Saginaw City Council Regular Meeting - September 29, 2026

The meeting began with prayer, pledge, and roll call (8 present, 1 absent). A proclamation designated October 4–10, 2026 as Fire Prevention Week. The public input session featured numerous speakers addressing community development, medical diamond projects, library events, police accountability, the tax cap ballot proposal, neighborhood issues, and more. Council members gave remarks and the city manager provided updates. The council then considered the consent agenda (with two items pulled for discussion), adopted a data center zoning ordinance, approved fee schedule amendments, and after a closed session, approved multiple collective bargaining agreements.

Consent Calendar

• Consent agenda approved with exceptions for items 3 and 9 (pulled for separate discussion). Included routine approvals such as the purchase and development agreement with Medical Diamond South LLC for 507 South Washington (item 2), supported by public speaker John Kaczynski (SVSU).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kimberly Horn (Victoria’s Community Development Corporation): Presented a mobile app (VCD) to connect and uplift Saginaw, soft-launched in July, aiming for 1,000–3,000 members.
• Dr. Samuel Shaheen: Updated on the Medical Diamond development, noting CMU’s four-year medical school groundbreaking and upcoming details on residential hospitality, SVSU nursing school, and a behavioral health center with Great Lakes Bay Health.
• John Kaczynski (Saginaw Valley State University): Supported consent item 2 as key to the medical diamond; described the planned Greater Michigan Health Profession School with student housing and community programming.
• Melanie Velasco: Raised concerns about sidewalk hazards, dark areas, and poor road conditions on Russell, Superior, and Fashion Square; urged action.
• Leona Flores (American GI Forum): Announced the 70th anniversary celebration on October 17, 2026, seeking sponsorships for scholarships and veterans services.
• James Furbush (Great Lakes Bay Health Centers): Provided an update on a 45,000-square-foot behavioral health center of excellence with primary care, urgent care, pharmacy, and collaboration with SVSU; noted delays but on track for groundbreaking next calendar year.
• Johanna Oriana Cabrera (Hoyt Library): Highlighted fall book sales, Hispanic Heritage Month events (community ofrenda for Day of the Dead), and Banned Books Week (Oct 4–10).
• Jeffrey Bowles: Requested an update on the investigation of a use-of-force incident involving Stephanie Anderson and presented a proposed “Saginaw Police Accountability and Transparency Resolution” calling for independent review, evidence preservation, timely notification, and quarterly reports from the police chief.
• Michael Thompson: Questioned council’s silence on the ballot proposal to rescind the tax cap; urged council to express positions and suggest uses for the $639,000 in potential revenue (e.g., special police unit, fire station, critter control).
• Cheryl Carter: Asked about an ordinance regarding basketball hoops on curbs; reported a neighbor’s hoop caused damage to her yard and attracted litter; requested enforcement.
• Valerie Dansby: Delivered a message of encouragement, quoting scripture and urging unity and prayer for the city.
• Chris Pryor (Victorious Believers Ministries): Announced the Bishop Marvin C. Pryor Impact Center (formerly Trinity Lutheran) with $3.2 million investment, educational programming, and a gala on October 16.

Discussion Items

• Data Center Zoning Ordinance (O-204): Councilmember Hammond praised the robust regulation developed after a moratorium. Councilmember Young noted it fills a gap and protects citizens. Adopted unanimously.
• Police Accountability Resolution: Jeffrey Bowles presented the resolution during public comment. City Manager reported meeting with him, reviewing SPD policies, and committed to providing a comparison document and recommendations for next steps (including an online use-of-force reporting portal). Council discussion supported the framework and updating policies.
• Furniture Purchase for Police Investigations Division (Item 9): Councilmember Young questioned timing given a recent use-of-force incident. Police Chief explained it is the final stage of reconstruction, unrelated, and employees deserve a safe environment. Approved after discussion.
• Security Camera and Access Control Upgrade (Item 3): Councilmember Hammond asked about cybersecurity; IT staff explained the system uses separate fiber strands for video only, not affecting PLC/SCADA controls. Approved.
• Amendment to City Fees (Change of Use Permit): Councilmember Seals sought clarity on potential double fees; staff confirmed the $150 change-of-use fee is waived if construction inspection fees are paid. Approved.
• Collective Bargaining Agreements: After closed session, council approved successor CBAs with COEM, POAM, AFSCME, SEIU Part-Time, SEIU Aude (likely SEIU), and SEIU Salary Union, all with term July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2030, subject to legal review.

Key Outcomes

• Fire Prevention Week (October 4–10, 2026) proclaimed.
• Consent agenda approved (items 2, 4-8 passed; items 3 and 9 discussed and approved separately).
• Data Center Zoning Ordinance (O-204) adopted.
• Fee schedule amendment adding $150 change-of-use permit fee approved.
• FOIA appeal by Justin Engel denied (motion to oppose city’s response approved).
• Closed session held for collective bargaining negotiations.
• Five successor collective bargaining agreements approved unanimously.
• City Manager to present comparison of police resolution with current policies and recommendations for transparency reporting.