Saginaw City Council Meeting – July 28, 2026

The Saginaw City Council met on July 28, 2026, with seven members present and two absent (Councilmembers Braddock and Hammond initially absent; Councilmember Hammond arrived later). The meeting included a public hearing on a water bond refinancing, extensive public comments on several topics, council remarks, introduction of a controversial nuisance gathering ordinance, and approval of multiple resolutions and a firefighter collective bargaining agreement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda as a whole with the exception of item 4 (purchase of cloud video storage for City Hall security cameras, $38,910), which was individually approved after discussion. Councilmember Hammond asked about the 60‑day retention period; staff noted three requests to view footage beyond the previous 30‑day limit.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Irthan Oymigill requested the city waive the $150 late fee assessed to his property at 814 Mackinaw Street and asked the council to review the rental registration late fee structure, calling a 100% penalty “extremely punitive.”
• Jeff Bowles opposed the proposed nuisance gathering ordinance (then referred to as “new system ordinance”), urged better community engagement, and called on the council to direct the city manager to open an investigation into a viral video of a Saginaw police officer body‑slamming a young girl.
• Rebecca Yeager (Hispanic Leadership Initiative of Saginaw) announced a second annual school supply drive aiming to reach 200 students, with donations accepted through August 5 and distribution on August 7.
• Cameron Matthews urged the council to ban AI‑powered license plate readers (Flock cameras), citing privacy concerns and the risk of mass surveillance.
• Thomas Roy (Secondary Fireworks president) thanked the city for the July 4th celebration and presented a token of appreciation to the council.
• Lori Patterson (MidMichigan Conservative Alliance) announced a food giveaway on a future date at the Eastside Soup Kitchen.
• Angel Gomez (Latino Caucus chair) reported that nine men had been detained by ICE in Saginaw Township and asked the council to review the Flock contract, prohibit ICE from using city‑owned parking lots, and pass a resolution limiting local police cooperation with ICE without a judicial warrant.
• Michael Thompson asked the council to revisit an ICE restraint resolution previously turned down in February, citing ICE’s $30 billion budget and arguing the city should stand against “inhumanity.”
• Denita Dorsey read an email seeking clarification on which activities on private property are not currently enforceable under existing ordinances, and asked for a side‑by‑side comparison with the proposed ordinance.
• Krista opposed the proposed nuisance gathering ordinance, stating it is vaguely worded, could apply to protests and house parties, and does not exclude constitutionally protected activities.
• Melanie Velasco expressed support for Flock cameras, raised concerns about trash, sidewalk hazards, and tree overgrowth, and criticized protesters outside the building.
• Corey Gage (SEIU vice president) reported that seven city union contracts expired on July 1, 2026, with only one possibly ratified since then. He urged the council to direct management to bargain in good faith for a fair contract.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing on Water Revenue Refunding Bonds: Director Mike Green explained that the city would refinance $13 million in 2016 bonds, anticipating about $500,000 in savings over the life of the bonds. No public comment was offered, and the hearing was closed.
• Ordinance Introduction – Nuisance Gatherings (Section 94.120): The council debated the ordinance at length. Councilmember Ostash, a sponsor, stated the ordinance was modeled after those in Allegan County and Mount Pleasant and was intended to close gaps in enforcement on private property. Councilmember Hammond and Councilmember Ostash expressed concerns about overbreadth and lack of community input. Councilmember Wiggins and Councilmember Ball emphasized the need to stop violence. Councilmember Ostash clarified that the ordinance does not apply to protests because it requires specific violations such as nudity, unlawful alcohol use, or drug possession. After a motion to call the question, the ordinance was introduced on a 7‑1 vote (Councilmember Hammond opposed) and will be laid over per charter for a second reading.
• Resolution – Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grant: The city authorized submitting a grant application and committing matching funds. Councilmember Hammond asked about general fund expenditure; staff confirmed zero general fund dollars have been or will be used, as the match comes from existing state/federal grants.
• Resolution – Water Revenue Refunding Bonds: Council approved the bond issuance. Councilmember Hammond asked about specific interest rates and maturity dates; staff noted those are not determined until closing.
• Closed Session and IAFF Contract: The council unanimously moved into closed session under MCL 15.268 for collective bargaining negotiations with the International Association of Firefighters Local 102. Following closed session, the council approved a tentative agreement for the term July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030 by a 7‑1 vote (Councilmember Hammond opposed, stating she had not had adequate time to review the contract).

Key Outcomes

• Public Hearing Closed and water revenue refunding bonds authorized.
• Consent Agenda approved (item 4 individually passed).
• Nuisance Gathering Ordinance introduced (first reading) on a 7‑1 vote; it will be laid over and may be amended before final adoption.
• Four Resolutions all approved: outdoor recreation grant application, amplification equipment for events, water bond issuance, and recognition of “Eyes on the Prize” for a charitable gaming license.
• IAFF Collective Bargaining Agreement approved 7‑1, effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030.
• City Manager’s Report noted early voting, upcoming community events (Playdates in the Park, Neighbor Day block party), a delegation from Tokushima, and a planned meeting with the county to discuss partnering on parks and recreation.