Saginaw City Council Meeting – September 1, 2026

The Saginaw City Council met on September 1, 2026, with eight members present (Councilmember Wiggins absent). The meeting began with prayer and pledge, followed by roll call, announcements (Labor Day closure, splash park closing on September 7), and public comments. The majority of the meeting focused on a recent police use-of-force incident involving Stephanie Anderson, with numerous community members demanding accountability, transparency, and policy review. Other topics included a proposed nuisance ordinance, a resident's petition to honor his grandfather with a street name, and community safety initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously with no exceptions.
• Appointment of board, commission, and committee members was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Arthur Carpenter requested that the city add his grandfather Horace Strickland's name to Johnson Street to honor him for his role in the neighborhood. He stated he cleaned the area, picking up 50 gallon bags of garbage, and is willing to pay for the sign.
• Andrew spoke in favor of a proposed gatherings ordinance but urged the council to set clear, distinct rules to target bad actors and protect peaceful assemblies, protests, and family events.
• Nicholas Williams expressed concern about police overreach and the erosion of trust, referencing a video of police use of force seen the previous week.
• Jeff Bowles (President of Saginaw CAP) demanded seven actions: an independent investigation (underway), preservation of all evidence, complete review of force used, accountability for all officers, prosecutorial review, maximum lawful transparency, and a comprehensive policy review. He stated, "Accountability is pro-community, pro-public safety."
• Teresina Jackson urged the council to create a civic engagement campaign to inform residents about boards and commissions, including the Citizen Police Advisory Commission (CPAC), and to recruit community members to participate before crises occur.
• Randall Adams (Chairman of the county Democratic Party) expressed deep disappointment over the incident, stating that training he received did not include punching citizens, and called for accountability.
• A family member of Stephanie Anderson (unidentified speaker) demanded that officers involved be held accountable, that all evidence be preserved, and that the community not go silent.
• Kareem Bowen (Pastor, Potter Church Ministries) emphasized the need for trust between law enforcement and community, called for implicit bias training and de-escalation training for officers, and requested that officers live in the community they police.
• Erica Newman described an incident where her 12-year-old daughter Peyton suffered a cracked skull at school and alleged the school failed to notify her. She filed a police report in April 2026 but has not received follow-up.
• Utavia Rivers shared her own experience of being dragged from her home by police in 2021 and expressed fear for her safety.
• Nita Williams called for accountability, stating that Chief Roof should fire the officers involved or the mayor should take action.
• Sierra Slaw Center asked what the city will do to ensure fair investigation of excessive force and support vulnerable residents.
• Denita Dorsey argued that the proposed nuisance ordinance is unnecessary because existing laws already address the conduct listed. She urged the council to show a specific enforcement gap before creating new legislation, especially given the recent police incident.

Discussion Items

• Councilwoman Hammond thanked the community and emphasized the need for transparency, data collection on use of force, and long-term legislative solutions. She noted that the MSP investigation is separate and independent.
• Councilman Young expressed personal anguish as a friend of Stephanie Anderson, questioned why four male officers could not de-escalate a small woman (5 feet, 130 pounds), and requested data on use of less-lethal force (tear gas) to check for patterns.
• Councilwoman Seals stated her commitment as a Black woman to ensure safety and promised to work with colleagues to move the city in the right direction.
• Councilman Balls called the video appalling and traumatizing. He referenced the 2012 Milton Hall incident and said officers should reflect the community. He stressed the need for accountability and for officers to live in the city.
• Councilman Ostah apologized to the family, noted changes made after George Floyd protests, and supported the call for cultural competency training. He also thanked Arthur Carpenter and the Arson Watch volunteers.
• Councilman Braddock apologized to the family and called for a community conversation about entertainment life and policing at night. He emphasized transparency and accountability.
• Mayor Pro Tem Garcia shared her own experience as a domestic violence survivor and expressed solidarity. She asked for patience while investigations proceed and encouraged community involvement on boards. She announced she has two brain tumors and may miss future meetings.
• Mayor Moore stated she was appalled and called for the community to come together beyond times of crisis. She agreed with Jeff Bowles' seven points and noted that Saginaw already complies with eight of the nine "8 Can't Wait" use-of-force policies.
• City Manager reported that an internal investigation and a Michigan State Police review are underway. Evidence is being preserved. The city also contacted the Saginaw County Prosecutor's office. He mentioned that use-of-force policies, de-escalation training, mental health support for officers, and cultural competency are areas for review. He also announced a utility assistance day (September 3 at First Ward Community Center) and a citywide meeting on elections (September 9 at First Presbyterian Church).

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda and board appointments were approved unanimously.
• A resolution authorizing sponsors of community events to use amplifying equipment was adopted.
• No formal votes were taken on the police incident or nuisance ordinance. Council members committed to pursuing transparency, policy review, and follow-up on specific cases (e.g., Erica Newman's complaint).
• The city manager will continue to work with the police chief on training and policy improvements. Use-of-force data collection and online posting of policies were discussed.
• The meeting adjourned after closing remarks.