Saginaw City Council Meeting Summary: July 14, 2026

The Saginaw City Council held its regular meeting on July 14, 2026, with Mayor Moore presiding and eight members present. The meeting featured public updates on downtown events and library services, a request for ARPA funding, a city manager report on infrastructure projects, and a divided vote on a late-stage CDBG-CV agreement.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda by a voice vote, with no objections recorded. Items 2 and 4 were pulled for separate discussion and votes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Anne Marie Batkoskey Sullivan (Executive Director, Positive Results Downtown Saginaw): Provided an update on the 28th season of Friday Night Live and other downtown events. She expressed full support for the city's public service crews, crediting their partnership as essential to the community.
• Chandelier Yarn: Proposed a beautification project for the newly reopened Ojibwe Island, including native plants, benches, artwork, and welcoming messages on rocks. She offered to coordinate volunteer efforts and sought the council's backing for the initiative.
• Diane Clock (Board of Trustees, Public Libraries of Saginaw): Announced the hiring of a new bilingual library director, Johanna Oriana Cabrera, from Arlington, Texas. She highlighted the summer reading program and the expanded "Library of Things" collection.
• Mike Thompson: Urged the council to allocate $250,000 in ARPA funds to Mission in the City Park, arguing the organization was unfairly excluded from the community centers funding category due to disorganization by the Guidehouse consultant. He emphasized the organization operates separately from a church and is eligible for public funding.

Discussion Items

• Item 2: CDBG-CV Agreement with United Way ($288,958): Councilmember Hammond raised concerns about the timing of the allocation, noting the CARES Act funds originated in 2021, and the lack of specific program details in the provided contract. Administration explained the funds were held due to non-duplication rules with ARPA and that partnering with United Way was the fastest way to deploy the money for children's literacy programs by the August 21 deadline. Mayor Moore affirmed the city's policy of not returning unspent federal dollars. The resolution passed 7-1, with Councilmember Hammond dissenting.
• Item 4: Amendments to the FY2027 Budget: Councilmember Hammond motioned to approve the budget amendments. The motion passed unanimously.
• City Manager's Report: The City Manager reported on the start of the City Hall elevator project (estimated 6-9 weeks), the upcoming water tower ribbon cutting (July 17), and the return of SGTV to Spectrum Channel 191. He recapped the successful Ojibwe Island reopening, noting immediate staff response to install bike racks and explore expanded Sunday restroom access. Staff will also welcome a student delegation from Tokushima, Japan on July 21.
• Council Discussion on Generative AI Policy: Councilmember Hammond inquired about the city's policy on using generative AI in public-facing communications. The City Manager stated no policy exists but administrative staff could draft one if formally directed by the council.
• Councilmember Remarks: Council members praised city staff for the successful Ojibwe Island reopening and 4th of July celebrations. Councilwoman Hammond shared insights from a national conference on addressing food deserts, citing a successful co-op model in Baltimore that attracted two grocery stores to a disinvested area. Councilman Wiggins and others emphasized the importance of youth programs and community engagement.

Key Outcomes

• CDBG-CV United Way Agreement (Item 2): Approved (7-1). Councilmember Hammond voted no.
• FY2027 Budget Amendments (Item 4): Approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda: Approved.
• Community Event Resolutions: The council unanimously approved resolutions authorizing amplifying equipment and alcohol sales for specified community events.
• Board and Commission Appointments: The council unanimously approved the recommended appointments.
• Next Steps: Administration will develop an AI use policy if formally requested, install bike racks at Ojibwe Island, and bring forward a purchase request for a utility vehicle to support park maintenance.