Hey, what's that? Officer Watkins got us going this morning. So I'm going to now call to order the morning everyone our formal session for Tuesday, February, the I don't even have the date What's the
21st?
The 21st Sorry about that the 21st This is the day that the Lord has made and we shall rejoice and be glad in it. So thank you all for being here. Madam Clerk, if you can, please call the roll board this morning.
Scott Benson
costing them afraid to do harder though. Present.
Customer Leticia Justin present.
Councilmember Gebbia the
Santiago Romero here
cost me with maybe Walters
customer in the Angela Whitfield Callaway President awesome
member call me Yeah. The second
council person for Tim James state
Councilperson maybe
Sheffield's? President. You have a quorum present, Madam President.
All right there being a quorum. We are now in session and we will go straight to our invocation for this morning. We have joining us the president of the Council, the newly elected president of the Council of Baptist pastors, Mr. Reverend Richard White joining us. Good morning. Good morning. Glad you are with us if you can lead us in prayer this morning.
Amen. Let us pray. Oh God, we come before you with gratitude and thanksgiving in our hearts. We thank you for being a God of love who is with us. Even right now. You have promised in your word to never leave us nor forsake us. Your Grace has brought us safe thus far. And your grace will lead us home Lord, we thank you for making each of us. Every person we meet every citizen of our great city, every city, in your own image with dignity and infinite worth. We thank you for the call and you have given every one of us to be good stewards of your creation, to love our neighbors as ourselves. Thank you this morning. Oh god. These are servants on mayor, our city staff, our city council members, I give thanks for the way of service they have chosen to take up on behalf of all of us here. We all come to this virtual space and those who were present the building this morning as human beings, carrying burdens, carrying Joy and Hope trusting that you alone can hold us together. Oh God and your love and peace. Help us Lord to trust you more, more than our fears and our wounds and even our accomplishments. May we lean on your everlasting arms this morning in the spirit of unity and togetherness that you may lead and guide us in all our ways. God in your Word, you make clear your expectations for those who sit in places of authority. But Micah six and eight gives us our charge and our instructions as we serve for your glory. Where it says mankind he has told each of you what is good and what is the Lord requires of you to act justly, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God. Now God continue to bless us and keep us and bless the deliberations of this meeting this day. It's only you can it is in Jesus name we pray, amen.
Amen. Thank you so much, Reverend white, we appreciate you and again congratulations to your new position and we wish you the absolute best if you want to hang on and listen to the session, please do so. And if you have to jump off we do understand but thank you so much for blessing us this morning.
Thank you honored to be with you all. You all have a great session today. God bless.
God bless. Thank you, sir. All right. We're going to cut off our public comments. We have tons of public comments at this moment. It has been opened from the very beginning. So we will now cut off our general public comment. And now turn the floor over to Councilmember door Hoff for the purpose of a presentation.
Thank you, Madam President. And good morning to everyone. So today is an opportunity to recognize history here in the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan. As many of you know, in this past election cycle, Speaker Joe Tate was elected as the first African American Speaker of the House for the state of Michigan. Having coming
having had the
opportunity to serve in the Michigan legislature as well as a couple of my colleagues who sit on council. We cannot explain to you what a tremendous honor it is to serve as Speaker of the House and then have an African American Speaker of the House represent us particularly from the city of Detroit
so I am one that believes of giving you know giving folks their flowers, why they can smell them recognizing their accomplishments as they still partake other accomplishments that have yet to be seen. But I know personally speaker Joe Tate, I can tell you upon leaving the Michigan House of Representatives back in 2018 when he was coming in his first term. I knew he was sharp I knew he was ready to serve the folks from the first day I often tease him because I remember some of my first interactions with them. The speaker would ask a ton of questions which is indicative of someone who takes their their job, their career, their goals very seriously. And I can also tell you a member waters can attest to this, that it is not easy to become the Speaker of the House. It is not easy to become an African American Speaker of the House and it is certainly not easy to become a speaker at a house from the city of Detroit. And so today I wanted to honor him and give him his flowers. Want to Read this testimonial resolution for Speaker speaker Joseph Joe tait Michigan House of Representatives. TIF district whereas Joseph Tate was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, the youngest of four children. His father, Coleman senior was a Detroit firefighter and his mother Deborah was a Detroit Public School teacher. And through their actions they taught him that service of giving back to others in your community is important because life has been shaped by teamwork, commitment and community. The value of service was taught to him by his parents, and whereas speaker Tate decided to run for office as part of his deep and lifelong commitment to public service, Speaker tait made his mark on and off the field at Michigan State University earning the university's award for community service and leadership in 2003. For involvement with the Drug Abuse Resistance, Resistance Education Program, and reading to local school children and where our speaker today spent time in the NFL, playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons and St. Louis Rams. They're not the lions though. After graduating from MSU in 2004, he returned to East Lansing for a master's degree in kinesiology in 2009 he decided to join the United States Marine Corps where he served two tours in Afghanistan and whereas speaker take returned to Michigan after leaving the Marine Corps with an honorable discharge. He then earned both a MBA and Master's in environmental policy and planning at the University of Michigan in 2017. Before joining the legislature to help small businesses grow their capacity as a program manager for the Detroit economic growth Corp. Upon graduation speaker tait began his first campaign for the State House a decision that would lead him to become Michigan's first ever African American Speaker of the House and 2023 and whereas speaker Joe Tate was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives for his first term beginning in 2019, Helling from the second district which encompasses part of Detroit and its northern suburbs. Speaker Tate is serving his third term and now represents the TIF 10th House District, a diverse community that covers Detroit's Northeast side, and the communities of the village of Grosse Pointe shores Grosse Pointe Woods Grosse Pointe farms, Grosse Pointe city, Grosse Pointe Park and part of Harper Woods. And whereas speaker Joe Tate is now holding the gavel, and setting house priorities in a legislative term in which Democrats have the majority for the first time in over a decade. Speaker tastes policy priorities include uplifting Michigan families, protecting protecting the rights of all people, ensuring workers are value and investing in a world class education system, a strong infrastructure and a thriving economy. And where a speaker takes stated he wants to bring a very thoughtful and deliberate approach to the leadership role. The house is a consensus building organization and that is something I will continue working toward I tried to get people from different backgrounds who are independently elected to come together to improve the quality of life for all Michiganders. We stand on the shoulders of so many and now we have a real opportunity to put Michigan values into practice, whether it's kitchen table issues, making sure families can put food on the table or investing in education and childcare. We will use this chance to make those values a reality pull from Speaker tape. Now therefore be it resolved. That the honorable council member Fred Hall The third and members of the Detroit City Council hereby express their deepest admiration, respect and gratitude to Speaker Joseph Joe Tate for his commitment and genuine genuine care and a strong sense of public service. Thank you Speaker take.
Madam president of speaker take to join us at the podium to say a few words.
Yes, please. Yes. Make sure you press the button at the bottom of the microphone, right. Yes, there we go.
Good morning, Madam President. Good morning, members of the council. I'm really honored to be here today. As member Dr. Hall said, frankly, I stand on the shoulders of giants. So we have member waters here member young and obviously member their hall. I wouldn't be in this position if it weren't for the work that you all have done and even those that came before us. So those names are a long list to include you know, Tommy Stallworth bus Thomas, you know, Mayor young, but know that the work that we're doing in the house, we want to make you proud and we want to let you all know too that it is your house. We want to work in partnership. We want to make sure that we're putting people first we're putting Detroiters first and we thank you for that future partnership that we will happen that that will occur. My door is always open. Please feel free to reach out as we move forward as well too and also want to give a special shout out to my council member council member Johnson. And thank you so much. Thank you remember their hall and thank you, Madam President.
secret tape before you sit down I'm sure council members have some comments that they would like to make and then we're going to do I'm sure photo member Doha as well. Okay. Member young
speaker to my main man was having with you man, pleasing as one son of Detroit's
to another one. As I see
I am overwhelmed and wrapped up with the spirit of our ancestors who shared blood sweat and tears for us to hold these positions.
We talked about the history
from Morris herd to Fred Gerhardt senior to basil Brown. To Tommy Stallworth to almost all worth to Carolyn. She's killed Patrick to Marcia cheats to miracle Patrick. My father, the Honorable Coleman Young senior, the baddest man on the planet.
The fact that we,
generation racially or the first generation to be able to have all the rights available to us as Americans. I feel that you represent a spirit, embodiments of that work. I cannot be more proud. I know the expectations must be great. And you know, being up there Lanza got a little bit of experience with dealing with but what I just wanted to say to you is be not weary in your way of doing I appreciate the work that you go and do. You are blazing a trail, you are lighting the path, the generations that are gonna come after you and you are honoring those that came before you. So I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, it is my tremendous honor and blessing to see you in this position. I look forward to working with you. It's just always I have just so incredibly honored a privilege of this moment in history that I think we will all remember where we were, where you were here. And we presented you with this honor. So in the words of a great quote, law should not rest on the spirit of the majority, but the eternal foundation of righteousness. And I look forward to following you and achieving that goal. Mapquest. Thank you sir, God bless you. I wish you well. Thank you, sir.
Mr. Johnson.
Thank you, Madam President. And congratulations to you, Speaker of the House State. We appreciate all of your sacrifice all of your hard work. I remember being out on the campaign trail along with you during the time when you were running for this position. From one East sider to another. I know that your passion and your commitment is rooted in the city of Detroit and look forward to doing all of the hard work with you alongside of you, behind you to make sure that we address the things that you're dealing with in your very own community and in the city of Detroit. So remember their hall read off the list of cities that you now represent. It's such a diverse district for you. I know that you have a lot going on and a lot to address. But I know that your passionate commitment, being a Detroiter is certainly rooted in the city of Detroit. I cannot imagine what you've had to go through in Lansing to be in this position, but it speaks volumes about the leadership that you bring and what your colleagues say about you. And so I think you should certainly look at that as a badge of honor. We certainly do appreciate you and everything that you will bring to this position and now you have more time to spend in Lansing to do it. So congratulations again and thank you.
Thank you.
Any additional yes my water.
So thank you, Madam President and good morning speaker tape is also my state representative. You know as as as a as one who served in leadership in Lansing, I've got to take my hat off to you because I know I know what it takes to become the top guy. You know, you are that type guy. And people wonder well, you know, why is she so anxious, anxious to be in Lansing and the night of the state of the state? You know, oh, I was I was like, I'm going I'm going to get there some rain, snow, sleet, whatever the case might have been, because it was historical, you know, first African American Speaker of the House firsthand. The Democrats controlled the entire body, you know, on the House side and the Senate side. It was magical and it was worthwhile there being there. So I just want to say congratulations to you. I remember the first time that we met it was even before you became State Representative we sat there at a friend of ours house and had dinner. You know little did I know there was this quiet guy sitting there would later become come speaker of the house. So I am thrilled about that. And I'm certainly willing to work with you. If you need me to hit the streets and in parts of the state because I know how to do that. You know, I just travel across the street, the state to help out candidates I I'm there Mr. Speaker, so don't hesitate to call on me. Okay. That's that'll be calling on you. Thank you so much on behalf of this whole body here, you know. All right. Thanks for that. Congratulations. Thank you.
Thank you so much member waters. And just let me say I echo all of the sentiments from my colleagues. I am personally inspired by what you've accomplished. And not only you taking that position, but to be able to see what you actually do in the position. As member waters mentioned. We have a unique opportunity, momentum that we've never had before. And with you at the helm of that leadership leading that I believe that we can do great things and so just continue to push forward and lead us the best way that you can. And so I'm glad that number Hall lit this presentation today to give you your flowers so that we can see you and congratulate you and we appreciate everything that you're doing. So thank you for being here. And if you don't mind speaker tape, we're going to all come down and do a quick photo with you. And again, we wish you the absolute best and looking forward to the partnership with counsel and you as well. All right, thank you so colleagues if we can come to the floor? Yes.
If I can just say one last thing, just to articulate the significance. 1857 is when the Michigan House of Representatives started. It wasn't until 1893 that we had our first African American member of the House of Representatives, which was well William Fergus
so close to
200 years later, that's how long it took for us to get an African American speaker at our house. So I just wanted to put that on record of really how important this is, particularly for our people and the city of Detroit. So again, thank you, John. I wanted to say thank you again personally, and look forward to working with you thank you Thanks
All right. Again, we want to let's give another round of applause to our speaker. Speaker tait, thank you so much again for being here. Yeah, thanks where the states are in the house. And again, thank you member Dora Hoff for the recognition. We will now proceed to our agenda. Just a couple of housekeeping things, again during public comment is the opportunity for you all to make your comments. Outside of that when we are conducting business if there are any disruptions, loud outbursts, etc. We will have the officers remind you not to make those noise or out outburst. And at that time, if you continue with that persists, you will be escorted out of the auditorium. So that we can proceed in a fashion that is respectful to this body and the work that has to be done before council. So we will proceed now to our agenda. The Journal of the session of Tuesday January the 31st 2023 will be approved. There being no reconsiderations or unfinished business. We will proceed to the budget Finance and Audit standing committee for the budget Finance and Audit
standing committee, three reports from various city departments.
The three reports will be referred to the budget Finance and Audit standing committee for the internal operation standing committee,
six reports from various city departments.
The six reports will be referred to the internal operations standing committee for the Neighborhood and Community Services standing committee.
One report from the General Services Department.
The one report will be referred to the Neighborhood and Community Services standing committee for the public health and safety standing committee.
Eight reports from city department various city departments. The eight
reports will be referred to the public health and safety standing committee. We will now move to the voting action matters. Under other matters, there are no items. Madam President, under communications from the mayor and other governmental officials and agencies. There are no I just Madam President. All right. So we're going to now move to our general public comment. I'm going to turn the chair over to conflict president pro Tim Tate. I do have to step away personally for the home going home going services for Aereo Anderson who was a student at MSU. Her funeral services are taking place now in district five at Zion hope Missionary Baptist Church and so I do have to step out and present a testimonial on behalf of this body. And so I will be right back. But I will turn the chair over to President potentate, just so people are aware of why I am stepping out but we'll be right back. Alright, so with that being said Pro Tem thank you so much and we will proceed to our public housing.
Thank you, Madam President, and please send them our regards as well. We have this body. We do have a number of public comments today. I think we have 71 that has been recorded both in person as well as online. So we are going to provide everyone one minute for public comment today. General public comment one minute and we will start off with the folks who are in the auditorium leave you've been notified so we'll start off with number one over with Mr. Over with following Mr. Over with we will have Bob Carr Mac following Bob Kamek will have Keith Holloway. And if you can take your position because we're going to do our best to move swiftly. But make sure we allow you an opportunity to get your message across in your one minute.
REO Edison.
You got one minute hold on hold on one second. Hold on one sec. Hold on one second, please. I'm asking. I'm asking you to hold on one second, please. This is not how we do things here. We've done the moment of silence for the young lady. And we also have a council president heading to the Homegoing service on our behalf as well. We also in our hearts and prayers out to each and every one of those victims and we will continue to pray for their families. You have one minute the floor is yours sir.
Okay, for the first five seconds I want to take my hat off to Mr. Malik Shelton, Mr remould Jackson because they are the ones that brought it to my attention about the biggest municipal bond fraud case in the history of the United States of America. This city is corrupt and you are some BS. Black Face political figures to allow this to take place. That little Joker downstairs on the 11th floor. MAYOR MICHAEL eat dog in front of me off in front of everybody so Mercedes and his goes out to the honorable senior judge Bernard Bernard Freeman.
Bernard.
I know you'd be an article man. What's going on here in the United States, in the United States of America in the city of Detroit is the biggest bond fraud case in the history of the United States of America. And these people sitting up here are BS, black face political figures who are complicit with the mayor.
Next speaker Bob Kamek following Mr. Holloway will be RESPA. Alliance.
Morning counsel again if
we can if you will, everyone if you can, please line up so we can again try to truncate this time that's necessarily gonna have to well all the way from the top. Next up after Mr. Carmack will be Mr. Holloway, and then it will be restaurant. It's kind of like you're going to begins.
Good morning Council. I'm here I'm Riverside Park. I think it's a bad deal and so forth for the citizens in southwest Detroit. I feel that it's just still be a park
and that's, you know, the boat that was on it when it got amended through
you might Lobos or it may may help justify
the vote that was done during that period of time was done by different councils so forth. That council had a lot of problems with it, where there was some corruption or votes, some corruption and many of those members are gone. Now. Six out of the nine are gone. How do we know that somebody didn't get paid off on that vote on Riverside Park to amend it. What you need to do is start over, work with the community. Work with the people right and try to resolve this. That's all I got to say. Thank you.
Next up Mr. Keith. Kenneth, excuse me, Holloway. Following will be the lot after the restaurant is Mr. William Davis.
Good morning. I'm here again, which you know who I am for them to allocate some of that opera fun over there. And on the east side for the fumes and the fixing up our homes. I seen on the news yesterday, a lot of Southwest trying to get opera funds for Park. We tried to get it for our health. You know, and it said that we can't get another opera fund over there to fix up our homes and insulated like they need to be and let us have our own contractors. Because when they gave us the money before they gave us 15,000 to fix our home and we had to use a contract for kickback you know and they said yeah, no, so I'm gonna keep like I said, I got to keep coming down here to something get going, where we can get to money for our community. Well, we smell and filmed and inhale a lot in our lungs and stuff. So that's what I have to say. Thank you.
Following Mr. William Davis will be shine long. You can line up please. Splat floors yours. Thank you.
I want to speak briefly to two elements on the Brownfield tcma The Detroit district plan it repeatedly is said that the school district will be reimbursed by the state that LPD reported that and apparently that's based on what the city is saying. It's not true. The school board and a testimony at Neighborhood Services Committee said that isn't they do not get reimbursed? I just reconfirm that with the school board president. So if you vote for that, that's 4 million a year for 35 years 132 million loss from their school district. It's also money loss from and I've seen this reported that the librarian will get 400 and some $1,000 for under $60,000 But it'll lose $4.7 million. So those have to be really laid out when neighborhood services when the neighborhood department of neighborhoods reported yesterday. They reported the money going to the library but they didn't report the money being taken from the library. Finally on the thank you for that 3.5 Please refer to it as a subsidy talk to the director before
following Ruth Sean long will be Diane midget
before you start the clock young man can I take so this is for information Province city council members.
Okay, we'll receive it William Davis the floor is yours.
Good morning. Detroit National Action Network and Focus HOPE is inviting you all to this next Tuesday, February 28. From 10am to 3pm. At Focus HOPE at 1400 Oakland Boulevard. We have an affordability connect connectivity program. There's a credit that many of the charters currently do not have the proper internet available, but there's programs developed with our federal funds to assist in that so we all should be pushing this. So we're going to be doing that for five hours next Tuesday. Detroit man always trying to encourage this too. bridge the digital divide in our city. And also we're gonna be registering people to vote. We, we I'm voting numbers are dismal in the city of Detroit. We need to get our numbers up higher. We need to change a whole lot of what's going on in the city. So we're going to be having a program where people have people experts to help them sign up for the credit, or we're gonna have a number of internet providers. And also my last two seconds do more for retirees.
Following this, Diane midget will be Jacob Bowden. Long You have the floor.
Good morning, council members, honorable council members, some of you I know. Thank you. Hi, Councilmember Dubois and Mr. Council member Mary waters. I'm coming on behalf of my family. They own a home at 35 89/28 Street has been in our family for over 60 years. In May of this past year, the land bank came out and posted a notice on a house and we are already in the process of rehab. My grandmother was 97 years old. She passed away. The next family member moved in two years later she passed away. It was a small fire upstairs in one of the rooms. We have putting it over $12,000 in his house and now they have made it part of the net program. We have not been able to make any progress with the land bank. They should not be threatened. My aunt is 88 years old. The family is under a whole lot of stress with this issue. We have done everything we can by reaching out to our council person to the council at large who has raised the question Why was this house even putting in you have
following up you want to quickly just mail as long as you leave. We have member waters who wants to address your comment.
Yeah. Good morning. I just want to say quickly that I believe we're almost there with with with that issue. I spoke to the director of the land bank just a couple of days ago. And so so stay tuned. I'll be giving a call Okay.
Okay. Thank you very much.
Following Jacob Bowden will be Jennifer Gero Giroux, Major.
Hello Anna Vova DM. I'm glad to be here but not in this way.
It's your mic a little post
so I'm a 68 year old woman live and I lived in Detroit all my life and I'm I'm here about my grandmother's home 35 89/28 Street. I have done all I can. I'm still working on the home. You are sent out an inspector on November and he said everything was okay. But every time I'd come down here, and now they say it's not on the list, but then I hear something different. I get a note pasted on the door two days before the come to court. You know, and then I missed a court date because I didn't get the letter and it was a post dated until the 17th. And we was due to be here on the 22nd so I was late but I did come down here on the 23rd and 27th and dropped some papers in a box upstairs like they asked me to do but we haven't heard anything back from the land bank. And we just keep getting harassed and I I'm just trying to work on the house I would like to say my grandmother's
following Jennifer Giroux will be Tim Moore is about in foreshores
morning I'm Jacob Bowden resident of Hubbard Rashard regarding the potential land transfer in West Jefferson. The Mayor's office is asking to close this deal as a matter of keeping its word as an institution. However, it's also very obvious we need the time to renegotiate an old deal that probably lacked in some integrity in order to protect real people from corporate greed, bullying, manipulation, and those improperly gaming either financially or politically. So yes, protect the institution. Vote clean, clearly, cleanly without personal agenda
and please deny this deal. Thank you. Thank you.
Following Tim Moore, we will have Jessica Trevino.
Alright, thanks for pronouncing My name correctly to
make sure your time is up. There you go floors yours. All right. Great.
Good morning City Council. My name is Jennifer Drew and I live in Hubbard Rashard, which is one of the most vibrant, diverse and growing communities in Detroit. And yet here I am to advocate on behalf of my community on behalf of our community and urge you to vote no on this land transfer at West Jefferson at Riverside Park until we have community protections in place agreed upon. And in fact, we have over 1000 signatures on a petition advocating for this very same committee protections be in place. Last night, we had a very successful rally, which maybe you saw on the media in which we were advocating for these community protections before the transfer is approved. Following this, the mayor and the IBC issued a statement claiming that they want the integrity of the steel to be honored. Well, this was a 2515 deal. 2015 deal. The issue is that there was no integrity in this deal, not with an actor that has made it known that it would like to displace at least 20% of our community. And we have the receipts for that. So I urge you all to make this deal right today and 20.3 Please vote now.
Following Jessica Trevino will be Ruben Romero. Tomorrow the floor is yours, sir.
Hello my name is Tim Moore. My company is UI and urban Information Network. We are keepers of the culture. We are the oldest operating Internet TV platform in the nation. We have 19 affiliate cities we're headquartered in Detroit. My family operated the pizza place at Cobo Hall for 35 years until they kicked us out during that time. We employ trained and inspired hundreds of the charters no tax incentive, no community benefit agreement necessary. I like to offer our Detroit a Philly D tip tv.com to broadcast your public access channel so you can reach more Detroiters. We represent the city we're in the community much more than the five TV networks not here. Now. Who do I talk to to make that happen?
Well, one thing you can certainly send an email to council members, council members I'm sorry, send it to all the councilman can send it to all or you can just began with council president Sheffield. Okay, we'll begin potentially looking at what that process will look like. Thank you. All right. Thank you so much. All right. Following Ruben Romero will be Roman, blank cart. I apologize if I mispronounce your name. Is Trevino.
Good morning, council members. My name is Jessica Trevino, a lifelong Harvard Rishard. resident. This is not about apart. Please don't confuse the issue here. We love the park. But we love our neighborhood too. This is about protecting a community that has somehow survived. After more than 40 years of abuse at the hands of the bridge company. We are finally at the cusp of thriving. There is over $2 billion of positive investment coming to our neighborhood. more green space housing and innovative technology, all walking distance from our homes. We're really excited about that. We are hardworking people and we want to enjoy what's coming. We don't want the IBC to encroach into our neighborhood and move their truck Plaza over. Please, please consider the damage that will come to our neighborhood. We need protection. We need a community agreement. Our future depends on you voting no on this land transfer today. Thank you so much.
Following Roman blank card will be Sergio Garcia Romero The floor is yours.
Yes. Hi, my name is Ruben Romero. I live on scene and in the hover shark community. I just I just wanted to say council members, family and friends. I met my community where our community at Da BC Detroit International Bridge Company trying to destroy my house is on one of the houses that is in their way of advancing their wall. We as a community should be standing up for each other here. I'm asking you as our city council on this vote to vote no. For this land transfer. It's a bad deal for us. We asked you to stick up for us to stand up with us against the bridge. I thank you all for listening to me. I still got 10 seconds but thank you anyway.
So much. Following Sergio Garcia will be made Mendoza
Good morning honorable city council members. This is regarding the potential land transfer. And as it was stated before, this is not about a park we all love our parks. This is about the consequences that the deal made in 2015 will have on the health and well being of a neighborhood on Detroiters. Politically you're better placed than anyone else to understand the history and dynamics in place that have permitted the bridge company to act above the law for decades to be a neighbor without ethics and engage in the premeditated destruction. of neighborhoods was residents are being sacrificed to build personal and corporate wealth. The 2015 deal does not need to be approved today. It is not legally obliged that you approve it today. Detroit must send a clear message to people in cooperation that this is 2023 this is an era where Detroit residents health and well being comes first. You are the gatekeepers of our thriving and healthy future. Please do not approve this entrance
may
Mendoza is Blanca arenas. Mr. Garcia The floor is yours.
Hi, how are you? Thank you for having me here. I definitely want this part to be made. I don't know maybe he's
just a little bit more. Yeah,
that's okay.
I really want this part to be made. I really enjoy it. I really have a nice time there. My oldest son definitely loves the place. I would like to see it become a better project. A bigger project is definitely something that we can have in the city of Detroit as someone who who recently moved in it's a beautiful city. It has something to bring to the world, right? Everybody's looking to it. And definitely these places are are something that we as citizens can go can spend time there. But also the people who comes here for tourism can come and have a really nice place to see instead of what the media sent to them and say that Detroit is this or that? Right? We can find something beautiful inside the city. Something to do here something else besides maybe going to a blast or something like that. That's all I wanted to say. Thank you so much.
Thank you. Following Blanca arenas will be Jaime Arevalo, our Hello. I apologize again if I mispronounced
those learning. I'm sorry for my English I speak in Spanish I'm sorry. When on your boil parquet aisle projectile parquet Riverside maple stadia well they're living in there I mean for today we were on this past year and on the weather record ERC it mbN cake system must look at is como esta you look our Project Data Monitor como esta que por la para nosotros COVID-19 Which just means Atlas cages and then the parent record ERC liberar serverless. Let's look at the total normal okay, I know in this task and associated upload your project that Thank you. You
following Jamie are below will be Carlos our villa Blanca Flora shores.
I have to support the rabbits River South Park because it's a very pleased to the Detroit children's and with the family a all afternoons or weekends in everyday. Oh, it's a good place to ride in a bicycle with the family and etc. So I'm mother I'm wife in a one a best place to my family and my kids are orchids of Detroit. So this Park helped to the Detroit city development. So thank you.
Thank you. Following Carlos are below or below will be Alejandro
Lopez.
Good morning. We have learned Spanish in Spanish my L Parker Riverside Florida this is para dar this pas de que pasa this was a que pasa con them for Miguel COVID la Porteus either muy muy yada yada he Tada Manyana pasa comi Romana Hua poquito de mas que estamos para dar el momento where estoy megusta Yak is a complicated project for mental lacasa Laporte de la Santa co remains here. He and really that is the terminus is bedeviled porcupine with this revered machete stories in Soweto. Yo quiero mas que nada mas por por lo que esta por venir is a single month they still reporting when lonely Coca Cola is serious k is permeases para la remain Costa Rica terminal
thank you
so much. Following Alejandro Lopez will be married Carmen Munoz.
This is Carlos.
This is Carla. That's Carlos this next
one has He is senior years grasses is the second in Spanish. Yes. Yeah. Okay. And they enjoy minima Nautilus. Yes, Kamala they try to maintain is almost all those years are meant the basketball. I say this a cornerstone upon me because we must save it up into afectados por esta Carmela el de parte Laura hmm I know we are assuming grande Alia sobre nosotros. No. Is the projector a la consider algo especial para de Troy. Jackie is the vice Prez necesita de la quinta practicum as a party so the total process the projector persona Utara la comunidad de Michigan. So Reto latinos que en toda token Oscar mu cerca was where they answer or se ona goon one owner necesita para poder is the Soweto hoga indirect gracias para las personas the parents motorists can answer Mr. Chair McHale
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't I don't speak Spanish. I don't understand Spanish. And it would be nice if we had a translator here so I can understand what these residents are saying. We have three residents to come here to that microphone and speak in Spanish. I just asked my colleagues, Did he understand what they were saying? He said I don't speak Spanish. And I looked at him. I don't speak Spanish either. I think it's a disservice to have these residents who don't speak English fluently to come to this microphone and not have a translator. I want a translator and I would like to hear from you will allow me Mr. Chair. I'd like to hear from those same three individuals who spoke in their language. We need a translator here so I don't know if member Gaby Santiago Santiago Romero needs to translate or do something so I can understand what they're saying. Thank you Mr. Chair.
Thank you so much. And as we always know that request for a translator is available for all of council members to make that request during this particular session. And that request did not come from any of us as council members. So I just want to make sure we put that on the record. We will address whatever concerns we can in terms of member Santiago Romero, and I will give her the floor.
Thank you for your time and thank you member Callaway. This is exactly why we always ask every single budget season for translation service translation of the time and as far as I know we do have a we did have translation services on Zoom available. But to your points here in person, it is very needed. I am keeping track. I do understand what they're saying. I was going to give an opportunity for them to all speak and then share with everybody what they have been sharing because I understand it's hard to hear right now. But I'm listening I definitely can provide the service that I can in doing the translation but I was going to listen to your residents prior to giving any kind of any updates. But to your points. It is not my job to be the translator as our city council member we have the resources to do that. And I've been asking for that since I got here.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair. Thank you moving forward. I would hope I would anticipate that we would have proper transit translation here to benefit not just me I'm not speaking on behalf of my smelt self. I'm speaking on behalf of a lot of folks in this audience. I didn't know that this was going to happen today. So for someone to tell me that, you know, we all knew no, I didn't know that we had access to translators or I would have requested one mic myself. So thank you Mr. Chair, and thank you to my colleagues.
Thank you, following Mary Carmen Munoz will be J jurgenson. Mr. Lopez The floor is yours. Thank you.
Good morning. I live in District Six. Riverside Park is a project that requires a lot of work and sacrifice. A sacrifice that is worth emulating Tumbleweed in sort of the finished work is amazing and there's still a lot to do. Let's not let it get lost in the wind. We are tight on finish this project is we is there is something that needs to be finished is Riverside Park. This is not a choice apart is a rescue that was a dead zone and the only see a car no people I mean this is this is fun when you go to the street and see people walking around make is sports. I mean it's motivated. That's why I want these previous High Park Rapist site Park Riverside Park. Thank you.
Thank you. Following J jurgenson. Will be Ramon Jackson very common deals.
When is the estados Good morning everyone, council members. Thank you, Madam it's Councilwoman Callaway for bringing that up. I'm Mary Carmen Munoz. I'm the Executive Director for less said Latin Americans for social and economic development. The oldest Latino advocacy agency in Detroit. Thank you, Councilwoman Callaway for bringing up that valid point. Each of those that spoke prior to me that spoken Spanish it took a lot of courage for them to come up to the podium today. And they their voices do deserve to be heard. law said here it would like to speak on behalf of Riverside Park. This is something that should have been done many many years ago. It was eight years that we've been waiting for this park. Let's say it has tremendous amount of services in within our community. Everything from a wonderful senior program to a fantastic youth after school youth program and summer program, which would definitely benefit from the finishing of this project. Which as good as Yes and thank you again, Chairwoman Callaway.
After Ramon Jackson will be Mr. Mulleavy shouts,
morning councillors. Good to see you again. Today is 221 23. And it's math and I was here today to brag about the math that we put together. Each of you have a copy of our recently repeat, completed report. And we now know every time I've spoken with counsel, and when I've spoken with other elected officials or public officials, they want to know what the ask is. We now know what it will cost to solve the cost of climate in our community, and it's $1.5 billion. I was here to brag about the report today, but I think that what I've heard from my neighbors in other parts of the city requires us to step back and really take a look at the environmental health of what's happening. In our city. Whether you're downwind from still Lantus in the scourge of the bridge, or have sewage in your basements or your canals. We have got to tart start taking care of the environmental health of our citizens. We see black and brown people who are being literally dumped on whether it's bad air raw sewage, Rose Point Park just had their extreme emergency release valve to dump sewage approved by
Shelton, Michael Kohler
of inequality. And the LPD Department issued a report full allies got about 15 municipal bonds refunding their revenue bonds that their stated that don't require statutory notices issued to the residents notices are a fundamental right they are attached to due process, which is the 14th Amendment right. It's easy to disprove the LPD report that revenue bonds and refunding bonds don't require notice. So um, also, John Nagla came here and said the city of Detroit had under a billion dollars in debt. We haven't had under a billion dollars in debt in 50 years that's full of lies and it also contradicts a recent report he just published three weeks ago saying the city of Detroit had 2.2 billion in bond that 500 million down from last year and $5 billion in overall debt. Let's get to the flow of this. We don't get to the bottom of this
following Michael Kohler will be Sean Nethercott.
First of all, we just left Miller Canfield, the law firm, Bond Council for the city of Detroit. We just left there before we got here. They looked at us like we were Martians. They had no idea of where that information came. That was in an LPD report that Miller Canfield said that refunding bonds do not require some type of public notice. And ad revenue bonds do not require a Notice of Intent, as well as a right to referendum for the residents and taxpayers of this city. Fred Joe Hall. Cats out the bag, just like you gave John neglige all that time to blow smoke at your committee meeting. I'm asking you to give myself and Ramon Jackson. You can give us half the time that you gave John magnet to address you at your committee meeting. Do we can you make can you make that happen for us?
I'm asking you
to do huh? Well, before we do that will allow you to complete your time. Thank you President Pro Tem man. Good morning, Mr. Shelton. Good morning. So we've heard that issue before us in the committee. We recommend it and sent your letter not only to LPD but we sent you a letter to law we're awaiting a response on that. We're also going to bring Miller Canfield to the table to discuss that. If you are requesting time to speak in front of the committee, then I need you to submit that in writing as a letter for that discussion, and we can bring it up for discussion but submitted in writing
has ask you'll have time
as the Press Thank you. Okay. Because one to the next
something must be done because we can easily disprove all the lies that giant glass negatives told to your committee.
Thank you so much. Following Mr. nethercote Shawn now the court excuse me will be Charles miles to Kohler in Florida
morning councilmembers. I'm Michael Kohler. I live on Southwest Detroit. I have for the past 45 years. Now I've had to put up with a lot of the things that the Ambassador Bridge has done. They've lied to us. They've cheated us out of property. They closed streets illegally. Nothing is ever done about that. Now, now they want to now they want to close even more of St. Anne's Street, which is a buys through and it's just now right because they close it. They've closed other parts of Fourth Street 23rd Street all illegally and they taken the public roads from us to you. So I want to say that
when I say that they lied to us and cheated us.
Morning, my name is Shawn another caught and I've lived in Hubbard farms since 1988 and had a business and Hubbard was charged since 1998. And in that time I've seen that Detroit and in the Detroit Ambassador Bridge destroy houses on West Grand Boulevard 25th 24th 23rd 22nd 21st Street 14th streets and 13th and 12th street. They have taken hundreds of houses to the detriment of our community. They have consistently delivered community deficits instead of community benefits. The truck Plaza now encroaches on St. Anne church, Detroit's founding Church and the second oldest congregation in the United States. I think it is well past time that the Detroit International Bridge delivered community benefits instead of community deficits. And what I'd like to see us know more encroach on St. Anne Street. No closing of that street, turning the property within Hubbard Rashard back to residential use.
Thank you so much. Charles miles. Charles miles
Well, my name is Charles miles. I'm here again on behalf of my property taxes that's been paid since 2016 issues I have. I have a document that I've given to pretty much everybody in the whole city county building and in the wayne county treasurer's office, and it clearly states that my taxes were paid by the city of Detroit but I still receive yesterday just yesterday, I received the email from someone out of commission young Jr's office threatened me well to me it was a threat to get on a payment plan buy you know, like 24 for this month and put down 60% And just totally disregard that. I've I've submitted all I've given everybody a copy of this. That I paid the taxes then I got I got receipts pretty much everybody here know about this. So why is nothing happening?
Thank you so much, Mr. Miles. And I think you were here both at one time and we I think line item your issue for our committee. If we could Did you submit any information for us today that we can have so we can follow up with you? Do you have anything for us that you believe with our my team here? Yeah, my receipt. Okay. And we will follow up with you to see if we can get a resolve mark, working with councilmember Young as well. All right, thank you so much. Let's see here. What's your name sir Manuel. Okay, go right ahead.
Good morning Council. I'm just here on behalf of the Riverside Park. I would love the park to be completed. I'm a member of District Six. I'm actually licensed realtor and the benefits of the park have been enormous just because not only for District Six members, but for all Detroiters around, you know, Eastside whether it's west side doesn't matter. It's a beautiful park and I would really love the completion of the park. And just like Miss when you said it's been eight years, I think it's finally time for the deal to be completed.
Thank you. All right. Thank
you. Mr. Landon. Good morning,
council members council president Sheffield. I was here last Thursday. There was an overwhelming demonstration of support for the park. There seems to be an overwhelming opposition to the park this morning. And that's all that's okay. But my time respected. That said I just want to encourage you to resist the temptation to succumb to inflammatory rhetoric, unfounded accusations and a campaign of misinformation and uphold the integrity of a decision that was made by city council eight years ago. To do this deal. Let's finish it. Let's get it done. Let's move on. I could go a lot longer. But time does not permit. There is a long history to be dealt with here. This should be based on facts in terms of what has happened. I encourage you to uphold the work of this body as it pertains names. Thank you.
Right, is it GLORIA Rocha. Okay.
Good morning. I'm sorry, I have a hoarse voice this morning because of the weather. But anyway, my name is Gloria roto. And so for some of you new members might not know that Riverside Park through the planning commission, I mean, sorry to the Parks and Rec Department and the mayor's office and the city council. held several community meetings in 2015, to talk about rubbish as well. And to just to get it going and they selected they asked the community to elect people to this committee to serve on it and to guide the direction of the park. The city council, I can. In fact, Gabby was her representative on this committee, and the mayor and seven other community members were proud of this. And we've been working. We said 18 months it's been seven years. And we're still working on this committee. Of course, the left.
Please vote yes.
All right. Thank you. John luff followed by Michelle George followed by Sam Butler.
The unfortunate thing is that this microphone is placed so nobody can hear what they're saying. That's the unfortunate thing about this. It's just disrespectful to do this. And then on top of that, you got the burglar alarm that goes off that's louder and you'd cut the time by 30 seconds without any notification. That's impolite. Or as we'll talk about the rest
Carrera
MC, the baseball player got a quarter of a billion dollars in salary, and they can't provide the tickets to the 50,000 children of low income families that they're obligated in the lease that they've signed, because nobody enforces it because Ilitch has problems. It's an insult you all know about the 50,000 tickets. You're involved in that distribution, I'm sure. But I doubt it, because they don't do it. And it's an insult to you. It's an insult to the city. And it's an insult to any kind of basic decency. And this is
to thank you Mr. La
morning, council president Sheffield Pro Tem this honorable board Happy New Year. Just want to hone in on my one minute just want to hone in we have missing children in the city of Detroit. I brought this up at the mayor's meeting. Canton Southfield. We got a lot of missing teenagers. So we'll be dealing with that. We want to stop the text captures on the library and block any takeover schemes. Now one of the things I want to bring up is Ida B. Wells made this quote, a woman that dealt with lynching it to be well said the way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them. The land bank, I'm representing my friends and family with this house, the land bank, How did her house get into the land bank, the land bank should cease to exist? And I know councilmember young if your daddy was here, your father he would not allow that land bank here. And I know you fought against it as well. Council president. So how did the Lambay get in his house they spent over $12,000 in this home and me being a member of National Action Network we will be setting light on this Thank you.
Thank you Mr. Mr. Butler.
Good morning honorable body. My name is Sam Butler with the Hubbard Rashard Residents Association. Thank you so much for the time. We are very concerned that the transfer of 3085 Westchester Jefferson will have negative consequences for our neighborhood, including Plaza expansion, blockbusting and resident displacement. Their eventual hope to expand the plaza is not hyperbole, this has been stated fact. Under the leadership of President Sheffield and Member Santiago Romero, we've been talking with did the IBC and those talks are making progress. I genuinely feel like we are close to a deal. But a vote to transfer the land today would undo all of that hard work. So all we are asking is that you give us more time that we can complete the land transfer. All we are asking is that you not transfer that property today without a community agreement in place. We have over 1000 We have a petition that has been signed over 1000 times. 1000 signers that are asking you to transfer
parking
Good morning the morning man please dishonorable body. My name is Todd Russell Perkins. I want to thank your city councilwoman Angela Callaway for introducing me to or asking me to come down. I do want to I just have something that I want to share. With the unto whom can I give this to you? Okay. These are what we call Perkins rules on police stops, is born out of what We have a lot of tragedy that's come out of it. It's what we're trying to do is educate the citizenry about what to do and getting safe. safely, not only for the police officer, but definitely for the person who's participating or getting that ticket or getting pulled over. So I want to share this with your body. I know that I have an order to give to miss Councilwoman Callaway who's going to a school I want people to give them out we are just we just got these out. There's a barcode on it and the barcode will list and we ought to contact a lawyer if you have a complaint or you have need some follow up or some guidance. That's it that and I appreciate the opportunity to talk to you. Thank you.
Appreciate you Mr. Perkins. I will make sure every council member gets a copy. Thank you Mr. Callaway. Cindy Dhara, followed by Candace.
Thank you. Can you hear me? Doesn't sound like Okay. Yesterday I went to see Riverside Park on my way to the demonstration. I thought it was going to be there but it was on St. Anne's street right next to the wall east to the wall. And so I I just want to say that the potholes around the railroad tracks. Those aren't any worse. than all of the speed bumps she put all over the city. It slows people down. I don't really It didn't seem like it curtailed people going to that park and it is I didn't even recognize it. Years ago I went across and landed there with an inner tube from Canada and but it's totally different. And years ago, Maddy maroon put up a sign saying keep out. Homeland Security. That was a lie that wasn't Homeland Security sign that was his sign he put up trying to take over part of our park way back then. So you don't know this because it's not in your minutes because you don't keep minutes and I really listened for an hour and I have
MS. Daraa Ms. Dos Mystara Mystara that's your time Ms. Dara Ms. Dara. That's your time. Ms. Dara. If you don't thank you so much Miss Miss Daraa. That's your time. Miss Daraa. We have to be respectful to everyone that is here. Everyone receives a minute for public comment. So if you want to continue Ms. Daraa. We will we will have to escort you out of the auditorium. Miss Daraa Ms. ms.ms Daraa. Ms. Daraa.
Thank you so much, Candice. And can you pronounce your last name I'm sorry. Ms. Candice. Tomoko. Okay, thank you. And then lastly, we have Jerome record.
Hello, my name is Candace hammock, Khloe, and this is Angela blacker Lloyd. We are the founders and scanning directors for Jim Detroit skating Academy where the first black female owned figure skating club in the state of Michigan and the only figure skating club in the city of Detroit. We skate at the checkout awesome Oreo ice arena which is a part of the Adam futsal rec center. And currently we are off of the ice due to machinery issues at the rink. This is the second time in the last six days that we have been off the ice for a total of three weeks. Both Angela and I've started skating at Jack County back in the 90s. And while a lot of renovations have been done to the center and to the rink little has been done to update the machinery to keep the ice frozen throughout the season, especially during peak season which is usually September to May. We're here to ask for those funds that those funds be allocated to that center because it is the only Ice Arena in the city of Detroit. And we are trying to introduce figure skating to black and brown youth in the city and it's difficult when we don't have ice. And when a lot of these skaters can go out to the suburbs.
Thank you for all the work that you are do. I was there at your opening which was ahead along with councilmember Callaway I think others attended as well to truly support the work. It was just amazing to see the young girls out there on the ice learning how to ice skate and so I definitely want to make sure you all have the opportunity to eat to open the eyes for young people in this arena. And so what we can do Mr. Clark if you can line item, this is at the Adams Bledsoe center, right. If you can line item that particular rec center for a status update one of the machinery that was mentioned today, and then we can follow up with the department as well too. Thank you. Okay, keep up the great work, Madam Chair.
Maybe Madam Chair. Ladies, ladies, if you could come this way. This is my chief of staff. We want to get your information I want to give you my information as well because that is in district to my district that I represent on this council, which makes you exchange information with Miss Bailey. Thank you. Thank you Madam Chair. Mr.
wrecker?
Good morning, everyone. I just want to say hello to this distinguished Council honorable body distinguished guests and constituents of the city of Detroit. My name is Jerome record. I am the Government Affairs Manager for Comcast on my territories are Wayne County, Macomb County and St. Clair County. Just here today, I provided you all with some information about our Internet Essentials program, which is high speed internet for eligible families at a low monthly prices. When you couple that with the federal subsidy the affordable connectivity plan we're able to offer free internet to individuals in the city of Detroit. So I want to be encouraged that we all work together as a community to mend this digital divide. Comcast will be supporting National Action Network on February 28 at Hope village to more or less sign people up for Internet essentials and help people connect to the internet affordable connectivity program. But thank you all for your time today. You all have a good day. Thank
you. Thank you use will drone. Madam chairman president. Madam Chair, member member Santi Madam Chair Thank you Member Santiago Ramiro followed by member Callaway. Thank you I believe member Callaway has a response to this comment. I do remember Callaway Yes,
this is like family standing there. I went to school with his parents. And it's just a blessing to see you young man and hope village is in my district as well. So I'd like to talk to you So Mike, my policy analyst will get your information but it's a pleasure to see you. Thank you. Yeah, his his his parents went to school with my with my older brother. They went to burns Cadillac and Cass and they were four or five years older than me but I remember your parents and they came to my father's home going Yes. And I think I saw you there too. And that was the first time I met you. So it's a pleasure to see you and tell your parents I said hello. I will. Absolutely sir.
Thank you. Thank you so much, Jerome. I look forward to working with you. Thank you. All right. All right. Remember Santiago Romero. Thank you, Madam President. Now that we've concluded the in person public comments, you weren't here but I did want to briefly share and thank member Callaway for acknowledging the need for us to have Spanish translation. I would also urge Arabic translation we have a high population of Spanish, Spanish and Arabic speakers and I have been asking for translation services again since I got here. It is nice to not be the only council member asking for these services. I did want to let members know what was said though from the floor. It was about four or five people that came in all of them. Were asking that we support the park, which I support and I do want to speak to you all directly, which is in my best interest given you annoy nosotros stakeholders standard was a school child without much trouble yoke is an Ikea bland one studio man. We cannot put a POJO I'm just gonna keep a Euro most I mean para para, para que para de Minister ki para conocer saloon packaway And no SQL and barista photon pero esta foto is Zug Island, USA photo is worth pointing. Here's a look at the land of local restaurants to see hos is where Wes is content con. Coming as yon the last the last time Jonas and process look at your status schema you don't know me I suppose we see now CMOS RSP rally limpio at the Manchester Park cape and put the hand on a saloon. What I just told my residents is that I'm here in support of them. I support them. I support the park. But what we are breathing next to these bridges is contamination and pollution and what we're finding here today is not the completion of the park. It is the health and well being of our residents of everyone that comes to visit Riverside Park so I am with you. Let's finish this park let's protect our residents as well
as yourself. Thank you Madam President. Alright, thank you so much, Councilmember Santiago mero. Yes, member Young.
Thank you, Madam Prez, I just want to say is brought to my attention that they have interpreters on Zoom
they've been on Zoom. Yeah, correct. So for my understanding every session they are on from the top of the year they are on. We've never had them actually physically in person. And so I don't think we can look into whether or not they are available in person. But again, council members can also request as well. No money was allocated for us to have that. Right. And staff can save us, Madam Chair. All right. So we will continue to look into that and work on my Yes, member council. Thank
you. I did receive a message from Miss Gill Fulton and we can have a person here in the auditorium alive translator Thank you Madam Chair.
Okay, we remember Callaway does not have no issue. We have no issue with that. I think we can just talk offline and make sure that we coordinate it and get it set up so that is done. I mean, it's no no fighter, no tension there. I mean, you I want to make sure everyone can hear this and
I was just letting everybody know that I received a text message from Miss Gill Fulton from the administration saying that we can have a live translator here in the auditorium in the future if we request sounds
good. Thank you.
Thank you, madam to
myself or council members can make sure that we request that to make sure that is in person moving forward. All right. All right. Thank you all for those who came down in person. We're going to now move over to our virtual public comment. And so those who are joining us virtually Mister, are you Rittenberg how many hands do we have?
Good morning, Madam President. We have 36 Hands raised before you cut off public comment. The first caller is phone number ending in 007.
Good morning Council. The morning
Good morning. My name is Elisa Mujahid and I am a part of District Six. I want to address the Riverside Park situation. My family and my kids really enjoyed this park. It's a beautiful waterfront. My daughter loves the basketball court. The soccer field as well. We ask that council honor the agreement and stop stalling. It sounds political and all we want to do is enjoy the park and have it finished. It makes us feel included with downtown Detroit and it revitalizes our city. So we just ask that city council please finish Park
All right. Thank you so much. Thank you
the next caller is Cunningham. I know we're
not supposed to go back and forth but I want to ask a question to Madam President. And to remember Callaway, Madam President, thank you so much for your staff. Your staff I think re stated that you guys will be ordering a box of hand warmers. I just want to know if possible we will do that come just for the community. People are at the bus stop so I appreciate it. And never Calloway This is a statement. My mother said thank you for the sweatshirt that you gave to her and other clothes that you gave to her. At that nursing home is a beautiful nursing home. It was the girl's point but they always lose her clothing. They always do and you know you were a nice very you know, you offered it and I took it so I appreciate it. 313444914 for subservience Cunningham on Facebook. And it is anonymous to listen and anonymous to go on Facebook to look but I do. They took my seven minutes what happened? What's going on? Four seconds now. Anyway, thank you so much, everybody and have a good day.
All right, thank you Mr. Cunningham. And we will get those to you as soon as we receive them. All right, our next caller please.
The next caller is amaro Hyman.
Good morning Council. Thank you for allowing me to speak on item 19.8 Councilperson with Bill Callaway is resolution for the $3.5 million subsidy from the DDA to the Detroit Public Libraries. I'm registering my support of that. And the interim until tax captures the library and schools are eliminated from tax captures. Also item number 24.3. Again, council person with Bill Callaway is request for a report on tax abatements granite since 2017. I would like to also know the status on that report. And I am a resident of District Six and an avid bike rider. The Riverside Park is the only bike friendly access to the river on the west side of Detroit. So it's really important for us to have that and actually maroon is a bad actor. I don't know why you keep working with them.
All right. Thank you.
Next caller is Jose del Pozo.
Good morning
alright are if we can go to the next caller and come back to this caller please.
The next caller is
rocoto Hello, hello.
Yes, good. Morning. Good. Good morning. We can hear you. Yes, my
name is Rachel and I want to keep the Riverside Park. My boyfriend and I we go there in we play and we're I called last week about it due to my son and we want to have Riverside Park please marry shameful please.
That is all okay, thank you so much.
Um,
the next caller is phone number ending in 571.
Caller 571
Good morning. Good morning.
Oh, yes, actually, it tickles me to political flip flop that Councilwoman Santiago Romero said that she was for the park when we all know that she's been against it. That'd be instead also the three residents that had spoke Spanish. I guarantee that if they had a spoke against the park, she would have definitely would have translated immediately. That being said, I'm for Riverside Park. My name is Tomas Marcus Marcus, longtime resident of the sixth Western class of 86. Go cowboys. Let's get this part done. Stop stalling. Let's make it happen. That's all I gotta say. Thank you.
Okay, thank you.
The next caller is organizing recalls.
Morning,
that's why we love you. Councilwoman Galloway. We are against um, and others are against this Riverside Park we against the district Detroit we are against the $600 million looting of black people's homes and well, we are against the illegal foreclosures making 1000s of people in Detroit homeless we against all of that and you're loving you're not your father. So stop trying to act like a you do the opposite of Coleman Young. And also, if we're going to be recalling folks, we're gonna start with Scott Vinson a call 313-423-1076 We're ending corruption with us got Benton FBI is still investigating you and we don't need that. So the number again if you want to join our recall organization is 313-423-1076. We can start with you and we're going to work our way up the people who are against the Riverside Park, you need to call us we'll we'll join together and work together to get rid of these people who are not working in our interest.
Right Thank you
the next caller is phone number ending in 079.
Yes, hello.
Yes. Good morning.
Good morning. Thank you for allowing me time to speak and thank you for all the council members service to the community and its residents. I just caught in to speak out in support of the Riverside Park. I've been attending this park all of my life well over 30 years. The transformation is phenomenal. We just want to see it completed his came too far to stall on it now. So we need to get the deal done so we can get our park finished and move on. No disrespect to anything else on the agenda. But let's get it back. Thank you.
All right. Thank you the next
caller is Frank Cho.
The morning
please
vote, land transfer and complete the Riverside Park do not let bureaucracy prevent the land transfer to be completed in the basis of and wanting nothing to be done there against the progress of Detroit. And a petition that's referencing or the dereferencing is full of signatures from hipsters from Ann Arbor. It's it's a lie.
This is a good deal for Southwest Detroit. Also,
congrats to Joseph Ellen Tatum becoming speaker. You along with Mr. Benson Miss Callaway. You're an inspiration to all of us in Detroit. Mr. Mehra you speak Spanish
you're really miss shot there to interpret for your people. You really show the lack of initiative to help and by the way,
this is your job.
You're a public servant.
You're paid by our tax dollars. As a Hispanic council member you really dropped the ball there, hon.
But anyway,
shame on you and please vote yes and land transfer and also maybe try to you know, improve on your Spanish or Spanish is absolutely horrible. I yield my time.
Thank you. And we are trying to work on the audio. Just so you all know we are trying to work on lowering the audio because it is a bit loud. And so my staff is out there working with it now to try to lower the audio both for those who are here in listening online. All right, thank you. Our next caller please.
next caller is Betty a Varna.
Hello,
yes. Good morning.
Good morning. Honorable council members. My name is Betty Ivana. I'm born and raised in the city of Detroit president of sodales were black Association, but I'm here today to advocate for singers and disabled people asking the council members to support and assist us and in heavy money's included in the budget to help us be able to stay in our homes to help us to make our homes handicap accessible, including walk in showers or walk in showers are considered a luxury but it's not for seniors and disabled people. It could be a safety and health issue. So we're asking for your support. I appreciate all the work that all of y'all are doing. I work hard in my community. I've been in my community in the same neighborhood for over 50 years. So I've taken on this mission because I've seen how hard it is to for singers to get songs.
All right, thank you.
The next caller is Deb Sumner.
Council members, this is home. This is about
saving people saving our lifelong residents saving our multi generational families who have lived here in historical homes. For over decades, okay. And we have to be guaranteed protections. This must happen. You must vote no on the land transfer until the people are protected. continue to stand with the people. And this means please their bet we're begging you were on our knees. This is home and do not allow the IBC to take over. This is a promise that they were not to move the wall that they built decades. ago. Okay. And so this is how we have to do it. Unfortunately you have to vote no on this. Finishing this park. President Sheffield council member Calaway Coleman, please.
All right. Thank you.
The next caller is Susan Shirky. Hi,
my name is Susan Shirky.
Can you hear me? Yes, we can. Okay.
I live in Hubbard Rashard with my husband. We've poured our hearts labor and money into our property to make it our retirement Haven. We love our neighbors and the diverse walkable area, which is poised to become one of the city's jewels, a community strengthened by Ford's mobility innovation district and the brook on Bagley development. I cannot wrap my brain around the paradox of the city's development vision versus the bridge companies plan to expand their reach in our neighborhood. Residents must have Council support right now. Please vote no on transferring 3085 West Jefferson until a CBA is in place. your no vote provides residents with needed leverage to bring the bridge company to the negotiating. Table. Thank you.
All right. Thank you
the next caller is Ruth Johnson.
The morning Miss Johnson
All right, are you let's come right back to Miss Johnson, please.
Yeah, it unfortunately for some reason, it's not allowing me to allow her to talk. I'm not sure if it's a zoom issue. So.
Okay, well, let's come back to Ms. Johnson and try again.
Then the next caller is Keith Rogers son. My name is Keith Rogers and I'm the chairman of the 25th Street block club and District Six. I am calling on part because I live within the impact area of the FCA land deal traded properties that 30 635 64 Toledo properties which di DC have contiguous and active violations on these community benefits. Agreements are really important for us to see to it that in our community, that we are engaging with a lawful group with a with a an entity that is following state and city brigade regulations. They've been a bad operator in this area. And it's really important for the community to have a say in these interactions with malfeasant entities. And it's also you know, it needs to be called out that council members to the state rep and less said taking money from this disorder.
Right, thank you.
Next caller is Minister Eric Blanc.
Can you hear me Council?
Yes, we can. Good morning.
Yes, I look forward to this Council's resolution supporting the George Floyd justice and policing act. Has there been a resolution or ordinance banning assault weapons? In regards to today's agenda items? There are 10 agenda items for legal services for police officers. Reject all of them if they are especially similar to 19 point 10. This officer had 56 citizen complaints for previous contacts with internal affairs. She turned off in the incident as being sued she turned off her body worn camera chase down the citizen in the parking lot called her various names that are not on her birth certificate and then tased her and then filed a report lying about why she was detained do not rely on the border police commissioners they concentrate the vast majority of their resources on handing out awards to officers and creating and entertaining discussions on crime data. Thank you
the next caller is James garrison.
Good morning Council. Good morning.
My name is James garrison. I'm a citizen of Detroit I live reside in Hubbard Rashard. I have for 30 years. For 25 years I've been a homeowner here I've seen the decimation that the Detroit bridge company has, has placed on many of the properties in this area. They buy residential properties, they are not in the development of residential properties. They buy residential properties, they let them deteriorate until they are condemned and torn down, leaving nothing but open field. We need to protect this community that I choose to live in that I brought my mother into a home to live in. So that I can live the rest of my days here. We need you to afford us those protections. We need to vote no on the land transfer until we have those protections from you.
All right, thank you.
The next caller is ear mania Rodriguez.
Thank you. My name is
Minnie Minnie Ramirez. I'm a lifelong resident and still work in southwest Detroit as president of Fourth Precinct Community Relations Council right now. I support my Riverside Park. I have been on the riverside park Advisory Council since 2015. We have worked city of Detroit with the city of Detroit landscaping architect and with other community representatives since 2015. We gathered what the community wanted we kept multiple phases of attends programming and environmental re mediations. It's now a vibrant urban Riverfront Park and resource. It's a gem of a park. Let us finish. I support both Yes. For Riverside. Let's finish it. Thank you for allowing me to talk.
All right, thank you.
The next caller is Ruth Johnson.
May I be heard?
Yes. Good morning, Miss Johnson. We can hear you.
Thank you Ruth Johnson from Community Development advocates of Detroit. I asked the city to appropriate $12 million for this fiscal year 2022 23 and 27 million for the next fiscal year. 2324 how the city spends public funds the people's money reflects how well the city is fulfilling its legal, financial and moral obligations. Unfortunately, the city has not fulfilled its obligations to fully fund and actually implement the right to counsel ordinance. Five months have passed and the office where eviction defense is not fully open or made public. The legal and supportive services provided under ordinance have not been provided to the 2000 Detroit households per month that are subject to eviction proceeding and 70 Detroit household per week that are evicted. We must act now. fulfill your obligations. Thank you.
Thank you, Miss Johnson.
The next caller is Robert.
Hello,
my name is Robert show.
I represent justice for better to toe. I have a couple of comments and web requests. My comment is that we stopped
spending money,
taxpayer money on things that don't benefit the taxpayers of legacy and the taxpayer. As of now, we're doing too many things for what ifs and what how and whatever in the future. We need to start looking at how we can shore up what we have going now to secure our future and my next thing is I don't support any money for the images or any of that kind of stuff at all. They we have everything that they need. They've already grown beyond a monster in the process of our tax giveaways and things of that nature. They need to put their own money forward. And my request is that I'd be kept in the loop and update as to what's going on with the resolution that you guys sent through. I would like to be involved in any parts of
it. Thank you. Thank you
Good morning. Can you hear me?
Yes, we can. Good morning.
Okay. The woman got hurt because I I was two years ago and I'm someone who does. DJ about the world of
Billy and you is
sin the weekend not finish. Got it. And another thing is what about this? What about this good news? Because you should be our number one good night you have it your time. All right. Thank you Miss Maddox and thank you as well for your time as well.
The next caller is phone number ending in 534. Yes, hello. May I be heard?
Yes. Good morning. Okay,
M primera la persona. Kablo Monday. membre Gabby Kevin Windsor, Al luta para su hente. Okay, everybody, I've got my shortened poem. Roses are red, violets are blue. Hey, all Detroit city council members. I hope Hubbard reshard residents in their health matters to you. You're a co equal branch of government you control most land sales in the public purse. So please slow down this land Dale and negotiate in good faith so Hubbard reshard residents don't end up prematurely with cancer or in a hearse. If we're going to have counsel, representation by district and please remember, respect your colleagues wishes. Otherwise please find another job. How about in a restaurant and go wash dishes? I'm tired of hearing and watching residents desires and please be disrespected. Yet the millionaires and billionaires never seem to get rejected. Remembering membre Gaby Lucia para su hente. And so this is simple but I respect that as represented Thank you.
The next caller is Carol Hughes.
Can you hear me?
Yes, we can. Good morning.
Good morning. honorable body and chairperson and fellow citizens. May I be heard? Yes. Yes, Miss Calloway. Councilwoman Callaway, I wish she would show the same kind of energy that you did for Miss Romero's and her people that you do for the 80% plus people who speak English in this country or in this city. 15.1 is a misappropriation of our funds. We I learned how to ice skate that butzel center and that was back in the 60s. So we're taking giant steps backwards. That $230 million of surplus is our money to be distributed the way we want it distributed. It should be distributed during the budget season to fund those things we want to fund. I'm sick of funding his pie in the sky projects where we don't see any progress. So vote no on 15.1 appropriating our money over to the mayor 19.1 Miss Madox has told you miss Calloway, Councilwoman Callaway that that is not a good deal for us. We you keep it in Riverside or in the area where you're not a city council. Member.
All right, thank you.
The next caller is Miko a Williams.
Good morning Council.
I would like for Riverside Park to be finished. I rode my bike around there last summer. And it is a beautiful sunset view for Southwest Detroit and for their residents to connect to the riverwalk that will complete the riverwalk span. This council has made a commitment and it should be finished. Number one the public health and safety of harbor Rashard mezzotints whereas in all of our residents matter, including the continuing threat of water shut offs, I just want to say to all the residents of the city of Detroit now is your time to go after the CEO of the city of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and to start making him bow down and start putting right to Council funding as well as funding for the lifeline plan funding for all of our initiatives from the ARPA money all the way down to any monies that's from the bonds or from this budget
that is being proposed. We have days until March 1 To really show up and thank you all to the residents. for showing up today.
Great thank you.
The next caller is Sandra.
Right,
did you say Sandra? Yes. Sandra Are you with us?
All right, we can come right back to Sandra please.
next caller is Robert shim kowski.
Hi, good morning.
I'm in front of you, of counsel to say that I oppose the land deal without some concessions for community benefits. I've seen the land on a map where the bridge company owns property on St. Anne Street. And I asked you why do they own property do they intend to live there? I don't think so. So there's some plan that we don't know about. And I asked the council to not support the deal until we know what the plan is. And there are some committee benefits. Thank you.
All right, thank you.
The next caller is Christine suave. Hi,
my name is Christine Solvay. I'm a co chair of the Detroit immigration taskforce and I'm calling today to speak to item 16.2. The Clark Hill contract. There was some information that was incorrectly shared previously in January by Corp counsel that I wanted to clarify, this contract is not for serving Afghan refugees and asylum seekers to assist with their paperwork. That work has been done dutifully by a network of nonprofit immigration service providers, including organizations like Michigan Immigrant Rights Center and southwest Detroit immigrant and refugee center, along with pro bono volunteer attorneys. So the city has not provided financial assistance to help those immigrants and refugees. The city could choose to do that. But that's not what this contract is about. This is to assist middle to upper income employees seeking sponsorship to become employees. With the city of Detroit.
Thank you. Thank you.
The next caller is Karen Winston.
Hello,
yes, good morning. Yeah.
Good afternoon.
Um, real quick. I think it's, it's absolutely ridiculous how you guys are allowing man Bank and others to steal seniors, especially senior citizens property. I have the same situation that the gentleman spoke over earlier, where I have paid property taxes yet my property is still under threat. So what are we going to do? I mean, you know, Bob, call me yeah, he's often know how we get to the deadline. What are we supposed to do? It's obvious there's a game of death going on. And if someone doesn't step in, then we're gone. I mean, we'd be uncolonized. We're way back to where we were, you know, during the days of early colonization, but our property is being taken. Our land is being taken. Nobody's doing anything. Somebody must stepped up. Michigan is the third most crooked in the world. We'll probably will, but definitely a nation. We don't believe that you're on. It's not one bit. The law department is just illegal. It's a separate entity.
We got to do something.
All right. Thank you.
Next caller is Cynthia Casillas.
Good morning my name is Cassius rather power Rashard. I have lived here since I was a child. I have seen it vibrate with families and small businesses until the CIPC purchased homes and displace the community in the 1990s. I want my community to continue its economic progress, welcoming families and finding ways to improve its environmental health. I do not support the DVC land transfer please vote now and stand with the residents. How many times have we seen millionaires like bow entire communities for the good of the business? This is not the Department of Transportation. How does this one individual have a power to displace an entire community? We elect you to protect us. Please do that. Thank you.
Great, thank you.
The next
caller is Sandra.
Right. Good afternoon Sandra.
Alright, all right. Do we have someone else we can come back again to Sandra.
The next caller is Frank Hammer. Reading City Council.
I started with sand Butler, president of Harvard Rashard Residents Association and the residents who've spoken today demanding the delay on the transfer of the West Shepardson property to the maroon family until the parties reach a community benefits agreement that will protect their neighborhoods from vacancies, blight and decrease property values. I also yesterday I asked Jose lemieux's I think I'm pretty mispronouncing his name, or the Mayor's Office of the city would require district Detroit to adhere to the Detroit sustainability action agenda. I'm affirming a comment that was made earlier in public comment. He answered with generalities. He said the specifics on construction are still being developed and having a perspective of sustainability and the sustainability agenda would be fantastic translation. No, we have nothing in place. Thank you.
Thank you.
The next caller is Brenda Hill
Good afternoon Miss Hill.
Fear The United States has come together with our allies and partners. Extraordinary coalition to stand against Russian aggression. Work in front of us. It's not just what we're against. It's about what we're
all right, is that
right or is this Brenda's Hills name?
Correct. That was that was coming from from her
computer or phone.
Okay. Is there anything? Any additional comments miss you?
All right, if we can continue
the next caller is Matt Hamrick kneeling
Hello, can you hear me?
Yes. Good afternoon.
Hi, I'm a resident in District Six in southwest Detroit. Okay,
are you there? Sorry, can you hear me? Yes, we can. Okay, I'm
not sure which one I missed. So I'm a resident and former educator in District Six and also a parent. And I am calling in an agreement with so many other folks who called to ask for a delay or a no on the vote for the land transfer before a community benefits is put in place in to put the residents of District Six above profits. Thank you.
All right. Thank you.
The next caller is phone number ending in 061.
The morning, excuse me, good afternoon. Caller 061.
Hello, can you hear me? Yes. Yes, I'd like to support Bill Davis and tried to help retirees who lost their pensions. I know James for calling I say city council people and planners. Let's be responsible. That's the response for me. We've got a lot of intelligence here in the city council, the police commissioner's office and the mayor's office. Let's face facts. Let's be responsible and stop this drag racing and red light running in Detroit. This must stop you got a lot. Two degrees there amongst you. And you got a lot of ideas. Why don't we put all this together and try to stop this. It's incumbent upon us to do this. Put your ideas together to stop this 3000 pounds of reckless adults from running into. I love what city council, you have money. You have degrees. We have ideas. Why don't you put them all together with the police commissioners and the mayor's office and stop this red light blinking red light rank and drag races. It's true. God bless.
All right, thank you.
The next caller is Sandra.
Thank you guys for dealing with me with this whole technology thing I'm trying to do this through the palm I am calling to ask you to please the lay of the land transfer until a CBO is in place. We have to continue to realize that our residents in the city of Detroit are our greatest asset and we should not be destroying communities by allowing our rich billionaires to come in and disrupt a completely stable community with trucks rolling through and impairing the foundation of people's homes in our city. We're working hard to keep our communities together. So please support the residents and their opposition until a CB O is put into place. Thank you thank you
right, our next caller please.
My My apologies council president I'm having technical difficulties on my computer if parents could please move over Jose del trustco. That was the last person who raised their hand before you cut off public comment. Okay,
we have moved him over. Right ahead. The floor is yours
right Jose? The floor is yours for public comment you have one minute.
All right, going once,
going twice. And Jose we're going to now in our public comment if you would like to submit your comments to us in writing, we'll make sure that they are submitted to the clerk and for the record. All right, that will conclude our public comment for this morning. Thank you everyone who called in and also came down for our general public comment. We will now proceed to our agenda for today.
Understanding committee reports for the budget Finance and Audit standing committee from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer Office of Budget
council member Dr. Haller resolution line item 15.1.
Councilmember Dubois
Thank you Madam President. line item 15.1 is a resolution of authorization for fiscal year 2022 2023 supplemental appropriations and transfers. The administration is requesting a fiscal year 2022 2023 supplemental appropriations and transfers to address immediate additional needs and to implement projects during the upcoming construction season has come from the committee with a recommendation to approve Move for approval of line item 15.1. Madam President,
all right, if we can move our discussion number Doha
discussion
for discussion. Thank
you to the administration. Do we have anyone here? I don't see mr. Washington. Someone online that can speak to this line item.
Good afternoon,
Madam Chair and Council. We do have deputy budget director Steve Watson online.
Alright, and is there anyone who could speak particularly to the sidewalk replacement program?
I'm sorry, madam. President. Could you repeat the question?
Yes. If there's anyone from the DPW that can speak to the sidewalk replacement program?
Um, yes, we do have Deputy Director directing me. Oh my.
Okay, you can meet move those two individuals over please.
All right. Good afternoon, Mr. Watson. Good afternoon,
Madam President.
Thank you. Thank you for being here. Just wanted to really quick question wanted to speak to the public's concern regarding using this budget amendment to fund anything related to right to counsel. I know that I have had conversations with the administration about possibly there being an additional ARPA amendment request that is forthcoming in the legal issues that we still have with using general fund dollars to fund a right to counsel so if you can just respond to that concern that was raised by several residents regarding this particular amendment. Thank you, Madam
President. And I'm happy to do so. So yeah, so currently, we're not allowed to use general fund dollars for the right to counsel program. As folks who will recall last year during budget season, we included authorization to use $6 million of ARPA funds for the right to counsel program. And as you stated, madam president discussions are ongoing about potentially allocating additional dollars as the program has gotten underway. And so the reason why you don't see anything in this budget amendment today is because this budget amendment is appropriating general fund surplus which we can't use for the right to
counsel program. All right, and do you know when the forthcoming budget amendment will take place for arpa?
Madam President, so not specifically, although I believe those discussions will be part of the upcoming budget process. As the folks know, the mayor's FY 24 proposed budget will be on March 3. So you know, the time is ripe now to be having those discussions.
Okay. Thank you. And I just wanted to put that on the record because I definitely saw this as an opportunity to allocate money in to right to counsel but unfortunately, because of the legal issues, and the opinion that was issued by our Corporation Counsel, we are not able to do so at the time and the other additional questions I have regarding the sidewalk program. Just wanted to be clear as to the prioritization of how this program will roll out. I know that we are going above and beyond what the city typically does in its current sidewalk repair program. So if you could just speak to roughly how many additional sidewalks this 20 How much is it 20 point 5 million will cover and the prioritization of how this will take place, but it's equitable among all city council districts. Thank you, Madam
President. I'll turn it over to Mr. Dyer. Akinyemi from the department Public Works, who can I speak specifically to that issue?
All right, thank you.
Through the Chair, die. Oh, how can you hear me Deputy Director DPW.
I also have Mr. Ron Brundage on the on line if you could bring him over.
I think he would like to do the hundreds as well.
We can bring over director Brundidge please
excuse me, Miss Mystara Thank you. We were trying to work on his sound as much as we can. We still have some issues in the auditory with the sound so thank you. No problem. Director, Brenda, just Can we please move him over?
Thank you.
Good afternoon, Council President Ron Reynolds director of DPW.
Good afternoon. All right. Were you able to hear my question? Director?
I did hear the question. Originally. In our budget before this requested budget amendment, we had allocated about four and a half million dollars for sidewalk work, which would have allowed us to replace about 15,000 flags of sidewalk citywide with the additional 20 and a half million dollars that's been proposed. That'll bring this year's program up to a total of $25 million, which we feel will allow us to replace about 70,000 individual flags of sidewalk throughout the city with this year's program. We're going to look at prioritize obviously working with current in all areas of the city. We've actually identified different categories where we're going to prioritize where that finally goes, or we're going to be looking at doing sidewalk which were damaged sidewalk is adjacent to schools and schools and parks. We are going to develop a program that allows for residential block clubs to submit requests through their to their individual block clubs to be considered for priority. We're going to give priority to requests that come from the disabled, as well as senior citizens. We also have a program where we'll be working in conjunction with the General Services Department as they go through commercial corridors and do clean up along those corridors. We're going to identify about 10 miles of commercial corridors that we're going to support their overall cleanup efforts by addressing addressing damage sidewalk on those corridors. And then we also have to be cognizant of the fact that we do have residents that have submitted requests in prior years that we're just waiting on us to identify funding to address those those requests. So we do have an existing backlog that we're also going to give a level of pride for our priorities, to also when we're deciding, you know how we go about allocating this funding.
Alright, thank you. And I'm just glad that you mentioned the prioritization of senior citizens and those with disabilities. I know that during the last budget season, I actually raised this issue regarding prioritizing sidewalk repair, and I thought that there was an issue with not being able to do that. And so I'm glad that we have this additional funding to address those issues. The only thing that I would ask is that as the program rolls out that we actually are a part of that because it sounds like you're still incorporating and putting it together as far as how you receive input, and how you prioritize the various request. And so this is a huge amount that we are appropriating to sidewalk repair more than we have done so before. And so I just want to make sure that the requests are handled in an equitable way, right that not certain districts are left out people who have been waiting for quite some time, that they that is a streamlined process that actually prioritizes individuals who have put these requests in in a in a fair way.
Thank you very much, Brandon president for those comments. And, and of course, the input from counsel is going to be a part of the overall development of the program. I watch their funding is in place. You know, I look forward to being able to work with each of you individually and as a group as we go about developing our program for this year. And I think Director Watson also alluded to the fact that in the past we were limited with the fact that we only we only were able to allocate street fund money to or for sidewalk repairs. So we didn't have the latitude to address some of these situations that will be up to this year with this general fund money being available to us.
All right, all right. Thank you so much. Director Brundage for being here and looking forward to working with you on the rollout of this particular program and also being responsive to the request from council members, if they submit additional concerns on behalf of their constituents as it relates to sidewalk repairs as well. Yep, any additional questions? Yes, member waters.
Alright. Thank you.
So good.
Good afternoon, Mr. Brundage. I just want to ask you, it seems to me that there's certainly a lot of money that's going to be spent. Have you submitted, have you placed a an RFP out there already? Do we have a list of Detroit companies who are able and prepared to do all of this work?
Through chair member waters? We have finalized the bid documents. We didn't put it out for bid. We wanted to wait, of course until the additional funding was approved by this honorable body. We do anticipate putting bits out before the end of this month. We're just also anticipating that we'll have contracts in place when we were ready to begin our construction season. On around mid April. We will have the the we are anticipating contracts that will give us the latitude and flexibility to make multiple awards. And you know we've reached out in the past to Detroit and especially black owned companies, you know, to participate in our program and our contracts will be structured this time to allow for that particular flexibility. All right, thank you,
man. All right. Thank you. Member Benson
All right. Thank you.
Thank you all for being here this morning to speak on this issue, as well also like a couple of questions regarding the sidewalk appropriation. Sure our residents are going to be thrilled to know that they're going to be getting new sidewalks especially since typically the city doesn't do that. Can you just talk about the impetus behind the investment in sidewalks versus new roads versus any other item where DPW could see improvements or investment in our neighborhoods?
Through the Chair, as was indicated earlier. The City of Detroit are DPW through this city. DPW receives about $100 million a year in what we call street fund money. And what those funds really represent are the city's portions. What we received for the state's gasoline and weight tax funding and yesterday was funding that that particular funding revenue source does have some restrictions. One being that you can only utilize those funds for activities for work that occurs in the public right away. And historically, the state has taken a position that even though sidewalks are in the public right away, because vehicles don't transit don't drive over the sidewalks. That funding source can be utilized to replace sidewalks the responsibility would go back to the city or to the individual property owners. So we still have our funding our our normal allocation of free funds available for us to do the work that we would normally program as it relates to road improvements, bridge improvements, etc. No work that it goes into right away. With this additional general funding. Our revenue source allows us to do is for the first time address some of those sidewalks we couldn't legally address with restrictions that are on play for the St. John's Okay,
and just knowing that we have a number of challenges as well as ask and requests for our general fund dollars. Just want to make sure that we are positioning this program as this is a benefit of residency versus just an entitlement moving forward. I just want to make sure that we manage expectations also to be very difficult to try to match $20 million a year moving forward with may become an expectation so I'm hoping there's also keeping that in mind. This is a great program glad to see that many of our residents will see their property values improved using our general funds but also want to make sure that we are conveying this message that this is not an entitlement but this really is just about residency having as privileges. Thank you.
Alright, thank you. Member Benson, Director Brenda just really quick you said that there was a backlog of residents who have requested sidewalk repairs over the years that fall outside of what the city typically does you know that number offhand roughly and how we if this allocation here will cover the existing backlog of residents who have been waiting for quite some time.
Madam Chair, it's likely not going to cover the entire backlog just to give an idea of the magnitude of the work that's out there. We've got about 3.1 million individual sidewalk flags throughout the city, and we estimate that about 15% of those are about 470,000 are currently in need of repair at this particular time. I indicated earlier that with the funding that's going to be available for us this year that we think that we can do about 70,000 flags. And that's only going to represent about 15 or 16% of all of the existing damage sidewalk flags that are out there. So we're not going to be able to go through this year's program and end up with everything that was in our backlog or everything that needs to be repaired being completed as part of this year's program. So we are going to make a big dent in terms of what was already out there with regards to inventory, but we're likely not going to be able to address every request that we had previously received.
All right, thank you. That was helpful. Thank you. Member Callaway.
Yes, thank you Madam Chair. This came up during last budget season I think um, I know I asked the question about using permeable pavements or sidewalk have we thought about that? And there's another one I'm looking it up now. It's called pervious concrete and then permeable. Have we thought about that?
We have, I'm sorry, through the chair. Remember Callaway. We have utilize permeable surfaces for some green infrastructure related projects and and generally the you know, one of the things that we're trying to accomplish there is to prevent water from going into the city's drainage system. In the case of most of the sidewalks in the city, especially on the residential streets, we have a buffer between the sidewalks and the roads. We have the you know the grass median area between the sidewalks in a row so we really don't have as big of an issue with water transferring from the sidewalk into the city sewer system, most of it will get captured by the grass that's between the sidewalk and the street. So while we have done some projects, green infrastructure projects that involve you know, permeable pavement, we really haven't utilize that for the most part for sidewalk improvements and then won't be a part of this year's program.
Madam Chair
Mystara Mystara Mystara if you continue to disrupt the meeting, Ms. Daraa, we will have to escort you out. Unfortunately, this is a time for city council to conduct our business now. We allowed you all to speak so please please do not disrupt the meeting, please.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Brundage. I have one more question. With with the permeable sidewalks. Are we aware of the areas in the city that might be conducive to installing permeable sidewalks? Because I mean, I can show you some areas in my district you walked through with me before where we have a lot of flooding on our sidewalks and spilling over near the driveways. So I'm wondering what you know, could you use our area district to especially in Green Acres where we know there's some flooding going on, on the sidewalks spilling over into the driveway? Driveway areas, plugging up the drains because I think a couple of trucks have come out there to vacuum out the drains. So could you use a couple of areas just as an experiment or test area to see if these pavements would work?
So I think the chair member Callaway, we can certainly take a look at it. And again, I think if we weren't identify a potential pilot project that we might want to consider with these fundings with this with this particular funding source. Again, we would have to identify a location where we don't have you know, what's typical in our residential streets a list at least where we have the grass acts as a buffer between the sidewalk and the street, but we're certainly open to taking a look at it. We do want to make sure that these dollars go as far as possible and allow us to address as many damaged sidewalk flags as possible because we know the magnitude of what's out there. And obviously, as you can imagine, the cost of the saw permeable sidewalk is much more expensive than a normal concrete so it would have an impact in terms of the overall magnitude of work that we could perform this year. But we're certainly open to maybe identifying a location where a pilot project would really make a lot of sense.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Mr. Brundage.
Alright, thank you so much any additional questions? Member Santiago Romero. Thank you, Madam President. And thank you for the questions regarding sidewalks. Just wanted to make a note that it would be really helpful to have a map wherever the sidewalks are going to be placed or replaced. Residents and 42 and sevens feel as if they have not received a large amount of investment that they deserve and that they need and there is a need for sidewalk repairs as well. So I completely agree with my colleagues who are asking for transparency and for engagement in support of this process. I see a lot of money going into emergency demolitions. I know that part of this is for a survey a blood flight survey, but can you please explain to us a little bit more of the request for this much money for demolitions? Through the
Chair to member Santiago Romero, so the $13 million for emergency demolitions, I'm happy to have the demo department come on, on board if they're available as well to add some additional details. But what this represents is, as members will recall, the city issued prop and bonds a couple of years ago proposal and bonds to address land bank residential structures land bank owned residential structures through both demolitions and stabilizations. Separately, we're using our American rescue plan ARPA funds to address large scale industrial and commercial blight in the city. And then that leaves you know further private residential structures in the city that goes through either an emergency demolition process or the city council order demolish process that's also in partnership with the seed to address dangerous structures. And so in those cases, we have to use general fund money to do those projects because we can't use the bond money and and those are otherwise spoken for. What we would use general fund money here is to deal with those, you know, sort of emergency life safety issues that there's a dangerous structure might be collapsing. You know it goes through the the BCDC Council process to confirm those demolitions. And we do seek recoupment from private landowners, but it's still the city's responsibility to address the immediate danger. And so we need general fund dollars in order to do that work as it comes do as I know members are aware. Numerous contracts come through for these types of demolitions through Council. This just gives the demolition department the funding they need to continue the work through the rest of this fiscal year as well as move forward contracts that will be done in the next few months for work that will occur over the summer. For context. Right now. There is about $2 million left in the appropriation for this activity, and we still have a lot of the fiscal year left and that's why we're bringing this forward now instead of waiting until the fiscal year 24 budget which begins which is the fiscal year that begins in July.
Understood, thank you. Do we if we do have somebody here from demolition, I'm wondering how much money we have received from recouped fees. So you're mentioning that we do have to go to residents, property owners to recoup some of that fees some of that money. How much money are we actually recouping once we demolish
these properties? Sure,
yes, Mr. Washington.
We do have Nick paying from a demo department.
Online. All right, we will move him over.
Good afternoon.
Good afternoon. Can you state your name and title please?
Nick Payne, project manager demolition department.
Councilmember The floor is yours. Thank you, Madam President. Mr. Payne not sure if you were able to hear my question, but I'm wondering if you know how much money the city has been able to recoup in fees that we collect after demolishing properties.
I don't have that exact number on hand. I know this is a process we're working on implementing and standing up right now. Our initial plan is to start with commercial demolition. properties that we have completed privately on commercial properties. And then following that we're looking to possibly expand that to the residential side of our program. Understood.
Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. I just feel have no other questions. Just a statement I chair public health and safety. I go through the dangerous buildings hearings, and unfortunately there are many homes that I see that might just have a broken window might just have overgrowth. Some things that many families come to us asking us for a little bit more time to fix it. Frankly, I think we need a better process when it comes to holding residents accountable for how they maintain their properties. And demolishing them is I believe, not one of them. So just I think I need more conversation with the demo department more conversation with the seed to understand how we can better help our residents who don't want to lose their properties to demolition from the city. Thank you, Madam President. All right. Thank you, Councilmember. Any additional questions? Yes, member Johnson.
Thank you, Madam President. I understand that there are some dollars here for public transit. I'd like to get a breakdown into where the funding is going. My understanding is that there is some funding for the people mover and considering the Auditor General report that came out. Recognizing that there is new leadership. I'd like to have a better understanding of why we see the need to invest in the people mover considering its ridership and what the plans are to improve ridership to justify this cause.
To the chair to member Johnson, thank you for that question. To pick out the first part of it. So the $19.9 million for public transit is really for two major items. So for context, we would normally use our our state and federal grant dollars to pay for public transit capital expenses, those are dedicated dollars for those purposes, you know, whether it's when we're replacing buses and things of that nature. In this instance, there's two immediate needs that can only be funded with the city's general fund and so $13.3 million of it is for the State Fair transit center project that's ongoing upon eight mile. So because of the additional preservation work that was added to the scope of the project over the past year or so, as well as general inflationary price and inflationary pressures in the marketplace today, as we're purchasing materials as, as the contractors are getting to work on the facility, the cost has gone up to $13.3 million is specifically for that project that is underway and on a tight timetable to get finished. The additional $6 million, as you had mentioned is for the people mover. So what that represents is the Peoplemover has submitted a grant application to the federal government for a total $32 million project to replace four of the people movers railcars, which are pretty aged at this point. And so if we're successful in that grant application, the federal government would pay the largest share, the state would pay a share to and even the people who over themselves would kick in $3 million of funding they had available but they came to us at the city and said, you know subject to City Council's approval. If the city could make up the remainder of the required local match, which is the $6 million it would go a long way to improving the rail cars on the Peoplemover and I know is I think was discussed at a recent FNA committee meeting as well. There's a lot of work Peoplemover is doing under its new leadership to ensure that we're investing in those assets and the infrastructure on the people mover you know, totally understood there's the the audit that came up from the Auditor General pointed to several deficiencies and over the past several years, those are you know, actively being addressed. Both before and now under the new leadership. They have a whole new leadership team there with the new general manager as well as the new head of finances as the people mover who actually came from dam the city's finance department. So a lot of changes are underway there to address the understandable concerns that that council has from that report. And as we know the people who are today receives a six and a half million dollar in general fund contribution for this operation. So they do function today with a certain amount of city support. Just like DDOT does, just like public transit generally does nationwide. And so this request today is the city helping to support this transit operator that's connected to the city with support for this. This this grant request basically $6 million of city funds to potentially leverage well over $20 million of external funds to help us replace these rail cars.
President
on one second, remember Johnson still has a
floor. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, Mr. Wiseman for your response. I'm wondering if there is someone from the people move around the new leadership who can give us a little bit more information about the changes what are we planning to do differently?
I'm not sure that someone from the people mover was joining us today. You know, I defer to Mr. Washington if there was someone on hand. I do know we had a robust discussion at the bfma committee a couple of weeks ago on a lot of the reforms and we'd be happy to send a comprehensive follow up response on all their efforts. I believe there was also some responses included in the audit report itself.
Mr. Washington is someone on
I'm sure I'm actually reaching out now to see if they can join us. Okay,
Miss, Miss Dara, please? Please moved on. Are you doing?
Thank you, Madam President,
who had a hand raised remember waters followed by member Callaway.
Thank you, Madam President. You know, I feel a bit rushed with this supplemental. I feel a bit rushed with the supplemental. And the reason that I do I don't I don't know why. It's such any emergency that that we approved this today. Number one, number two city council has not had an opportunity to even discuss whether or not we want to re direct some of these some surplus dollars I mean, we need to do that. I'm just I, you know, this thing just happened. It just came up all of a sudden is a huge emergency. That we get this done today. And I'm just I'm bothered by that. I don't like it one bit. And I think we need an opportunity ourselves. It's our responsibility to take a look at some things to see if in fact, there are more even more urgent needs that we need to address. With this surplus.
Hello, somebody. Hello.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm not in favor approving that today. So you know, I think we should bring it back. I think I think we need to discuss it. I do. I was hoping we get to address this surplus. During our budget deliberations. But now we're asked being asked to just spin everything right
now. So a motion to postpone
this vote, Madam President.
Alright, so there's a motion on the floor and we can continue discussion on the motion. I know member Callaway who also had your hand raised. I know next week there will be a thing for members that won't be present. I know members probably do want to vote on this just to kind of keep that in your minds as well too. But I do understand where you're coming from member waters. Member Callaway
Thank you Madam Chair. Absolutely support. Member waters motion to postpone this. I feel rushed. We have had a walk on last week. For district Detroit. I feel rushed. We're about to go into budget season. I feel rushed and I received a binder with 800 pages. Then I received a binder just last night, so I don't think we should feel rushed. We're talking about the people's money and I'm one of the people and I feel rushed and I don't like that feeling. So I would certainly support that motion postponing this and I don't see why we can't postpone it until after budget. That's probably not going to happen. But that would be my recommendation as well. But I absolutely support member waters. A motion to postpone this because it is rushed. How long has the administration known about this 150 $6 million surplus and to get it last week I saw it in the news for the first time, you know and to hear about it in the news we should have known about about it before the news learned about it. So I absolutely support that motion. Thank you Madam Chair.
All right, further discussion on the motion member Doha.
Thank you Madam President and why respect colleagues motion relative to bring in his back I want to articulate a couple of things. Number one, we heard this in the Budget and Finance audit subcommittee this past Wednesday. Members have been aware of this surplus. We have been giving updates for the five months in a each month or the month ending the fun status each month in the budget Finance and Audit subcommittee relative to our funding. We have had discussions robust discussions, particularly, particularly in the budget finance audit Subcommittee on this supplemental where we have multiple presentations multiple questions have been asked relative to postponing is a concern that I have is, as Madam President has articulated, we are getting ready to get into budget season where deliberations happen for our budget, which will be robust discussions, as well as you know that's not even mentioning our discussions and deliberations on CDBG. So if we are talking about time a particularly you know, postponing it for a week where other members may not be here for who cannot articulate their stance or and or vote on this. I just think in my opinion, that would be irresponsible for us to do that is my opinion. The will of the body is the will of the body. But what I can say is these are discussions that have been ongoing relative to the surplus this is nothing new. We have had a report, again a few months back relative to the surplus and dealing with the revenues that we have gaining. We have also had a discussion in a revenue estimating conference, which happened last week. So this information is not new. So I would be objecting to that motion to postpone, although I do respect a request, or most folks would make but I think relative to some of these appropriations that happens which is by the way, not the entire fund balance. I think I think it is very I think it is I think it is important to understand that while we're moving forward even into the budget season, that some of the reasons that were expressed about funding the supplemental right now is to get a jumpstart on projects for this upcoming construction season that have not occurred yet. And so it would be my recommendation as the chair of the budget Finance and Audit subcommittee that we don't postpone it, because we have had these discussions would have been very robust in nature at the committee level. Thank you Madam President.
Thank you remember Dr. Haas. You Mr. Watson, and you had your hand raised. Thank you, Madam
President. I just wanted to add some additional context to the the requested supplemental as well. You know, in kind of following the the discussion that's been going on thus far, you know, we were very purposeful in the size of this requested supplement or, as member Beer Hall says stated it does not appropriate the entire prior year surplus which was about $230 million. The remaining $73 million would be part of budget season and deliberations that will be ongoing then. This specific amount was tied to measures as discussed earlier, immediate needs and opportunities to get started early on things like sidewalk repairs on dangerous tree removals on neighborhood park improvements. The State Fair transit center is that project is already underway. If we were to defer into the next budget cycle, all of these things wouldn't happen this season, as I believe director Brundage could add some additional context to as well. And we've already mentioned he's about to issue the RFPs for his seasonal construction contracts. So the opportunity is now to include this expanded sidewalk funding. You wouldn't be able to do that if the funding is not authorized because you wouldn't be able to be we wouldn't be able to commit to those contractors on here as well as $60 million for the risk management fund mean that's there to make sure we have funding available to pay legal claims as they come due. Over the past five years, we've been spending down our risk management fund reserve on legal claims. And as I know members are aware as it's on the members agenda every week is there are legal claims that come due, you know all throughout the year. And we need to make sure we have funding available to pay those claims as they come do between now and the end of this fiscal year. And that's what this money will help do. There's another $10 million for the retiree Protection Fund. You know, that's to help us shore up the fund to help us pay pension payments that start in the next fiscal year. Again, these are all items that we're you know, we've size $256.5 million to make sure we can do the work now rather than going through the next budget cycle and having to wait in some cases until July in some cases, not until the following construction season because the opportunity will be missed. And as members are Hall stated, you know there will still be $73 million of surplus to discuss during the next budget cycle as well as an entire, you know, over a billion dollar general fund budget. Again for these items. We were specifically targeting items that there's a need Now in addition, there's $5 million for COVID response. We have to be able to continue our effort there through the health department through testing and vaccination even if the level activity has gotten smaller in recent months. It's still there the pandemic is still with us and want to make sure we have the funding available to pay our nurses and contractors to ensure that we're delivering those much needed public health services over the remaining months of this fiscal year. No, that's the end of my comments. Just wanted to make sure I added that additional context for the request.
All right, thank you so much. Mr. Watson. All right. So, the parliamentarian reminded me that the only discussion that should take place is regarding the motion that was just made, which was to postpone the vote. So is there any further discussion on that motion to postpone the vote for one week? Yes, Member Santiago Ramiro. Thank you, Madam President. I just want to agree that this does feel rather rushed. Understanding that if my colleagues don't want to postpone that's fine. I just wish that there would be more conversations amongst us in the things that we want to use it the surplus, I do remember us asking for the usage of the surplus in the last budget process. And we were told no. So this is not seen to be in an equal opportunity here. So if we are not to postpone this, I will be a no just needing more time to discuss and figure out how it is that we want to utilize these funds. Thank you, Madam President. All right. Any additional comments? Yes, member Johnson.
Thank you, Madam President. So I know you indicated that there will be four members that will be absent next week. And I believe those are the members that are asking for the whole time.
Great, great point.
So
So and unfortunately at formal session, we were not able to bring anything back in two weeks. It has to be brought back every week. So if we were to we should change hmm, possibly. And so we will have to bring it back next week. And I'm assuming that members everyone probably wants to vote on this particular line item. So remember, water says this was your request. Did you have any comments on how you would like to proceed with your motion or you want to keep it on for
how I want to proceed with the motion? I can't say anything else
already. On the topic of bringing it back in? Well, it's just
that you know, budget season is we're about to deliberate on budget was in another week or something like that. I mean, it was so close. You would think the way that this was explained that it was like a year off and that is not the case. You know, so no, I'm not gonna withdraw my motion even folks and vote however they want to, but I'm not I'm not gonna withdraw that one because I I just believe that it should be we should be a little bit more responsible. I wanted an opportunity to deliberate on on the surplus and all that kind of stuff. And I'm not getting that opportunity to do that. During budget season. That's all I'm saying. I get what my colleague down there that I know I'm just saying you know, all that stuff he say, but I'm just telling you. I just think I just think that we I was looking forward to the opportunity, madam president to to, to really, really discuss that in detail during our budget deliberation. I mean, and people have been asking us to just say, Hey, okay, take some of that surplus and do ABC with it. And so we're not getting that opportunity right now. Once again, we get things in the in the midnight hour, and we're asked to make a decision right away and that is an effort to control us.
Or any additional comments. Yes, member there. Ah, then I would like to move on.
Again. Thank you, Madam President. And just again to articulate this is not the entire surplus. So there will still be opportunity for the remaining funds to deliberate and and negotiate, if you will, on the surplus funds that exist throughout the budget season. So I just wanted to make sure that we articulated that as well. I know it's about waters
is beginning to be you know,
dual member waters that you want to respond and now I'm gonna
get Yes. Okay. All right, Madam President. I'll be nice. But anyway, um, I know was about $73 million, we get to kind of decide on and I hope that we'll be ready to do that. So it seems to me that, you know, I have a motion on the floor. So let's just get it done.
Alright. So there's a motion to postpone this vote for one week. Are there any objections to the motion actually? And if you can, no. Member a draw. Member a young, any additional objections for a one week postponement? All right, hearing none That motion passes to bring my night and 15.1 back in one week, and I would just encourage my colleagues to please reach out, you know, to the administration to let them know of your priorities if you have any proposals to shift money. Once I received this I did reach out and you know, advocated for the various things that I wanted. But I do understand also that we do have over 40 budget hearings that are forthcoming, where we can insert our desires in those budget hearings as well too. So but always support more time. So thank you member waters, and looking forward to those discussions. Alright, so that line item will be brought back in one week from the legislative policy division.
Council member Johnson a resolution line item 15.2.
Councilmember Johnson
Thank you, Madam President Move for approval.
motion has been made for approval and this is in support of the National Infrastructure Bank act of 2021. Any objections? Hearing none, that one resolution will be approved for the internal operations standing committee from the Office of contracting and procurements.
Madam President, there are five contracts of four vote today from the internal operations standing committee. First up we have contract number 60005541 2%. City funding amendment number 13 to provide an increase of funds only for legal representation to the city of Detroit. And impending litigation involving claims against the city for ongoing cases, contractors think brezec PLLC total contract amount $4,570,000 And this contract is for the law department. The next contract is contract number 60038741 2%. City funding amendment number one, to provide an extension of time and an increase of funds for legal counsel on immigration employee sponsorships for the city of Detroit contractors Cargill PLC, sort of 100 mile $80,000 And this contract is for the law department as well. The next contract is contract number 60044891 2%. City funding to provide edit functionality for the grievance tracking system with a disciplinary action tracking module to the existing HR system including migration and implementation, technical support, training and ongoing maintenance contract is Quantum Information Systems Solutions, Inc. total contract amount $76,766.67 667 cents and this contract is for human resources. The next contract is contract number 60042161 2%. City funding amendment number one to provide an extension of time and an increase in funds for the continuation of employee engagement contract is guidehouse Inc, total contract amount $134,000. And this contract is for human resources. That is contracts contract number 6004656. A one one 2%. City funding amendment number one, to provide an increase of funds for the pre litigation services in connection with condemnation matters relating to the Detroit City Airport contract is a lower and Associates PC total contract amount $250,000. And this contract is for the law department. Councilmember Johnson's five resolutions, line items 16.1 to 16.5. Noting that line item 16.1 to 16.4 were postponed from last week's formal session.
Thank you, Councilmember Johnson.
Thank you, Madam President. I believe there are still outstanding questions for all five of these contracts. So move forward discussion. On line item 16.1 16.1.
discussion.
Thank you, Madam President.
I believe there is someone here from the law department.
Good afternoon everyone. Crime Andersen law department.
Thank you, Attorney Anderson. So Are we all set with this particular contract that didn't receive an update?
I believe so.
Okay. All right. Thank
you. Well, then motion to approve line item 16.1.
A motion has been made for approval for 16.1. Are there any objections? Objection? Right. The clerk would no member Calloway Member Santiago De Muro Kirkwood so no hearing no other objection The motion carries for approval.
Member Johnson.
Thank you, Madam President move for discussion. You know what? Move for approval on line item 16.2.
motion has been made for approval for line item 16.2. Are there any objections objection and I think I heard member Callaway Yes. You remember Santiago renewal? Any additional nose? All right, hearing none the motion carries for approval.
Member Johnson.
Thank you, Madam President Move for approval on line item 16.3 and 16 point for
discussion. All right, discussion member waters.
Thank you, Madam President. I never did receive responses to my questions on 16.3 Well, I'd like to accept we postpone this job. I do.
Remember water. So I'm sorry. I couldn't hear you.
So I'd like to ask that we postpone 60.3 until I receive answers to my questions. All right,
Mr. Washington. I hope you're listening. There were questions submitted. I'm not sure if someone is one and has received member waters questions so that we are not posted continuing to postpone this line item. I mean, this has been on the agenda now for two weeks.
Um, yes, Madam Chair. I was not aware of those questions, but we do have HR online. We have Ursula Taylor as well as Kim Wagner. And Asante. Booker.
can move them over please.
Good afternoon, Miss Taylor. Good afternoon.
All right. If you can just state your name and title for the public please. Yes.
Good afternoon.
My name is Ursula Taylor, Human Resources Deputy Director. All right. Member waters has submitted questions. Have you received member waters questions in writing?
I apologize. I don't have any additional questions. But I would be glad to address any questions that you may have.
Councilmember waters
No, no, I just I just you know, want them to respond to the ones that I submitted.
So there's no they don't have they have one. Please just mentioned that she has not received any questions and right. Really? Yeah. Okay. All right. So we won't go back and forth here. But I would like to have this resolved. Ladies, please. By next week. Councilmember waters has submitted questions in writing member waters if you could resend those to the department again today. All right. We can please have the responses I'm sure she wants to know right and you don't want to hear him verbally. She would like those in writing and so that we can move this contract out next week please.
No
matter what. Okay. All right. Thank you so much for being here. Member waters has requested that 16.3 be postponed for one week. Is there any objection? Hearing none, 16.3 will be postponed for one week. Councilmember Johnson
Thank you,
Madam President moved for approval on line item 16.4.
motion has been made for approval for line item 16.4. Any objections objection. The Kirkwood no councilmember Calloway. So no any other objections? Hearing none that motion carries. Council member Johnson. Thank you, Madam
President. Move for approval on line item 16.5.
motion has been made for approval. Are there any objections? Discussion? Discussion? Yes, Member Santiago Amuro. Thank you Madam President. Our office did also submit questions to law. Yes, I am one of the four that will not be here next week. But I simply just will need the responses to the questions that I have. And hopefully we get what we need and we can move this forward and not request for another postponement. But we have not received at the answers to our questions. Yes. And I will be asking to postpone this by one week. Any discussion on this particular motion? All right, hearing none motion was made to postpone 16.5 for one week. And again, Mr. Washington if you are listening, if we can please make sure that departments are responding to council members questions so that we can move these contracts for motion has been made to postpone Hearing no objections that motion is
approved. From the law department.
Council member Johnson two resolutions lineup 16.6 and 16.7.
Council member Johnson Thank you, Madam
President Move for approval. These are two lawsuit settlement requests.
motion has been made. Are there any objections to the two resolutions? Hearing none that motion those resolutions are approved. From the legislative policy division,
Councilmember Johnston two resolutions line items 16.8 and 16.9.
Alpha member Johnson.
Thank you Madam President Move for approval line item 16.8 is to reestablish the Detroit City Council human and sex trafficking task force and also move for approval on 16.9 to reestablish the youth and Civic Engagement Task Force.
motion has been made. Are there any objections? Hearing none, the two resolutions will be approved.
Under resolutions,
madam president ballots for appointments to the reparation Task Force have been passed out to all council members. At this time, I will defer to the legislative policy division to direct your body on how you should vote.
Thank you. Good afternoon,
honorable body. President Sheffield, Edward King Ltd you should have before you the ballot for a selection of the reparations Taskforce. There are 13 individuals nominated nine seats available. Will you please vote for all nine no plunking.
I'm sorry, please. Can you say that again? Mr. King speak a little bit louder.
I'm sorry. Can you please vote for all 913 positions 13 nominees nine positions. Can you please vote for all nine? No plunking
Okay, so council members are to select one name and if you can just clarify whether or not we have to select names for each district or we can just select nine from however we would like to choose.
Yes, you can just select nine names. The top nine nominees out of the 13 individuals will be seated.
Okay, Protune would like his ballot back in. Yes. Pretend the floor is yours. So
thank you, Madam President. Yeah, I was under the impression that we had to select from each district. Each council member had a nominee and we would for instance the two at large have one individual that that that they had nominated and I was under the impression because they only had one that we automatically had to choose that one from the at large members but what you're saying just for clarification is out of the 13 total, regardless of where they come from within the city of Detroit in terms of districts, nomination nominations. We choose a nine no less than nine out of all of the 13 Correct that is correct. Thank you. May I have another ballot please?
So yeah, and I think there may have been some confusion around this. I thought originally the idea was that each council member would nominate two individuals, but we would kind of defer to that council member on the appointment that they wanted in their particular districts so that we have someone from each council district that is represented, and I'm not sure Mr. Whittaker if you all pulled the resolution that we voted on that spoke to the process.
Do you the resolution approved by council stated that each individual council member would nominate two people and out of those possible maximum 18. As we see everyone didn't submit to individuals. The top nine would be selected out of that pool. But it is at the council's discretion to handle this any way that they see that they'd like to
Okay. All right.
Any additional questions? Number protein,
yeah, likely. Excuse me. I like what you just said. Attorney Kingda we could choose out of the nine because, I mean, I had an opportunity to review the videos, the interviews and some of them are stronger than others and you know without being cornered or pushed into voting for someone, simply because they satisfy a district. I know that's what the and I'm also a process guy. So if what we have in the resolution states what attorney King is saying now, today, which was not my understanding, but if he's saying that then I would like to honor the resolution what was being said. But, again, that wasn't my understanding. Initially, it was that we would, you know, each each district would have a representative. But again, I've got two good ones that I don't mind you represent both of them. So I want to get both of you on here. So might be a little bias.
Just for the record. I am not an attorney.
Okay. Additional questions. Member water followed by member Doha. Well, well,
well, just a comment. I kind of liked the way we've done it. Each person has a representative that that they nominated. I feel very strong about that. I'm sorry, it wasn't clear from the beginning, but I kind of liked the way that it ended up. And so I don't want to revote. I like who I nominated. I voted for her. And I mean that's that's where I am and I hope that we can all see it that way. It just wasn't clear. So and I was hoping that because you originally said each each council member will have an appointee, but they're saying that the resolution didn't say that. That's interesting. I should have read it more closely. Thank you.
All right. Thank you member waters. Yes. Remember? Your ha.
Thank you, Madam President. I just wanted to clarify we are only selecting nine names. Correct. Through you, madam president.
That is correct, sir.
Okay, so whether they're at large, whether they're from districts. My name's Tony, is all we can select. That's correct. All right.
Thank you. All right. Any additional questions? Yes. Remember, young is not questioning statements. Yes. statement.
I mean, you know, I just don't like the way this process and now because the person I'm nominating could be left out. You and I'm saying I mean, I thought we were gonna do it. Everybody could be included. And so in that process, that's how I thought this is gonna be an inclusive process. So just from a personal standpoint, I think the person why paid to Leeds narc in the city of Detroit. And as an American reparations commission, I thought was a good pick and I want her to be on the commission. That's why I did so. I mean, it is what it is now, but that's the whole process I thought was explained to me so.
Yep. And I agree, I agree with you member young and that is why the ballot before you actually distinguishes the different districts so that we can see and vote accordingly. I'm not sure members if you guys want to just have a consensus here at the table that we will move forward with that process with the ballot before seeing it. That is what we are. Simply we're in agreement with when we submitted our names. I am supportive that I have selected everyone who they recommended and I'm just an out of respect of the process and that that is your district. So I support number waters and I support my colleagues and moving forward with the process that we had already laid out. If that is the agreement upon among the members, yes, pro tem tight.
Thank you, Madam President. But it sounds like the there were certain members that did not follow the initial procedure in recommending at least two people. So we it's almost like we can't pick and choose which avenue we want to accept because the request the resolution as as read said that each member should recommend to up to
some people just didn't want to or to this up to Yeah, yeah, so some people just didn't want to submit to people. Yeah, like I want to write Yeah, some members didn't want to submit to people. They knew who they wanted in their district. All right, so council members if we can make our selections, and I think that there's an agreement to follow the process. That we all have laid out and we can submit our ballots.
There's Thank you
If you can,
I had to stay.
Thank
you, Madam President. I just want to ask so if we only have one person that we picked that is part of this ballot, what happens to that pig? only got one day am I am I reading this right here? As opposed to only put only got one
the two would have been nominated for an interview. Okay, now we have 13 individuals to pick for nine seats. Okay.
All right I got people want Yeah, and I gotcha. All right.
Know that I get
the answer I'm misunderstood again. So what happens if the two of the two at large members don't have a representative? That's what I meant. So just want to say is that the process will happen? No, just
the process will happen. The the process was designed that each council member could possibly have an appointment but that didn't mean that it would represent a district. Okay. You understand what? You could appoint someone who didn't live in a district or district five personal person could appoint someone who lived in another district. Okay. So it was a city why appointment but each council member got to nominate two individuals from a pool of city wide
nominate and this is the process where they go from exactly. Everybody but everybody from everybody from everybody's district won't be representing who they picked right it will be whoever gets the most out of the list. Exactly. So there's a possibility that my opinion cannot go no because it was part it wasn't
where we just agreed upon your member will be selected in so when member waters member be select okay, because we're all going to defer to the council members nomination that came through the committee. And so it should be a representative from each district and then the two at large selections as well. Okay, so we're all good. You're all good. Person. All right. We're good.
Yeah, that is correct.
All right. Are you ready Mr. Clark?
I am Madam President. The results of the ballots are as follows. Alan venerable has six votes. Councilmember Santiago Romero. Councilmember Daryl Hall, Councilmember Johnson. Councilmember Benson. Council President Pro Tem Tate and council president shifter you. Lisa Thomas has three votes. Councilmember waters, Councilmember Whitfield Callaway and Councilmember Young. Jeffrey Robinson has eight votes. Councilmember waters, Councilmember Santiago Romero. Councilmember Johnson. Councilmember Whitfield Callaway, Councilmember Benson. Councilmember Tate. Councilmember president. Schiff for you. And council member young.
The male Commons has nine votes. Council members waters. Council Member Santiago Romero. Council member Jerry Hall Council Member Johnson. Councilmember Whitfield Callaway, Councilmember Benson. Council President Pro Tem Tate, council president Sheffield and council member young 22 Reeves has one vote council president pro tem Tate. Bernard Parker has eight votes. Councilmember waters, Councilmember Santiago Romero. Councilmember dirt Hall, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Whitfield Callaway, Councilmember Benson. Council President Sheffield and Councilmember Young. Gregory Hicks has nine votes. Councilmember waters councilmember Santiago Romero. Councilmember Darryl Hall, Council Member Johnson. Councilmember Whitfield Callaway, Councilmember Benson. Council President Pro Tem Tate, council president Sheffield and council member Young. Maurice weeks has seven votes councilmember waters councilmember Santiago Romero. Councilmember dirt Hall, Council Member Johnson, Councilmember Whitfield Callaway, Councilmember Benson and council president Sheffield. Maya Holmes has two votes, council president pro tem Tate and Councilmember young Janice Hazel has eight votes. Councilmember waters councilmember Santiago Romero. Councilmember dirt Hall, Councilmember Johnston, Councilmember Whitfield Callaway, Council Member Benson. Council President Pro Tem Tate and council president shift for you Erica Maria. has two votes. Councilmember Daryl Hall and Councilmember Young. Sydney Holloway. Callaway I'm sorry, has eight votes. Councilmember waters councilmember Santiago Romero. Councilmember Johnson. Councilmember Whitfield Callaway. Councilmember Benson, council president pro tem tait, council president Sheffield and council member young. I need a bail has eight votes. Council member waters Council Member Santiago mero. Council member Johnson. Councilmember Winfield Callaway, Councilmember Benson councilmember Tate, council president. I'm sorry, council president pro tem take council president Sheffield and council member Young.
All right, Mr. Clark. Yes. So just really quick. There's a couple of them that were only eight votes and there's only one selection so it should be nine council members that should have voted. So for example, at large need to bail you said eight should be nine. Right.
The council member der Hall did not vote for that person.
I'm sorry, but I thought we had to vote that's what we just agreed upon. Right. Okay. Okay. Yes, pro tem.
Madam President, we also had district tools represented we only had eight as well and I may have her for district three, eight
volts as well. Yeah.
And it was
told to us that we shall vote no less than nine that's, again, we're gonna follow the rules because I had a whole list of the different
is everyone
selected like everybody's people?
With madam president, if you'd like me to give you the top nine names, would that help or No? We'll figure it out.
Okay, Mr. Clark,
top nine names are Ellen venerable Jeffrey Robinson, Camille Collins, Renard Parker, Gregory Hicks, Maurice weeks. Janice Hazel, Sydney. Callaway and Anita bale. Great
thanks. Alright. So that is the the nominations have been made, and the resolution can now be moved for approval with those names. Thank you, colleagues. Thank you to everyone who went through this process and excited to seek the reparations Task Force for me.
Council member Johnson a resolution line item 16 point 11.
nominating? No. 16 point 11. All right, member Johnson.
Thank you, Madam President. Move for approval. Based on the names indicate about Mr. Clerk.
All right motion has been made for approval. Are there any objections? Hearing none, the resolution is approved.
request a waiver so
waiver has been requested Hearing no objections that action will be taken under resolutions.
Councilmember Johnson three resolutions. None of 16 point 12 To 16 point 14.
Council member Johnson.
Thank you Madam President Move for approval.
motion has been made for approval. Are there any objections? Hearing none, v3 resolutions will be approved.
Madam President. Yes. I'd like to request a waiver on line item 16 point 12 through 16 point 14.
All right, a waiver has been requested and these are just appointments to the historic district commission are any objections? Hearing none, that motion is approved. Or the Planning and Economic Development standing committees from the mayor's office.
Council President Pro Tem Tate a resolution line item 17.1.
President Pro Tem Tate
President Move approval in line item 17.1. Please.
motion has been made. Any objections?
Discussion?
Discussion? Yes Member Santiago Amuro. Thank you, Madam President. I do see that there is a the properties are being deemed necessary to promote health, safety and welfare to the public. I would just like to brief explanation as to how so this is for the Detroit Regional convention facility authorization. All right, Mr. Washington if you can please come on.
Madam Chair, we have look Polson. First go man online All right, we will move him over.
Afternoon
council president and honorable Council maybe heard Yes, you can. Wonderful.
I think for the invitation to speak I did hear the question unfortunately.
I think I need to defer to the law department because I believe that is language from the resolution the law department included in order to effectuate the property donation so if this body could be briefly patient as Mr. Goldman is promoted, I'd be
grateful for it. It's great.
Parents do we see Mr. Coleman on.
Madam president he was on and I tried to promote them but I do not see him any longer.
Right. So what we can do, se is logging on um, customer. Do you want to maybe just postpone this or bring this towards the end of the agenda, we can move forward with it. It's fine. You sure? Yes. I've gotten information. Thank you. Okay. All right.
Madam president he is on now. Okay.
Remember, Councilmember did you still would like to hear from Mr. Bobby earth if you wouldn't mind explaining to us and to the public. Why this is necessary to promote the health and safety and welfare of the public. Mr. Goldman Good afternoon.
I was having some difficulty with the logging on Zoom. So, this was for the expansion of the
convention facility. The environmental analysis was done and it was determined that no effect on the city's liability and the the language from the city code addressing the waiver of costs and other components of that analysis require a finding of
public necessity and for the public good.
Right. Thank you so much, Mr. Goldman. Alright, is any additional questions for this line item? All right, hearing none, thank you, Mr. Goldman, for your time, motion has been made to approve. 17.1 Are there any objections? Hearing no objections. That resolution will be approved. From the City Planning Commission. Thank you Mr. Colby. Planning Commission.
Council President potentate a resolution line item 17.2.
President Pro Tem Tate
President Move approval line item 17.2. Please
write motion has been made for approval and this is for our 2023 2024 community development block grant neighborhood Opportunity Fund program schedule and hearings which start tomorrow. Any discussion? All right Hearing no discussion a motion has been made for approval for our schedule. Mr. Todd I do see you have joined us did you have anything you would like to add?
Alright, looks like he is frozen and colleagues. This is just the schedule I think there was a date change on Friday.
Okay, thank you.
All right, hearing no further discussion, motion has been made for approval. Are there any objections? Hearing none, the one resolution will be approved. From the housing and revitalization department.
Council President Pro Tem Tate a resolution nine 17.3.
President pro 21
President move approval of line item 17.3. Please.
motion has been made for approval. Are there any objections? Hearing none, the one resolution will be approved. From the planning and development department.
Council President Pro Tem Tate a resolution line item 17.4.
President Pro Tem Tate
President move approval of line item 17.4 Noting that the recommendation from the committee was to deny
right move for discussion of discussion. I'm assuming that members would like to speak one is line item. I think we've been joined by the law department. Mr. Maroon is here. And so before we turn it over to the law department, Council Member, did you have any remarks go ready? Yes, they do. Thank you so much, Madam President, and sorry to our PD committee members who have already heard the statement but I did want to share our efforts regarding the discussed land transfer. Residents who live in Hubbard Rashard, directly next to Riverside Park and the Ambassador Bridge had been meeting with the Detroit International Bridge Company since September of last year regarding the 3085 was Jefferson. His conversations had been promising and but the mutually agreeable measure to preserve one of the Detroit's oldest neighborhoods and protect families that call it home has yet to be reached. My office and I have been a part of these conversations to amplify frontline residents concerns and to help work towards an agreement that would address the concerns of community and their feelings that their neighborhood is being taken over and that their feelings regarding their health and safety are in afterthoughts residents in the immediate community do not yet feel an agreement has been reached. That provides sufficient assurances to prevent land use changes that would adversely impact their health and the fabric of the neighborhood. Further and alarming. residents know that the IBC has plans to acquire more properties, displacing residents and the desire to close in and street between Lafayette and fourth streets. The fact is that the IBC has told residents that they are likely to expand their customs plaza that discussed LEA is slated to be for future second spans. Therefore, for the final land swap to proceed the community is calling for an agreement that includes one dBc transfers its properties on St. Anne street to a community land trust to the D IBC transfers a handful of properties that it's in its interior of Hubbard Rashard to a community land trust and three, a guarantee that the IBC will enter into its own community benefits agreements, if and when there's a second span to be built. This is not whether or not I supports or anyone supports Riverside Park we all do. I love Riverside Park, I go there often, and I was a part of the advisory community advisory committee. But before we complete this deal to finalize our world class Park, we need to ensure Hubbard Rashard residents have world class protections. This isn't about a park. By the way, if you were to go there right now you can enjoy in all its glory. Whenever someone calls in to say we need to complete the park. What they're really saying is we need to complete a parking lot. Yes, let's finish a park. Let's use the resources readily available to us. And let's build something beautiful for Detroit's because we deserve nice things. But we also deserve to live in healthy and thriving communities, not ones that are bombarded by truck traffic pollution, noise and other advanced adverse effects to our residents in the impacted area that are that have been dealing with this and will continue to endure this if we do not settle on protections with the DI BC. We have a lot of investment coming to this area of the city. There is a rebirth of central station there are hotels, there are apartments that are residents being developed near restaurants being developed near the river. We all want green spaces. These spaces should be safe, clean and unhealthy environments. We all support Riverside Park, but those that are calling in support of the park are failing to mention the current negative environmental impacts caused by the amounts of truck traffic that we received due to the Ambassador Bridge. I have shared with my colleagues images of the current pollution due to bridge diesel fumes of the more than 210 1000 trucks in the neighborhood. I also want to note that the city needs to pass a truck route ordinance and a fugitive just ordering to support the safety and residents of our city. This is not just about the health and well being of my residents in Hobart Rashard in southwest Detroit. This is about the health and safety of all residents who could visit the river across the city. Yes, including districts 12345 and seven. This is about protecting visitors who come to our river and Parks from across the states and across the country. There is a petition where we have almost 800 residents from across the city, with cities of codes urging us to vote no unless we finalize an agreement with CIBC. I wanted to be able to say today that we are close to completing a private community agreements when unfortunately, I believe we need more time and more will in order to do so. I am respectfully asking my colleagues to vote no on this land deal unless the IBC is willing to complete our process that will yield the community agreements. The 2015 LEA is valid for 25 years, meaning that the D IBC could continue to come to council to ask us to vote on this land swap again, which I want to do, but only if we allow residents more time to negotiate in agreement with them that centers their lives and well being how you how we how we vote on this matter will directly impact the circumstances and quality of life of my residents and everyone who misses Riverside Park. I am not here to fight a park. I am here to fight for the health and rights to breathe clean air of every single person that loves Detroit's who lives here and who visits our beautiful city Thank you Madam President. Thank you member councilmember Santiago Romero. So individuals who are here with us that would like to come up as we start this discussion, Mr. Marone not sure if he would like to come up at this time to address the council and I think someone from the law department probably should be on as well. And that Mr. Brad dick I do see you as well. If you can just hold on for one second, please
just press the
button on the actual microphone.
Good afternoon I'm Krystal Perkins. I'm Deputy Director of the General Services Department. And I'm just here to just talk a little bit background about the agreement between the city of Detroit and the morale of the in 2015. As we know the city council agreed for the exchange of roughly about 3.78 3.7 acres of land for about 4.71 acres of land and in exchange we receive prime Realty that's off the water. Now, a lot of amenities have been added to this location because of the minerals keeping up there part of the agreement which is like the basketball courts, the soccer field, the restroom facilities. The completion does not only include the parking lot, but it also includes the boat law boat launch a fisherman's war including in the parking lot, but also Burt metals with a fishing area. And then there's going to be playscapes with some aquatic amenities as well. So that's the second phase for the completion of the agreement that was done in 2015.
Thank you and Mr. Maroney, you could also come up as well. And I just want to thank all of the community members that have come down. Also remember, Santiago mural you'll work on one this I know our office has been in some of those conversations trying to bring everyone together and I think that yes, member young I see up there, she can come back. As soon as I finished. You can have the floor. Thank you. Thank you. I just wanted to personally thank the work that has been put into this to date by our council member also I know the bridge company has come to the table to try to negotiate some type of community benefits for the community. I just want to state where I am that I am torn on the fact that we do have some legal obligations obligations in this particular agreement that is before us but I will say that I am hopeful that we can't come to an agreement because I've been in some of these negotiations with the bridge company in the community. And so I would like you maroon as you make your statement if you can share some of the agreements that you all have reached a date, some progress that may have been made, and maybe some of the things that are also outstanding as well. As you make your comments and then number young, we'll come back to the previous speaker.
Thank you. Matt, maroon council members, Council President, thank you for the opportunity to request that you vote to complete the agreement on Riverside Park. I too, would like to see Riverside Park become world class. It certainly sits right next to a world class bridge. I think the two should go together quite nicely. I need to bring up the history for a minute on Riverside Park in the agreement. My company, my family. We were not getting along with the city very well at all. There was lots of acrimony. There was hard feelings. It was 2014 early 2015.
Know cooperation either way.
And an opportunity came up to deal with Riverside Park and otherwise dead park in the city and an opportunity for us to acquire three acres under the shadow of the bridge. Many things happened. I met with the mayor's office. I met with city councilors. We had a number of public meetings. Many folks attended those public meetings, and it wasn't always fun.
But we crafted an agreement,
an agreement that talked about all the items that me and my company had to do and had to do first as a business man, that was against all the training that I'd ever received. But if you're going to break the cycle, and develop a good relationship, or start to develop a good relationship, instead of one that was filled with anger and hostility, somebody's got to step out. So I decided to take the risk and do that. And I went first and city council passed the agreement
and I started work
we conveyed fire immediately. We conveyed five acres of riverfront property to the city. We removed a tenant that was paying us good rent in a warehouse along the waterfront. We demolished the warehouse. We transferred $3 million to the city for the park improvements that have occurred today. We put 1000 windows in the train station to the tune of four point something million dollars selfishly that turned out good for me. sold the depot to Ford Motor Company. I think it turned out very well for the city to and fantastic for Ford What a gem
no one
no one has any argument that me and my company haven't lived up to every item in the agreement. We have honored our commitment. What I'm asking you today to do is to honor the city side of the agreement. I've done my part. Now I realize that there are other matters and there always be other matters in the city that my companies or the bridge company is involved with that have nothing to do with Riverside Park. And I pledge to you that there are good positive outcomes to be had in those other matters, whether it's Hubbard Rashard or, or 14th Street or some development in in an East Side district. I pledge to you that I will work with you on those things.
But I made a mistake
in allowing Riverside Park agreement to be held up in exchange for talks on another agreement. And I think that the question that needs to be asked is why would I enter into a new agreement until this agreement is honored? I've been doing a number of city council meetings and I know if the shoe was on the other foot and I was coming to you with a new proposal. One of the very first questions that someone on council would ask, is has this developer completed all of the agreements and all the stipulations that they've already agreed to? Because if they haven't done that, we're not going to take up a new agreement with them. I know that's the fact I've heard it countless times.
So yes,
I'm happy to engage in talking about other agreements. I'm happy to do that. And I think there's some very positive outcomes that can be reached. But I don't want to engage in talks of another agreement. Well, this one is still outstanding in being held hostage. I need this agreement to be completed the city needs it to be completed. And yes, then we can get on with something else. But the threatened this agreement indirectly or directly and the city's obligation to make good on it in hopes that I agree to something else or I get leveraged into something else is not proper. And I believe there's so many good things that have already happened with the Riverside Park Agreement. Park is not a dead Park. It's a beautiful park. The $2 million would only do even more for it. And it would it bill it can I can build on that relationship with the city that's not filled with acrimony and hard feelings. We've accomplished some very good things together. But I look forward to working on things with whether it's Hubbard Rishard community or anything else. But I need this agreement done first.
Thank you.
Thank you. We can open it now for questions from my colleagues Member Santiago Ramiro followed by councilmember Yeah, thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Unfortunately, it's not enough to just want to say we're gonna be able to pass this today and work towards an agreement. There are still a number of things that the company is doing. That is not is not favorable for community members, one of those being illegal operations on parcels that are zoned residential or mixed use. There has been I have been told
that the that
the
ambassador ports Corp, which is operated by the Maroons, still over a million dollars in unpaid bills and drainage fees. So I understand that you may have done what you had to do for this agreement that was made with the mayor, not with community but with the administration, that you've done your due diligence on that and but there is still a history and there are still many things that continue to negatively impact residents where it's hard to believe your word to be able to move this forward without an agreement and I'm sorry to hold as you say this hostage but is the only leverage that we have given that this land deal is literally written for a second bridge another span and when your company has told us you are looking to displace residents block bust and closing and street so I hear you I understand that I am working off of what I know to be true. The history of the company, the current status of how you manage to do business and in the district and across the city. And it being very hard to believe that if we were to pass this today would actually be working with us and coming up with any kind of protections for residents. This isn't unfortunately something that we can take your word by it. This is a process that I'm trying to follow to ensure protections for residents. And are you saying then that moving today, you are not willing to continue to meet with residents for us to finalize an agreement you're you're hoping that council just vote this up or down today? The chair or the chairman, council president to you, Mr. Murrow, all right.
Always willing to talk.
Why would I enter into another agreement? Before this one has lived up to? You wouldn't?
Thank you. Member young, followed by member Johnson.
Withdraw
the word from Miss Perkins. You're not no no.
I appreciate you.
Thank you for your testimony. Mr. Murrow, I just
first of all,
let me say this. This is not the way I would have done this. I personally think that if this is something that was always instilled as needed, I was saying this is what the community wanted. I think that is something that should have been negotiated upfront in the deal. I wasn't there. I just came on the Council on what happened. From my understanding, you could correct me if I'm wrong there when you said yourself there was conversations previously, I think there were still things that you did agree to. I personally think because I'm okay. Because the way the way I operate is if everybody can go home with a win, let's go home with the winner takes what the defense gives you. And so I think there's an opportunity here for us to be able to at least at least, put forth what we agree on. Because from what my understanding was, we were 66% of the way there because you're not going to get everything in life. That's not how it works. I agree with you, but I think that if we can at least go home with the community got some of what they want it we can make this a better deal where everybody can go on something. Is that something that you will be open to and all
counselor I'm very open to it. Very open as part of the right and I go now in I can't I can't present to you better evidence than the fact that in the Riverside Park deal. I did everything first. So any hesitancy that I won't be interested in in listening or making a deal. With Hubbard Rashard, or some other matter.
Look at the evidence.
Before the city did anything. I transferred $3 million before the city did anything. I put in 2000 windows in the depot before the city did anything. I kicked out a tenant and tore down the warehouse. I've done all these things first. So now you asked me if I won't, if I won't, in good faith, work on something after this deal is done. I will I promise. I promise and I've got a good track record now. But before I enter into a new agreement, I have to request that the city finish its part on the agreement that I already have.
Because I understand what you're saying. And I get they were asking you more than wasn't the original Greek. And like you I don't like when people change the deal at the close of day. I only surprised that like are on my birthday. I get that good. But I just think it would be a mistake in my mind. If we didn't do everything we could least meet people halfway. Now again, I understand where you're coming from. I understand you coming from I understand this unfairly. I'm not saying this is fair to you at all. I get that you make a legitimate point. You've done everything that you did under the agreement. I understand this could happen before you got to this point. I'll just say it again, just from a perspective of he says there was two thirds of the way there to me, I well two thirds of stuff is better than 100%. And let me say this. The reason why I support this is because one reason why Riverside Park despite the people loving the park is such a great attraction is because the park that used to be a great attraction was alive. But what happened with when the state started managing managing the lab was a crackdown by Michigan State Police. And so a lot of people who will go to that park and look for refuge got arrested and got harassed. So to avoid that, now they go to Riverside Park and these other local parks because of that. So this is the last refuge for a lot of people. And this is one of the few things that we all in Detroit are as Michiganders and Americans do together. So I understand that this negotiation I understand this a different deal. But I just personally think that it's very rare. We have opportunity every day, especially in politics, where everybody can go home with something. So I was just I would just I would just implore I'm not saying you have to do it. I would just implore you I'm all Bedi could at least reconsider and at least go two thirds of the way. Before we before we know this. And I'm done. Thank you remember
young counselor, you got me. I promise I will do it. But if everybody goes home with something I'd like to go home with the first thing I got. Okay. Right. That's all just
remember Young's point. And so there has been negotiations that have taken place. Yes. As relates to this agreement. Yeah. And I think it will be helpful maybe to share I mean, some compromises that have been made some commitments that your company has made from my understanding. Two out of the three proposals from the council member had been agreed upon, if I'm not mistaken, one of which was you are willing to enter into a community benefits agreement if in fact, a second span is built the second one was around down downzoning some properties and that there was just one outstanding issue that we have not been able to agree upon. And that is the transfer of properties around St. Anne Street, which we're almost there but we just can't get to that one part. And so just to come in, you know, both of you. I mean, there has been some compromise on both ends, and I think someone should speak to some negotiations. And what have came out come out of that so that the public is aware that there has been some compromises in negotiations that have taken place to date.
Council President, I stand corrected. You're right. I've, I we have already agreed to some things. You're You're right, even even without the completion of this agreement. So at first there was a concern that well, what if you build a new bridge? Well, we're not going to build a new bridge. Okay. But what if you do anyways? Well, we made an agreement already done on top of this agreement that says if we, before we do, there's a series of public meetings and community meetings that we'll have to deal with, and and deal with appropriately before that can even take place. So that's already done. And you're right. There's been other discussions where we've talked about where we've been asked to trade away some locks that we own in the Hubbard Rishard community and I think that's a possibility. I think we could I think we're very close on that. I think all those things are great. But it's not proper. To take the one thing that remains out of the Riverside Park Agreement. The only thing that my company is supposed to get and hold that up as leverage. Why can't we talk on even footing about the next agreement after this one is done? Why did why is it necessary to hold up the first one is leverage over those discussions. It's not proper. I don't want to use the word legal or illegal around the lawyers but it's not proper. I want to get this one done.
All right. Thank you. And before I know everyone probably has comments, I'll turn it over to council members. I just really quick wanted to hear from Corporation Counsel again on if we are to voted down and I just want to make sure I'm clear. That if we are to voted down today, to require that they go back into negotiations that the court would then come back and say there was a breach of contract and order specific performance, which would mean that you will come back to us for a vote but it would not say that we have to vote a certain way. Right. We just have our obligations as council members to do our job. So it would just be back before us again, for a vote. Is that correct? Or if you can explain.
So, council president Conrad Malik Corporation Council, I appreciate the opportunity. This is an interesting moment. The discussion that we have had regularly is what would happen if a judge ordered specific performance. focus just on that what the judge would order is for this council to place back on the agenda the land exchange agreement for approval. I doubt very seriously if the judge is going to order an outcome and take away the decision from the legislative body. There is a different however set of circumstances that might arise. Suppose and I and I really really hesitate to bring this up because I don't represent the bridge company. They've got their own lawyers there. But suppose the bridge company were under different leadership. Go into court and say Your Honor, we consider the moment that we are in with the city of Detroit. To be in breach. We believe that the city's consistent failure, consistent failure to do that which it is obligated to do based on the agreement that it signed, where every condition precedent has been met. that the city is in breach, and rather, Your Honor, then us speculate on the damages that we have suffered. We want to in fact, be returned to our original positions. Your Honor, we want restitution and we want the return of that which belongs to us. Now, where that to be the case, I would present for the judge a very interesting opportunity one. The city would keep the 3.7 acres that has yet to be transferred to the bridge company to the 4.71 acres that the GSD and Miss Perkins made reference to the judge could order that be returned. The interesting question that I've got and still don't know the answer to is what about the building that was torn down? What about the tenants that were dismissed? What about all the costs associated with making the land environmentally appropriate? What about all of those costs? In fact, how do you return the bridge company? back to its original position? And so on top of of the question as to damages on top of the question of restitution. Then you have the judge, then getting a list of all of the costs that the bridge company incurred. And figuring out damages based on the statutes that exist in the state of Michigan, and something called the law of damages that is just a part and parcel of the restatement of contracts. So this is an interesting moment. This is a moment where if a different decision by a different set of representatives from the bridge company, we're simply to say that the avenue chosen by the current leadership has not gotten us as far as we would like. The city has shown regularly, regularly over the course of the last 14 months, that it is not interested in completing this transaction, and would argue to the judge that there has therefore been a breach and recognizing the ineffectiveness of specific performance, then the bridge company might argue that we simply would like to take our toys and go home. Now there, Madam President, I think you'd have a very, very different set of circumstances. I think there we have a very difficult position to defend and I think that the direct pathway out of all of these various hypotheticals is to recognize what has been said by Miss Perkins and to accept the fact that the bridge company has delivered on each one of the promises that the land exchange agreement requires every step that the agreement said should be taken has been accomplished. We said if Detroit collectively, we are the ones who have failed to keep our word. Seems to me that no order to not deal with hypotheticals. There is a direct pathway forward. It does not require speculation. You have in front of you an opportunity in fact, to close this transaction out. Not in fact, mix one opportunity with another and the idea that we would use this contract as leverage for one thing over another. Really. That is really not the way that you would expect of the law department to direct that we do business. Thank you. So
thank you Cooperation Council. I'm going to turn it over to members now starting with member der Hall, followed by member Johnson whispers I'm sorry, I am a long day. Remember Johnson? not intentional.
I actually
have a question for Mr. Maroon. I appreciate Corporation counsels information. I'm not sure who you were just counseling. Appreciate the information you provide it, Mr. Marrone. So my ears perked up when you said something about something happening on the east side. And I would love to have conversations around that. But I am wondering because I was not privy to what happened in 2015 because I was not here. So I'm trying to add, I think what happens is, we do a disservice to ourselves by not bringing council members up to speed who were not here to understand what transpired and where we are today. I'm pretty sure there was a plan that you had, that you want it to move forward on as it relates to the land that you now want
us to agree to provide to you.
I understand that you've done a number of things and so this is what's being held up. Talk about the plan for the land because when we sit in the Planning and Economic Development Committee, I there numerous times when I've asked for something to be brought back so that I could reach out to the developer to have conversations with them to get a better understanding of their capacity and what they are planning to do before we move forward. So help me to understand where the plan is, what what are you planning to do with that land? And I don't I really am not interested in hearing about if this happens, that's going to happen but what are you planning to
do with the land?
The land would be used exclusively for buffer and maintenance of the existing bridge between the park and the bridge. It's a long narrow strip that runs from Jefferson Avenue to the river. It's a 200 foot wide, it's a runway.
So again, what are you planning to do with the land because the land already exists? So are you putting some tree you're doing something there for its for because it's already a buffer? In essence, right?
It is. It's just that my company doesn't own it yet. That's all it it probably wouldn't look much different than it does now. Maybe we pretty it up a bit
and you can understand any environmental concerns that residents have
with regards to that land councillor? Yes. That That land is is somewhat contaminated. There was a former Detroit gas gasification plant on that property as there was part of Riverside Park and DTE did a large cleanup there. And I think the property is supposedly fine now.
Okay, thank you.
Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you member Johnson member Doha.
Thank you, Madam President. So just wrapping my thoughts in my head about this. Having a had the opportunity to represent a piece of Southwest Detroit at one time. A lot of the residents down there know a lot of the groups down there. And so far, one of the first things I
