Saginaw City Council Meeting - May 19, 2026

The Saginaw City Council met on May 19, 2026, at 6:40 PM. The meeting proceeded despite a severe storm that caused a power outage, forcing the council to continue without live broadcast. All nine council members were present. The council held four public hearings, heard public comments, discussed and voted on a micro-dwelling ordinance, and approved several resolutions including the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, millage rates, and infrastructure contracts.

Public Hearings

• General Operating Budget Millage: The proposed 5.9861 mills is projected to generate approximately $3.77 million in revenues. No public speakers. The public hearing was closed and the resolution was approved unanimously.
• Police and Fire Millage: A 7.5 mills levy is projected to generate approximately $3.9 million in revenues. No public speakers. The resolution was approved.
• Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Millage: A 2 mills levy on properties within the DDA district is projected to generate approximately $141,000. No public speakers. The resolution was approved.
• Drinking Water Fund Project Plan Amendment: A presentation detailed the addition of two water mains on Sheridan Avenue (estimated $3.5 million) and Genesis Avenue (estimated $4.7 million), totaling $8.2 million. No additional rate increase is needed as a 7% increase was already adopted for 2024-2027. The city qualifies as significantly overburdened, allowing for grants and loan forgiveness. No public speakers. The amendment was approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cheryl Tyler (Big Rail): Proposed establishing an annual "989 Day" on September 8th to promote unity, support local businesses, and provide positive activities for youth, similar to Flint's 810 Day and Detroit's 313 Day.
• Diane Keenan, Executive Director, East Side Soup Kitchen: Invited the council to a donor kickoff and beam signing event on June 4, 2026, from 3-5 PM, thanking the city for $1 million in ARPA funding.
• Melanie Velasco: Raised concerns about fallen branches after the storm, abandoned kittens, speeding in residential areas, lack of midday meals for children during summer, abandoned houses in the Webster area, stray animals, and requested beautification improvements. Also offered to donate flowers or trees to the city.

Discussion Items

• Micro-Dwelling Unit Ordinance (Ordinance 0-204): The council debated an ordinance to amend the zoning code to allow micro-dwelling units (tiny homes) in R-3 (high-density residential) and MU-1 (mixed-use) districts. Key points included a requirement that units in cluster developments be oriented toward a principal street, and a three-window minimum (later clarified as not specified). Councilmember Braddock and others argued the ordinance was overly restrictive, noting that no developers had expressed interest, and that the cluster orientation requirement defeats the purpose of tiny home communities. The ordinance passed 8-1, with Councilmember Hammond voting no. (Councilmember Wiggins also voted no on the call of the question but voted yes on the final roll call.)
• Cross-Connection Inspection Program: Michael Sampson from the maintenance and service division presented the city's new residential cross-connection inspection program, required by the state. The city is divided into 10 segments on a 10-year rotation. Inspections take 10-15 minutes, and if a hose bib vacuum breaker is needed, it is installed for a nominal fee (about $6) added to the water bill. Non-compliance can lead to water shut-off after warning cards. The program aims to prevent backflow contamination. Council members asked about enforcement, costs, and outreach to landlords.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Items Approved:
  • Blanket purchase orders for the fire department totaling $216,500 for various parts, supplies, equipment, and repairs for fiscal year 2027 (pending budget approval).
  • Construction contract with Super Construction LLC for $1,526,335 for lead service line replacement (approximately 200 replacements).
• Resolutions Adopted:
  1. Fiscal year 2026-2027 proposed budget and property tax levy.
  2. Special assessment district for police and fire millage (7.5 mills).
  3. DDA district millage (2 mills).
  4. Final project plan document amendment for drinking water improvements.
  5. Tentative award of construction contract for North Mason Water Main (part of DWRSF loan).
  6. Tentative award of construction contract for water system improvements (lead service line replacements).
  7. Authorization to issue water supply system junior lien revenue bonds (Series 2026) up to $18.8 million to cover water main and lead service line projects, plus any leftover state funds.
• Miscellaneous Business: Councilmember Balls suggested exploring a special assessment district for parks and recreation. The city manager agreed to provide a report on the feasibility.

Notes

• The meeting was disrupted by a severe storm that caused a power outage. The council continued without audio broadcast, but the internal microphone recorded the proceedings. The meeting was recorded for later posting on the city website.