Saginaw City Council Meeting: Interviews, Appointment, and Regular Business – September 23, 2025
Saginaw City Council Meeting: Committee of the Whole, Special Appointment, and Regular Session
On September 23, 2025, the Saginaw City Council convened for a Committee of the Whole to interview applicants for a vacant council seat, followed by a special meeting to appoint a new member, and then a regular council meeting. The evening included public comments, discussion of the skate park attack, and several administrative actions.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Committee of the Whole (before interviews): Two speakers endorsed Charles Allen for the vacancy. Sherry Williams (his mother) highlighted his dedication to mental health and youth trips to the Capitol. Charles Moxley, a mentee, described Allen’s positive influence on his life and his community work.
- Regular Meeting (skate park incident): Several speakers condemned the September 2025 attack at the skate park. Richard Jewel, Nick Williams, Danita Dorsey, Bishop Hurley Coleman, Nyesha Clark Young, Cleo Brown, and Ayanna Allen called for a full investigation, accountability, and public support from the city. They emphasized that the artists had proper permits and that the attack was not a fight but a felonious assault. Speakers also demanded that those responsible be banned from city parks and that the city issue a public statement of support.
Discussion Items
- Skate Park Attack: Councilmembers unanimously condemned the violence. Councilwoman Wiggins called it an attack, not an incident, and demanded a full investigation. Councilwoman Seals’s remarks noted the emboldening of racism. Newly appointed Councilman Young sought official police reports. Councilman Ball expressed outrage and stressed that the artists had city approval. Councilman Ostash shared his personal connection to the issue and stated that the park was locked. Councilman Braddock asked for a plan to protect artists. Mayor Moore apologized and reaffirmed support for the project. City Manager Tim Morales reported that three individuals were arrested, but the prosecutor’s office declined to file charges. He confirmed that the police investigation is closed and that video evidence was submitted. Council members expressed frustration and suggested appealing to the county prosecutor or filing civil charges.
- Budget Item (Guide House Contract): Council discussed an amendment to increase the contract with Guide House by $400,000 (to $1,601,000) for ARPA consulting services. Councilwoman Wiggins voted no, citing concerns about escalating costs. The motion passed 7-1 after a roll call vote.
- FOIA Appeal: Council upheld the fees associated with a FOIA request by Charles Blackwell. The city attorney clarified that the initial request was not sent to the correct FOIA coordinator but was promptly handled upon receipt.
Key Outcomes
- Appointment to City Council: After interviews of eight candidates (Tobias Young, Richard Russell, Carla Lamar, Charles Sledge, John Millen, Rachel Whitinger, Charles Allen III, Dylan Hellis, and Nathan Hanley), the council voted to appoint Tobias Young to fill the vacancy. The first ballot resulted in a tie between Young and Lamar (3 votes each), with Allen receiving 2 votes. After eliminating Allen, the second ballot gave Young 5 votes and Lamar 3 votes. Young was sworn in later that evening.
- Skate Park Incident: Council directed the city manager to explore options for banning the individuals involved from city parks, despite no criminal charges. Councilwoman Ostash requested a comprehensive summary of the police investigation. The city manager agreed to provide a report.
- Consent Agenda: Approved with the exception of item 3 (Guide House amendment), which was discussed separately and passed 7-1.
- Ordinance Adoption: Adopted an ordinance to add a low-income housing tax exemption for Harrison Manor Limited Dividend Housing Association LP.
- Resolution: Authorized sponsors of various community events to use amplifying equipment.
- Board Appointments: Approved two appointments to boards and commissions.
- Miscellaneous: The city manager announced upcoming events, including the Fire Awards Ceremony on October 7, 2025, a parks and recreation survey, and the fourth annual Trunk or Treat event on October 22, 2025.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon. We will start with prayer and pledge. Prayer be led by Councilman Ball. Thank you. In the name of God, most gracious, the most merciful. God, please guide us on the right path, the path of those who have bestowed your blessings, and not of those who go astray. Lord, please look over the city of Saginaw, all the people that live here, all the people that work here, and all the people that worship and play here. And Lord, please give us the wisdom and the knowledge to select the best candidate for the city council today. And we ask you to do this in your name. Amen. Under God with the original justice. Madam Claire Row call, please. Councilmember Seals. Present. Councilmember Balls. President. Mayor Pro Tem Garcia. President. Councilmember Astash. Present. Councilmember Braddock. Present. Councilmember Wiggins. Present. Councilmember Hammond. Present. And Mayor Moore. Present. You have eight members present. Okay. The purpose of the committee of the whole is to conduct interviews on qualified applicants for city council vacancy seat. Applications were radically drawn for the order of the interview. Each applicant will be given 15 minutes for their interview, and the time will be kept by the clerk. We have asked that the applicants remain in separate rooms until they are called by city staff to honor the interview process and to provide equal opportunities for all applicants. Council is asked to honor the proceedings as well by refraining from using cell phones, tech phone, emailing while conducting interviews. We are welcome. You are welcome to remain in the audience to attend our remainder of the remainder of the committee of the whole session. Madam Clerk. Mayor, our first item is public input. The purpose of the public input is for is for the city council to hear what you have to say. You have three minutes. Please stay focused on your topic that you're talking about, and you have three minutes in which to do it. You'll be called up by the clerk. You've got the big three-minute clock over there. Madam Clark. I don't see Amani. On to Antreunya Buford. About Sherry Williams. Right to the podium. Good evening.
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