City Council Meeting Summary - October 21, 2025
City Council Meeting Summary - October 21, 2025
The City of Saginaw City Council convened for its regular meeting to honor the 75th anniversary of Goodrow the Florist, review public feedback on cannabis dispensaries and the Saginaw Promise, and deliberate on neighborhood enterprise zones and the creation of a City Youth Council. The meeting featured a robust public testimony period and significant discussions regarding safety, road funding changes, and ARPA fund allocations.
Consent Calendar
- Approved the purchase of a $7,900 contract with Smokey Equipment and Machinery Engineering (SME) to conduct surface friction testing on the painted surfaces at Celebration Skate Park to ensure public safety.
- Appointed new chair and vice chair for the Riverfront Development Commission.
- Adopted Resolutions establishing a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) for the Covenant Three housing project.
- Received reports from the Riverfront Development Commission regarding ongoing redevelopment efforts in the Medical Diamond and Old Town areas.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Joyce Seals (Former Mayor/Current Proponents): Expressed strong support for the "Saginaw Promise" program, citing over $1.4 million awarded to 774 students and high persistence rates. Expressed disappointment that current council members missed the recent fundraiser but emphasized support for the program's stability. Position on Cannabis: Stated the team is "researching and gathering data" on marijuana concerns and promised to return with more information.
- Dylan Hellas (Covenant Community Corp): Described significant progress at Covenant, including 50+ home renovations, $500k in park grants, and 33 employees pursuing homeownership. Positioned the Neighborhood Enterprise Zones as a crucial affordability tool that caps property taxes and has zero financial loss to the city for opt-out participants.
- Christopher Pryor (Pastor): Expressed concern regarding the impact of marijuana dispensaries on children and the education system, citing sensory experiences (odor) and business owner opposition. Advocated for strategic monitoring, new zoning ordinances, and the reopening of dialogue on a citywide moratorium or sunset clauses to ensure community safety.
- Councilman Young: Expressed support for ordinances or moratoriums regarding cannabis, cautioning against the "oversaturation" of dispensary locations to prevent them becoming a hub for crime and blight similar to existing liquor stores.
- Councilwoman Seals: Expressed full support for small businesses, highlighting their role as the backbone of the economy. Noted positive interactions with local firefighters and community youth programs.
- Councilman Boss: Expressed support for the 75th-anniversary recipients and shared nostalgia for the city's history. Supported ongoing violence intervention efforts and community safety programs.
- Councilwoman Hamling: Supported community-based events and expressed concern regarding rising water costs and the failure of state water affordability bills. Opposed water shutoffs as a collection tool.
- Mayor Pro Tem Garcia: Expressed support for the Goodrow family's legacy and the Saginaw Promise's mentorship for youth. Announced local food giveaways and urged volunteer support for the Arson Watch program.
Discussion Items
- 75th Anniversary of Goodrow the Florist: Mayor Pro Tem Tim Garcia read the proclamation honoring the family's 75-year legacy. Brenda Goodrow, owner, articulated the resilience required for small businesses, emphasizing the importance of community support and open dialogue with leaders. She expressed hope to return for a 100th-anniversary celebration.
- Cannabis Dispensary Regulation: The Council discussed the proposal for a moratorium. Mayor Moore noted that a previous moratorium was active for one year but clarified that reopening the issue requires a complex process and legal review. Councilman Ostache indicated that new zoning codes and GIS mapping are in place to manage dispensary locations and invited discussion on the nuances doctrine.
- Saginaw City Youth Council: The City Manager proposed a partnership with the public school district to create a Youth Council to engage students in local government. Councilman Boss formally moved to direct city personnel and the City-County School Liaison Committee to proceed with the creation of the Council, with Council members serving as mentors.
- State Budget & Road Funding: The City Manager explained that a change in the state gas and weight tax structure will result in a significant increase ($2.8M-$4.3M) for the road budget but a decrease ($220K) in general fund revenue sharing. Councilman Braddock inquired about potential court challenges to the cannabis tax portion of the road funding, to which the Manager responded that no guidance on litigation impact was received.
- ARPA Fund Compliance: The Mayor stressed the urgency of committing funds before the deadline to avoid refunding unspent monies. Councilwoman Seals requested a clear report on ARPA expenditure and advocated for reviewing the applications of entities to ensure funds are used as originally intended. Councilman Boss raised concerns about specific organizations not receiving funding in the current budget cycle.
Key Outcomes
- Vote Approved (8-1): Council upheld the estimated fee associated with a FOIA request filed by Jamar Barnes (Councilwoman Hammond voted Nay).
- Vote Approved (Unanimous): Motion to approve the contract with SME for surface friction testing at Celebration Skate Park.
- Action Taken: Vote passed to formally direct the City Administration and City Clerk to move forward with the creation of the City of Saginaw Youth Council in partnership with the school district.
- Action Taken: Council approved the establishment of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone for the Covenant housing project.
- Follow-up Required: City Manager to provide a comprehensive report on ARPA fund status, specifically regarding the Saginaw Just Transition organization and unallocated funds, by the next meeting.
- Follow-up Required: Surface friction tests at Celebration Skate Park scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday; results to be reviewed for safety compliance.
Meeting Transcript
I'd like to open up today with prayer and please. The prayer will be led by Tobias Councilman Young. And I will do the plea. Gotta talk loud. Dear Heavenly Father. We'd like to thank you for providing us safe passage here and from this meeting that we have today. We ask that you touch our hearts and our minds with your compassion as we conduct business here today on the city of on behalf of the city of Saginaw and its residents. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the floor of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. Under God and divisible with the reason just as well. Well called Madam Pledge. Councilmember Young. Present. Council Member Seals. Present. Councilmember Wallace. Present. Mayor M. Barcia, present back. Council Member Osash. Present. Councilmember Radh. Present. Council Member Wiggins. Present. Council Member Yannah. Present. Present. Again, good evening. This meeting of City Council is an open meeting. I asked that the audience remain from clapping booing and any obnoxious behavior. Council persons, please silence your phones and your computers. Audience, if you would do the same, I truly would appreciate it. Once again, this is a meeting, and I'd just like to remind everyone. It is a public meeting, and it is going to be here on the web page. Madam Clark, do we have any announcements? President, we have one the fourth annual remote Saginaw Businesses from her treatment events. Is this Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:30 in the parking lot of the slash pad at 1830 for me? Vendors can still sign up to participate by contacting Cassie Zimmerman. We have a proclamation on the agenda. It's recognizing the 75th anniversary of Goodrow the Florist. And that proclamation will be read by Mayor Pro Tim Garcia. The City of Saginaw Proclamation, whereas Good Roll the Florest has proudly served the residents of the City of Saginaw for 75 years, providing exceptional floral arrangements and outstanding customer service since its founding by Raymond Goodrow. And whereas under the leadership of Raymond's children, Gary Goodrow, and Jeanette Goodrow Ballion, the current owner, the Florida has upheld its legacy as a family-owned and operated establishment. This enduring legacy now embraces a third generation of florists, including Jeanette's daughter, Elizabeth Billion. I'm sorry if I'm saying it wrong, but nearly every family member leading their talents at various points throughout the years. And whereas this long-standing business has been a cornerstone of Saginaw's economic vitality, creating jobs, supporting local suppliers, and contributing to the community. Goodwill the Florida has constantly given back to the community through participation in civic events, contributions to charitable organizations, and supports for school nonprofits and local initiatives. And whereas through three quarters of a century, Good Rose have enhanced the cultural life of our city by celebrating our most important life milestones, including countless weddings, memorials, celebrations, and anniversaries. And whereas Goodwill the Florist has demonstrated remarkable adeptability, resilience in the face of changing times, economic challenges, and industrial transformations, all upholding the traditions and values that have shaped its legacies.
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