City of Southfield Regular Council Meeting - July 20, 2026

The City of Southfield held its regular council meeting on July 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting included employee recognition, appointments to city commissions, public comments on various issues, approval of consent agenda items, discussion and votes on development agreements, site plans, and community events, as well as council member reports. A moment of silence was observed for former Zoning Board of Appeals member Myra Selesny, who recently passed away.

Employee of the Month

• Sandy Perry, from the Building Department, was recognized as Employee of the Month. Mayor and council praised her dedication and ability to work with residents to find solutions.

Appointments

• Deputy City Clerk: Darien Byrd was appointed as Deputy City Clerk, recommended by City Clerk Gabby Grossbard. Motion passed unanimously.
• Veterans Commission: Anthony Felix, Ronald Johnson, and James Jackson were appointed. Motion passed unanimously.
• Total Living Commission: Nancy Goodwin, Iva Williams, Keith Christmas, Leah Gordon, and Dijana Rogers were appointed. Motion passed unanimously.
• Swearing-in: All appointees were sworn in.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Yolanda Smith Charles (Oakland County Commissioner): Announced that on July 16, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution (11-6, party lines) opposing anti-voter ballot initiatives requiring extra documents (e.g., passport, birth certificate) to register to vote. She stated that such a requirement could eliminate 1 million voters in Michigan and 21 million nationwide. She encouraged public confidence in election safety.
• Mary (Southfield resident): Invited council to a community conversation on July 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Civic Center.
• Farah Wilder (Executive Director, Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit): Introduced herself as a Southfield resident. Reported that the Fair Housing Center has investigated 27 housing discrimination intakes involving Southfield-based properties or businesses this year, with disability discrimination most common, followed by criminal record screening and source of income issues. Offered free services and resources.
• David Williams (former president of Kingsley Estate, Southfield resident): Reminded council that last year they voted unanimously no on the Kroger rezoning. He asked if a decision would be made tonight or postponed. (President Hicks later noted the public hearing would be moved to August 24.)
• Greg Keeler (Southfield resident): Expressed concern about inadequate seating at study sessions (first Monday meetings) and ADA accessibility. Noted that an overflow in the hallway creates a fire hazard. Urged council to be mindful of resident needs.
• Unnamed speaker: Chose to wait to speak until Kroger representatives are present.
• Michael Humphrey (Southfield resident): Complained about a police incident where officers came to his door without a warrant. He alleged the officer lied and he requested a report, but it was heavily redacted ("6 to 7 percent visible"). He asked for information on police complaint procedures (internal affairs or review board). He also expressed fear due to past incidents.
• Pamela Gerald (Southfield resident): Urged residents to report littering. Cautioned council about Open Meetings Act quorum issues if four members attend the community forum on July 22. Disputed the previous speaker's account of the police incident, stating there are two sides. Defended the Southfield Police Department.
• City Attorney Explanation: On a FOIA request, the attorney explained that certain material is exempt from disclosure under Michigan FOIA section 13. On quorum, she clarified that if a quorum of council gathers and discusses city business, it must be noticed under the Open Meetings Act.

Discussion Items

• Minutes Approval: The regular meeting minutes of June 29, 2026 (revised version) were approved.
• Consent Agenda (Items A-K): Approved after discussion. Key questions and clarifications:
  • Item E (Security camera storage server): Original quote $52,000 expired due to 2-week validity; new price $78,000 because of market fluctuations in RAM and storage demand. City accepted.
  • Item C (Sweep attachment for parking easy dump): Originally missed as an optional piece; cost $13,300. Council expressed concern about avoiding future oversights.
  • Item E (Special assessment for 10 Mile right-of-way fence): Councilwoman Bland asked about counterpetition timing and interest rate (6% over 10 years). City planner explained rates are set, but for smaller assessments, a shorter term could be considered. Residents can pay lump sum.
• Library Mechanical Upgrades (Item A): Authorized contract with OHM Advisors ($42,000) for construction phase services and awarded bid to C&J General Contractors ($2.2 million) for air handling unit and chiller replacement. Move addresses previous capacity deficiencies.
• Bus Stop Improvements Grant (Item C): Authorized application for up to $200,000 from Oakland County Access to Transit Program, with $40,000 city match to install 30–35 additional bus stops.
• Northland Supplemental Development Agreement – Third Amendment (Item D): Approved third amendment to the development agreement with Contour Development. Includes surety bond provisions, quarterly updates, and updated timelines for Phase 1A (Buildings A, B), Phase 1B (Buildings F, G), and sports dome.
• Public Hearing – Northland ODD Amendment: Approved updated phasing plan for the Overlay Development District (phases 1A, 1B, 2C for sports dome only). Ordinance 1844 introduced and passed.
• Sports Dome Site Plan: Approved with favorable recommendation from Planning Commission. Architecture aligns with mid-century modern style; parking adequate; no waivers needed.
• Kroger Public Hearing and Special Use Request: Postponed to August 24, 2026, to allow additional time for developer to address council concerns.
• Ordinance 1843: Ordinance for rezoning (PZR 26-003) was introduced and passed.

Council Comments & Reports

• Councilman Brightwell: Reported that veterans benefit utilization increased from 48% to 50% due to outreach.
• Councilwoman Bland: Thanked city for mowing property on 12 Mile. Requested ongoing updates on Kroger maintenance.
• Council President Pro Tem Hogue: Announced upcoming events: Southfield Pop Party (July 22, 4:30-7 pm), Nerf Wars (July 31, fee $5, registration due July 22), Parkett Family Fun Night at Beechwoods (July 27, movie Lilo & Stitch). Also noted replacement events for Kimmy Horn Jazz Fest: Back to School Fair (Aug 7) and Family Fun Fest (Aug 8), in partnership with Southfield Public Schools.
• Councilman Mandelbaum: Expressed concern that the Family Fun Fest on Saturday (Aug 8) excludes residents who observe the Sabbath. Requested future events be scheduled on days more inclusive of all community members.
• Councilwoman Haynes: Promoted Oakland County Veterans Resource Fair (July 22, 9 am-noon). Praised Southfield Fire and Police departments for a July 5 rescue on Simmons Avenue. Urged drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.
• Councilwoman Bland motion: Approved the Back to School Fair (Aug 7) as a city partnership with Southfield Public Schools. City Administrator noted the event is gratis (free use of facility) and a community benefit.
• Mayor: Noted a new art exhibit in the lobby featuring nine local artists.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments approved unanimously for Deputy City Clerk, Veterans Commission, and Total Living Commission.
• Consent agenda (11 items) approved with recorded questions.
• Library mechanical upgrade contracts approved: $42,000 for consulting; $2.2 million for construction.
• Application for bus stop improvement grant authorized.
• Third Northland development agreement amendment approved.
• ODD phasing plan and sports dome site plan approved.
• Kroger public hearing and special use request postponed to August 24, 2026.
• Ordinance 1843 introduced; Ordinance 1844 adopted (both on planning matters).
• October 13, 2026, Committee of the Whole meeting at Lawrence Tech University (3 p.m.) approved.
• Back to School Fair (Aug 7) approved as a city partnership.
• Council directed administration to consider scheduling future large family events on days that allow maximum community participation.