followed through as of yet. And can you stop right there? Can you stop right there? Please stop her clock. Um Miss Sullivan from the administration. We're gonna um freeze your time right there. Um Miss Sullivan from the administration. Good morning. Good morning. Can you send someone up or have someone listen from BC? This young lady has been coming almost on a weekly basis, continuing to complain about 37 um 375 West Grand Boulevard.
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