Taylor City Council Regular Meeting – June 17, 2025

The Taylor City Council met on June 17, 2025, at 11:30 AM (meeting time inferred from roll call at 11:30 AM). The meeting included an invocation, pledge of allegiance, roll call (six members present, quorum), approval of the agenda and minutes, mayor's communications, consent agenda, and a lengthy regular agenda covering appointments, equipment purchases, contracts, budget amendments, and policy discussions. Public comments and council debate focused heavily on the city's new 287(g) ICE agreement, a school board resolution opposing it, the vacant council seat, and dog attack concerns. The meeting adjourned after open business.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to approve the consent agenda carried unanimously. Items included routine approvals such as health insurance renewal (Blue Cross rates increased over 30%, aggregate 12-13% across plans), which drew comment from Councilwoman Brandana about sustainability.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Caroline Patz (resident) thanked the council for addressing a bar incident, promoted the Taylor Garden Club garden walk on June 21, and the Taylor Historical Society events.
• Unnamed speaker (opposing ICE agreement) read a statement arguing the 287(g) agreement could lead to racial profiling, wrongful detention, and liability, citing a federal court ruling. He asked the council to vote to affirm or withdraw from the agreement.
• Aaron Hansen (no address given) voiced opposition to ICE presence in Taylor, calling it “bullshit.”
• Linda Moore (President, Taylor Board of Education) read a resolution adopted June 4, 2025, stating the board does not agree with or condone the city’s updated ICE agreement, believes it will be detrimental to the community, and requests termination of the 287(g) agreement. She emphasized the resolution was not meant to vilify but to voice an opinion.
• Corey Morris (Vice President, Taylor School Board) echoed the board’s concerns and thanked the council for hearing the resolution.
• Mary Susan (resident) criticized the June 3, 2025, meeting cancellation due to lack of quorum, and accused council members of forcing the chair to promise not to vote on the vacant seat to get a quorum. She stated members who knowingly violate the charter have no business on council.
• Karen Wood (resident, Fair Lane) described her dog being attacked by an aggressive dog, and another recent attack on Hayes Street. She asked for stricter animal control enforcement. Mayor Woolley acknowledged the issue and said the city is stepping up licensing checks.
• Unnamed speaker (legal argument) argued that the 287(g) agreement is invalid because only the legislative body (mayor or council) can sign such agreements, not a police chief. He cited the Home Rule City Act.
• Error call (resident) defended the ICE agreement, saying it has not changed anything and that the same people complaining would call Taylor PD for help.
• Edward Perdomo (970 Princess) asked about action against Big League Brews. Mayor Woolley said a letter of suspension was issued, and the owner has 10 days to appeal. Perdomo urged consideration of employees and families.
• Kathy Fields (Wood Creek, Taylor) addressed two social media posts by a council member: one about the ICE agreement (arguing ICE agents retain ultimate authority, making schools fair game) and one about Pershing High School costs (pointing out factual discrepancies). She also noted the school district has spent $30 million of the bond on approved projects and has $100 million remaining for a possible remodel, not a new high school.
• Mary Martinez promoted Motor City Heroes (real estate commission rebate for local heroes) and announced her new book, “A Venture Abroad with the Macama siblings.”
• Unnamed speaker (charter amendment) criticized council members who insist on the next highest vote-getter for vacancies, noting that a proposed charter amendment to that effect was brought forward but not passed by council. She argued the current charter gives council discretion, and if members want a change, they should petition for it.

Discussion Items

• 287(g) ICE Agreement: Mayor Woolley and Police Chief Blair defended the agreement, stating it does not authorize officers to leave the city or conduct raids. Chief Blair provided written responses to questions and noted the agreement is the same as previous ones signed by prior chiefs. The mayor recounted a false report by a teacher claiming police misconduct, which was disproven by body/dash cam footage. He said the school board resolution caused fear and damaged the working relationship. Council members debated the agreement’s legality and implications.
• Vacant Council Seat: Council members discussed the long-standing vacancy (18 months) and the failure to appoint. Councilwoman Winton expressed disappointment that a “deal” was made to get a quorum at the last meeting. Councilwoman Brandana clarified she was asked not to attend due to illness. Chair Geis said he took members at their word and no deal was made. Councilman Johnson stated he voted for the people he thought would be a good fit. Several council members reiterated their positions: some support “next in line” from the election, others do not. Councilwoman Rose noted that she tried to put the appointment to the ballot but was voted down. The issue remains unresolved.
• School Bond: Council members discussed the school district’s use of the $130 million bond. Chair Geis and Mayor Woolley criticized the board for failing to build a new high school as promised, and for spending millions on consultants. Councilwoman Brandana asked about the legality of stopping the bond since the original purpose (new high school) was not fulfilled. Corporation Counsel Plato explained that school boards are independent and the bond language includes “renovation,” giving them leeway. The mayor noted that planning for a substantial remodel is underway.
• Dog Attacks: Councilwoman Brandana raised the issue of aggressive dogs after a resident’s testimony. Mayor Woolley said the city is stepping up licensing enforcement and noted three serious dog attacks in the last month.
• Towing Issue: Councilwoman Winton mentioned the ongoing towing conflict, noting the city has spent at least $80,000 in legal fees on three lawsuits. She asked for feedback on her proposed RFQ, which she sent to the mayor and council.
• Charter Amendment: Some council members discussed the possibility of putting the vacancy-filling method on the ballot. The clerk noted it is too late for the November 2025 ballot due to the 90-day AG review requirement.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments: Christopher Simeon appointed to Zoning Board of Appeals (term exp. June 17, 2028). Christopher Lampier appointed as alternate ZBA member (term exp. June 17, 2028). Both sworn in.
• Emergency Sewer Repair: Approved Pauly Sewer and Drain low quote zero percent interest loan not to exceed $15,000 for emergency repair, funded by CDBG home rehabilitation account.
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously, including health insurance renewal.
• Regular Agenda Items (all approved) :
  • 8.1: Second reading of ordinance amending Mechanical Amusement Devices code (passed).
  • 8.2: Elliott Food Equipment low bid for draft beer cooler ($4,500) – passed.
  • 8.3: Night Watch license renewal for police cameras ($5,620) – passed.
  • 8.4: Increase Downriver Cleaning contract by $3,500 – passed.
  • 8.5: Apollo Fire Apparatus emergency repairs to engine 2 ($46,042) – passed.
  • 8.6–8.8: Home Down Payment Assistance Program – awarded to National Faith Home Buyers ($1,200/client, $75/hr consulting), approved 2021 subrecipient agreement ($219,590), and amended 2020 agreement to increase assistance from $14,999 to $40,000 – all passed.
  • 8.9: Adopted program year 2025-2026 CDBG action plan – passed.
  • 8.10: Budget amendment 2025-006 – passed.
  • 8.11: FY 2025-2026 fee schedule effective July 1, 2025 – passed.
  • 8.12: Gorno Ford low bid for five building department vehicles ($241,070) – passed.
  • 8.13: Gorno Ford low bid for vehicles listed ($149,432) – passed.
  • 8.14: Gorno Ford low bid for Ford Transit passenger van for Senior Center ($63,320) – passed.
  • 8.15: DCal Inc. low bid for HVAC maintenance services for all city properties ($250,000) – passed 5-1 (Councilman Johnson voted no, arguing it should be done in-house).
  • 8.16: Increase HVAC consulting services by $12,000 (total $206,500) – passed 5-1 (Johnson voted no).
  • 8.17: Southeastern Equipment low bid for tractor and rotary boom mower ($186,382) – passed.
  • 8.18: Hotsee low quote for power washer for compost site ($8,424) – passed.
  • 8.19: Dominion Voting sole source for two image cast central scanners ($20,000 + shipping) – passed.
  • 8.20: No motion to nominate or appoint a person to fill the vacant council seat – no action taken.
• Other: No action on the ICE agreement; council did not vote to affirm or withdraw. The mayor and police chief will continue to provide information. The dog attack issue will be addressed through increased licensing enforcement.