Saginaw City Council Regular Meeting - July 29, 2025

The Saginaw City Council met on July 29, 2025, at 5:06 PM to address a range of issues including public hearings on water and sewer bonds, public comments on homelessness and a proposed development, council discussions, and votes on several agenda items. Key actions included approval of a development agreement for the Medical Diamond initiative, rejection of a proposed homelessness commission, and introduction of a street vacation ordinance.

Public Hearings

• Water Supply System Bonds (Series 2025): The council held a public hearing on authorizing the issuance of up to $18.8 million in junior lien revenue bonds for lead service line replacements and a water line on White Street. Mike Green, Director of Water and Wastewater Treatment, noted the actual cost would be around $9 million. No public speakers came forward. The hearing was closed and the resolution later approved.
• Sewage Disposal Bonds (Series 2025): A second public hearing was held on authorizing up to $18.28 million in junior lien revenue bonds for repairs at the wastewater plant (valves, concrete clarifier repairs) and adding UV treatment to replace chemical treatment. Green noted significant grant forgiveness. No public speakers. The hearing was closed and the resolution later approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Melanie Velasco expressed concerns about overgrown trees and bushes blocking sidewalks and streetlights, abandoned houses, speeding on residential streets, unsightly cable boxes, and personal disputes with Old Town and The Junction businesses. She suggested using former Rite Aid buildings as shelters for homeless and children.
• Audra Davis (President/CEO, United Way of Saginaw County) spoke against the proposed Commission on Homelessness, stating it would duplicate federally mandated systems already operated by the Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA). She urged the city to work with existing collaborative structures.
• Christopher Brown Sr. (Executive Director, Will of Saginaw homeless shelter) echoed concerns about duplication, noting that the Saginaw Consortium of Homeless Assistance Providers (CCHAP) already coordinates services. He asked the city to support existing efforts.
• Jasmine Calhoun (President/CEO, Saginaw County Youth Protection Council; board member of CCHAP) warned that a new commission could create a parallel system, risking uncoordinated policy and competition for funding. She suggested a designated CCHAP seat on any city board.
• Unnamed speaker (likely Bishop Atkins) shared personal experience of homelessness and described his church’s efforts, including housing 45-50 homeless people each winter and a barbershop. He emphasized showing dignity and self-awareness.
• Charles Lawrence (President, Putting Others Before Ourselves) supported a collaborative effort, noting that many homeless remain unserved. He asked for inclusion of all stakeholders.
• Ken Horn (Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance) expressed support for item #2 (Medical Diamond development agreement), highlighting the long-term vision and economic benefits. He commended the city for its support.
• Pastor Chris Pryor (Victorious Believers Ministries) also supported the Medical Diamond, citing its potential for education, jobs, and tax revenue. He urged the city to address blighted GM properties.
• Pete Shaheen (Shaheen Development) requested approval of the development agreement for six parcels on Washington Avenue, describing a $35 million mixed-use project with healthcare, residential, restaurants, and retail as the first step in the Medical Diamond Initiative. He highlighted his company’s track record.

Discussion Items

• Medical Diamond Development Agreement (Item #2): Councilmember Hammond asked detailed questions about the $35 million investment, whether the agreement included the Great Lakes Bay Health behavioral health clinic, the status of site plans, definitions of residential (rental apartments), and the reconveyance clause. City Manager Tim Morales confirmed the clinic is included, plans are not yet submitted, and reconveyance has been used before. Councilmember Wiggins raised the possibility of a community benefits agreement (CBA). The city manager noted potential impacts on streamlining. Hammond supported the agreement but suggested future CBAs. The motion to approve passed.
• Commission on Homelessness (Ordinance Introduction): Councilmember Balls supported the idea but emphasized working with existing organizations. Councilmember Wiggins opposed duplication, noting many existing commissions lack quorum. Councilmember Sylvia opposed, citing the city's membership in CCHAP and quarterly reports offered. Councilmember Hammond supported a six-month trial, but others opposed. Councilmember Ostash called for joining existing efforts. The motion to introduce the ordinance failed 2-7.
• Closed Session Request: Under miscellaneous business, Councilmember Balls moved to go into closed session to discuss a personal legal matter. The city attorney stated that discussing a personal legal matter of an individual is not a permissible purpose under the Open Meetings Act (MCL 15.268). The motion failed 1-8.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent agenda with exception for item #2.
• Approved: Purchase and development agreement with Saginaw County Land Bank Authority and Downtown Development LLC for parcels on South Water Street and South Washington Avenue (Item #2).
• Approved: Resolution adopting mission statement, vision statement, and core values.
• Approved: Resolution authorizing water supply system junior lien revenue bonds (Series 2025).
• Approved: Resolution authorizing sewage disposal system junior lien revenue bonds (Series 2025).
• Failed (2-7): Ordinance to add section 12.044 creating a Saginaw Commission to Address Homelessness.
• Introduced: Ordinance to vacate part of Thompson Street between East Genesee Avenue and South Fourth Street (laid over per charter).
• Failed (1-8): Motion to go into closed session.

Next Steps: The city manager will schedule a committee of the whole meeting to review tax cap and goals/priorities in August. The council will consider a student position on city boards. The city will provide quarterly reports from CCHAP.