Detroit Internal Operations Standing Committee Meeting - September 30, 2026

The Internal Operations Standing Committee met on September 30, 2026, chaired by Councilmember Angela Whitfield Callaway, with Councilmembers Scott Benson and Renata Miller present. The committee addressed a range of items including settlement approvals, contract extensions, personnel matters, and public comments. Several items were deferred for further review.

Meeting Opening and Minutes Approval

• Roll call confirmed attendance: Callaway (President), Benson, and Miller.
• During approval of the minutes, Benson requested that interview acknowledgments (including names and start times) be included in the minutes; the chair agreed to have edits submitted before the end of the meeting.
• The meeting opened with a prayer led by Benson, referencing Proverbs 14:31.

Public Comments

• Adrian Tines complained about her landlord on West Grand Boulevard, alleging he called her mentally ill and used military-grade surveillance technology. She stated she has contacted police, state police, and the FBI.
• Dr. Denise Darnell (Michigan Education Justice Coalition) opposed the federal voucher program, urging Governor Whitmer to opt out to protect public school funding. She highlighted potential cuts to Title I, IDEA, and nutrition programs.
• The Rattler alleged ballot fraud in Detroit elections, specifically referencing an international absentee ballot issue, and demanded investigations of election officials.
• Betty A. Varner (President, Soda Elsewhere Block Association) thanked the council for supporting a mini-market in her food-desert community. She requested assistance with a $1,500 land-use hearing fee and playground equipment.
• Owner Papa questioned the $925,000 Herman Kiefer settlement, citing scripture and demanding accountability.
• William M. Davis called for restoration of city retiree pensions, noting that pensions were cut and healthcare taken. He encouraged voter turnout.
• Cunningham shared personal religious experiences and urged unity and mutual support.
• Ronald Foster commented on community social dynamics and encouraged mutual cooperation.
• Sydney Dara urged listeners to vote against the constitutional convention, support Democratic candidates, and take action against “fascism.”

Unfinished Business

• 5.1 Settlement (Sherry Ware v. Mary Lou Engelman/DPD, $60,000): Callaway criticized the employee’s driving record and city vehicle use. Miller moved to defer for one week; Benson withdrew his approval motion. The item was deferred one week without objection.
• 5.2 Settlement (Mandy Mitchell v. City of Detroit): Approved without objection.
• 5.3 Settlement (Virginia Park LLC/Herman Kiefer, $925,000): Law Department explained the bankruptcy and settlement terms. Callaway and Miller expressed frustration and called for better terms. Miller moved to defer two weeks, approved without objection.
• 5.4 Contract extension (Floyd E. Allen & Associates): Law Department requested a one-week deferral; approved.
• 5.5 HR classification (Deputy Director of Cable Communications): Discussion noted the commission no longer exists; deferred one week.
• 5.6 Tenants Rights Commission ordinance: Deferred three weeks.

New Business

• 6.1 Contract (Post-arraignment legal defense): Approved, with a request for performance data from Miller.
• 6.2 Contract (Election logistics system): Approved.
• 6.3 Settlement (Brandon Owens v. Officer Christopher Jones, $300,000): Approved.
• 6.4 Settlement (Brian Diaz v. City of Detroit, $14,000,000 total): Approved. Benson discussed the importance of investing in DDOT drivers and noted the person was terminated.
• 6.5 Settlement (First Choice Met LLC, $10,000): Approved.
• 6.6 Settlement (Fuqua Peak v. Julius Burks, $20,000): Approved.
• 6.7 Settlement (Patrick Donald Gaughan, $25,000): Approved.
• 6.8 Settlement (Larry Hinton, $90,000): Approved.
• 6.9 Settlement (Northland Radiology, $9,000): Approved.
• 6.10 Settlement (Vega Sleason, $27,500): Approved (related to 6.9 but separate).
• 6.11 Settlement (Daryl LaFord, $125,000): Approved.
• 6.12 Settlement (Muhammad Abdus Salam Muhammad, $210,000): Deferred one week for additional details.
• 6.13 Charitable gaming license (Michigan Science Center): Date error noted; moved to end of agenda and later approved.
• 6.14 2027 benefit rates: Approved. Benefits Manager Ayana Jackson detailed negotiations resulting in below-market increases; the BCN plan sees no employee rate change.
• 6.15 Labor agreement (AFSCME Local 925, 21 employees): Approved.
• 6.16 Property assessment board certification costs: Deferred one week.

Members' Reports

• Miller announced she will serve as ringmaster at the Universal Soul Circus on Friday at 7 p.m. in District 5.
• Callaway announced a coffee and conversation event on October 12 at House of Prayer and Praise, and a district webinar on October 19. She also reminded residents about free lead testing.

Key Outcomes

• Multiple settlements and contracts approved as noted above.
• Deferrals: 5.1 (1 week), 5.3 (2 weeks), 5.4 (1 week), 5.5 (1 week), 5.6 (3 weeks), 6.12 (1 week), 6.16 (1 week).
• Callaway emphasized the need for a city vehicle usage policy reform and noted she would contact DDOT about random drug testing.