OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Grand Rapids City Commission Meeting - February 10, 2026

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, February 10, 2026
BodyGrand Rapids, Michigan
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, February 10, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:22:31

Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

I'm gonna call this meeting to the city commission to order and uh begin as is our habit uh with a moment of silence please join us in saying the Pledge of Allegiance Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God with liberty and justice for that brings us to our first opportunity for public comment.

0:40

This is for public comment for any item that's on the agenda.

0:44

So if you can uh reference the roll call for the first oh, I'm sorry, let's do roll call first.

0:49

Um city clerk, commissioner Belchak.

0:54

I am here, Commissioner Purdue present commissioner Asasi.

0:58

Commissioner Robbins, present commissioner Kilgar, Mayor LeGrand.

1:01

Present.

1:02

That brings us to public comments on any item that's on the agenda.

1:06

One more thing.

1:06

One more thing.

1:07

Excuse Commission Commissioner.

1:09

Oh, right.

1:09

Uh can I have a motion to excuse Commissioner Knight?

1:11

So moved.

1:13

Uh I heard a move.

1:14

Two moves equals the support.

1:15

Uh all in favor say aye.

1:17

Aye.

1:17

Aye.

1:18

Great.

1:19

Uh and that brings us to public items, uh, pardon me, items on the agenda.

1:24

Uh, if you could reference those and right, and the interpreter.

1:29

Um, so if the interpreter could come up and explain their function in Spanish, since I will explain it in English, and we have an uh an English to Spanish and Spanish to English interpreter for those of who need uh those functions.

1:40

So if you can explain it in Spanish.

1:42

Um placer of reservoir servicios interpretacion alespaniol.

1:50

Yeah, lingles para aquellos que quieren hacer comentarios publicos.

1:54

Thank you.

1:56

And Mr.

1:57

Jones.

1:59

And for those of you who might also be coming up, please uh tell us where you live, at least by ward uh and your name before you begin.

2:07

But you everyone has three minutes.

2:08

How are you doing?

2:09

I'm D.

2:09

Jones.

2:10

I stay in the orchards.

2:11

I was forced out of the house.

2:12

I stayed in on Tamarack.

2:14

Uh I'm here to speak on the resolution approving construction agreements and accepting public utilities easement for uh North Rabin.

2:22

So you guys have some handouts before you.

2:25

Uh as you guys know, I'm a big big advocate for digital assets, and I see that you guys are actually approving construction agreement for utility.

2:35

And the funny thing is is I actually help straight uh help shape and structure the future of digital finance.

2:42

So as you guys know, I'm a streamer on a decentralized uh streaming platform called Party, and uh you have another handout.

2:49

Um so I'm actually developing a partnership with Texas Southern University Historical Black College.

2:56

Uh my cousin has actually came here with me and he's been here, uh the young guy who's the captain of the MBA 2K team.

3:03

Uh he's also studying engineering at TSU.

3:05

And so as you guys are looking at you know, construction agreements and the set of public utilities.

3:11

I actually got the CEO of party to add 3D printed construction as an actual utility for this party token.

3:18

So you can actually earn and stream digital finance for free, and you can actually utilize these digital finances to actually fund a 3D printed construction empire.

3:28

And so I'm also on a tax and regulations committee for the GR chambers and the infrastructure and natural resources committee.

3:36

So I am going to be sticking it to the billionaires and everybody at the GR chambers and get it on their nerves and being on the committee and actually advocating for our natural resources to be used for the real social good and our infrastructure to be used for the real social good.

3:54

I understand how business and policy all align together, and the thing I'm speaking on with the approving the construction agreement.

4:01

So basically what I'm asking the city to do in the future, as you guys have already adopted 3D printed construction, as we have some federal legislation called the Clarity Act that is having a lot of uh disagreement because of the fractional reserve that the central banking system gives people Mr.

4:18

Jones.

4:19

This isn't possibly got anything to do with uh with the construction of a pedestrian bridge.

4:23

I'm sorry.

4:23

Like if you could actually address there will be an opportunity for you to talk about crypto and 3D printing and the future of America uh in public comments at the end.

4:32

But if you I understand that this is a it says public utility and all of this does align.

4:37

It does say construction.

4:38

I'm just saying that there is a document before you that has construction on it, and you can utilize the utility of the coin for 3D printing construction.

4:46

So in the future, I'd like you guys to use digital finance uh these utilities, the actual utility of the token to fund construction projects.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████23%
Public Safety█████████████13%
Public Engagement██████████10%
Racial Equity█████████9%
Community Engagement█████████9%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Water And Wastewater Management████4%
Immigration Enforcement████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Grand Rapids City Commission Meeting - February 10, 2026

The Grand Rapids City Commission met on February 10, 2026, to address several agenda items including a water main break settlement, alley improvement special assessment appeals, a distillery expansion tax exemption, and public comments on various city issues. The meeting also included farewells to Commissioner Drew Robbins and announcements regarding the interim police chief and changes to the city's official newspaper publication.

Consent Calendar

  • Unanimously approved prior meeting minutes.
  • Received and filed communications from Jerry Harroff (parking issues), Lance Owens (accountability and civil rights), Betsy Hernandez (Northeast Citizen Action Association FY27 focus areas), and Johnny Brand Sr. (police chief).
  • Approved the treasure report for the period of January 14, 2026 through January 27, 2026.
  • Passed the consent agenda as a whole without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • First Public Comment Period (agenda items): D. Jones spoke about a resolution approving construction agreements for North Rabin, but the mayor ruled his comments on cryptocurrency and 3D printing out of order as not related to the agenda.
  • Public Hearing – Crescent Avenue Alley Special Assessment: The acting city assessor presented the project (cost $119,628.42, city share $7,892.21, final assessment $111,736.21 at $1.14 per front foot). Three appeals were filed. Sebastian Eardley and his girlfriend argued they purchased the property after the vote without knowledge of the assessment and asked for consideration. Another speaker attempted to address ICE activity but was ruled out of order and escorted away; after clarification, they left.
  • Public Hearing – Long Road Distillers Industrial Development District & Tax Exemption: John O'Connor (former commissioner) supported the $679,727 expansion project on behalf of Long Road Distillers, citing capacity and growth. Daniel Scott (pastor) opposed, citing biblical warnings against alcohol. No other public comments. The hearings were closed.
  • Open Public Comment Period (multiple speakers):
    • D. Jones: Called for equitable investment in Black communities and discussed digital finance, police chief appointment, and Black history.
    • Johnny Brand Sr.: Strongly endorsed Deputy Chief Joe Trigg for police chief, praising his character and 25 years of service.
    • Andy Vanderbo (chairman, Michigan Propane Gas Commission): Argued for propane as a clean energy alternative to electric vehicles, citing lower emissions, cost savings, and grid issues.
    • Unnamed speaker: Thanked outgoing Chief Winstrom, invited to anti-abortion event, and quoted Planned Parenthood founder.
    • Spanish-speaking speaker (identified as a resident): Demanded a downtown information center, criticizing previous failed attempts.
    • Veronica Griffin (45-year resident): Criticized police response to a break-in, stating officers dismissed her concerns.
    • Unnamed speaker: Criticized Donald Trump, urged voter registration for midterms, and expressed concerns about police chief search and hate groups.
    • Jake Baker (John Ball Park neighborhood): Reported four years of noise, lighting, and parking violations from the zoo's lantern festival, asking the city to enforce ordinances.
    • A Grand Valley State University student (MSW program): Called out discrimination at the meeting, noting a Black speaker and a queer speaker were cut off while a white pastor allowed to speak off-topic.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution – Water Main Break Settlement: Commissioner Purdue introduced a resolution to settle claims from the June 13, 2024 water main break at Adams Street and Philadelphia Avenue SE. The total global settlement was $195,000 payable to claimants' counsel, covering all claims. The resolution passed unanimously.
  • Recusal of Mayor LeGrand: The mayor recused himself from the Long Road Distillers public hearings due to a business interest; Commissioner Robbins presided.
  • Commissioner Comments:
    • Commissioner Kilger: Thanked snowplow drivers, welcomed interim Chief Trig, discussed budget season, and advocated for traffic calming on Kalamazoo Avenue.
    • Commissioner Bulger: Echoed support for staff, offered to meet with the GVSU student and Jake Baker, celebrated Black History Month and the new sister city (Vaughn, Canada), and reflected on change.
    • Commissioner Purdue: Encouraged leading with love and strategy.
    • Commissioner Asasi: Congratulated Commissioner Purdue on her humanitarian award, highlighted the Auburn Hills historic district designation (National Register of Historic Places), and discussed upcoming decisions on police chief, city attorney, and vacant commission seat.
    • Commissioner Robbins: Delivered farewell remarks, thanking colleagues, staff, and family; emphasized that public service is about making the city better for all.
  • City Manager's Report: Thanked Commissioner Robbins, announced interim Police Chief Joe Trig (effective March 2), noted the sister city approval, and praised the ACFAR audit results and staff work on Butterworth and mobility topics.
  • City Clerk's Announcements: May 5 election for Kentwood Public Schools millage (only for voters in that district); official proceedings will move from Saturday to Sunday newspaper due to print changes.

Key Outcomes

  • Resolution 8774 Water Main Break Settlement: Approved unanimously (roll call vote: ayes all present). Mayor recused? Not stated.
  • Special Assessment Appeals: Three appeals filed; final opportunity to file during the hearing. No decision announced; matter likely referred to assessor's office for review.
  • Long Road Distillers Public Hearings: Closed and referred to the Committee of the Whole. No vote taken.
  • Interim Police Chief: City Manager appointed Deputy Chief Joe Trig as interim chief, starting March 2, replacing Chief Winstrom who resigned (commended for service).
  • Future Police Chief Selection: City Manager will lead a national search; Commissioner Asasi noted the commission will have a role.
  • Commissioner Robbins' Departure: This was his last regular meeting; he is running for higher office. The commission will fill his seat via appointment.
  • Sister City: Approved partnership with Vaughn, Canada (no formal vote recorded).

Meeting Transcript

I'm gonna call this meeting to the city commission to order and uh begin as is our habit uh with a moment of silence please join us in saying the Pledge of Allegiance Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God with liberty and justice for that brings us to our first opportunity for public comment. This is for public comment for any item that's on the agenda. So if you can uh reference the roll call for the first oh, I'm sorry, let's do roll call first. Um city clerk, commissioner Belchak. I am here, Commissioner Purdue present commissioner Asasi. Commissioner Robbins, present commissioner Kilgar, Mayor LeGrand. Present. That brings us to public comments on any item that's on the agenda. One more thing. One more thing. Excuse Commission Commissioner. Oh, right. Uh can I have a motion to excuse Commissioner Knight? So moved. Uh I heard a move. Two moves equals the support. Uh all in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Great. Uh and that brings us to public items, uh, pardon me, items on the agenda. Uh, if you could reference those and right, and the interpreter. Um, so if the interpreter could come up and explain their function in Spanish, since I will explain it in English, and we have an uh an English to Spanish and Spanish to English interpreter for those of who need uh those functions. So if you can explain it in Spanish. Um placer of reservoir servicios interpretacion alespaniol. Yeah, lingles para aquellos que quieren hacer comentarios publicos. Thank you. And Mr. Jones. And for those of you who might also be coming up, please uh tell us where you live, at least by ward uh and your name before you begin. But you everyone has three minutes. How are you doing? I'm D. Jones. I stay in the orchards. I was forced out of the house. I stayed in on Tamarack. Uh I'm here to speak on the resolution approving construction agreements and accepting public utilities easement for uh North Rabin. So you guys have some handouts before you. Uh as you guys know, I'm a big big advocate for digital assets, and I see that you guys are actually approving construction agreement for utility. And the funny thing is is I actually help straight uh help shape and structure the future of digital finance. So as you guys know, I'm a streamer on a decentralized uh streaming platform called Party, and uh you have another handout. Um so I'm actually developing a partnership with Texas Southern University Historical Black College. Uh my cousin has actually came here with me and he's been here, uh the young guy who's the captain of the MBA 2K team. Uh he's also studying engineering at TSU. And so as you guys are looking at you know, construction agreements and the set of public utilities. I actually got the CEO of party to add 3D printed construction as an actual utility for this party token. So you can actually earn and stream digital finance for free, and you can actually utilize these digital finances to actually fund a 3D printed construction empire. And so I'm also on a tax and regulations committee for the GR chambers and the infrastructure and natural resources committee. So I am going to be sticking it to the billionaires and everybody at the GR chambers and get it on their nerves and being on the committee and actually advocating for our natural resources to be used for the real social good and our infrastructure to be used for the real social good.

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