OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Saginaw City Council Meeting - December 1, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, December 2, 2025
BodySaginaw, Michigan
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, December 2, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:17:24

Transcript — Verbatim
0:09

Good evening.

0:11

You are welcome to the city council.

0:13

I will lead the prayer of the pledge and then we'll go into our ceremony.

0:18

And those who'd like to participate, please do so.

0:22

Most gracious heavily father, we come to you today asking you to strengthen our city.

0:25

Strengthen the leaders, strengthen the workers, and strengthen the residents.

0:30

Father, we ask that you give us clarity and understanding tonight in this meeting so that we walk away, not confused, but understanding what our task is at hand.

0:40

Father, we know that you're able.

1:14

Councilmember Seals.

1:15

Present.

1:16

Councilmember Balls.

1:17

Present.

1:17

Mayor Pro Tem Garcia.

1:19

Yes.

1:19

Councilmember Osh.

1:21

Present.

1:22

Councilmember Braddock.

1:23

Present.

1:24

Councilmember Wigan.

1:25

Present.

1:26

Councilmember Hammond.

1:27

Present.

1:27

And Mayor Moore.

1:28

Present.

1:29

You have all members present.

1:31

Thank you.

1:31

I'd like to welcome everyone to our nice city council meeting.

1:35

It is being, it will be shown on our webpage as well as on when is it?

1:42

No, it'll be on it'll be on the TV.

1:45

Well that's on our page on social media.

1:49

I answered everyone, especially my colleagues, put your phone your phones on silent as well as your iPad.

1:58

Audience, if I can ask you to do the same thing, it is so disruptive when the file rings.

2:03

I know I've been guilty, so you don't have to remind me.

2:08

This is a public meeting.

2:10

We asked if you don't boo clap any obnoxious behavior.

2:14

This is a meeting that is being recorded, so please govern yourself accordingly.

2:19

Madam Clug, do we have any announcements?

2:22

Yes, Mayor, we have one.

2:23

This is the last week for yard waste collection.

2:25

If you have any left, please place them in a paper yard waste bag or a marked bin and place up the curb for collection.

2:32

We have a proclamation on the agenda tonight.

2:34

It's recognizing December 1st, 2025 as a World AIDS Day.

2:39

Do we have a representative?

2:42

Do we have a representative?

2:44

Please come to the podium while they read, while they read the proclamation to Sir and May.

2:53

Okay, good evening.

2:55

City of Saginaw proclamation, whereas World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st of December each year.

3:01

It's opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS.

3:13

And whereas this year's World's AIDS Day theme, overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response, highlights the challenges such as funding cuts while celebrating the resilience of communities working to eradicate HIV AIDS by 2030.

3:29

It also marks the 37th anniversary of this observance, and whereas over the past 37 years, there has been significant progress, progress in addressing HIV AIDS thanks to advancements in medical research, increased access to treatment and prevention, and a broader understanding of the virus.

3:48

And whereas we have seen countless examples how community activism and solidarity have once again been paramount in providing people affected by HIV with information services, social protection, and hope.

4:03

On World's AIDS Day, we remind that no challenge can defeat the underlying American spirit.

4:09

Together we will continue to make progress in our efforts to fight a cure for HIV AIDS and to ensure that all Americans live healthier and happier lives.

4:18

And whereas we are grateful for organizations like Great Lakes Bay Health Centers that offer prevention, treatment, and counseling for HIV.

4:27

This includes medical care and on-site laboratory, medication, insurance testing, transportation assistance, and other supportive services.

4:36

We thank them for all their commitment to support those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

4:42

Now therefore, be it resolved.

4:44

I, Brenda F.

4:45

Moore, mayor of the City of Saginaw, do hereby proclaim December 1st, 2025 as World AIDS Day in the city of Saginaw and urge all residents of our community to join me in appropriate activities to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and to provide support and compassion for those living with HIV.

5:06

In witness whereof, I have hereon to set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Saginaw to be affixed this day of December, this first day of December in the year of our Lord 2025.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement█████████████████████21%
Public Engagement█████████████████17%
Procedural█████████████13%
Youth Programs███████████11%
Animal Welfare███████7%
Public Health██████6%
Arts And Culture█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Public Safety████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Saginaw City Council Meeting - December 1, 2025

The City of Saginaw Council convened for a public meeting featuring the proclamation of World AIDS Day, public testimony on community services and infrastructure concerns, and strategic discussions on youth initiatives, development, and city engagement. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public feedback regarding city cleanliness, snow plowing, and park maintenance, as well as formal deliberations on board appointments.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda, including routine appointments and administrative approvals, was approved unanimously after being reviewed with minor exceptions noted for specific items.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Stephanie Curtis (Boys & Girls Club): Expressed excitement about serving 400 youth daily and detailed key initiatives, including an application to adopt Crayola Park, plans for a teen center funded by ARPA, and a small library near a splash pad. She positioned the club as a vital partner for youth safety, literacy, and workforce readiness.
  • Miguel Torres (Fiesta Keoanda): Representing his nonprofit, he stated his intent to promote Latino music and culture through Hispanic Heritage Month and Cinco de Mayo events. He requested the city council or businesses provide funding or partners to support these free community events.
  • Melanie Velasco: Expressed strong frustration and concern regarding city conditions, specifically vehicles parked on grass, road construction debris, cracked sidewalks posing tripping hazards, and unbagged grass clippings. She voiced a threat to relocate if the city does not address these cleanup issues and improve the visual state of Saginaw.
  • Mike Thompson: Proposed a structural change to meeting formats, suggesting a "Committee of the Whole" trial beginning December 15 to allow for topic-specific dialogue (e.g., property tax caps) without action. He stated a preference for placing property tax caps and income tax measures on the ballot and supported the idea of engaging stakeholders more deeply.
  • Serenity Sillac: Announced her candidacy for Senate District 35. She positioned her campaign on making life affordable for working families, including lowering healthcare costs, expanding child care to a universal system, and protecting democratic principles.
  • Jeff Plus: Expressed anger and distress over snow plows mixing snow with leaves, creating massive piles in his driveway. At 76 years old, he described a heart-attacking struggle to clean the debris manually. He requested the city clean the mess and asked if he could bill his neighbor for the leaves he moved, suggesting the city should handle the sanitation.

Discussion Items

  • World AIDS Day Proclamation: The council recognized December 1, 2025, as World AIDS Day. Brenda F. Moore, Mayor, and Angela Williams (Great Lakes Bay Health Center) emphasized the importance of medical advancements, stigma reduction, and the resilience of the community. Councilman Ashday highlighted specific prevention tools like PrEP (99.7% effective) and Doxy-PEP for STIs.
  • Community & Development Updates:
    • Councilman Young: Reported on a forthcoming local developers' meeting (Dec 13) to streamline property acquisition and housing upgrades, aiming to make the process less intimidating for local investors.
    • Councilwoman Wiggins: Discussed the federal budget's potential negative impact on HUD programs and homelessness, urging residents to stay alert. She positioned the upcoming changes as potentially devastating to housing stability.
    • Councilman Braddock: Shared a personal story about surviving a childhood car accident thanks to a mentor, using it to advocate for the continued funding and support of community centers and youth mentoring programs.
    • Mayor Pro Tem Garcia: Posited that Saginaw is "on the upswing," citing successful holiday events and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. He affirmed his commitment to improving the city's image and responding to citizen concerns.
    • City Manager Report: Provided updates on the Citywide meeting regarding the water tower project and the launch of the Youth Council (kickoff Dec 15). He confirmed the Region 7 Area Agency on Aging provides essential services to seniors and those with disabilities.
    • Ojibwe Island: The manager and council discussed the plan to safely reopen the island, noting that a list of potential projects and safety improvements is being finalized.
  • Appointments:
    • John Mims (Brownfield Redevelopment Authority): A contentious discussion arose regarding the reappointment of John Mims. Councilmember Seals and Councilmember Balls expressed strong opposition, citing inappropriate comments Mims made regarding a skate park mural project and describing them as volatile and racially insensitive. Councilwoman Wiggins noted concerns about the perceived "gatekeeper" attitude of Mims regarding artists.
    • Staff Response: The City Manager explained ongoing safety assessments on Ojibwe Island required for the committee's work.

Key Outcomes

  • World AIDS Day: Proclaimed for December 1, 2025, by Mayor Brenda F. Moore.
  • Youth Council: The City Council voted to move forward with a Youth Council; the kickoff meeting is scheduled for December 15 with a goal of mentoring student representatives.
  • Ojibwe Island: Staff is finalizing a list of safety and access improvement projects to present to the council for funding decisions; the goal is a safe reopening.
  • Stormwater Authority:
    • Approved the appointment of Travis Harris (trustee) and Ronald Wrangell (alternate trustee) to the Saginaw Area Stormwater Authority Board.
    • Approved the annual city apportionment of $8,981 for the Saginaw Area Stormwater Authority budget for FY 2026.
  • Brownfield Appointments: The motion to reappoint John Mims to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority was DENIED (4 Ayes, 5 Nays) following opposition regarding his past conduct.
  • Meeting Structure: The Council acknowledged the proposal for a "Committee of the Whole" format, with the Mayor Pro Tem stating that the committee working on engagement is planning to explore similar formats soon.
  • General Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following the completion of resolutions and miscellaneous business.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. You are welcome to the city council. I will lead the prayer of the pledge and then we'll go into our ceremony. And those who'd like to participate, please do so. Most gracious heavily father, we come to you today asking you to strengthen our city. Strengthen the leaders, strengthen the workers, and strengthen the residents. Father, we ask that you give us clarity and understanding tonight in this meeting so that we walk away, not confused, but understanding what our task is at hand. Father, we know that you're able. Councilmember Seals. Present. Councilmember Balls. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Garcia. Yes. Councilmember Osh. Present. Councilmember Braddock. Present. Councilmember Wigan. Present. Councilmember Hammond. Present. And Mayor Moore. Present. You have all members present. Thank you. I'd like to welcome everyone to our nice city council meeting. It is being, it will be shown on our webpage as well as on when is it? No, it'll be on it'll be on the TV. Well that's on our page on social media. I answered everyone, especially my colleagues, put your phone your phones on silent as well as your iPad. Audience, if I can ask you to do the same thing, it is so disruptive when the file rings. I know I've been guilty, so you don't have to remind me. This is a public meeting. We asked if you don't boo clap any obnoxious behavior. This is a meeting that is being recorded, so please govern yourself accordingly. Madam Clug, do we have any announcements? Yes, Mayor, we have one. This is the last week for yard waste collection. If you have any left, please place them in a paper yard waste bag or a marked bin and place up the curb for collection. We have a proclamation on the agenda tonight. It's recognizing December 1st, 2025 as a World AIDS Day. Do we have a representative? Do we have a representative? Please come to the podium while they read, while they read the proclamation to Sir and May. Okay, good evening. City of Saginaw proclamation, whereas World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st of December each year. It's opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. And whereas this year's World's AIDS Day theme, overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response, highlights the challenges such as funding cuts while celebrating the resilience of communities working to eradicate HIV AIDS by 2030. It also marks the 37th anniversary of this observance, and whereas over the past 37 years, there has been significant progress, progress in addressing HIV AIDS thanks to advancements in medical research, increased access to treatment and prevention, and a broader understanding of the virus.

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