Saginaw City Council Meeting - October 7, 2025

The Saginaw City Council met on October 7, 2025, for a regular meeting that included a public hearing on a Brownfield Plan amendment for the South Water Street redevelopment, a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week, public comments on marijuana retailer caps, council member reports, and a closed session on pending litigation.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously with no exceptions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing – South Water Street Brownfield Plan: Grace Smith, Economic Development Coordinator for Saginaw Future, spoke in support of the Brownfield Plan amendment for properties at 107, 11, and 121 South Water Street. She described a $21 million private investment to build a 2,400 square foot event center with two 300 square foot outbuildings, along with site preparation and infrastructure improvements. The project aims to activate a long-vacant riverfront site and is supported by the Brownfield Redevelopment Program.
• Public Input: Joyce Seal, speaking on behalf of the Health Equity Council, Saginaw County Prevention Coalition, and other community groups, urged the council to cap the number of marijuana retailers in the city at 12. She argued that the current number of retailers is too high for the population, jeopardizing existing businesses’ profitability, and that a cap would show the council is listening to constituents.

Discussion Items

• Fire Prevention Week Proclamation: Councilwoman Wiggins read a proclamation designating October 5–11, 2025, as Fire Prevention Week. The theme "Charge into Fire Safety – Lithium Ion Batteries in Your Home" was highlighted. A representative from the Saginaw Fire Department thanked the council and invited the public to the annual awards ceremony and open house on October 8 at 10 a.m.
• Council Member Remarks:
  • Councilwoman Hammond presented a written proposal on affordable housing, focusing on Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) programs. She explained that recent state legal changes allow the city to offer PILOTs for developments under 120% area median income, which could benefit the city due to its tax cap. She encouraged pursuing affordable housing policies.
  • Councilman Young reported visiting a tiny home community in Detroit to gather information on housing for elderly, homeless, and formerly incarcerated individuals. He shared that units range from 220 to 500 square feet and offered to share photos and data with council and staff.
  • Councilman Balls praised the new Saginaw United High School homecoming game and the positive atmosphere. He also noted upcoming attendance at a youth violence conference in Lansing.
  • Councilman Ostash expressed interest in Young’s tiny home information and mentioned planning commission zoning changes. He announced upcoming events: Zubu at the zoo, parks and recreation visioning meeting (Oct. 9), and a job fair for Hemite and solar plant (Oct. 8).
  • Councilman Braddock discussed gun violence reduction efforts, including attending a gun violence summit and meeting with state youth justice officials. He also encouraged community support for youth.
  • Councilwoman Wiggins shared excitement about the Saginaw United field house and thanked colleagues for their work.
  • Mayor Pro Tem Garcia highlighted community events: Halloween at the market, breast cancer and domestic violence awareness months, and arson watch.
  • Mayor Moore emphasized attending a program for mothers of murdered children and encouraged participation in the October 8 job workshop.
• City Manager Report:
  • Announced fire department awards ceremony and citywide fire safety meeting (Oct. 8).
  • Reported expansion of firefighter intervention program (Botman Life Skills Training) to additional schools.
  • Provided updates on potential federal shutdown impacts: Medicare/Medicaid/Social Security continue, SNAP benefits secure for 30 days, VA services continue, DOJ grants may experience delays but activities can continue.
  • In response to council questions on marijuana retailer caps, the city manager and Councilman Ostash explained that zoning already limits dispensaries to B1 local business districts and light industrial areas. A cap would require objective criteria that could lead to legal challenges, and no new applications have been received in years.
  • Mayor Moore inquired about emergency preparedness if agencies like ICE arrive; the city manager noted the county has a disaster preparedness program and tabletop exercises.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution Adopted: A motion to adopt the amendment to the Brownfield Plan for the South Water Street redevelopment (107, 11, 121 South Water Street) passed unanimously. (Voice vote with ayes only, no nays heard.)
• Closed Session: The council unanimously voted to enter closed session at 7:21 PM to discuss pending litigation. After returning to regular session, a motion to take the recommendation of legal counsel regarding pending litigation was adopted, followed by adjournment.

Note: The transcript does not include a recorded vote count for the Brownfield resolution other than "all those in favor say aye" and no opposition noted. The closed session vote was recorded as all yes via roll call.