Public Meetings - Saginaw, Michigan

The Saginaw City Council met on September 9, 2025, at the Anderson Enrichment Center. The meeting opened with a moment of silence and prayer for the passing of Mayor Ham, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Six members were present (Seals, Garcia, Ostash, Wiggins, Ham, Moore) and two absent (Balls, Braddock). The agenda included six public hearings, public input, council remarks, a manager's report, and several resolutions and ordinances. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved with the exception of Item 4. Item 4 was pulled for discussion and later approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Thompson expressed a compliment on the council's fiscal stewardship and criticized the absence of a property tax cap removal and income tax proposal on the November ballot. He urged the council to place such measures on a future ballot, noting the current strategic plan relies on state legislation that may stall under Republican control. - David Schmidt, a Hemlock resident, raised concerns about the Saginaw VA Medical Center, reporting loss of collective bargaining, staffing shortages, and low morale. He urged the council to advocate for veterans and employees, stating that local leadership has been silent. - Dante Davis (Saginaw STEM) updated the council on ARPA-funded programs, reporting nearly 3,000 children served in STEM Saturday programs, a solar car trip to Michigan Tech, and a new facility for after-school programming. He invited council to an open house and distributed t-shirts. Discussion Items - Public Hearings: 1. Comprehensive Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) FY 2024-2025 – Kana Franklin (Deputy Director of Community Services) presented accomplishments: 8 jobs created, 17 properties demolished, 344 seniors served in Y Senior Connect, 5,800 children in youth programs, 3 new houses built, support for 4 homeless shelters serving 621 people, and 64 households assisted with rapid rehousing. The 15-day comment period ends September 22. 2. Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Covenant 3 – A presentation described a third NEZ near Covenant’s campus to allow tax abatements on new or rehabbed homes built with Habitat for Humanity. No public speakers. 3. Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Certificate for 301 N Hamilton (Shook Hotel) – Kyle (Metro Multi Property Management) requested a 12-year tax abatement to renovate the historic building into a first-floor bar and grill and 12 residential units on upper floors. A $3.5 million project. Steve Hensley (Saginaw Future) spoke in support, noting the building was constructed in 1867 and is a Saginaw landmark. The abatement is necessary for feasibility. 4. Brownfield Plan Amendment for 400 Federal Avenue – Grace Smith (Saginaw Future) described a $2.1 million redevelopment of a vacant two-story building into a packing and receiving warehouse, including environmental remediation. The project is expected to create logistics and administrative jobs. 5. Brownfield Plan Amendment for Adams Street Project – Grace Smith presented an $11 million project to demolish existing structures and build a four-story mixed-use building with 15 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom apartments, plus two-story townhomes, ground-floor commercial space, and public improvements. Expected to support 10 full-time jobs. 6. Termination of Brownfield Plan for 2205 N Michigan Avenue (Dispensary Project) – The developer did not proceed; no demolition or construction occurred. The plan is abolished to allow future investment. - Manager's Report: - Announcement of a parks and recreation plan survey online until October 3, with a community input session October 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Team Up to Cleanup thanked; city staff assist neighborhood cleanup groups. - Police front porch roll call September 18 at 6 p.m. at Saginaw Housing Commission. - County administrator meeting this week to discuss animal control and parks/recreation partnerships. - Discrepancy noted: roll call initially stated Councilmember Balls absent, but later Councilman Ball spoke and voted. The transcript may contain an error; council proceeded with six members present initially, but later seven voted on resolutions. - Councilmember Remarks: - Councilmember Braddock (absent from roll call but later present via video?) – spoke about checking on elderly, supporting tax cap discussion, and advocating for veterans at the VA based on his military experience. He praised Saginaw STEM. - Councilmember Wiggins thanked speakers and noted Mr. Thompson’s tax cap ideas. - Councilmember Ostash appreciated citizen engagement on VA issues and agreed council should speak out. - Councilmember Seals praised Dante Davis and Saginaw STEM, reminded drivers to stop for school buses, and invited community to the Friends of Rucky open house on September 13. - Councilmember Ball thanked speakers, noted his granddaughter’s STEM involvement, reported a $40,000 award for a mentoring group, and participated in a neighborhood cleanup. - Councilmember Nashtash (likely Ostash) offered condolences for Mayor Ham’s family, shared recycling tips (styrofoam at zoo, plastic bags at Meyer Corp), thanked cleanup volunteers, and offered to teach coding for STEM. - Mayor Pro Tem Garcia thanked Mike Thompson and Dante Davis, noted his work with disabled seniors, supported VA advocacy, and expressed excitement about new developments (Water Street, Shook Hotel). - Mayor Moore thanked cleanup volunteers, reiterated the city’s cleanliness, acknowledged Mr. Thompson’s tax suggestion but noted elderly homeowners’ burden, and pledged to sit down and discuss expanding the tax cap conversation. Key Outcomes - Ordinance Introduced – Low-Income Housing Tax Exemption for Harrison Manor: Introduced with unanimous support (laid over under charter provision). Councilmember Ham expressed full support, calling it a needed tool for senior housing. - Ordinance Adopted – Vacate Part of Thompson Street: Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 1 – Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Certificate for 301 N Hamilton: Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 2 – Brownfield Plan Amendment for 400 Federal Avenue: Adopted on roll call 7-1 (Councilmember Hammond voted nay). Amendment clarified council approval is contingent on DDA approval of an interlocal agreement. - Resolution 3 – Brownfield Plan Amendment for Adams Street Project: Adopted on roll call 7-1 (Councilmember Hammond voted nay). Same contingency clause. - Resolution 4 – Terminate Brownfield Plan 19 for 2205 N Michigan: Adopted unanimously. - Resolution 5 – Authorize Amplifying Equipment for Community Event: Adopted unanimously. - Consent Item 4 – Purchase of DDI Inspector for $27,500: Approved after discussion about cybersecurity (two ransomware attacks were mitigated). - Meeting Adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.m. (estimated).

The city council held a combined Committee of the Whole and regular meeting on August 26, 2025, at the Anderson Center. The Committee of the Whole focused on an overview of the city's tax cap and an update on the five-year strategic plan. The regular meeting included public hearings on industrial facilities tax exemptions and brownfield plans, as well as resolutions related to Menards, BNP Littleford, and a council vacancy. All resolutions passed 8-1, with Councilmember Hammond voting against several items over transparency concerns. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved without exception. Public Comments & Testimony - Selim Annan (1514 Milton St) spoke against the tax cap, calling it a "crime" that has harmed the city. He argued the cap was originally implemented to handcuff a previous administration and has prevented growth. He urged its removal. - Taylor Stinson and Princess Hardy (founders of OpenS Inc.) presented a proposal for a respite center providing overnight shelter and case management for homeless individuals and families. They noted existing shelters have waitlists and that their model offers flexible, low-barrier intake. - John Millen (508 W Remington) addressed the resolution declaring a council vacancy, arguing that the council has no authority to remove a member and that a vacancy is self-executing under the charter. He urged tabling the resolution. - Betty Holmes (public) spoke about the Monique Sylvia hearing, alleging selective enforcement and questioning the use of video evidence and the role of the city clerk. - Charles Allen promoted a mental health awareness rally on September 6, 2025, at Saginaw Middle School, offering free resources, school supplies, and two full-year mental health treatment scholarships. - Selim Annan (second appearance) praised the council and administration for running orderly meetings, contrasted other cities, and opposed a proposed rental overlay that would allow trailers in yards, noting evidence from other municipalities that such programs failed. - Angie Miller (president, Mid-Michigan Area Labor Council) reported on community labor initiatives, including backpack giveaways, food distributions, and accessibility ramp construction. Discussion Items - Tax Cap Overview (Committee of the Whole): Finance Director Lori Brown presented the mechanics of the 1979 charter amendment that caps property tax revenue at $3.8 million (or 7.5 mills, whichever is less). She explained that the city must work backward from the dollar cap to set the millage rate, which this year resulted in a rate of 6.3365 mills. If the dollar cap were removed (while the millage cap remains at 7.3830 mills), the city would have generated approximately $632,000 in additional revenue in 2025, and cumulatively $29 million since 1979. The proposed state legislation (HB 4121) would eliminate the dollar cap only. Average homeowner (taxable value $20,000) would pay about $21 more per year. City Manager Morales emphasized that the city's purchasing limit of $2,000 per purchase (from 1930s charter) is extremely restrictive and that the city has received 17 consecutive GFOA awards for budget transparency. - Strategic Plan Update (Committee of the Whole): City Manager Morales reviewed progress on the five-year strategic plan. Key priorities (economic development, public safety, arts/rec, neighborhood revitalization, utilities/infrastructure) remain unchanged. Staff recommended minor adjustments, such as increasing annual park investment from $100,000 to a higher amount to achieve meaningful impact, and adding flexibility in capital spending to align with grant opportunities. A goal to increase city employee residency (target 10%) was noted as already exceeded (19% are residents). Councilmember Hammond requested more specific, measurable housing goals tied to the Region G Housing Assessment, which identified a need for over 8,000 units in Saginaw County over five years. She also raised concerns about tax payment processing fees and trust. Other council members supported the presentation and emphasized education and communication. - Brownfield and Tax Abatement Resolutions (Regular Meeting): Public hearings were held and closed for: - Menards 21 million bagging facility expansion (requesting a 12-year industrial facilities tax abatement and brownfield plan amendment for environmental remediation on a 30-acre site). - BNP Littleford warehouse project (12,000 sq ft cold storage, environmental cleanup on Ortman St). - Termination of brownfield plan for the Second National Building (Huntington Bank building) after a previous developer did not proceed. During the resolution discussion, Councilmember Hammond raised concerns about missing meeting minutes and public notices for the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (no minutes posted online since 2023). She moved to postpone each resolution, but each motion failed (8-1, with Councilmember Hammond voting yes on postponement; council members voted no). The main resolutions then passed 8-1, with Councilmember Hammond voting against. The city attorney clarified that OMA requires minutes to be available for public inspection but not necessarily online; the clerk's office had the June 8 minutes available. The July 29 minutes were not yet approved. - Resolution Declaring a Vacancy on City Council: A resolution was adopted (8-1, with Councilmember Sylvia voting present? Actually roll call vote: Councilmember Sylvia voted yes? Let's verify from transcript: after discussion, mayor called for vote, all ayes, no nays recorded. So unanimous? Actually Councilmember Sylvia earlier said she thinks citizens should have voice, but later vote? Let's check transcript: After final resolution, the mayor called for vote, "Aye" then no opposition. So likely unanimous. But earlier during discussion, Councilmember Sylvia expressed that she thinks citizens should decide. She voted yes? The roll call for the vacancy resolution is not separately called; it was voice vote. So assume approved. - Authorization for Amplifying Equipment: Resolution authorizing sponsors of community events (block party on Morris St, Last Flash at Celebration Park, others) to use amplifying equipment. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Tax Cap Presentation: Accepted as information; next steps include developing talking points and public education materials. - Strategic Plan: Council consensus to continue with goals as presented, with council members invited to participate in detailed action plan development. - Resolution 1 (Menards Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption): Adopted (8-1, Councilmember Hammond nay). - Resolution 2 (Menards Brownfield Plan Amendment): Adopted after motion to postpone failed (8-1). - Resolution 3 (BNP Littleford Brownfield Plan Amendment): Adopted after motion to postpone failed (8-1). - Resolution 4 (Terminate Brownfield Plan 20): Adopted after motion to postpone failed (8-1). - Resolution 5 (Declaring Minority Vacancy on City Council): Adopted (voice vote, unopposed). - Resolution 6 (Amplifying Equipment): Adopted (voice vote, unopposed). Next Steps: City manager will follow up on posting brownfield authority minutes; council will continue strategic plan implementation with department head reports. Public education on tax cap will be enhanced.

Date: August 12, 2025 The Saginaw City Council held its regular meeting on August 12, 2025. Key topics included a proclamation honoring the Eastside Soup Kitchen, public comments calling for the resignation of Councilwoman Monique Lamar Sylvia following her felony conviction, and a motion to begin the process of declaring her seat vacant. Council also discussed the status of ARPA-funded projects, the purchase of traffic data software, and community safety. Proclamations - Eastside Soup Kitchen Proclamation: Mayor Brenda F. Moore read a proclamation recognizing the Eastside Soup Kitchen for its extraordinary service, noting it provides over 900 nutritious meals daily. Council members and staff expressed gratitude for the organization's long-standing work. Public Comments & Testimony - Jody Becker: Urged Councilwoman Monique Lamar Sylvia to resign after being convicted of three felonies for election fraud. Criticized the council's silence as complicity and called for accountability. - Charles Lawrence (President, Putting Others Before Ourselves): Invited council to attend the fourth annual Peace & Unity Kickball Game, noting past lack of council presence. Described the event as a nonviolent, community-building effort that draws thousands. - Pamela Pugh (Saginaw Just Transition Initiative / DABA): Reported on the $210,000 ARPA award approved September 23, 2024. Stated that Guide House advised them not to submit a quarterly report on March 6, 2025, and that they have repeatedly provided requested materials. Requested a follow-up meeting with Guide House and the city to resolve communication issues. - Laurie Patterson: Called on council to act against Councilwoman Sylvia, asserting that silence in the face of wrongdoing is complicity. Emphasized the need for integrity and accountability. Discussion Items - Councilmember Ostash (District 3): Referenced the city charter and stated that a process regarding Councilwoman Sylvia's situation would take place on August 27, 2025. - Councilwoman Monique Lamar Sylvia: Acknowledged public comments, stating she intends to address her community but is waiting on advice from her legal team. Thanked supporters for their votes. - Manager's Report: - The city is developing a water treatment plant study; an informational meeting is scheduled for August 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Anderson Enrichment Center. - A Committee of the Whole meeting is set for August 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss strategic plan follow-up and tax cap talking points. - The city is hosting an ARPA presentation on August 13, 2025, at the Saginaw Community Action Center. - ARPA Funding Updates: City Manager and staff clarified that all $30+ million in ARPA funds have been allocated. No funds remain for new allocations; returned funds are designated for home improvement and parks programs. Staff will arrange informational sessions for council members. - Traffic Data Software Purchase (Item 10): Council debated a one-year, $23,725 license for Urban SDK, which uses third-party vehicle data to analyze traffic speeds and volumes. Supporters cited safety benefits and efficiency; opponents raised privacy concerns. The vote was 8-1, with Councilmember Hammond voting no. - OBRA Revocation: Council approved revoking the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act exemption for Landmark Saginaw LLC (101 N. Washington Ave.) because the project did not progress. This resets the property to standard tax status. - Community Events: Authorized use of amplifying equipment and alcohol sales for a specified community event. Key Outcomes - Motion to Prepare Vacancy Resolution: Mayor Moore moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution declaring Councilwoman Lamar Sylvia's seat vacant per Section 92 of the charter, effective upon her conviction. The motion passed with eight ayes and one nay (Councilmember Hammond voting no). Councilmember Ostash clarified that this is part of the charter process and that a judgment of conviction is still pending. - Resolutions Approved: - Revocation of OBRA exemption (unanimous). - Saginaw Community Foundation grant application (unanimous). - Amplifying equipment and alcohol sales for community event (unanimous). - Michigan Municipal League Representative: Designated Mayor Moore as official representative and Mayor Pro Tem Garcia as alternate for the September 17-19, 2025, annual meeting in Grand Rapids. - Meeting Adjourned: Motion carried unanimously.