Southfield City Council Regular Meeting – August 25, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. on August 24, 2026 (continuing into August 25). It included presentations, public comments, a consent agenda, and public hearings on a fence special assessment, a restaurant drive‑through special use, and a conditional rezoning and special use for a Kroger gas station. The council approved several items, with notable 4‑3 votes on the Kroger gas station.

Presentations

• Employee of the Month: Bradley Tobloom, Motor Pool Fleet Technician, was recognized for his dependability, initiative, and consistent quality work.
• Fire Department Equipment Demonstration: Fire Chief and staff demonstrated new equipment: a power stretcher with power load system, a cardiac monitor capable of transmitting EKGs to hospitals, an automated CPR device that delivers consistent compressions, and a powered stair chair to reduce firefighter injuries. Council members expressed strong support for the investments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple speakers (residents, business owners, and a shopper) spoke in favor of the Kroger gas station, citing fuel point savings, convenience, and the need for competition to lower gas prices. Several business owners from Evergreen Plaza stated the gas station would increase foot traffic and help them survive.
• Some residents expressed concerns about the condition of the Kroger store, demanding it be brought up to the standards of other area Kroger stores. They urged the company to make long‑term commitments to maintain the store.
• A non‑resident bow hunter requested permission to hunt deer in Southfield to control overpopulation. Council clarified that bow hunting is currently prohibited by city ordinance, and the matter was referred to the legislative committee and city attorney.
• A resident spoke about the proposed aquatic facility, urging the city to explore partnerships with Southfield Public Schools, Henry Ford Hospital, and private benefactors to create a larger, more viable facility.
• A resident requested the city fund a fence on 10 Mile Road to deter crime and improve aesthetics; later a counter petition canceled the special assessment project.

Consent Calendar

• 19 items were approved unanimously, including: purchase of radios and an ambulance for the Fire Department; participation in the Clemens Authority; purchase of firearms for the Police Department; cybersecurity cloud email security; printing contracts; dump truck parts; grant applications for the 9 Mile Pathway (Golden Spike Project); janitorial supplies; detention facility operations; executive search for HR Director; indigent defense grant; online payment processing transition; DPW equipment training; and a native plant mural on the municipal building.

Discussion Items

• Special Assessment Project F‑1178 (10 Mile Road Fence): A counter petition with 67% of properties was received, effectively canceling the project. Council voted to decline the project.
• PSLU 26‑0005 (Restaurant with Drive‑Through at 2710 Lassa Road): The petitioner plans to renovate a former bank into a multi‑tenant commercial center with a coffee shop, retail, and carry‑out restaurant with a drive‑through. Following public comment and discussion, the council approved the special use with a condition that hours of operation be 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
• PC ZR 26‑0002 (Conditional Rezoning for Kroger Gas Station): The request to rezone 0.78 acres from B2 to B3 (conditional) to allow a Kroger fuel center. The zoning is limited to a fuel station; if the store closes permanently, the fuel station will be removed at Kroger’s expense and the property reverts to B2. After a public hearing and debate, the council approved the rezoning 4‑3 (roll call: Banks, Brightwell, Mandelbaum, Hicks – yes; Bland, Haynes, Hogue – no).
• PSLU 26‑0003 (Special Use for Kroger Gas Station): The proposal to construct and operate a gas station with five dispensers (ten fueling positions) and a 198‑square‑foot kiosk. Extensive discussion focused on the condition of the Kroger store, recent investments, and future improvements. Kroger representatives presented a slide show detailing $5 million in investments since 2018 and committed to continuing improvements. A condition was added to require electric vehicle charging stations (subject to administrative approval). The special use was approved 4‑3 (same vote as the rezoning). Council members noted the need to rebuild trust with the community.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Special assessment project declined.
• Restaurant special use approved with 6 a.m.‑10 p.m. hours.
• Conditional rezoning for Kroger gas station approved 4‑3.
• Kroger gas station special use approved 4‑3, with condition for EV charging stations.
• City attorney authorized to defend the city in two lawsuits (Donahue v. City of Southfield – sidewalk matter; and Salem v. City of Southfield – traffic crash involving EMS truck).
• Council recognized senior appreciation day, thanked the clerk’s office for a smooth primary election, and the treasurer reminded residents of the August 31 tax deadline and offered payment options.