Taylor City Council Meeting - May 21, 2024: Public Hearing on Christnet Services License Revocation

The Taylor City Council met on May 21, 2024, at 11:30 AM. The meeting was called to order with a quorum of six members present. After opening pledges and roll call, the council approved the agenda and the minutes of the May 7, 2024 meeting. Reappointments to the Planning Commission (Christopher Simeon and Fadi Galosi) and the Zoning Board of Appeals (Jack Hayden Jr., Nancy Smith, Mike Talley, and John Coughlin) were approved unanimously and sworn in.

Mayor's Announcements

• Mayor Woolley read a letter from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security praising the Taylor Police Department for its role in a joint child exploitation and human trafficking operation during the NFL draft, resulting in six arrests and 15 victim rescues.

Consent Calendar

• Items 7.1–7.15 (second reading of property maintenance code revisions, fire department training, siren repairs, fit test services, blanket purchase agreement amendments, fence repair at Atlas Park, railroad maintenance payment, April budget and invoice reports, civil infraction penalty amendments, budget amendment 2024-011) were all approved unanimously without discussion.
• Item 7.16 (Downtown Development Authority budget for 2024–2025) passed 4–2 (Councilmembers Rose and Daniels voted no).
• Item 7.17 (Tax Increment Finance Authority budget for 2024–2025) also passed 4–2 (same split).
• Item 7.18 (motion to open public hearing regarding revocation of Christnet Services business license) was approved unanimously.

Public Hearing on Christnet Services License Revocation

The public hearing opened at approximately 6:00 PM and lasted several hours. Over 140 individuals signed in; many indicated opposition to revocation. The clerk read names and allowed speakers for and against the revocation. Key points from speakers:

In opposition to revocation (supporters of Christnet):

• Many speakers emphasized Christnet's 32-year history of service, including feeding over 44,000 people in the past 12 months, operating a nighttime rotating shelter (13 weeks this year), and providing showers, laundry, meals, transportation, and referrals.
• Former clients and volunteers shared personal stories of how Christnet helped them turn their lives around.
• Several church pastors and representatives from Lincoln Park and other communities noted that Christnet is a critical resource for the entire Downriver area and that closing it would worsen homelessness.
• The organization's attorney, Aaron Speck, argued that the mayor's revocation letter did not follow the city's own ordinance (section 10.23), which requires a hearing before the mayor before revocation, and that communications between the city and Christnet were lacking.
• Multiple speakers accused Wayne Metro (the building owner) of seeking to take over the facility after a 90-day closure, and urged the council to work with Christnet rather than revoke.

In support of revocation (residents and neighbors):

• Residents living near Christnet (Westgate Gardens subdivision, Michael Street, Gully Street) described a dramatic increase in crime, drug use, public indecency, trash, and loitering since Christnet moved to its current location on Eureka Road in September 2022.
• They reported incidents such as people sleeping on playground equipment at Eureka Heights Elementary School, masturbating in public, using drugs, breaking into cars, and aggressive panhandling.
• Many said they no longer feel safe allowing their children to play outside or walk to the gas station, and that property values are declining.
• Statements were read from American House Senior Living (across the street) detailing disturbances on their property and concerns for resident safety.
• A petition with approximately 100 verified signatures supporting revocation was submitted.
• Some residents acknowledged the good work of Christnet but argued the location is inappropriate due to proximity to a school and senior housing.

Councilmember Daniels questioned whether the mayor followed the ordinance requiring a hearing before revocation. Mayor Woolley responded that the letter was intended to start the process and that the public hearing served as the hearing. The city attorney clarified that the license is not actually revoked until the council votes; Christnet remains open during the appeal.

Discussion and Key Outcomes

• Following the hearing, Councilmember Witten moved to affirm the mayor's revocation, effective May 21, 2024. Councilmember Brandana seconded.
• Councilmembers debated the issue. Councilmember Johnson noted that the residents' concerns were legitimate. Councilmember Daniels expressed discomfort with voting that night and requested a postponement to further review the matter.
• A motion to postpone the vote was made and passed 4–2 (Councilmembers Rose and Daniels voted no; Johnson, Witten, Brandana, and Geis voted yes).
• The council then voted 6–0 to enter closed session to discuss a legal memorandum from the corporation counsel (the reason stated under the Open Meetings Act).

Other Business (Cleanup Fees Issue)

• Councilmember Witten raised a complaint from a Taylor resident, Brian MacAllier, who was charged over $26,000 by a cleanup company (Robert Spill Response) for a single-car accident in June 2023. MacAllier stated the insurance denied the claim and he was sent to collections. Mayor Woolley acknowledged the issue and said the fire department has since changed procedures regarding authorization of environmental cleanup companies. The council agreed to look into the matter further.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:17 PM after open business and final announcements.