Saginaw City Council Meeting - August 18, 2026

The Saginaw City Council met on August 18, 2026, at approximately 5:28 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for 989 Day, extensive public comment on a proposed nuisance gathering ordinance, introduction of a data center zoning ordinance, and a vote to postpone the nuisance ordinance until November 23, 2026. The council also approved a budget adjustment, appointments, and several resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• Budget Amendment: Approved amendments to the fiscal year 2027 budget to recognize changes in August period, including carry-forwards from June projects. Councilmember Hammond asked about timing of justice and police grants; City Manager explained monthly budget office review. Approved without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Donovan Monte Gomez: Spoke against subversion through illegal immigration, arguing that the nuisance ordinance could be used to suppress constitutional rights. Urged council not to vote on the ordinance.
• Dennis Morrison: Opposed the nuisance ordinance, stating it would force youth to find other options without constructive alternatives. Contended existing laws on illegal parking and noise are sufficient.
• Unnamed Female Speaker (retired CNA): Raised concerns about storm debris, tree branches, sidewalk hazards, need for extra garbage bins, porch lights for safety, and abandoned houses. Expressed love for the city but urged better maintenance.
• Veronica Vella (Founder/President, La Mission): Requested transparency and equal opportunity for smaller grassroots organizations in grant processes. Asked for information on grant opportunities and fair chance to apply. Reported serving 530 people in 2024 and 87 in 2025.
• Kim Rowan (Organizer, Fight for Democracy Mid-Michigan): Expressed concern that the nuisance ordinance wording is too open-ended and could infringe on First Amendment rights for protesters. Asked council to be careful not to pass too broad an ordinance.
• Norman Braddock (Epicurean Lodge #674): Neither for nor against the ordinance, but requested better police response to parking lot issues at their location (drinking, smoking, loud music, blocked exits). Asked for proactive police presence.
• Krista Mann: Criticized the ordinance as poorly crafted and vague. Noted ACLU of Michigan sent a letter calling it too broad. Accused council of not reading ordinances and prioritizing personality conflicts over good policy.
• Sarah Blankenship (as Sarah Kiger): Argued Saginaw already has five ordinances addressing the issues (citing Chapter 130 sections). Stated the city has a poverty problem, not a violence problem. Asked council to invest in community instead of band-aid solutions.
• Dawn Garrett: Worried ordinance is too broad and gives police too much power, based on personal experience where a man with a gun threatened protesters and police did not act. Expressed fear of arrest rather than protection.
• David Schmidt: Urged a no vote on the ordinance; recounted an incident where a man with two guns harassed a young Latina protester, calling her trash and threatening deportation, and police did not act. Criticized lack of accountability.
• Craig Tatum (New Life Baptist Ministries): Described ongoing conditions around a liquor store on James Avenue—shootings, stabbings, loitering, intoxication, reckless driving—that threaten a nearby park and community center. Asked whether the city must wait for another funeral before acting.
• Unnamed Speaker (community advocate): Followed up on a previous proposal for beautifying Ojibway Island with flowers and words of affirmation. Announced positive news about meeting facilities returning to larger venue in September.
• Terracina Jackson (mother of autistic child): Shared experience of her 9-year-old son going missing; dispatchers did not immediately respond. Requested improved emergency protocols for missing vulnerable children, referencing the Rowan's Act (House Bills 4517-4518).
• Jeffrey Bowles (Saginaw CAP): Opposed ordinance due to lack of due process, vague standards, disproportionate impact (collective punishment), and better alternatives already available. Urged council to vote it down and start over.
• Alberto Tanayuki: Asked council to reconsider; stated ordinance could be an overreach on protesters. Recounted incident where a man with a gun intimidated three women protesters and police said it was legal. Supported ACLU concerns.
• Carla Lamar (Chair, Planning Commission): Presented overview of proposed data center ordinance, noting standards for special land use, neighborhood meetings, sound studies, setbacks (500 ft from residential), and undergrounding of electrical infrastructure.
• Cassie Zimmer: Promoted upcoming Neighbor Day event (August 22, 2026) at Hoyt Park, with free food, school supply giveaway, and awards.
• Bessie DePary (President, Old Town Saginaw Association): Thanked city for keeping parking lot open during construction; encouraged support for local businesses.
• Randy Keith (Chair of CAP, UAW Local 668): Raised concerns about broad interpretation of ordinance, using examples of a 41-day strike (2019) and a United Way food truck event. Asked whether those would have been violations.
• Tony Mann (President, UAW Local 668): Opposed ordinance as too broad, argued focus should be on bringing jobs and positive opportunities for youth rather than more restrictive laws.
• Aaron Lynch: Opposed ordinance, citing strained police-community relations. Recounted incident where police did not act against a man with gun who menaced protesters. Suggested creating third spaces for youth.
• Nicole Hubble: Urged no vote on nuisance ordinance; criticized guilt by association, vague terms, and potential impact on First Amendment. Also opposed expansion of flock cameras and ICE operations in city. Asked council to uphold civil liberties.
• Tammy Davis: Expressed mixed feelings; acknowledged nuisance problem but asked for more time to revisit language and avoid duplication. Stressed need for accountability for both police and business owners/landlords.
• Danita Dorsey: Fourth time speaking; urged council not to pass ordinance in current form. Cited warnings from ACLU and FIRE. Asked for community involvement and identification of specific gaps in existing laws before crafting new legislation.
• Rebecca Brothers: Spoke against ordinance, accusing council of lack of transparency and trying to suppress First Amendment rights. Called for council to engage in open dialogue and do better.

Discussion Items

• Nuisance Gathering Ordinance (Ordinance to add Section 94.120): The council debated the proposed ordinance extensively. Many members acknowledged community concerns about overreach and constitutional issues.
  • Councilmember Wiggins noted existing violence and roving party problems but recognized need to revisit language.
  • Councilmember Hammond suggested postponing to allow collaboration with community and revisiting language, while also noting potential for alternative solutions (e.g., CVI organizations, youth event planning committee).
  • City Attorney clarified the ordinance does not prohibit constitutionally protected behavior but enforcement must be trusted.
  • Mayor Moore expressed desire to start somewhere but willingness to postpone for further discussion.
  • Councilmember Balls stated he would not vote for the ordinance as written.
  • Councilmember Young suggested using no-loitering signs on vacant lots or closed businesses as a stopgap while the ordinance is refined.
  • Councilmember Seals asked attorney to clarify impact on protesting; attorney confirmed no prohibition of constitutional activity.
  • Councilmember Ostash noted existing curfew law and other ordinances already on books.
  • Councilmember Braddock called for community leaders to come together to address root causes.
  • Mayor Pro Tem Garcia stressed need to address violence and large gatherings, citing personal experiences.
  • A motion was made to postpone consideration until September 14, 2026, then amended to November 23, 2026 to allow more time for community input and revision. The amendment passed 8-1 (Hammond opposed). The main motion to postpone to November 23, 2026 also passed 8-1 (Hammond opposed).
• Data Center Ordinance Introduction: Carla Lamar (Planning Commission Chair) described the ordinance, which would classify data centers as a special land use in I-1 and I-2 districts, requiring extensive information, neighborhood meetings, sound studies, and 500-foot buffer from residential areas. The ordinance was introduced unanimously.
• Consent Agenda Item #2 (Budget Amendments): Discussed and approved.
• Appointments: Approved without exception.

Key Outcomes

• Nuisance Gathering Ordinance: Postponed to November 23, 2026 (8-1 vote). Council will use the time to gather community input and revise language.
• Data Center Ordinance: Introduced (first reading) unanimously.
• Consent Agenda: Approved with item #2 (budget amendments) discussed and approved.
• Appointments: Approved.
• Resolutions: All three resolutions passed unanimously:
  1. Permit service of alcoholic beverages on public property at 118 North Michigan Avenue.
  2. Authorize sponsors of community events to use amplifying equipment.
  3. Terminate health care savings program for IAFF firefighter hires after July 1, 2016.
• Adjournment: Motion passed.