OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Saginaw City Council Meeting: Proclamations, ARPA Funding, and Vacancy Resolution (Aug 12, 2025)

City Council — Tuesday, August 12, 2025
BodySaginaw, Michigan
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, August 12, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:14:11

Transcript — Verbatim
0:07

Good evening.

0:09

Like to welcome you all well.

0:12

Tonight we'll be led by prayer by Councilman Braddock, and I will do the pledge.

0:20

Heavenly Father, we come before you with gratitude for the opportunity to serve our children.

0:25

Granted Wisdom that is pure and peace and loving.

0:28

Courage to do what is right and competent for every resident we represent.

0:32

That our words build unity and our decision bring justice and prosperity.

0:36

Guide our hearts and minds so that you will do well reflect your will and arms, their trust place in us.

0:42

In Jesus' name our prayer.

0:43

Amen.

0:45

I bless you.

0:52

Yes.

1:08

Madam Clegg, please.

1:10

Councilmember Sylvia Present.

1:12

Councilmember Seals.

1:14

Present.

1:14

Councilmember Balls.

1:15

Present.

1:16

Mayor Pro Tem Garcia.

1:17

President.

1:17

Councilmember Ostash.

1:19

Present.

1:19

Councilmember Braddock.

1:21

Present.

1:21

Councilmember Wiggins.

1:22

Present.

1:23

Councilmember Hammond.

1:24

Present.

1:24

And Mayor Moore.

1:25

Present.

1:26

You have all members present.

1:28

Okay.

1:29

At this time I'd like to welcome everyone for coming to our meeting tonight.

1:34

Um with the housekeeping.

1:37

All council parsons, please silence your phones and your chapter.

1:42

Audience, I ask that you do the same thing.

1:47

This is a public meeting.

1:49

And so I asked if the bring in obnoxious behavior not be allowed in.

1:56

We are running a meeting.

1:59

I'm going to recommend again to up at the board.

2:03

Oh, up at the table.

2:05

Phones go off.

2:06

And they can't hear but the mic in here.

2:09

So I need you to make sure that your phone is off.

2:13

Silence, I'm sorry, I can't tell you off.

2:17

Madam Clerk, do we have any announcements?

2:19

Yes, Mayor, we have a couple.

2:21

A study is currently being conducted on the future of the water treatment plant as it approaches a hundred years of service.

2:27

An informational public meeting will be held at the Anderson Enrichment Center on August 22nd at 1030 a.m.

2:34

for an update on the progress of the study and for citizens to provide their input.

2:38

A committee of the whole session is scheduled for August 25th at 5 30.

2:43

The topic of the committee of the whole will be strategic plan follow-up and tax cap talking points.

2:48

Those wishing to sign up for public input for the committee of the whole may do so by 11 30 a.m.

2:54

on August 25th.

2:55

The regular council meeting will begin at 6 30 following the committee of the whole.

3:04

And that takes us to a proclamation recognizing the Eastside Soup Kitchen.

3:08

I know that I've got a whole side of the room.

3:11

It's full of the East Side soup kitchen, so we know that you only have one representative, so can we all as soon as she reads it?

3:22

The City of Saginaw proclamation, whereas food insecurity continues to be a pressing issue across Saginaw County, affecting individuals and families from all walks of life and posing serious threats to health, stability, and dignity, and whereas the East Side Soup Kitchen has remained steadfast in its mission to combat hunger, providing comfort, care, and over 900 nutritious meals daily to those most in need without judgment or discrimination, and whereas the demand for services continue to rise, place an increased strain on local resources and nonprofit organizations that serve as a safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors, and whereas the East Side Soup Kitchen diligently strives to fulfill this growing need, we're adapting to fluctuating budget constraints and diminishing support from government programs, showcasing remarkable resilience, flexibility, and commitment to its missions, and whereas through the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and supporters, the Eastide Soup Kitchen remains a lifeline for the community, ensuring that hunger is addressed not with silence, but with compassion, action, and a warm meal.

4:27

And whereas the organization provides essential supports of families, strengthening connections during difficult times, balastered by community donations and partnerships.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement██████████████████████22%
Procedural███████████████████19%
Public Safety██████████████14%
Community Engagement████████████12%
Economic Development█████████9%
Technology and Innovation███████7%
Youth Programs█████5%
Food Security███3%
Transportation Safety███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Saginaw City Council Regular Meeting

Date: August 12, 2025

The Saginaw City Council held its regular meeting on August 12, 2025. Key topics included a proclamation honoring the Eastside Soup Kitchen, public comments calling for the resignation of Councilwoman Monique Lamar Sylvia following her felony conviction, and a motion to begin the process of declaring her seat vacant. Council also discussed the status of ARPA-funded projects, the purchase of traffic data software, and community safety.

Proclamations

  • Eastside Soup Kitchen Proclamation: Mayor Brenda F. Moore read a proclamation recognizing the Eastside Soup Kitchen for its extraordinary service, noting it provides over 900 nutritious meals daily. Council members and staff expressed gratitude for the organization's long-standing work.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Jody Becker: Urged Councilwoman Monique Lamar Sylvia to resign after being convicted of three felonies for election fraud. Criticized the council's silence as complicity and called for accountability.
  • Charles Lawrence (President, Putting Others Before Ourselves): Invited council to attend the fourth annual Peace & Unity Kickball Game, noting past lack of council presence. Described the event as a nonviolent, community-building effort that draws thousands.
  • Pamela Pugh (Saginaw Just Transition Initiative / DABA): Reported on the $210,000 ARPA award approved September 23, 2024. Stated that Guide House advised them not to submit a quarterly report on March 6, 2025, and that they have repeatedly provided requested materials. Requested a follow-up meeting with Guide House and the city to resolve communication issues.
  • Laurie Patterson: Called on council to act against Councilwoman Sylvia, asserting that silence in the face of wrongdoing is complicity. Emphasized the need for integrity and accountability.

Discussion Items

  • Councilmember Ostash (District 3): Referenced the city charter and stated that a process regarding Councilwoman Sylvia's situation would take place on August 27, 2025.
  • Councilwoman Monique Lamar Sylvia: Acknowledged public comments, stating she intends to address her community but is waiting on advice from her legal team. Thanked supporters for their votes.
  • Manager's Report:
    • The city is developing a water treatment plant study; an informational meeting is scheduled for August 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Anderson Enrichment Center.
    • A Committee of the Whole meeting is set for August 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss strategic plan follow-up and tax cap talking points.
    • The city is hosting an ARPA presentation on August 13, 2025, at the Saginaw Community Action Center.
  • ARPA Funding Updates: City Manager and staff clarified that all $30+ million in ARPA funds have been allocated. No funds remain for new allocations; returned funds are designated for home improvement and parks programs. Staff will arrange informational sessions for council members.
  • Traffic Data Software Purchase (Item #10): Council debated a one-year, $23,725 license for Urban SDK, which uses third-party vehicle data to analyze traffic speeds and volumes. Supporters cited safety benefits and efficiency; opponents raised privacy concerns. The vote was 8-1, with Councilmember Hammond voting no.
  • OBRA Revocation: Council approved revoking the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act exemption for Landmark Saginaw LLC (101 N. Washington Ave.) because the project did not progress. This resets the property to standard tax status.
  • Community Events: Authorized use of amplifying equipment and alcohol sales for a specified community event.

Key Outcomes

  • Motion to Prepare Vacancy Resolution: Mayor Moore moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution declaring Councilwoman Lamar Sylvia's seat vacant per Section 92 of the charter, effective upon her conviction. The motion passed with eight ayes and one nay (Councilmember Hammond voting no). Councilmember Ostash clarified that this is part of the charter process and that a judgment of conviction is still pending.
  • Resolutions Approved:
    • Revocation of OBRA exemption (unanimous).
    • Saginaw Community Foundation grant application (unanimous).
    • Amplifying equipment and alcohol sales for community event (unanimous).
  • Michigan Municipal League Representative: Designated Mayor Moore as official representative and Mayor Pro Tem Garcia as alternate for the September 17-19, 2025, annual meeting in Grand Rapids.
  • Meeting Adjourned: Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. Like to welcome you all well. Tonight we'll be led by prayer by Councilman Braddock, and I will do the pledge. Heavenly Father, we come before you with gratitude for the opportunity to serve our children. Granted Wisdom that is pure and peace and loving. Courage to do what is right and competent for every resident we represent. That our words build unity and our decision bring justice and prosperity. Guide our hearts and minds so that you will do well reflect your will and arms, their trust place in us. In Jesus' name our prayer. Amen. I bless you. Yes. Madam Clegg, please. Councilmember Sylvia Present. Councilmember Seals. Present. Councilmember Balls. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Garcia. President. Councilmember Ostash. Present. Councilmember Braddock. Present. Councilmember Wiggins. Present. Councilmember Hammond. Present. And Mayor Moore. Present. You have all members present. Okay. At this time I'd like to welcome everyone for coming to our meeting tonight. Um with the housekeeping. All council parsons, please silence your phones and your chapter. Audience, I ask that you do the same thing. This is a public meeting. And so I asked if the bring in obnoxious behavior not be allowed in. We are running a meeting. I'm going to recommend again to up at the board. Oh, up at the table. Phones go off. And they can't hear but the mic in here. So I need you to make sure that your phone is off. Silence, I'm sorry, I can't tell you off. Madam Clerk, do we have any announcements? Yes, Mayor, we have a couple. A study is currently being conducted on the future of the water treatment plant as it approaches a hundred years of service. An informational public meeting will be held at the Anderson Enrichment Center on August 22nd at 1030 a.m. for an update on the progress of the study and for citizens to provide their input.

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