OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Southfield City Council Regular Meeting - May 11, 2026

City Council — Monday, May 11, 2026
BodySouthfield, Michigan
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, May 11, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:08

The City of Southfield regular meeting for May 11, 2026 is now called to order.

0:14

Mr.

0:14

Clerk, can you please do a roll call?

0:19

Yes, sir.

0:22

Councilwoman Banks, present.

0:25

Councilwoman Glenn.

0:26

Here.

0:27

Councilman Brightwell.

0:31

Councilwoman Haynes.

0:32

Present.

0:34

Councilwoman Pro Tem Hogue.

0:36

Here.

0:37

Councilman Mandelbaum.

0:39

Present.

0:40

Council President Hicks.

0:42

Here.

0:43

Sir, you have a quorum.

0:44

Thank you, sir.

0:45

If we can please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God and visible with liberty and justice for all.

1:08

Okay, we have two presentations from the from our mayor.

1:22

Good evening, Council.

1:24

Good evening.

1:25

Good evening.

1:26

This evening we have two presentations that are joint resolutions.

1:34

First of all, I would like you to join me in declaring May as Chaldean American month in the city of Southfield.

1:46

And whereas it is important to acknowledge the multifaceted heritage and contributions of Chaldean Americans whose presence in our region strengthens our economy and our sense of community and solidarity.

2:01

And whereas Chaldean Americans proudly trace their ethnic roots back to ancient Mesopotomia to what is now Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran.

2:18

Beginning around 1910, approximately 500,000 Chaldeans now live in the United States.

2:24

Oakland and Macomb counties are the home to more than 187,000 Chaldeans, the world's largest population outside of Iraq.

2:34

And whereas Chaldeans of Metro Detroit have embraced the diverse economic opportunities in the region with true entrepreneurial spirit.

2:45

Almost two-thirds of Chaldean households own one business, and more than one-third own two or more.

2:54

Representatives of the Chaldean community can be found in all industries, including mom and pop businesses, hospitality, arts, law, engineering, politics, education, real estate, and more, and contribute billions of dollars to Michigan's economy every year.

3:11

And whereas during Chaldean American Month and on the occasion of its annual awards dinner, which some of us just attended, we join the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce and all Oakland County, all of Oakland County to honor the Chaldean community's rich history and legacy of rising up to overcome challenges.

3:31

Additionally, we join with the community in compassion and solidarity on April 24th, the anniversary of CEFO, a religious genocide that claimed the lives of hundreds and thousands of Chaldeans during World War One.

3:47

Now, therefore be resolved that uh Southfield Mayor Kenson Cyber and the Southfield City Council County Voken, State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Chaldean American Month in the City of Southfield.

4:04

Mr.

4:05

Chair?

4:05

Yes, sir.

4:06

I'd like to make a motion that we approve the joint resolution for Chaldean American Month in May 2026.

4:11

Support.

4:12

It's been primarily moved by Councilman Mandelbaum and supported by Councilwoman Haynes.

4:19

Any discussion or questions?

4:21

Hearing none.

4:22

All in favor?

4:23

Aye.

4:24

Any opposed?

4:25

Motion carried.

4:27

Thank you.

4:28

I will convey this to the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce.

4:33

And secondly, we have a joint resolution that May 2026 is also Jewish American Heritage Month.

4:43

So whereas since the founding of our country, Jewish Americans have made enduring contributions to the United States in the fields and numerous fields, including public service, education, business science, the arts, social justice, strengthening the ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity, and whereas for 45 years, every president of the United States has designated a period of time to celebrate the contributions of the Jewish community to our nation's history, heritage, and culture since 2006.

5:16

The month of May has been officially recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month, pursuant to a bipartisan resolution of Congress.

5:27

And whereas Selb is home to one of the largest and most diverse Jewish populations in Michigan, and home to numerous synagogues and Jewish institutions that enrich the city's civic and cultural life.

5:40

And whereas Jewish residents of Southfield have played meaningful role in the development of the community, including through economic growth, philanthropy, and service in the armed forces of the United States and the Michigan National Guard, and whereas the Jewish community has demonstrated resilience in the face of historical challenges and continues to contribute meaningfully to the promotion of understanding, compassion, and civil engagement.

6:08

Now, therefore be it resolved that I, Mayor Kenson's A.

6:12

Cyber, City of Southfield, Southfield City Council, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month in the City of Southfield, and call upon residents to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the Jewish Americans in our county state and uh through education reflection engagement and to reaffirm our shared commitment to diversity and mutual respect and conclusion inclusion.

6:41

Mr.

6:42

President?

6:42

Yes, ma'am.

6:43

I'd like to make motion to approve the joint resolution to recognize the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation█████████████████████████████████████████████50%
Procedural██████████████16%
Public Engagement██████████11%
Community Engagement██████7%
Public Safety█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure████4%
Racial Equity██2%
Arts And Culture██2%
Fiscal Sustainability█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Southfield City Council Regular Meeting - May 11, 2026

The City of Southfield City Council held its regular meeting on May 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. The council conducted two proclamations, approved minutes and a consent agenda, adopted the Freeway Park Master Plan after extensive discussion, enacted ordinances, and heard public comments.

Consent Calendar

  • Minutes Approval: The council unanimously approved the regular meeting minutes of November 24, 2025 (as amended), the Committee of the Whole meeting minutes of April 13, 2026, and the regular meeting minutes of April 20, 2026.
  • Consent Agenda Item A: Approved the Cold Star database contract renewal without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Mayor Kenson Siver: Spoke on behalf of Southfield senior walkers requesting additional gravel and leveling of the walking track at Ingranook Park due to potholes from rain, snow, and ice.
  • Greg Keeler (Resident): Questioned whether statements made from the dais are considered truthful and expressed frustration about unresolved sewer issues over 26 years. Referenced FOIA responses that did not match earlier statements.
  • Pamela Gerald (Resident): Expressed somberness over a cousin’s death but continued advocacy for campaign finance compliance. Called for stronger enforcement, including potential ordinances or state ballot measures to prevent non-compliant officials from being sworn in.

Discussion Items

  • Freeway Park Master Plan Adoption: The Parks and Recreation Department, with consultants from OHM Advisors, presented a comprehensive master plan for Freeway Park and adjacent Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve. The plan was developed after three public open houses (over 100 attendees, 108 survey responses) and a design reveal party. Key priorities from the community included better lighting, flood mitigation, shade, restrooms, safety, and programming for older children. Three concepts were refined into a final concept featuring a multi-use court, expanded parking, a shelter, tot bike loop, rain gardens, and improved connectivity. Lighting, sidewalk safety, and restroom placement were heavily debated. Councilwoman Hogue urged prioritizing lighting and sidewalk repairs immediately, even outside the phased plan. Councilman Brightwell raised maintenance costs and the need to manage invasive species in the wetland. Councilman Mandelbaum suggested solar lighting and cameras. Councilwoman Banks emphasized ADA compliance and inclusive design. The mayor highlighted the park's history as mitigation for freeway construction. Director Terry confirmed that lighting is a priority and that a $4.5 million grant request (including $1.5 million for Freeway Park) has been submitted. The plan passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Proclamation Approved: Declared May 2026 as Chaldean American Month in Southfield (motion by Mandelbaum, supported by Haynes, unanimous).
  • Proclamation Approved: Declared May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Southfield (motion by Haynes, supported by Hogue, unanimous). Councilman Mandelbaum and others spoke about rising anti-Semitism and the need for solidarity.
  • Freeway Park Master Plan Adopted (motion by Hogue, supported by Bland, unanimous).
  • Ordinance 1836 Enacted (motion by Mandelbaum, support by Hogue, one opposed – specific content not stated).
  • Ordinance 1837 Introduced and Adopted: An amendment regarding smoking lounges (cigar with alcohol service) to align with 2023 zoning amendments (motion by Banks, supported by Hogue, unanimous).
  • **Councilman Mandelbaum requested a future meeting with Bloom Night Club owners and police to address repeated safety incidents in the parking lot, similar to past actions with Bar Seven.
  • Clerk’s Progress Report: The clerk reported catching up on all minutes, implementing citywide FOIA software, updating MUNICODE, adding two voting drop boxes, and preparing for upcoming elections with cost-saving measures.

Meeting Transcript

The City of Southfield regular meeting for May 11, 2026 is now called to order. Mr. Clerk, can you please do a roll call? Yes, sir. Councilwoman Banks, present. Councilwoman Glenn. Here. Councilman Brightwell. Councilwoman Haynes. Present. Councilwoman Pro Tem Hogue. Here. Councilman Mandelbaum. Present. Council President Hicks. Here. Sir, you have a quorum. Thank you, sir. If we can please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God and visible with liberty and justice for all. Okay, we have two presentations from the from our mayor. Good evening, Council. Good evening. Good evening. This evening we have two presentations that are joint resolutions. First of all, I would like you to join me in declaring May as Chaldean American month in the city of Southfield. And whereas it is important to acknowledge the multifaceted heritage and contributions of Chaldean Americans whose presence in our region strengthens our economy and our sense of community and solidarity. And whereas Chaldean Americans proudly trace their ethnic roots back to ancient Mesopotomia to what is now Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. Beginning around 1910, approximately 500,000 Chaldeans now live in the United States. Oakland and Macomb counties are the home to more than 187,000 Chaldeans, the world's largest population outside of Iraq. And whereas Chaldeans of Metro Detroit have embraced the diverse economic opportunities in the region with true entrepreneurial spirit. Almost two-thirds of Chaldean households own one business, and more than one-third own two or more. Representatives of the Chaldean community can be found in all industries, including mom and pop businesses, hospitality, arts, law, engineering, politics, education, real estate, and more, and contribute billions of dollars to Michigan's economy every year. And whereas during Chaldean American Month and on the occasion of its annual awards dinner, which some of us just attended, we join the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce and all Oakland County, all of Oakland County to honor the Chaldean community's rich history and legacy of rising up to overcome challenges. Additionally, we join with the community in compassion and solidarity on April 24th, the anniversary of CEFO, a religious genocide that claimed the lives of hundreds and thousands of Chaldeans during World War One. Now, therefore be resolved that uh Southfield Mayor Kenson Cyber and the Southfield City Council County Voken, State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Chaldean American Month in the City of Southfield. Mr. Chair? Yes, sir. I'd like to make a motion that we approve the joint resolution for Chaldean American Month in May 2026. Support. It's been primarily moved by Councilman Mandelbaum and supported by Councilwoman Haynes. Any discussion or questions? Hearing none. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carried. Thank you. I will convey this to the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce. And secondly, we have a joint resolution that May 2026 is also Jewish American Heritage Month.

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