All right. Good morning everyone. We will now call to order our formal session. If the clerk please call the roll. Shura
Council Member Scott Benson. Scott bins tonight. Councilmember Fred Hall, the third councilmember Leticia Johnson, Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Romero. Councilmember Mary waters. Present. Councilman councilmember Angela Winfield Callaway resident. Councilmember, call me on the second.
Council President Pro Tem James, take your council President Mary Sheffield president. Madam President, you have a quorum.
All right there being a quorum, we are in session and we will go straight to our invocation we have joining us Bishop Bishop Edgar van from second Ebenezer church who is joining us virtually for our invocation this morning. We can make sure he is moved over
madam president he has been moved over he just needs to turn on his camera and unmute himself
all right, Bishop fan we are ready to proceed just make sure your microphone is on. And your camera is on as well.
Good morning.
Morning.
I'm having a little difficulty with the camera.
Okay, no, no worries we can hear you.
Says the host is disabled
Yep. So we can hear you Bishop van if you want to proceed, but they you should have access
I will proceed. Oh, there you are. We can see you, Bishop.
Distinguished members of this office body, citizens of the city of Detroit Let us pray. Gracious, eternal and beneficent God, how we honor and thank you for this day and for the uplifted work of this esteemed Council. We lift our council president Sheffield, President Pro Tem Tate and ever a distinguished member, grant them in this critical hour in our city, both clarity and compassion, a deep understanding of their business and the needs of this community. May their hearts continue to be open to the people that they serve, and may their actions always be in the best interest of the common good. We also acknowledge with great gratitude as we celebrate the true renaissance of our city that we are experiencing in development and investment. We are grateful for the progress that we've witnessed the revitalization of our city and the opportunity IDs that are being created for Detroit errs. So as we move forward, oh, God made this council continue to foster an environment of collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity. And made their decisions be driven by a vision that embraces the rich diversity of our city. May You give them the grace to move the business of our city for, for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty for these in so many other things, we shall give you thanks and pray. Amen.
Amen.
All right. Thank you, Bishop. We appreciate your time and joining us this morning. Feel free to hang on as long as you can. If not, we do understand. Thank you so very much. All right. God bless you. Thank you so much. All right. We will proceed now with our agenda. We do have a presentation this morning from
the United Way, and we have the representatives that are here with us virtually. All right, Miss Hudson. Are you the only one?
Yes. Good
morning, President Sheffield. How
are you? I'm great. Thank you so much for joining us. Good morning.
Thank you for having me here. Would you like me to begin? Yes, ma'am.
You can proceed. Okay. Well, greetings
to President Sheffield and to President Pro Tem Tate. My name is Dr. Darian Hudson. I'm the proud president and CEO of the United Way for southeastern Michigan. I've been in the role now for five and a half years. Before I begin, I did want to just say thank you to Bishop van. He has been one of our campaign chairs and served us through the height of the pandemic. With such passion and commitment to our region. We're very thankful to you Bishop and it's always nice to see you I wanted to just take an opportunity to share with you the work that our United Way has been doing. We've been in existence now for well over 100 years and most recently have been quiet and intent on making sure that we are suit serving our community. Well, and with the same passion and commitment that I just referenced for Bishop van we have literally 1000s of people all hands on deck to make sure that we are serving the Detroit Metro Region. We are four counties now we are Wayne Oakland, Macomb and Washington, our county, we merged with Washington County on October 1, and we are bringing in over $50 million annually to serve our community. Our mission has always been to mobilize the caring power of our community, making sure that we bring people from all walks of life together to help make sure that people are able to thrive that their children are able to thrive, that they are able to maintain stability, and also that our communities are equitable. The values of our organization first and foremost, are about people. We are powered by people. And our mission is to serve the people of our region. We are also proud that equity and inclusion is a focus of our United Way that we continue to be committed to this work, we have now put in $3 million in our racial equity fund to serve organizations that are specifically led by bipoc leaders that's black, Indigenous and People of Color, making sure that organizations of all size sizes have the opportunity to benefit from the resources that we can provide. We are collaborators. And we are innovators always trying to find new ways that we are able to serve our community, especially as the need continues to grow. We are still running our two on one call center. That is the flagship program that we have. It is an information and referral service, not only for the city of Detroit, but for our region. We are actually seeing more calls now than we saw in 2020. If you can even believe that. It is still a significant issue for us in Detroit. Since 2020. We have had 276,046 calls comm 2211 And through that service, we've been able to provide 550,251 referrals to the residents of the city of Detroit alone. So the need is still great. We are focused intently on making sure that we are providing solutions to problems like food insecurity, transportation, which is something we talk about frequently. childcare as well as technology Yeah, and making sure that people are taking advantage of the tax incentives that are available like the Earned Income Tax Credit. We're very proud of the work that we are doing through our ride United program. We have now offered over 100,000 rides to our community in the city of Detroit to help people to get to work, help them get their children to school and to doctor's appointments. We're also very proud of the Kinect for care kids program that we are operating. It's a platform to help our families get access to child subsidies that are available for childcare. We know that continues to be the most expensive expense that our families are encountering. And we're also very proud of the programs that we're offering. In the area of utility assistance. We partner closely with DTE and Consumers Energy around our region, to make sure that we're serving over 10,000 families every year, and getting utility assistance. We still run a very robust grant program. Every year, we are giving between 15 and $20 million to our community through our grant program focusing on basic needs, education, wraparound services, and as I had mentioned, our racial equity fund, we are also very proud of the work that we do with our volunteers. We have galvanized over 40,000 hours annually of volunteer work with over 10,000 volunteers raising their hand to help us serve our community. And we continue to advocate we continue to advocate for our community, we work very closely with legislators at the state and at the federal level, to try to drive resources and policies that can help drive change in our community. And I appreciate your support, most recently for advocacy for more funding for 211, in the city of Detroit, in our region and around the state. The last thing I just wanted to mention, and I am talking quickly because I know I only have five minutes. But I did want to share with you that we are a part of the Kinect 313 partnership, we're very proud partners. Since its inception, we have 21 tech hubs across our city, we are serving over 29,000 residents through this program, making sure they have access to devices, making sure that they have access to digital literacy and resources, and also that they have Wi Fi and internet connection. We are funding at eight organizations that are in the city of Detroit, and serving our residents in the city of Detroit. And we have now also provided resources and training for oh, we'll see 1895 Detroit childcare providers, making sure that they are getting those licenses to be able to provide better care for our children our most precious resource. So the last thing I just wanted to leave you with is just knowing that we are here to serve, we are here to help. We want to be that first call that people make if they need help. And also if they want to provide help. We're very much interested in coming to your districts being able to sit down with your constituents and hear their needs and find the resources and support so we can connect them to to make sure that they're able to continue to thrive and do all of the things that they need to do to take care of their families. So with that, I will stop I'm happy to answer any questions that you all have. And just know that we are extremely proud of the partnership that we have with the city of Detroit. We love we are we are Detroit, we are our community. And we just look forward to continuing to serve all of you.
Thank you. All right. Thank you so much, Dr. Hudson, we appreciate you. I know that you all provide critical services to the residents here in Detroit, we've had the opportunity to partner partner with you all. And looking forward to doing the same begin this year. We also do have a resolution that was drafted, as you mentioned, to urge to state to allocate more funding for 211. And that will be before us hopefully sometime next week. So we do appreciate the service that you provide. And I'm sure that all of us will work with you in our respective districts. And just looking forward, looking forward to the continued work. So thank you so much for being here. Is there any questions or comments from council members regarding this presentation? Okay. Hearing none, thank you so much for your time. And thank you for the update and Dr. Hudson.
We appreciate you.
Thank you be well. All right. Have a great one. You too. All right, we will cut off our public comment for this morning and proceed now to our agenda. The Journal of the session of March the 19th will be approved there being no reconsiderations or unfinished business. We will proceed to the budget Finance and
Audit standing committee 22 reports from various city departments.
Those 22 reports will be referred to the budget Finance and Audit Committee or
internal operations. Whoever reports from various city departments.
The 12 reports will be referred to the internal operations standing committee for the Neighborhood and Community Services
standing committee. Eight reports from various city departments.
The eight reports will be referred to the Neighborhood and Community Services standing committee or the Planning and Development
Committee. A reports from various city departments.
The eight reports will be referred to the Planning and Development Committee for the public health and safety
committee. 13 reports from various city departments.
The 13 reports will be referred to the public health and safety committee. We will now move to the voting action matters under other matters.
There are no adults. Madam
President, under communications from the mayor and other governmental officials in agencies. There are no items, Madam President.
All right. We
will call now for public comment. Everyone would have one minute today. We do have an executive session that starts at two. We have a pretty lengthy day to day with our budget deliberations. And so we would like to make sure we have sufficient time for that as well. So everyone had to excuse me one minute for public comment. And we will start with Miss Betty Lyons followed by Russ valon.
The Morning Morning, again, I'm here demanding justice and the return of my overpay property tax and with interests, Dugan and Dana Nestle still has not provided written evidence. So that means they have no evidence. I want my money. Silent means no proof. People have died waiting for this money and I hope you keep that in your head. They're dead. So again, I heard that there are people that are represented in the residence to correct this debacle if you want to call it that that also to lead a Muslim she's also supposed to be working in our behalf. But where are they? I haven't seen anybody know the phone numbers or anything. Where are they? They've disappeared like a fart in the wind. I want. I want no green stamps. And no credit. I want my money. People have died waiting for justice.
Thank you, Miss Lyons RESPA law followed by Mr. Noto.
Good morning. I spent a little time looking at the consequence of tax abatements and tax captures on our Detroit Public School District. Many operate under the illusion that they are reimbursed for these losses. They're not looked at the auditor reports from 2017 through 2023. And the school district, outside auditors reported that this district lost 172 million. Are you hearing that 172 million from tax abatements They also lost 148 million in tax captures I asked an expert at the school district. How much is getting reimbursed? I said is any of the school debt tax capture getting reimbursed? He said, Because I said I don't think you can use school aid funds to pay debt. He said you're absolutely correct. It's not reimbursed. I said how much of the operations millage? He says I don't know. It's not all of it. However, this is not going to be reported when the D GC gets animated by proposals from a member of council to start attacking us for reporting the truth.
Thank you, Mr. Blunt.
Morning, all right. Hi, everyone. I've been here before Richard Noah, also the president of Western court Tennis Association. And you may or may not know, I've been involved with the Kochi situation in Corktown, the resolve the issue I filed for and have a 501 C. And now we're filing for a grant through MDOT Believe it or not, to help us with mobility do this little shadows through coop town, some asking for the council to help me with navigating through the city to get their support. I don't need them to be part of it, at least support the idea. And so that we can interchange where we cross paths in Corktown with the one and two bus. That's part of the grant. If we don't have any interaction with DDOT, then we probably won't get the grant. So I need your help to get in there. It's possible to get to talk to them and speak to them. So I would like your help to get it done. This is a great thing with the city and I see this for other areas like Avenue fashion and Mr. Parnell and working with him also for that.
Thank you. All right. Thank you so much Mr. Noto. I'm Reverend Dr. Gary Bennett followed by Sherry Stoney.
Hi, I'm Reverend Dr. Gary Bennett from Toronto, Black Madonna, and an 84 year old Resident of Detroit except for the three years old in the military. I'm here to support. Reverend Dr. cuffin, say Chichay for the reparations Task Force. I've known this gentleman for 50 years. He's been very, very active in the community. He knows the issue. This is the last year of the International decade for African American people. And we've haven't gleaned a whole lot in this last 10 years. But we need in the city of Detroit to have an effective reparations board where we're we are making a difference. And I call them brother cuffin. Save Dr. Griffin say is a positive, effective person. He has worked in the community for years, folks, no folks trusted. Thank you very much.
You have a letter? Yep. Thank you. We do have it. Thank you so much, Reverend Bennett. We appreciate you, sir.
I want to Stokes Harold Parker.
Morning. Hi,
good morning. I'm Sherry. Stoney. And I'm coming down here because the land bank been coming around putting stickers on the cars have been moved. And I've been standing there for 13 years, and I've been maintaining that light on the side of my house. And all of a sudden they want to come and want to tow people cars. So I've been trying to call LAN bank and get a bad lot and some reason I can't get through to them. And I wonder what can I do to get the land on the side of my house?
Okay, I'm not sure what area you're in. But if you don't mind, we can work with both the at largest the member waters team is already maybe working with you now. But we can also assist as well, to make sure that we connect you with the liaison for Detroit Land Bank Authority while you're here. Okay, and thank you.
Thank you so much.
Stop doing I will direct this to Adam Sheffield. Of course, it's Callaway. I'm trying to be appropriate here.
I'm angry. And I really, really, really need to talk to somebody about this ration with these people. I don't bother nobody. I'm not a liar. I wrote and they found some reason to dislike, okay. I just want them to leave me alone. That's all I want them to do. Now, they're threatened to put me out there saying I'm selling they just like I got the paperwork with all the lives on it. I got people in the building that that will vouch for me. I don't bother them. I walk in and walk out. Okay, they started on me before I even moved in the building. I'm tired. You know?
I'm so sorry, Mr. Stokes. We will. I think you live in member Callaway is a district but we were helping you out as well too. So if you don't mind why you're here. We'll step aside and work with Callaway staff as well to see if we can continue to help you start okay. You did not stop. Yep. Okay. So sorry.
I understand. Barry.
I understand, sir. I understand. Sorry about that. Thank you for coming down and Yvonne and Tyler we can get with member Callaway staff. Darryl Parker. I'm sorry. You're next. I'm sorry. That was
okay. Yes,
I'm just seeing a good morning and I was here to speak on it up a little louder for us.
I was here to speak on the land bank.
They have sent information out to our family home and said that it was being taken because of squatters. However, my brother resides there. And he is not a squatter. So I wanted to know what can I do? I tried to call and I'm not getting any information back from the land eight people. So I'm trying to find out what is next. And I know I've gone to one of Mary waters meetings and I've been trying to follow the protocol that was given to me to stay in alignment with them. However, I'm not receiving any information.
Okay. All right. Well, we can remember why I'm not sure if your team wants to get with since you've been working with your office but we will also get with you if you don't Mine connects you with the liaison to the Detroit Land Bank Authority while you're here, okay, thank you. All right, thank you. And if you're not in district five, we will make sure that the council member whose district you reside is also included as well.
All right, wish, Renee. Good morning.
I'm Yvonne cross. Okay, Miss grace, go right ahead.
And my complaint is with the Detroit land bank, well, let's just get the land I have. I have a house that's in district seven. This house has had working utilities, they have never been shut off for at least the last six years, the land bank comes and spit stick one of their big signs on my house. That night, it gets broken in and eight radiators I've taken I think that city council needs to hold the land bank accountable for trespassing on people's private property. Also, for false advertise, they advertised a lot of vacant lot next to one of my properties. I took the money order down, they rejected it and sent it back and took it off the sidelight program and made it another kind of program at this point. So the light goes for a lifetime resident from being $250 for the lot to $6,000 for the life. Thank you, Miss cross.
Brian Foster, morning, good morning, through the president. Please, yes, it's 312 everything there's a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven, a time be born at Time to die time to plant time to pluck that which is playing that time to kill time to heal, the time to break down. And the time to build up a time to weep and a time laughter time no more than a time to dance. The time has come for this community to be build up. And that means everybody that is understanding that each individual here has a united purpose and collective purpose and life. And then this community and their voices need to be heard. It's been too long that they come down here and have to keep coming down and get business cards with little to no action. Okay, our community have to be heard across the board. I continue to have no incentives here. But I just really, really just fed up with the lack of response and a lack of really addressing a lot of the issues that they're wanting and demand and as far as land bank, as far as Tax Justice as far as community support and housing. As far as all of these issues. They don't have a voice, I will be their voice. And I'm gonna magnify, okay. India
McSwain.
The morning,
my name is India, Max Wang.
All I want is for me and my six children to stay at home, a home that I've purchased through a land contract for $18,000 was swindled out of by Friday. I'm in a program now, which helps me which should help me to get my home, which is the land bank. I'm not receiving any help from the Detroit land bank. My council members has helped me there are my help my support and my backbone. But the land bank is not. The tech pole has been moved so much that I don't know what else to do. Every deed I have accomplished and succeeded to task for them. There's another poll put in front of me to do. How many more polls that they're going to be put in front of me, Windows for me and my children to have a home without a home? How am I have to be a mother to lead them into the righteous pass.
Please help. Thank you so much for being here. Hold on one second before you leave. Remember
water. Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank Miss McSwain for coming down today with all of her children. This has been a battle with the land bank trying to keep this McSwain her family in that home. It is absolutely sickening and I want to say a few other things but I'm gonna hold my tongue. It makes me sick because there's no reason that they're citing tickets and stuff before and that kind of thing, all that kind of crazy stuff. You know, those are the kinds of things that can be fixed. We are taught this is why we fight here every day. We fight these children. This is what we do. We are not to allow the land bank to control us. We are supposed to control them, Which
of them what to do?
Somebody said to me yesterday, one of my colleagues wanted to talk to the man bank, I see what they want to do. I don't give a damn what they want to do. It's about what we want to do. That's what I'm talking about. Okay, all right. Thank Thank you, Madam President. But this is what we do. This is why we do it. Thank you member waters.
You can come up with these. Over waters, do you know where they live? Like Hello. My name is Evan Doherty. Thank you as theme city council, I'm a community liaison for the reparations Task Force. But I'm here on behalf of hot Sam's, and the businesses on Monroe Street between Randolph and Campus Martius. I worked at high sounds. I'm a longtime customer friend of the owners also worked as a banker at the Huntington branch on Monroe Street. And we were all very excited about the NFL Draft being here and we endorsed it. But it's been very hard for any of our customers to get through to construction, and so far has really put a strain on our business. So I'm asking what we could do to at least get the walkway reopened on Randolph Street. So our customers aren't barred from answering, and at least one side of the street be opened on my role so that again, our customers have a pathway to answer because, right now we're having to let them do the back. So I'll also contact the mayor's office, District Six manager and the business liaison, and the downtown Detroit partnership, because I think that they're involved. And hopefully we can receive some compensation for lost revenue. And if I could just say one more thing. So hi, Sam, just the oldest black clothing store in the state is black on just
Detroit on. Sorry, I think that's your time, I have to give everyone equal time. But I'm very familiar with not saying that it sounds like you've contacted all the appropriate people. So let us know how we can assist and if we need to help kind of reach out as well to to kind of direct those conversations, we can help support you. Okay, thank you. All right. And that will make sure Caleb can get his information as well. Yep. All right. Thank you, sir. All right. We will move now to virtual public comment and how many calls do we have virtually? Morning,
Madam President, there were 24 Hands raised before you would put off public comment, and the first caller is Cunningham.
Great the morning
morning Cunningham.
31344491143134449114 and on Facebook, retroactive fairness, two words retroactive fairness. I appreciate people send in Texas calls and checking out my page and inbox in etc. Your prayers and support are needed. I purchased bus tickets and get them out in the community east to west north to south. There's a big need out there for for bus tickets. You may not touch these kinds of folks, but I do. And I love my city. And I want to visit my mother yesterday in the nursing home and to keep her in prayer. But I see it. I respect black women because of my mother strong. Lost her husband lost her son as long as grosses and not just black women because that will leave out the honorable Gabriella Santiago Ramiro, all women, I respect women pray for women, and hopefully they do some shocking
budget if they can't. All right, thank you Mr. Cunningham.
The next caller is shrine of the Black Madonna.
Good morning.
Good morning. My name is Neil new cheeks and I'm here to speak in behalf of Dr. Kiffin say she gay who's being considered for the reparations Task Force. I've known him for decades as we're both associate ministers with the shrine of the Black Madonna. As you know, he's scholarly and well read. But I am here to emphasize that he is active in the community, a servant leader. He works well with groups as a leader and as a member. I think that his critical thinking skills will add understanding and will help to provide solutions to the issue. of reparations, you will benefit greatly from his
participation. Thank you. All right, thank you. The next caller is Stephen Horan.
Can I be heard?
Yes, you can. So before I start my comment, I just want to say what Mr. Russ bulat said was so misleading, apparently. And hopefully you guys know that, you know, for the last, what, four decades, everything that's involved with that old slimes mouth has just been lies and misleading information, but we're not going to waste the rest of my time talking about him. So lastly, I want to say, you know, the land bank is, I'm just gonna say this, don't approve any deals with the land bank, until we get all this taken care of, you know, there has been so much abuse from the land bank, to Detroit residents, and people coming into the city to invest, you know, the land bank is corrupt. And, you know, before they have approved any deal, they gotta get Tammy Daniels to counsel and figure out why so many people have been victimized from a program that was original.
All right, thank you.
The next caller is to hear Ahmed.
Morning, counsel, I want to thank you for passing the property tax reform ordinance to resolution so I support six point 19 And six point 22. Also, the land bank needs to be disbanded. I support that that could finance a cheek a excellent choice for the reparation committee. I want to also state that is is strange that the city administration engaged in illegal practices to over assess us. You found a resolution by passing those two resolutions unanimously. But the mayor's administration and Alvin Horne are hell bent on trying to prevent justice. They're illegal. But this resolution is legal. We want to thank you and then No, on 10.6 No more money for the police and we don't need new furniture from our ARPA money. Good.
All right. Thank you. Nikhil. Clark. Well, no, we've been joined by member Johnson.
Clinical so No, Madam President. Right. Thank you.
The next caller is William M. Davis. Good morning.
Can I be heard as you can, Mr. Davis,
I like to start out by saying that I believe if you look back at public act, 258 of 2003 You'll see that the land bank is not doing what they shouldn't be doing. And y'all should be moving towards spinning it down. Right now. The land bank controls almost 25% of the property in the city of Detroit. It should be a stated goal that in less than four years, maybe get it down to 5%. That would also aid in property tax collection. That would also save millions of dollars on maintenance and, and also a lot of crime is committed by and near land bank properties. And a lot of blight is there. You know, so you need greater control over the land bank. You need to spin it down and you need to have more Detroiters involved in controlling and operating it. You know, it's a shame that we you know, have the city today we got outsiders running any and everything in the city.
Thank you. Great, thank you.
The next caller is ADOS Detroit. Right, good morning.
Morning and through the chair. May I be heard? Yes, you can. Thank you. Um, yesterday after the meeting, we heard what was important to Detroit was to fully fun, right to counsel, black women and children. You just saw an example of them. And Miss A Councilwoman waters what you can do is that you can postpone redo 18 that six and not vote on that today, because the people need to be heard about what's going on with the land bank because we are going to tolerate the land bank who destroyed our communities. It's come around and give us blight tickets, that's not going to happen and it's not within their wheelhouse. Six that 13 will show what you think of the citizens if you continue to allow to him to appropriate our extra money for this and then have 6.9 and 610 pilot programs where people don't pay taxes in lieu of taxes. That hurts the general fund and and it hurts the people I'm agreeing to 10.6 is reading culus I don't want to pay a million dollars for furniture for the police. There's so much more 18.3 is unfair to
All right, thank you. The next caller is Betty a Varner.
Good morning to all within the sound of my voice. My name is Betty, a Behringer president of Sony also a black Association. Usually I'm talking about my organization, or the community but my heart leads me to first I want to say Happy belated birthday to my council, person, Council Member don't home, we share the same sign Aries My birthday is Friday. I want to talk and say that I really do appreciate honorable council member waters, hear the passion in her boys in regards to help in this family, this mother and her children. It just saddens me. I've heard her come to the counselor before finding trying to keep her home, have a home a place safe for her children hoping that whatever it needs to be done, the land bank will step up and do the right thing.
Thank you. All right, thank you.
Next caller is calling user one.
Morning. Good afternoon, Madam Chair. I hope that you will not allow no more women and children to be thrown in the streets from the land bank and not do anything about it. And to stop the retaliation when people bring complaints to this council and the mayor's office from building safety and telling who's complaining so that they'd be evicted. Not because they owe any money so that owners don't have to be responsible.
I sent you news clips in all council member news clips of another family been without water for the last three four days that have children and yet nothing is being done about it. I complain about the same building with no screams filthy nasty carpet for both mouse and Roach at 1000 a month and nothing is right thank you.
The next caller is Galaxy Tab A
Bernie morning. Can you hear me? Yes,
we can hear you. Well, it was not a good morning but it's good morning because I woke up this morning but I'm so trying to land bank harass me about their property. I've been teacher since 1999. I'll come down to city council. I brought the paper that they posted on that they put on the door and I'm sick of it. Oh my God see and my daughter's twin back home like I say she said Mama issue. Why can't I have that house that I've been taking care of since 1999? is not fair. I want that house land bank. I'm gonna give them a call. No, you call me and tell me that I can have that property. I've been doing this since 1990. Now I'm not a slave. Okay. I want the house other people come over here. And don't never been Detroit. They come from Detroit. I've been here since 1977. I've been in the wild since 1950. So I want to probably land back. Quick Time to take the property for me that I've been taking care of adverse possession. I'm sure people know about that. I'm a steward of that house. 1990 never 999 it should be mine land back Stop Harassment, please City Council get them off my back.
Thank you Miss Riley.
The next caller is
black bag group.
So that's one in every six within the sound of my voice to hear me clearly. Y'all need to get together and band together and address Mary Sheffield and Tammy Daniels over at the land bank and especially Mary Sheffield, the Detroit city council president because he's a whole propaganda artists that are gonna try to vote this through today about the land bank, and that's when we all need to unite and address Mary Sheffield and that little Hispanic lady Gabriella Santiago Ramirez, a little Mexican immigrant who voted no on me presented the information before the absentee ballot fraud
was committed in 2014. That was an appropriate public comment. It has indeed your public comment has ended. Our next caller, please.
The next caller is Renard moshevsky. Good morning Renard.
Good morning, Madam President, resident district six organizer with Detroit people's platform, I want to thank you and your office for sending out a memo to do that regarding the DDOT portion of the ARPA funds American rescue plan Act, to the tune of $51 million. I know we've been in communication with DDOT, about the projects that are coming online would be that we imagined, and I don't want to repeat my statements from yesterday regarding the budget, and thank you for allowing us to, you know, have that generous amount of time to speak to the budget, and including all those folks in a meeting. I know they could go over time, but having our voices heard is most important. So just want to understand them. You know, the status of that memo that was sent out. Also, I'm concerned about the proposal to have do that. Sorry, DPD police on the that buses without any assurances of training and evidence of that training, that they're able to interact with different populations, or that ride the buses as well. Thank you. Thank you so much for
the next caller is Benjamin Washington. Morning.
The morning, Benjamin Washington.
Yes, can you hear me? Yes,
morning.
Apologies for the delay. Yes, I'm speaking on behalf of no shady neighborhood association. Specifically, specifically regarding the solar expansion in Detroit, you have residents that would definitely like to be a part of it, and learn and grow from the first solar installation that was done in our neighborhood. And as well, not just in New York City neighborhood. But for all the solar expansion neighborhoods, I will strongly urge and suggest that plants being cleansed included with the solar panels, because the growing of plants will actually benefit the solar panels, and also help prevent flooding due to the solar panels. And please let me know if there will be a solar meeting for all the neighborhoods together at one time that there is not one, please make make plans to do so. So everyone can meet at one time at one place and stuff.
Thank you for your time.
All right, thank you so much. And if a clerk would know, we've been joined by Member Santiago Ramiro.
Also note,
Madam President, right, thank you.
Our next next caller is chip Clark. Good morning.
May I be heard? Yes,
you can. Good morning. And thank you guys so much for giving me just a moment to speak. I would like to make a comment directly, very quickly at the gentleman who was cut off a moment ago. Um, I think it's very, very important in spite of everything that's going on, that our public comments not be cut short. And but with that being said, I am a addition, a resident of district five and I have great respect for this for this council and the work that you all are trying to do. It seems as though, respectfully, that the land bank needs to be abolished, it needs to be drawn. It needs to be driven out of the city. That's what it sounds like. And I'm an outsider, I'm relatively new to the city. And so I'm looking from outside outsider's perspective, but
it seems as though
something needs needs to be done about that. Lastly, our women and our children are under attack in this city. And we have to unite against this against this. So thank you for your time.
Thank you. The next caller is Andrea Detroiters for Tax Justice.
All right. Good morning.
Good morning. How are you? Good. Thank you. Wonderful. All right. Calling again about the DPL administration fee the city is charged the Detroit Public Library $1.2 million for a quote administrative fee for years without any explanation of what those so called fees were paying for. They wouldn't talk about it when asked the Freedom of Information Act. request was rebuffed saying they had no documentation, which definitely doesn't make any sense. And so, we have asked for LPD in the city budget department to arrange a meeting with library staff to create a consensus than actual costs. That isn't started, but what we really need is to say that the city functions only as a fiduciary for the library, and we need the money reimbursed. Please, if you don't correct the Detroit Public Library's blending, the library system will suffer even more than it already has a library.
Right, thank you. The next caller is Karen hammer. Morning. Good morning.
My comments today are based on actions not words. The city administration specifically the mayor say he's helping Detroiters, the Office of Disability beware. I support your permanent funny, but Duggan likes the show and does not deliver. It's happened with DDOT with the Department of Sustainability with the libraries and schools with promises of jobs for Detroiters, which are few and don't support families. You City Council have to hold the city accountable. And vote for a budget for US residents. Thank you for your what you've done so far on this include what I've already mentioned, along with right to counsel, low income housing and repair, senior retirement and more. The list is long. We've been neglected too long. You've heard much of it from other commenters. And I hope you take the comments to heart thing.
All right, thank you. The next caller is Karen. Hello. Yeah. Yeah. Palmer Park.
They made a splash pad. It doesn't work half the time. Can we get our pool back there at Palmer that was a pool. I like to see that pool replaced there. The other thing now corbeil. Bill, it's a it's a placement fee. It says so in our code. So we can't turn it into an annual or you know, it's the tax if he puts it on our tax bill. So this is you need to look that up section 42 dash two that you want. In accordance with section nine dash 507 of the chart, the director, he'll establish the necessary fee for the placement. That's the one time fee. It's not an annual on your text. You don't need to fix that. Because it doesn't even show up when you talk about mills. That's a large $250 That's a big amount. I'd like to see you take care of that. Land Bank has to go. You know so you guys have heard all these like, made all these partnerships. And they don't work. They don't work for residents. Thanks.
Great, thank you.
The next caller is Gloria house.
Good morning. Good morning presidential field council members. Good morning. I'm here to support the nomination and appointment of Dr. Ken fancy to get to the Detroit reparations Task Force. I've known Dr. Chico for several decades, and I've had the good fortune to work with him in numerous community and university projects. I know that Dr. Chi K enjoys the high respect of our community, for his contributions as an educator and as a scholar of African and African American History and Culture. And also as a leader of excellent, really exemplary character. I am certain that if he is appointed to the task force, his knowledge, discernment, and expertise will benefit our work greatly.
Thank you very much. All right, thank you. The next caller is phone number ending in 124. Morning
Yes, good morning.
May I be heard? Yes, you can.
Okay, well, you know, if more people knew that you were going to vote on the land bank MOU today. I'm sure you'd have a lot more people. I am asking for a hero, likely a Shiro to oppose the waiver. And I would beg of all of you to send the MOU back to committee have a full blown discussion. How about go into the neighborhoods like you've had meetings about the redistricting and hear from people how Otherwise, you're not fully informed and the land bank liaison person, Mr. And Tanisha Smith, I communicated weeks ago about permissions and she never got back to me. There's so much that needs to be fixed in this MOU. You need to stop nuisance of baiting people. I mean, how I run it, you have a reparations Task Force yet you're letting this land bank controlled mostly by white people. Take black people's property. It's not just out of town investors, it's people who have a family home and are they offered any assistance to become small landlords or for help moving into their house? When are we going to help?
All right, thank you. The next caller is Candace Jones. Morning.
Morning, Candace Jones
the morning Candace Jones.
Alright, if we can come back to this Caller, please.
Okay. The next caller is phone number ending in
270. Morning
Yes, yes. Good morning. I think Sheldon, so your choice to charge has been ignored and violated. According to the charter, section seven dash two a one. The city is responsible for providing an adequate level of health services to all its city residents, to all the city residents yet when I call the health department's number. all I get is an automated voice telling me that I called after hours and to leave a voicemail even though I have not called out the house and other residents have had the same exact same experience. Also, the executive branch to the health department is required by the charter to prepare and to publish an annual and comprehensive report on the state of the health of the city. And he has failed miserably to do so. In fact, I don't see any comprehensive reports on Health published anywhere on the city's website. The tre city charter mandates that an advisory commission for health composed of at least seven members all right thank you.
The next caller is Marguerite Maddox Scarlet
morning Good morning Good morning the one we're not left yesterday evening
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came came up in me and so what what
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just love how good my guests can add a new design because we navigate the mall called have um thank you.
Thank you Miss Maddox. The next caller is phone number ending in 337. The Morning
Morning caller 337
Alright, let's come back to this caller please.
Hello. All right. Good morning caller 337.
Good morning. Hi,
this is Pat. Good morning.
Can I be heard? Yes,
we can hear you.
Thank you. I'm sorry, I got another call while I was being paged for the public comment. My name is Patricia Bosch. I'm a resident of District Three. As I look over the agenda, and I look at the reality that we live with on a daily basis. I am asking that there be real pause on improving the land bank. When you look at over our decrease in population city wide, the loss of funding for schools or libraries, the over assessment of taxes, the over assessment on our water bills with the drainage taxes, people are losing their properties. And this is no accident. This is a deliberate plan, given geographic areas like district three. So therefore, I'm asking that you honor the request of the Detroit years for Tax Justice. The as well as voting.
All right, thank you.
The next caller is Bryce Detroit.
The morning,
please. I am Bryce Detroit. I am co founder of the Detroit African music institution and the Detroit African Community Development Corporation. I'm calling this morning to encourage the council to bring back at a much later date the MOU with dlba. The land bank needs to directly address the barriers that are preventing legacy Detroiters with demonstrated investment and commitment in sustaining their neighborhoods from required from acquiring land to do so. I urge the city council to hold this item until the land bank can overwhelmingly demonstrate that they are here in dutiful and compassionate service to the existing residents of Detroit. I entered a hold option with the dlba for the purpose of securing land that is connected to a building I own after paying 10% down on this property in 2020. And over the course of three years, multiple extensions. Bottom line was told that was no longer able to purchase the property after an extensive approval process. Short Story
All right, thank you. And then the last public caller. We are coming back to Candice Jones. And she was the last caller who raise your hand before he cut off
public comment.
Good morning.
Candace Jones.
Morning, Candace Jones Going once.
Morning, Candice Jones going twice. All right. We will now end our public comment in Miss Jones. If you'd like to submit your public comment to the clerk's office, we will make sure it's a part of public record. That will conclude all of our general public comment for this morning and we will now proceed to the agenda for this morning. For the budget Finance and Audit standing committee from the Office of contracting and procurement
councilmember Santiago Romero five resolutions. line item 16.1
through 16.5 In Madam Clerk, Mr. Hodges joined us we can we can
move that item clerk was so No Madam President and in that case we'll have five resolutions for councilmember dirt Hall, my item 16.1 through 16.5. Knowing that they're all contracts, first one is contract number 6005276. Dash a one 100%. City funding Amendment One to amend to change contract terms for professional auditing services. Contractor stout rise as Ross LLC total contract amount 500,000. That's for the Auditor General contract number 6001320 dash a to revenue contract second amendment to provide a time extension and update to terms to perform auction services contractor Midwest auto auction incorporated total contract amount $0 As for city wide next contract is contract number 6006156 100%. City funding to provide forensic audit services contractor you h y advisors Michigan incorporated total contract amount 250,000 That's for officer the Chief Financial Officer. Next contract number 60019. A seven dash a one 100%. City funding Amendment One to provide an extension of time for provide financial advisory services contractor public resources advisory group incorporated total contract amount 400,000. That's for the officer the chief financial officer. And last contract is contract number 6003001. Dash a three 100%. City funding amendment three to provide an extension of time and an increase the funds for managed support services for Oracle contractor application software technology LLC, total contract amount $4,009,890.12 cent nets for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. Councilmember Darryl Hall five resolutions.
Thank you Madam Clerk
member Dr. Hall. Thank you, Madam President Move for approval for line items 16.1 through 16.5.
All right, any discussion discussion?
Madam Chair? All right, discussion member
Callaway. Thank you Madam Chair. I was on forward line item 16.1. I have questions about the reimbursement up to $25,000. Add in see an explanation for that. This. This firm is in Royal Oak. So that's about 13 miles from downtown Detroit round trip about 2526 miles. So what is this $25,000 reimbursement for mileage, or travel? If anybody is on from I guess the auditor general's office, Madam Chair,
so I'll see mr. Washington. Do we have someone on for this contract?
or No madam chair and council I don't see.
Miss Laura Goodspeed on. Okay. Move our Ms. Goodspeed.
Morning through the chair Laura Goodspeed or the general through the chair to Councilmember Callaway. We Yes, you are correct that the firm is located in Royal Oak. And but we've had two analysts that have been working remotely that are key to this is for the city wide payroll audit. And we found that we we need to do an on site observation of our payroll processes. So within the profession of auditing an audit this observation is the highest level of evidence. We just neglected this in the when we compile the original contract. And so it is allowed two data analysts of auditors who have been working on this audit since day one since last July, to travel to Detroit for some key on site payroll observations about payroll processes. And it did $25,000 is within the total contract amount. This contract ends in 2026. And so we fully expect that this will cover just reasonable travel expenses for these two key analyst slash auditors.
Thank you madam chair to the audit General that's $25,000. Ma'am, I could see if they worked out of town. Or were in another state. I would even give you Ohio but $25,000. You said they're going to be in and out of the city through 2026 at the amount I'm uncomfortable with that's a lot of money. What is the 62 cents on a mile 25 I can see if they were out of town. But to me, it's unreasonable for us to pay $25,000 to accompany that's down Woodward. 30 miles round trip 25 miles. So Madam chair,
the chair, let me clarify, these two key analysts are remote. And they do well, they live in Atlanta, Georgia. But they've been working on the audit remotely since we started in July. And so it is to allow them to travel here. We estimate that one trip is around $3,000. For the two analysts, we've included a maximum of $25,000 Should there be a need for them to come into the city to audit to observe our throughout the audit. But we anticipate this first trip that will allow them to observe the payroll processes within the city within DPD. And some of our other activities that have their own payroll activities to observe those processes. It is very key to the continuation of this audit. And so yes, they
do live out of town.
Madam Chair, to the Auditor General. So are they subcontractors under the farm this inworld oak and are we traveling, we're paying for their lodging and they're traveling from Atlanta, Georgia, back to Detroit through 2026. I'm just trying
to understand the up through the chair. The $25,000 is a maximum. This first trip we anticipate will last three days for them to come in and and observe on site our payroll processes, we may not need them to travel here again. But these two they work for the form for the firm style Reese's Ross. They work remotely for the firm, but they are key in terms of the work that they've been performing on this payroll audit.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you,
Auditor General. Thank you. I just left out we were there. Ha did you want to
recognize the students? Thank you, madam. They will be back. But we were joined by some students from Carver. I was going to acknowledge them after we moved this contract. But I know there are some questions to it, but they will be bad afford in this session.
Thank you, Madam President. All right. Thank you. Was there any other discussion on a bigger contract?
Yes. Remember Benson or Thank you? Well, my name is 16.3, the UHV advisors regarding the the malfeasance. Will there be any recommendations from this forensic audit on protections on processes as part of this contract? I didn't see that in the description.
So Mr. Washington, do we have someone one for 16.3?
Yes, Madam Chair, I believe we should have Chris Jones on. Right Chris Jones is good speed. I think we are good with questions for you. So thank you for joining through the Chair.
Good morning, Chris. John's LCP the morning
and member Benson pass the floor.
Thank you, Mr. Jones, online 16.3. This is the forensic audit with you. Ah, why advisors, many services being provided regarding the malfeasance United Housing Coalition. Will there be recommendations for processes improvements as part of this contract? If there are needed processes improvements?
To the chair member Benson I would I believe that is the case, but I would prefer the department answer that particular question.
Okay, Mr. Jones was departmental you're referring to
this was given to us by the old CFO, this was a request from the CFO. Okay.
Alright, so, would you like someone from the OCFS office number? Yes. Okay. All right. And just in the tea to report it doesn't mention that they will recommend measures that can prevent such fraud from occurring in the future. It does kind of break down some of the recommendations from the contract, but we can still bring someone on From Oh, CFO to discuss in more detail, we have someone mr. Washington.
Madam Chair, if we could bring this back towards the end of the agenda, I'm
reaching out to our CFO now.
Better because I missed that in the TT report. Where does where is
that? services under Services? The last one just states that they would recommend measures that can prevent such fraud from occurring in the future?
Okay, that's fine. So I was looking for Thank you. Okay. No, it was put off on my thank you.
All right. Any additional questions, and member Young has joined us, Madam Clerk?
Yes, Madam Chair? Yes.
I'm sorry. Yes, Madam Chair. I was on line item 16.1. Now I have a question about
16.2. Okay.
This contract expired. And I'm just wondering, why do we wait to the last bit until we're at expiration date of a contract? And now we have to, we're forced to extend this contract, although they're not asking for an additional contract amount. We're forced to remain with this vendor? Because we've allowed the contract to expire last week. So is there anyone on from city wide? And what is city wide? Is that a department?
Mr. Washington, do we have someone Oh, and for 16.2?
Yes, we have Chris Jones for this item as well.
Mr. Johnson? Okay. We were bringing over
Chris Johnson. Chris Jones. Mike Jones. Yes.
Yes, I'm sorry, I didn't. I didn't hear the question about that particular project prep. Project. Could you please repeat?
Yes, um, we're on line item 16.2. Why the extension? Why are we always waiting till the last minute until a contract expires? And then we're forced to extend it. And then it says that the scope of the scope of work is being revised? How so? And why are we why are we finding ourselves in this situation, sir? Because now, of course, we don't have a choice.
All right. Apologies. I don't have the agenda. Right in front of me. Can you please tell me who the vendor is for that? I didn't hear that.
Auction services Midwest, auto, okay, telegraph in Redford, Michigan.
Okay, through the chair, through the chair to the member. Yes, this actually has already been put back out for put back out has been returned. And it will be in place within a couple of weeks. The auction services, we didn't want to take a chance on not having the service in place. So that there was a possibility of a two week gap. So we thought it'd be prudent just to make sure that wasn't a gap to do a due to do a short amendment. But we have selected the appropriate person, appropriate company for the job they have been awarded, for they had been notified for a potential award. And they will be before this honorable body
and a week.
The Chair Thank you, sir. My question again, as why do we wait to the last minute, which forces us to continue with the company that obviously we we don't want to use anymore? Because we've gone out and gotten another one. So why is it that we know a year prior to today that the contract is going to expire? And this the city is notorious for this. And I complain about it every time. There should be penalties toward that toward anybody in the department who allows a contract to lapse and then we're forced to extend it until another one takes place. That's not that doesn't even make sense.
Through the Chair, I understand your frustration actually, in this case, the same vendor will be having this contract. They were the highest ranked respondent for the solicitation that was just put out. So it actually will be the same vendor. Again, we didn't know that at the time. So in order not to have a gap. You know, we we still thought it'd be prudent to have a short term amendment put in place. But I do understand your frustration. There was some changing of it with some changes down to the scope at the last minute. And it just pushed things a little too close.
Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
All right. Thank you, Mr. Callaway, any additional questions or concerns for these items? Yes, Madam Chair.
Yes, line item 16.5. Okay, this is the third amendment adding a four month extension, which is another contract for $294,000. City funding slash taxpayer money, my money. We keep doing this over and this has been going on since I've been on this council. And I really do believe we need to put our foot our feet down with these departments that continue to, we have to extend the contracts. But what makes it more palatable, no amount increase, but this one, there is an amount of an increase of $294,000, which is a fixed monthly fee of $74,000, which gives them enough time to initiate another contract to transition with a new vendor. So this is just, I mean, it's just crazy. And then we get all kinds of complaints regarding Oracle, but this is city money. This is the third amendment. So Madam Chair, I'll be an objection to the ones that I mentioned. So that would be line item 16.2. And expire contract Madam Chair. I'll be a note on 16.4 and 16.5. Madam Chair, Council Member Callaway,
thank you. Alright, thank you. So we will move on now for approval. And any objections? The clerk would no member Callaway has objections? She was saying them again. Yep. So she needs to state her objections again.
State them now Madam Chair. I'll be objection on line item 16.2. Councilmember Calloway be will be an objection on 16.4 and 16.5. Madam Chair, and thank you.
Thank you, member Callaway. Any other objections? All right, hearing none those resolutions will be approved. The five resolutions will be approved.
Madam president request waivers for line 16.1 16.3 16.4
Right. Any objections to a waiver? Objection, madam chair
on all three. Okay, remember Callaway data object all three. So that motion does fail for a waiver from the office of the city
clerk. Councilmember hall two resolutions line items 16.6 and 16.7.
Member Durham. Thank you Madam President. line item 16.6 is a resolution of authorization for any z certificate for the rehabilitation of a vacant building to include 20 units located at 1420 Holden and 6217 Lincoln within the 1400 holding LLC neighborhood. Zone area has been recommended for approval by the CPC as well as committee Move for approval for line items. line item 16.6.
All right, any objections to 16.6? Hearing no objections the one resolution will be approved. member Dr.
Hall. Thank you Madam President. line item 16.7 is a resolution of authorization for it and easy certificate application for the rehabilitation of a vacant apartment building with 20 units located at 6465 Sterling in the 6465 Sterling neighborhood in easy zone area recommended for approval by the CPC as well as committee Move for approval for line item 16.7.
Right any objections?
Hearing none, the one resolution will be approved. From the internal operation standing committee from the Office of contracting and
procurement. Councilmember Johnson a resolution line item 17.1. Just a contract contract number 6001758 Dash 831 100%. City funding third amendment to provide an extension of time and an increase of funds for legal and public notices and archival services contractors Detroit legal news doing business as inland press total contract amount $3,496,821.50 cent and that's for the city clerk.
All right. Thank you member Johnson. Thank you, Madam
President Move for approval.
All right. motion has been made. Are there any objections to this item?
Discussion?
Right discussion member?
Callaway? Thank you Madam Chair. We had extensive discussions about this particular contract we know that it's it's it's necessary. And they do a lot of archival work as well. So we got a lot of information that I wasn't aware of. But I also requested that they extend their or broaden their access for Detroiters because right now you can barely get your hands on a copy of the legal news. I don't even know we I asked him Last week whether or not it was offered online for, you know, the average to charter that question wasn't answered, but I know this is a necessary contract. But we did have quite a few questions about lack of access to it. It's hardly sold anywhere. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Madam President.
Yes, member Johnson. Thank you. And there was a request to ensure that the Detroit legal news is provided at various public locations within the city, including recreation centers and public libraries.
All right, great. Thank you.
All right. There's no additional questions, comments, concerns for this item. motion has been made to approve. Are there any objections? Hearing no objections that one resolution will be approved.
From the law department.
Council member Johnson six resolutions line item 17.2 through 17.7.
Member Johnson. Thank you, Madam President Move for approval on line item 17.2 through 17.7. These are various lawsuit settlement requests.
All right, any objections?
Hearing no objections be six resolutions. They'll be approved.
From the office of the city clerk. Councilmember Johnson a resolution line item 17.8.
Member Johnson. Thank you, Madam President Move for approval on line item 17.8. This is a petition of First Tee greater Detroit requesting a charitable gaming license.
Any objections? Hearing none, the one resolution
will be approved. Madam Chair. Yes. request a waiver on line item 17.8.
For First Tee. All right, any objections to a waiver? Hearing none that action will be taken.
Under resolutions. Councilmember Benson are resolution line item 17.9.
Member Benson. Motion to approve the reappointment of Ken Daniels to the planning commission.
Any objections?
Hearing none, the one resolution will be approved.
Under resolutions, Councilmember Johnson a resolution scheduling the closed session noting a roll call line item 17
point 10. Councilmember Johnson Thank you, Madam President Move for approval to schedule a closed session on Tuesday, April 9 at 3pm.
Right there's a roll call required. If you can please call the roll. If you are not able to attend please. Vote No. Madam Clerk.
Councilmember call me on a second.
Yes. Council President Mary Sheffield. No.
Councilmember Scott Benson. Yes.
Councilmember Schrader autofair. Yes. Councilmember Leticia Johnson. No. Councilmember Gabriela? Santiago Romero. Yes. Council President Pro Tem James Tate. Yes.
Councilmember Mary waters.
Yes. Councilmember Angela?
Whitfield Callaway. Yes.
Seven yeas and nays motion passes,
Madam President. All right. The resolution
will be approved. Madam President. Yes. I'd like to request a waiver on line item 17.1.
All right, a waiver has been requested for 17.1. Any objections? This is the notices for
the Detroit legal news.
Hearing no objections that action
will be taken. And President Clinton waiver in line item 17.9.
And a waiver has been requested or the reappointment of Ken Daniels. Hearing no objections that action will be taken. From the office of contracting and procurement
council president pro tem James take four resolutions, line items 18.1 through 18.4. Noting that they are all contracts. First contract up is contract number 6003685. Dash a to 100%. City funding amendment to to provide an extension of time for hazardous materials testing surveying for houses being renovated by bridging neighborhoods for the Gordie Howe International Bridge Project. Contractor is environmental testing and consulting Incorporated. total contract amount 140,000. That's for housing and revitalization. Next contract is contract number 6006140 100%. Proper funding to provide housing placement education employment, emergency health care or other forms of public or private assistance for homeless or at risk individuals, contractors way Metro Community Action Agency total contract amount $410,200 housing and revitalization. Next contract is contract numbers 6006145 100%. City funding to provide a full renovation of BNP property located at 8604 central street. Contractors Joseph contractor incorporated total contract amount $153,065 housing revitalization last contract is contract number 6006. More five for 100%. City funding to provide income tax preparation services to file 2500 income tax returns for eligible Detroit residents for tax year 2024. Contractor is accounting a society total contract amount 375,000. That's for housing and revitalization council president pro tem or resolutions.
Right.
Thank you President Pro Tem tape. Thank you, Madam President move approval of line items 18.1 to 18.4 discussion with discussion. All right.
I also have a discussion as well.
For line on 18.3 I know that there was to be a correction on the address on the contract I don't recall seeing that someone can affirm that that took place
All right, Mr. Washington do we know if we have an updated contract?
On manager I do believe this one was significant give me this one moment to double check.
President maybe we can allow Mr. Washington to locate that item as we proceed. I can move to bring back at a later time line item 18.3. There are no objections if he finds it in the midst of the ad and you can bring it up then.
Okay. So we will postpone that to the end of our agenda line item 18.3. Hearing no objections that action will be taken. Member Benson
also had a question. Thank you. Looking at line item 18.4 $375,000 for 2500 tax returns very valuable service for our residents is using general fund dollars. Why are we using general fund dollars versus grant dollars on that service? And as a plan if we do use general fund dollars now to continue that service using general fund or to identify grant dollars into this in the future
mr. Washington
Yes, madam chair if we can promote carry by injure and turmeric panting
we will promote both of them.
But no,
that was a second person. Very big change you're making.
Right, Mr. BankInter,
you are muted. You think after four years I would get that get that right. I apologize council president Sheffield. Regarding the question of grant dollars versus general fund dollars. The cutting Aid Society has historically been awarded an O F dollars through the NSF award process. This is an additional contract using general fund dollars. Previously, a service was funded under non departmental this year. The administration has assigned HR d to be the program managers. So these are actually a separate contract to provide earn tax income credits. Income tax preparation home heating credits throughout the year. To Detroiters, approximately 2500 returns
Thanks. Thank you very much that is in the T two report. So, Mike, my question revolves around the use of general fund dollars versus grant dollars for this contract. And is there a plan to continue using general fund dollars or go after grant dollars to pay for the service in the future?
My understanding is that this will be a line item every year, or general fund dollars to provide the service, the NLF funding. Accounting aid society starts in January, and they're usually expended all their funding by March. So the services is greatly needed. They do approximately 1000 under NSF, and they're going to expand that to 2500. Okay,
so I think the the way I'm saying this, maybe I'm saying this incorrectly. So rate service support doing this for vulnerable residents, which is who is going to be taking advantage of this service? I understand that this contract exceeds the limit for CDBG. That's not the issue. Okay. Question is the use of general funds for this service, versus going after grant dollars. CDBG is not the only grant dollars in town, there are other sources for grants. And these are general fund dollars, is there a plan to go after other grant dollars to support this service moving forward? Or have we resigned ourselves that we need to use a general fund for this service
instead? That's the President, I believe, we are going to continue using general fund dollars as we have in the past for this contract. However, the Office of development grants could probably tell you more or, you know, we can respond back to you in writing about, you know, future going going forward, if there's going to be using a general fund, or tried to supplant it with additional grant dollars.
suggestion would be go out there additional grant dollars, we can't do that. And the general fund is fine. But I just believe this probably should be a service provided by grant dollars. And TPG are not the exclusive provider of grant funds than the city of Detroit for servo. So we have a Grants department development department, that should be a conversation with them, they come back and say, Hey, we can't identify any additional resources than the general fund is it. But I do believe that we should at least lean in and try to identify additional dollars of the grant for grants.
Thank you. Thank you, I will reach out onto our administration to get a response from office of development grants for you. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Chair. All right.
Thank you, member Benson member Callaway. Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. Makes me nervous when we put on give HR D another responsibility. Makes me real nervous. My question is, I don't know if anyone from HR D can answer this. Or maybe I have to send my question to the county Aid Society. But who are the Detroiters? Are we talking? Are we talking about seniors? Are we talking about folks who just moved into city and they say they're Detroiters? We're talking about millennials college students, I remember used to be for those who didn't have a certain income, which I think is still a requirement. But I would like to see some demographics, because I'm real concerned about who we are really helping in the city. And those who we are not helping who needs to help the most, if that makes sense. So, Madam Chair, I'd like to see this be brought back in a week, because I have questions about who are really helping in this city. Are we helping the senior citizens? Are we helping Polish students who don't have a huge income? I just want to see some demographics. And I know this is a worthy cause. I know. And this is in addition to what they've already gotten, because like member Benson said, This is in addition to what they're already getting. So one week would not hurt. What hurt anything. So I would ask that we bring this back in the week, and maybe I can get answers to my
questions. Discussion. Yeah, if we can give before we move forward. I don't know if you could respond to member Calloway questions. I know for my understanding this is income based, though for low income seniors, my understanding but if you can expand expand upon
that. Thank you, Madam President. I am the program manager for accounting at City society. I work in the housing and revitalization department. So this is one of my groups. The Detroiters that are being served are exclusively low and moderate income. So it is based on income. It is not based on any other status, other than income. So if it's a senior low income, if it's college student low income, if it's a landlord, that's a resident that's low income they Are all eligible. And I'd sent over their outreach plan earlier today, which shows approximately 20 sites that they operate at. And those sites also advertise
their services in low income is defined by traditionally the other programs as a 200% of the federal poverty level. Correct. Okay, so it's pretty much equal to like, our whole program and all of the other programs that we have
never been seen. And my concern is, there's gonna be a timeliness. If we bring this back. Tax season, we have 13 days.
To hope we can move this out today. Yeah, we can move out to you, Madam Chair,
I would like
you know, I withdraw my request to bring it back in week because April 15, is coming around. But I still want to see the demographics. I don't have to have anybody's personal information. But I want to know exactly who's getting help from this from this far. And why is it in HR D, because HR D can't do what they're already supposed to do. So to give them something else to do just makes me
nervous. Thank you, Madam Chair.
All right. Thank you, member Johnson. Thank you, Madam President. I just had some concerns about the timeliness of this contract. And I was wondering why it's coming to us so late, which prevents us from being able to do outreach to individuals in the community within our districts to be able to benefit from their services, I think they do a great job with their services. And I just want to make sure that we are not continually providing the same services to the same group of people every single year without being able to expand the number of residents in the city of Detroit and who actually accesses this, these services. Thank you,
Madam President.
Madam Chair, right. Did you want to respond Mr.
Behringer? Well, I can. Yes, thank you very much council president. The issue is going to be in supplying counsel or supplying anybody with individual demographics of who receives that age. That is prohibited by the income, income,
federal law.
What we can provide you is services, the number of services broken down by zip code. So that is one thing I want to address in the second part of the question was
great, thank you, Madam President. So this is two different council members. This is Councilman Johnson, I'm sorry. That's okay. Just wanting to make sure that if we are using general fund dollars for the services, that this request comes to us, much sooner than it is coming now. Because now we don't have the ability to do outreach and share with residents throughout our districts that this the services are available. And so that is my request, because this is for services that will end and maybe two weeks. And we're just now seeing this. We just saw it on Thursday in PE D. And that was my first time seeing it. So it it really doesn't give us the benefit of doing outreach and connecting with more residents throughout the city to take advantage of the services.
Yes. And previously, this was housed in non departmental and we received the assignment probably a month ago. But also it is it is for more than just income tax preparation. It's for Earned income tax credits and home heating credits, which go all year round. So while it appears that the 15th is the tax deadline there, they will be filing extensions, there will be filing for Earned Income Tax Credits throughout the year, and home heating credits. So yes, we will we will get this to council next year, because we know that it's going to be housed in HRD. And so it should it should be all buttoned down by January 1 2025. Thank you. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you very much. Mr. Johnson. Member dura excuse me,
member Yang. Thank you. Okay, what's going on, man? How you doing, sir?
I'm doing great. How are you?
Long time? No, see, it's been a minute. I remember when we were working together research NASA division, and then we would meet in the conference room use a whole bunch of words. I didn't know that. Your Sources understood like I knew what you were talking about. It's good to see you, man. Thank you, sir. Good to see. See, the reason why I'm having this conversation for I want to talk to you is because why did we count the number of 2500 income tax returns? Why wouldn't he be more than that was an issue with capacity was the issue of financial concern. I just want to understand what are their metrics based on 2500? Or was it just cold hard math of the numbers in the budget that you cated
that number? Yes, Madam President, it was it was the letter, it was the numbers. That was the dollar amount that we had. We sent out an RFP for groups, or organizations responded. And accounting Aid Society was the lowest bidder at I believe $150 per unit. And so it was divided into into that we came up with
the 2500.
What if there was more money that was available to be appropriated for that in the in the in the contract? Would that be something that would increase? If it was a bigger? I mean, I know knows we've got a hypothetical here. But there was more money available for it to be a bigger contract let out with that he thought that that would increase that number in our in our there are metrics that you have, where you can increase this to the maximum number of people that I have a lot of people in my community to talk about income tax returns and preparation and needing help, and it's this phase that major is, is it just the amount of the cut of the money lead out for the contract that can increase the and what will be the maximum number that you would need to hit to help? Let's say I don't I don't know what the percentage target would be. But if you want to have like, the maximal number of people to help, let's say, like, conservatively, 80% or 90%, is there a chart that could show if you have this much money available? This many people we can help? And this is the maximum number of people we can help who need assistance in their income tax returns? Do you have that metrics?
I don't have the metrics. However, if you were to take the $150 per unit and divide that by by, you know, a million dollars, you would get you would get the number of finds that could be served. Okay, I can tell you historically, from managing their neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant, they substantially serve more residents than we pay
for. Okay. Okay, I see what you say. So it's the organization that will help more, right. This is just part and parcel of our overall package that the more of the nonprofit, or the private sector would be able to address the rest of those numbers. Right? If they were given.
I'm sorry, if they were to be given $500,000, we would take the 150 that they quoted in their bid, and divide that into 500,000 and come
up with the dollar. So the multiplier in the bank basically, correct. Okay. Thank you. It's been good to see you again,
sir. Good to see you, sir.
Thank you. Thank you remember young. Do you have additional questions?
Mr. President, was just notified that in line item 18.3, that we did in fact, receive the correction. Okay, so I would like to move along with those items back 18.3 into the collection. So the motion would be approval for line item 18.1. Through 18.4.
Please. Wait,
Madam President?
Yes. Yes, sir. Would it be wrong for me to ask for a waiver on becoming a two sided contract? Are you going to
beat me up? No one be wrong. It would be honest, that we know what you want. So it's too early. Thank you. Okay. We will get to that portion
after we moved in for Thank you. I'm not very familiar with the process anymore.
So thank you very much. Please know we appreciate you, sir. Thank you. Thank you. All right. So Pro Tem Tate has moved these for approval. Are there any objections? Hearing no objections before resolutions
will be approved. President Yes. Was for a waiver on on line items. 18.1 through 18.4,
please. Hey, a waiver has been requested for all items. Any objections? Hearing none, that action will be taken. All right.
From the City Planning Commission,
council president pro tem James Tate a resolution line item 18.5. Knowing that we are still awaiting a resolution.
President Pro Tem Tate President moved to discuss Alright, pro tem, we were awaiting the resolution and committee as well. So it it sounds like
we still have not received it. All right. Mr. Mr. Washington. Do we have an updated resolution for 18.5?
Madam Chair, I would have to defer. I believe this is for CPC.
All right, is all right. So we will move
on let's postpone can we possibly President move to bring back at the end of the agenda line item 18.5 to allow for City Planning Commission to provide
us context. All right, Hearing no objections we will postpone 18.5. From the housing and revitalization department.
Council President Pro Tem James Tate a resolution line item 18.6. Noting that this line item was reported out of committee without recommendation.
All right, President Pro Tem Tate. Thank you, Madam President move to discuss line item 18.6.
Please. All right,
discussion. Thank you so much. And we did have, despite will folks have said we've had numerous discussions about this particular item, not so much within the last couple of weeks. But it has been in committee. I want to say maybe even back in September, if not, before that, we've had, I've reached out to colleagues numerous times requesting for any amendments, any suggestions that we would move forward, and then have the discussion at the table? And what you see before you today, in this updated version that we would have to walk on because what was submitted was the old version, or the original version. What do you see before you today is what came about as a result of the discussions. And again, it was voted out of committee without recommendation this past Thursday, to allow for any additional discussion. And I relinquish the floor.
Thank you. All right.
And we do have Doug Parker, Reginald Scott, and David Bowser all online virtually, if we can promote them. And I do see director Daniels is here in person. So if you would like to come down and provide any additional details?
Chair, if I may. Yes. So one thing I think is critical to understand as well is that as we are having these discussions, there's a lot of things that I'm hearing from colleagues, they're looking for the land bank to implement, but there's a certain level where there has to be some agreement with the administration and council before it even goes to the land bank. So I just want to always keep that in mind as much as some folks want to flog the land bank. This is also a matter of the administration and council working collaboratively on issues that we are presenting to the land bank for them to actually enforce.
Thank you. Thank you, Director Daniels.
Good morning, council president Sheffield, Tammy Daniels here on behalf of the land bank. Um, I was in my office this morning, and I heard a number of the comments that Kent that were shared during public comment. A significant number of them seem to focus on our occupy programming and people being allowed to stay in homes and I know that there was an individual here with her children who makes use of a little center. Can you hear me? Yep, go ahead. Okay. I would like to just raise this for the listening public, anyone here in the in the the audience that our occupy program has successfully graduated over 1100 families, but that programming does have requirements. And I don't want us to lose sight of the fact that Detroit is deserved to live in habitable, habitable homes. And as we all know, Landbank inventory is compromised at best in a number of these homes that we are talking about, are not habitable, specifically the House that this this woman with her children is living in. There is no one in water, no sewer line. There have been a number of DPD hauls for illegal activity, and her dogs have mauled two residents on the block. With all that in mind, we did not move to put her out because she has children, and we needed for her to have a safe place to go. And so I came before the council last year, raising the issue that the land bank has been charged with a number of duties. Helping this population is paramount, but the land bank is not equipped to provide the level of social services that this population requires. And from that came a partnership with HR D. and HR D. is has as as the new MOU reflects is partnered very closely with the land bank at every step of our process to ensure that one, those individuals who are not who don't qualify for a buyback or buyback program, because the house may be uninhabitable or they don't qualify. Have options. So Mrs. Wayne, I think it was her name will absolutely be a part of that. That partnership, they will assist her to find a house that is habitable for herself and her children, they should not be living in a house where there is no running water or sewer line. And we should not be advocating that they should be allowed to stay there. A number of the people who don't qualify for our programs, they don't qualify because the house is not the house is not safe, not because they can't show a connection, but the house is not habitable. And I personally don't, my conscience will not allow me to say, let them stay there because because I can show a connection, we they should stay somewhere that safe for their family and their children. So all the issues with illegal activity in the dogs, all of that is compelling information, compelling information. But she shouldn't and her kids should not be in that house because it is not safe. So as I have talked with councilmember waters on a number of these issues, some of the a lot of the issues surrounding the condition of the property, the land bank homes are not homes you can move into when we sell houses, they are sold with a compliance requirement, and it takes the average person two years to make it through compliance. So to live, they can't just move in the house. So just I just need to I need to set the put the context in place, I need everyone to be aware that. As counsel as council, President Pro Tem, Tate indicated, we've been having these conversations for a number of months trying to massage this agreement to make it into something that will work for the city going forward. And I think between myself and my executive team, we have attempted to show our good faith effort at a partnership, as evidenced by our repeated regular meetings that we have with council just to talk about what are the issues, the land bank is, you know, routinely the bad guy get it, we own 25% of the property in the city. And our goal is to dispose of that property. But we've been charged to dispose of it with a purpose to return it to productive use, not just to sell it to anyone. And when you have a purpose and a goal, you have to create criteria and eligibility. everybody's not going to qualify and they're not going to be hacked. However, we work to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to access our programming, and we continue to seek meaningful input from our partners here are Council on ways we can improve those programs on ways we can improve access to property and land on behalf of the residents of the city. I don't have anything. Rachel, do you have anything you want to say? Thank you so much.
Yes, sir, goes for I apologize. I meant to move for approval with discussion, discussion. My apologies, no problem with
discussion. Good morning through the Chair. Good morning, council members. I just wanted to add to that, as we have been in constant response around budget questions, as well as MOU questions. One of the questions that recently came up is what is the land bank doing for other sources of revenue. And as we're talking about the Occupy program, and things that we are looking to do, in order to do that, I wanted to be clear, when the land bank seeks alternative or outside philanthropic dollars for revenue, we do not seek one dime of that for our operational existence. We do not rely on philanthropic dollars or grants or anything like that for operational existence. All of those grants that we go after that we seek are to provide a direct benefit to the citizens of the city of Detroit. So for example, last year, that question was asked during our budget presentation, over these last two years, the land bank has successfully apply for state blight elimination grant dollars, those are for the rehab and rehabilitation of housing units and improvements. We've been approved for almost $7 million of those funds, all of that funding is going to go to additional resources. And one of those things that we're planning on utilizing those funds for and to highlight it, especially when we're talking about Occupy is a more than 40 units are being converted to 30 units for affordable housing options. So I wanted to bring that to Council's attention because as we look at it and we talk about this partnership, it is something that we are working on and hope hopefully working on together. So therefore when there are properties and instances of this where someone is living in a deplorable condition, we will have options and resources to support the efforts of HRD and the land bank to move those individuals to safe and clean housing. So I wanted to also bring that in into context as we're having this conversation about our MOU discussion.
Thank you. Thank you so much. Member waters.
Thank you, Madam President. First of all, let me just say that we submitted several amendments, my office did a word ignore number one. Number two, we ought to be about the business of putting in various safeguards for people who will live in those occupied homes. The other thing is that we've been focused on the occupied homes. But as you all can see, there are other issues as well, home of other people who own the property. And so we haven't done enough as as council member and working with the administration do to put additional safeguards in so that people are protected. Listen, maybe some of the people the director would have, maybe their intentions are good, I don't know. But I'm going to tell you. It is not working. We get a ton of telephone calls in our office and we are busy trying to help people sometimes we can help get it resolved. And other times we can't. We have proved that Miss Max Wayne does have running water in our home. So I don't know what when was the last time the land bank did their inspection. But but she has running water in her home in terms of the dogma Marling, according to her to miss McSwain. It happened inside of her home, somebody came into her home. I've asked for a report from DPD to show where the dog biting occurred. So are we saying that if a dog bites somebody, why don't we have her to turn the dog in? Is that reason enough to evict somebody? I you know, I'm not understand it. So I'm wondering if in fact, this property has been sold right from under her. And we're just trying to force her to move. I also wonder if in fact, it is retaliation. That is the place that is the home. But we had the press conference when we initially took on the land bank at Miss Max Wayne home right in front of our home. Mr. Maxwell, he was standing out there with us. That is that is exactly where it occurred. So listen, it is our job. It is call health, safety and welfare of our residents of our people here in this city. And somebody's got to have the compassion. I don't believe that the land bank has neither the compassion or the capacity. I don't believe that that they do. And so it is incumbent upon us as he, here's the other thing I want to make clear. As legislators, we don't need to ask your permission to make changes in this MOU. If we feel that changes should be made, we need to do that. I understand where you know, okay. All right. So you want us to work with the administration, but City Council controls, the purse strings. This is Manny when we approve an MOU. This is money coming out of the city coffers. So because additional safeguards needs to be placed in this our motion that we send it back to committee and get additional testimony from the community. Add those safeguards that we should add that is my motion, Madam,
Madam President, we're going to still be on discussion and we can river waters. So discussion before we move forward and whose motion will go first. Okay. All right. So let's continue discussion first, before we start moving forward with motions Is that okay? Member waters? Well, no, not really. We want we want everyone to have an opportunity to ask questions. So
I understand and because I don't want anyway,
we will take up your motion but let's just allow everyone to ask Alright,
well, do you want to take up my amendment now then that I've said I'm gonna put on the table because I'm gonna put them
on the table. Number waters, do you have the floor if you want to make a move? All right, or if you motion to bring it back,
send it back to me. I did. That was the first motion. I want to see how that worked out. Because if you send it back to committee, I'm going to return these amendments to commit it yet again, and ask for consideration.
So member waters how about this when we vote on the amendment first, excuse me, we vote on sending it back to committee first, if that motion passes, and I'm assuming it may be more appropriate to take up your amendments in committee, if it fails, then and we still before us, we can pass it by, because that's exactly what I'm talking about President. All right. So we'll continue discussion, and then we'll come back to member waters motion.
We're on discussion? Yes.
Well, let me finish to better present. Okay, good. Yeah. So, um, you know, when I first came to council, it, it was not a goal of mine to, to take on all of these housing issues, you know, the good Lord just kind of placed them with me and my office, it just happened. And so we've been picking up that mantle ourselves, trying to help people remain in their homes. And if in fact, the land bank is saying that some of these homes are not habitable, we need proof. We want to see proof because what I saw for Miss McSwain, it is absolutely
not true.
So, um, Miss McSwain, and others have put their hard earned dollars in those homes, doing kitchen remodels and things like that. What do we have to say about that? Those are, those are their dollars, she was also subjected to a stamp. Initially she's been at home, and that home, I think, nine or 10 years or something like that. It's all. HR D, right now, at least Supposedly, the land bank before releasing somebody from their home supposed to check in with, with HRD. All right, and I believe I heard her say that. It becomes very difficult to keep
track of these. And so
once we approved this memorandum of understanding the land bank, then doesn't have to listen to us for another 10 years, not really, they continue to do their thing the way that they want to do it. We don't have any control of the land bank. But we do have a working relationship with HRD. And planning and development, those kinds of those people, we have a working relationship with those departments. I just don't believe that, that we've done enough. I don't believe that we've put in enough safeguards to protect our people in this memorandum of understanding, and I want to remind us, we don't need the land banks permission. If it's something that we want to do, we don't need their permission. If we want to change this memorandum of understanding, we can do so
with our votes.
And that's a fact. So we can do so even without the administration agreeing to it. We could is our vote. But I wanted to put those things on the table. And I'll leave it right there. For now, Madam President. Thank you.
Thank you member waters, to Director Daniels or reginal? Not sure who. So just two of my concerns I wanted to put on the table as well, too. And one is we constantly hear and I hear I just heard it at a meeting a week ago in the community on the east side of Detroit, about the issue with when you have generational Detroiters people who have been in the city for years who are trying to purchase sight loss that are still having issues, whether it be is being hailed for development, or you know, it doesn't fall on the decide lap policy, but you have someone who can prove that they've lived in their house 3040 years, they've been maintaining the property and they're being denied access to purchase that lot. That is something that just bothers me to my core. Understand we have a policy, but it has to be away if a resident can show that they've been taken care of the live they live with this property for years. Why are they being denied access to purchase a lot next to them and this happens often throughout the community. So if you can speak to how this MOU addresses that issue that constantly comes up again, I was just in a meeting last week and I had a long term general and she was solid said that she lives in her home, she's been denied access, she's reached out to the land bank. And that just bothers me because I don't understand how we're denying access to a resident who's been in their home that long access to property. So if you could just speak to how this addresses the sideline issue of generational long term Detroiters who are trying to access property within their
community. So through the Chair, I don't know the specifics of the issue that you're talking about. But I will say that we do work very closely with our partners at the city. So sidelights are generally sacrosanct. And we, as a general proposition, sale the sideline to the adjacent property owner, I mean, it may be to people who have who are adjacent to the product to the sideline. And so that becomes an issue. But as a general proposition, if it's a sideline, we work with city partners to figure out ways if there are holes in place, it is a part of a larger development project, we work to pull those sidelights out and sell them to the adjacent
property owner. And you've done that director Daniels Yes,
we have we reach out if there's a hole, we will reach out if it's a hall, we will reach out to our partners at planning and say, This is a sidelight to this person, can we please release this to sell it to them? They generally say absolutely,
yes. In the event of a development coming in a community, I've just never seen that happen when an actual project will release properties for residents. So you're saying that that's how that that has happened? Yeah,
so we have holes on on areas, and we aren't selling land. If this aside lot, we do make that we do reach out to make that site available to the adjacent property owner. There may be other issues that prevent someone from purchasing. Not that it's on hold. It could be they have blind tickets, that back taxes, it could be other things that prevent them from purchasing. Not that it's on hold for a development or on hold, because of department has a hole for project. So we do all of that checking. So that's why I say I don't know the specifics of that. But it could be back taxes. It could be a blight tickets,
I'm not sure No, I know for this particular situation. And again, this is constant. So there's different situations that take place for individuals that are trying to access and it may not be a sidelight, and maybe a lot that is, you know, up the street or a couple of lights over that they still have been maintaining, and they're having extremely hard time purchasing that particular line. And again, it has to be a way that we can work better with
those particular residents. So it's not a sideline meeting immediately correct to then it does become an issue. So if it's if it's if it's not as if it's a sidelight and someone up the street wants to purchase it, there's a waiting period, because we give preference to the immediately adjacent property owners, a neighborhood lot is a new or newer program. Those are stylists that weren't soda silos, and they've not graduated to become neighborhood lots. But the immediately adjacent property owners have the preference. So for a six month period of time, we will not sell them to anyone other than the two people, the people who live immediately adjacent to that lot, it goes on sold, then it graduates to neighborhood lights, and then any resident within 500 feet of that lock can purchase it. So it could be that if they are if they are within 500 feet, but it's still it's still considered a sideline, we won't sell it because we're still waiting. There are also areas within the city where we only make exceptions for sight loss, meaning the immediately adjacent property owner is the only person who can pull a property out of a project. So planning may, may have a hold, and they are doing some math a plan for the area. We won't pull things out for
neighborhood law, for sure. And that was my second point. And I sent this to you. So it's no surprise, we did submit this submit this as a recommendation to add into the MOU. We want a stronger language around and transparency around how you all are holding vacant land throughout the city of Detroit. Because we hear that constantly as well, too is that residents are trying to purchase land and they should have access to create generational wealth through property and in buying land throughout the city as well to not just developers. And oftentimes what we're seeing is that these huge swaths of land are being held for planning purposes. And there needs to be more transparency around that. So we asked for language a year it was denied, but we want it more transparency and just accountability about how those those parcels are selected, then counsel review them, can we possibly I don't want to have to approve every area that is being planned or developed. But what's the transparency around this so that we can communicate that to our
resident It says, well, so a couple of things. One, we don't hold land ourselves, or we junction with planning and Jungleman at the direction of the city, so we don't hold them. And then secondly, we do place on our map, those holes that are in place on our on our website, there is a map that shows all of the holes. So there is a way for people to see, but I absolutely will work with you in your office to resolve and find out what the specific reasons are behind the issues that you are talking about. Because if it fits as a sidelight per se, then they should be able to purchase that lot.
Gotcha. And then lastly, just as it relates to the MOU, has there been any kind of someone mentioned earlier, when they call it and just kind of going to each district kind of going over the MOU, kind of just educating the community on what it is what it does any, you know, suggestions of improvements, what are the concerns just to kind of formally kind of do US city why district tour because the land bank is probably the hottest, you know, concern topic at every community meeting. And so I think kind of informed me, the residents of what's before us the MOU, you know, the categories with some improvements, etc, I
think would have been helpful. Um, so through the chair. So no, we did not formally do a tour regarding the MOU. But over the last year, we have attended more than 230 community events to talk about our program is to educate residents on how to navigate the land bank. And quite Currently, we are undergoing a five year planning process, which includes survey, we are surveying residents and asking them what type of programming they want to see. So that process of including getting resident feedback on the types of programs that they want to see is is absolutely incorporated in our five year planning process. We had a survey that was just completed, we had over 700 responses, we are going to do a face to that survey was on our website. And the second one will be on our website coming going moving forward, as well as we announce it all over social media to make sure that people are aware that there is an opportunity and a place for you to provide your voices and to tell us what type of programming that you'd like to see. So yes, we make that effort. Absolutely.
All right. And the last thing I'll just say, I think in general, I think for residents, and I've heard this, you know, quite often it's just extremely difficult, you know, to navigate the Detroit Land Bank Authority. So we have to find a way to make it easier, because oftentimes we have to as council members have to intervene. And sometimes people may not even know how to navigate and reach out to us. So I can only imagine people who are trying to go through this process themselves without a council person intervening to call you or to email your team to get things done. So whatever we can do, and I know it's not towards you, I think you've done as best as you can coming on board to make the process easier. But we still have a lot of ways to go with making it easier for people to navigate working with
the Detroit Lambie through the president, good to share Absolutely, um, council president Sheffield, we have attempted to make ourselves more accessible we currently do office hours during the day, one month, one last Monday, last Wednesday of the month, we go to a public library and district one and district three and make a have office hours so that people can come to and sit and talk with members of our team about their issues. I totally agree. We have over 70,000 parcels of property in our inventory down from over 100,000. It is not easy to try to sell that land with a purpose of returning it to productive use. And so I don't disagree with you. I think you're absolutely right. We do have to figure out additional ways to give residents access, but it's not for lack of trash. And we
will continue to try. Thank you Director Daniels. All right, any additional questions or comments? Yes.
I'm glad you brought up the property, the land adjacent the sidelines. So we had a situation where a lady had been trying to purchase a sideline. She sent her money in she thought that it was a done deal because they asked her to send her money and she did that. Well guess what? Later she learned that had been sold to has farms. Now why the heck is his farm by the sideline, sold two hands farms as crazy. This these kinds of things that I'm talking about. So people who live near those sideline lives, madam president is not necessarily able to get that property. It is simply not
It's true.
I just wanted to point that out. Thank you. All right.
Thank you member waters. Member Johnson. Thank you, Madam President. And so to feel Daniels, I appreciate the response and the responsiveness of you and your team. I know, District Court residents are always reaching out, always asking questions always pushing, just to make sure that they're being treated fairly, and that they have access to sidelights and two properties I have, I think, I won't say outstanding, but requests and to your team now about taking the land bank off of the DEA of a property that they've, they've completed their compliance, so on. And so if that's something that you can have your team look at, and make sure that the land bank is off the deed, and perhaps that situation that member waters just talked about, would not be an issue, right, so that the land may no longer has possession or can deal with even that property without the owners initiating something. So if you can look into that, I would appreciate it. But my question to you is, so was it two weeks ago, a week and a half ago, during budget, I inquired about an eligible purchaser. And based on your structure and sales policy, to me, it reads as though an eligible purchaser is someone who is over the age of 18, and someone who either lives or owns a business in the state of Michigan. But that's the way I interpret that language that's in your policy. Can you tell me how you interpret that language as to who is an eligible purchaser of a land bank
structure? So through the Chair, I do recall us receiving your question. And I don't have the exact language in front of me. But I do believe it says something to the effect that they have to be over the age of 18, or a, a business authorized to do business in the state of Michigan. And so I, I interpreted it that way, either there are individual or a business authorized to do business in the state
of Michigan. And can you explain what that means? I mean, does that mean that you have to have an LLC in the state of Michigan? Or what what does the
authorization mean? So I'm through the chair? No, I don't think it means that you have to have an LLC authorized by the state of Michigan, you just have to be able to do business in the state of Michigan. So you have to comply with the rules and requirements to do business in the State of Michigan, which I'm not an expert on. So I can't give you line by line what those
are. And so I guess my question is whether or not the land bank is actually looking into that when properties are purchased. So what that authorization means what that what the requirement is of the purchaser, and making sure that those boxes are checked before a structure is sold to an entity or an individual that we've determined has or does not have authorization to purchase property in the state of Michigan.
So we have an eligibility team that goes through step by step and checks each individual purchaser to make sure that they do qualify, I will have that criteria, the eligibility criteria sent over to you, and then you can we can have a conversation and
go through it. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. And the other thing that I wanted to ask and I'm not sure that this is for Ms. Daniels. One of or two requests that we had submitted for the MOU was to ask that board members be required to live in the city of Detroit, and to also require that they come to the internal operations committee to be reappointed after their four year term has expired or prior to it expiring. So is there someone who can speak to whether or not that was included in this new rendition of the MOU that was provided to us this morning? Yes.
Mr. Daniels? No, I can actually answer your question. So I actually ended up speaking with the administration, Mayor, as well as deputy mayor and others within the administration. And that was not something that was agreed upon. But it had it was addressed was put forward was not something that was agreed upon
Thank you, President Pro Tem. I would like to understand why I have not had that conversation with anyone, but would really like to understand why that was not agreed upon, considering all other boards go through that process for reappointment. And I believe that it is a requirement for other boards and commissions to be residents of the city of Detroit. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, member Johnson. And we also had a request for the board as well to and I think it was that we want an additional council representative on the board. And we were denied that because I can't remember what the reasoning was, but it was not covered in this MOU, I think is
what was told, if I made so statutorily right Council is not allowed a member in the past that Mayor has had an agreement. So when it stood up, thank you. We're here when we set it up. When we stood up the land bank, the mayor made a agreement that one of the members would essentially represent City Council. And that was done so without changing any of the statutory language from the state. And we have that member and that is Ms. Morell. She is the member that technically represents counsel, again, not as it relates to the statute, but through the agreement. And speaking with the administration, that agreement is being upheld. And so city council would have an opportunity once again, to present an individual that would take that spot, if we decided to remove mismo. Thank you broke down.
Was there any additional comments? Yes,
I just, I just want to say. So there are a number of things that we have here and some things we will agree on. And some things we won't agree on. I think part of it is if we're looking for colleagues to agree, I think it's imperative that we have all the information, I would, I hate the fact that we had this family come before us, and that we put all their dirty laundry out here in the public. And it's something that I would have liked to know behind closed doors, and I could have addressed it and
kept
their dirty laundry, so to speak, out of the public sphere, part of getting my support, it's also laying out a through z on these issues, and not just kind of blanketly looking at it, because as we discussed it, there's some nuances in many of these situations. And I'm not giving the land bank a free pass. But what I am saying is, we also have to look at it from a case by case scenario, because there's some things that fit here, but they don't fit here, things that fit here and don't fit here, when we hear situations about you know, dog hawlings. The fact that folk may not have water, that's concerning. And that's something that we as a city have to figure out. But I can't just say is the land banks responsibility and the calls that I received without a shadow of a doubt more than anything, it's about customer service. And about the conditions of the property, we know that typically, the properties that the land bank receives when we talk about structures are all jacked up. We know that when you receive it. So colleagues again, one of the things that we're looking to do is ensure that those properties are maintained a one a plus, we to member waters point, we have the purse string. So if that's something that we want to look at as a priority, we have the ability to do that. But I don't think that it's fair for us to say the land bank has to maintain if we're not identifying how we can help them in terms of funding. And we have an allotment that either we increase, or we keep where it is for the general maintenance of those properties, and then having in some type of agreement or a clause that if we decide that be the case, we receive those funds back in terms of revenue, but I just think it I appreciate the work that you've done CEO Daniels because we've had numerous conversations with you and I know, the various iterations that we've had of the land bank, and without a shadow of a doubt, you've been the most responsive to these concerns when it comes to changing them. But if we want to have a more full discussion about the process and about the land bank, it's one thing to have a conversation with Miss Daniels, but it's another thing to have a conversation with the actual board. And that I don't think has happened yet. But I will say this as the chair of the committee that you all come through I hear and I see the changes that you've made over time. I would I would ask if you touch on one because I've already addressed this issue of the maintenance of the property again, not giving you a free pass on it. But in terms of customer service, and that was something that we spent a considerable amount of time on in the committee and the in our discussion, if you will please discuss how what you're doing To adjust the issue and concern that many have had and continue to have about customer service within
Landbank through the chair. So, yes, we have had a number of conversations about customer service. And so we last year took a deep dive into a deep dive into our customer service. And what we found out that in 2023, the land bank received over 67,000 inquiries. That was not, that was a number that I was not prepared for. And clearly, we were not staff to respond to. And we initially were focused on trying to ensure that everyone's call was answered within a reasonable amount of time. And what what happened was that our frontline call, the representatives became a call center, we were taking in calls and forwarded them to the team, what wasn't happening was answering the actual questions that the residents had within a reasonable amount of time. And so we have undergone a phase one. And now we're in phase two, where we are addressing the staffing issues, creating metrics, creating service level agreements with each department, that they recognize that they have these inquiries that are sitting out there, and that we need to timely respond to them. And so we have expanded our customer service team to we added an additional number of bodies to address the peak times. We have had some challenges in the last couple of weeks with our internet and our phones. And so we were out for three or four days in the last three weeks. Because we didn't have an internet, we didn't have power. But we are taking a holistic approach, not just to the call center, but to every department we identified who gets the most calls, do you need additional staffing to respond to these, these customer inquiries to get them the answer that they need in a timely fashion. And so in the next several months, we're working with the administration's Green Belt team to make sure that we create processes that fill all the gaps and answer all the questions and make sure that we have a more seamless operation where customer service is concerned. So that is our our plan our process. That's what we're going through right now.
And I just asked you if this if this item was not approved today that we not send it back to committee, because I'm not sure what more we as a committee can do. And there are questions that can be had, and discussions. But in terms of the committee, again, it was there was any committee since September. I just asked that we can postpone it here and have those discussions. But I just asked, plead that we not send it back to committee because there's not much more from the committee perspective that we can do. Thank
you, Mr. President. Thank you, Protune. Member Young.
Good, good to see you, Director. As always, I just want to ask you talk to me a little bit about the endorsement process. And I want to I want to preface this by starting that I'm usually of our experience. So we've done about 300 I think the last month we did because we started in January, two to 301 a month, I think we've done like over 1000 A little bit more overall that we've counted so far, endorsement processes. And so basically what happened is, is that what happened was, um, we gave an endorsement to a person and for a property. And we thought and what happened was someone else had bought the lot next to them because they were trying to buy that lot. Someone else bought the lot next to them. And they didn't that didn't live next to it. And they went through the endorser process thinking they were gonna get the property and they didn't. And they didn't go through the checks that they were supposed to go through, because you get the endorsement on the front end and not the back end. And the reason why I have a problem with that one is because my integrity is in question. My word is a question because when people get me endorsed, they think they're being in the process. And then secondly, we're an approval body. And we're an approval body based on charter reform based on the charter, what it says. And so I think that when we have a process where we are giving endorsers on the front end, and they didn't go through the proper vetting process on the back end, I think not only is that a violation of the integrity in my word, it makes me look bad, and we'll have to deal with the consequences, because the person that bought that property, and that's the lady that wanted it actually put gravel on that property as a way of retaliation against her. And so I'm hearing her call in public comment saying these things and then blaming me for giving her the doors bid for a property she thought she was gonna get. Because we're given the doors on the front end based on recommendations for the land that we're getting endorsed on the front end, when that whole process should be dealt with on the back end. Like every other thing we deal with, you don't come before this body until the vetting process is dealt with, period, all that stuff is worked out for you came here. So I just want to ask you, why is that process that way? And how was that not? I don't know this to you or to LPD or someone illegal. But how was that not, in my opinion, the violation of the charter process.
So through the chair, the neighborhood lot program is a newer program. And it sought to expand access to residents to land because initially, all we had was a silo process, the satellite program. And so the neighborhood lot program allows residents within 500 feet of the lot to purchase it right? Well, land bank is not boots on the ground. So we have for every district, there are multiple organizations or individuals who can endorse a lot and tell us yes, this is a good actor, yes, you should do you should transact with them that really what is what the endorsement process is to endorse the sale of the lot to this person, because individuals who have boots on the ground know who's a good actor know they've been working the community, now they've been taken care of this lot, because we don't know that you are not immediately adjacent to it. And so you live up the street from the lab. So that's why it takes place up front. Because the goal is to have someone tell us, yes, this is a good act. And then we go through the vetting process. So unfortunately, that's the that's that's the thought process. That's the rationale behind why
it happens first, and I understand that I say but what I'm saying is when you go to that group, and there should be some sort of oversight process over what's going on, I'm sure there is over what's going on, and people who are making the doors have to face their nature. So we don't have this happen. I'm not saying that process is wrong. I'll just say it once they give you a doorstep of that person, then that person that gave the adores, the two should be fully vetted before it comes to this body. That's my but I understand what I understand what you're saying. But I think the fact that they're not fully vetted, so because they weren't fully vetted, I give the endorsement, and then finds out this person doesn't qualify for whatever reason, they have this property, they blows back on me. And I have to deal with that in the community. It looks like that I'm selling well, tickets, when I'm not you understand I'm saying and plus, it's the charter is the charter responsibility for everything else, the city council, we approve that on the back end, when you come here, all that is decided, and I'm not I want to be careful. What I was saying is because kind of explosive. But it just kind of seems to be that someone could think of this as sort of kind of a charter crisis a little bit. Because we're dealing with something in a way that we don't deal with any other area, I understand that you have more leeway because you have a friend your neck. That means you have a certain level of independence as an authority. That's why we have to agree to these problems. I get that I'm not trying to trample that one because I know that's a whole nother legal conversation. But what I'm saying is when we're going through the endorser process, my integrity is important Me, My word is my bond. When I say someone's gonna give somebody my doorstep, I want that to mean. So if people don't think that it means something that reflects bad on me, politically, that reflects bad on me, it turns on my image that was bad on me in terms of when I'm going out to the community, and it reflects bad on me, it returns to the whole overall process of people losing faith and trust in the system. So that's why I'm saying I think this process needs to be done on the back end, like every other processes. So when I give out my endorsement, those people know, okay, Councilman has given this endorsement, I'm gonna get this property, I've been vetted. I've gone through all my P's and Q's, possible I's dotted my T's. And that's how it's gonna be.
So through the chair, we can absolutely look at it. But again, the endorsement process is not an approval. It's an endorsement saying that this was a good actor like they they have been, they've been a good actor in the community and that we should that the land bank should indeed engage in a transaction with them because, again, it's the you know, Council is endorser department of neighborhoods, there are community organizations and black clubs who can endorse as well. They are in the community and they can tell us that, you know, when it's a sidelight, you're immediately adjacent. This is right next to your house, you have a vested interest in making sure this is going to be taken care of over with a neighborhood lot 500 feet away, right? So that extra level of, of, of competence that this person is going to take care of a lot is what the endorsement seeks to provide.
No, I appreciate it. I want to see if I made that President want to say just really quickly, I want to talk about boots on the ground. I know you're not boots on the ground. And I know you made me you don't have that. But I think that's something that we should look into maybe that's a budget question. We need to appropriate more funds for you to be able to do that. Because I understand you're very high tech. And that's a great thing. But we also need you to be high touch, because there's a lot of people who don't have access to that. And so I think that we need to be knocking on our doors, we need to be telling people that you qualify for this property, we need to be you know, give it postcards and things of that nature. So people understand and know. So that your compassion, because obviously you have that is just not showing to the community, because like you said, you're not boots on the ground. So I think that's important for you to have that. Are you do you have the infrastructure for that type of program? Do you need the infrastructure? What kind of costs would that take for you to have that because this is something that is needed. It's not just enough to just ask people to go through here and that process, we need to be out there on the street talking to people about Mr. Communication is vital. It's
not happening right now. So through the chair. So we do attempt to streamline the process and use as much technology as possible. Before neighborhood lights, in particular, we do postcards, because we recognize that everyone does not have the same level of technological savvy, so we postcard a lot to let people know. So when a sidelight is transitioning to the neighborhood lab program, we send multiple postcards to individuals and set to the to immediately adjacent property owners, you this lot is available for you to purchase, you should you know, purchase it in the last year, we've done three site Lightfair. So we went into the community and in the community at community centers, and we did sila and neighborhood law fair. So they can actually come and meet the team and work through the process and put the application in so that they it wasn't just a transaction over the computer, we were in the community. But, you know, we can talk about expanding that capacity. But you're right, it we have 70,000 pieces of property in our inventory, that would take a substantial
investment. Does those postcards include knocking on doors? No. Okay. What will it take for them? I'm talking about the more hands on approach,
more people should have that conversation. Okay, yeah, I have
to throw a number.
To be honest. I'm wrapping up, I have a lot of other questions. I'll give it to you. I'm a supporter. I'm not trying to blow this up. There's just some things we need to do. So that constituents know it's, you know, it's really called Going the extra mile, we got to do here, there's a book called The go getters called the Blue vos test. We got to do everything we can to make sure that people know that we care. And we're reaching out to them. So I'll talk to you more about this future.
Thank you. All right.
Thank you member young member Benson.
Alright, thank you very much. Um, and I just want to ask a couple questions to make sure that I'm clear on the land base and a little bit of its history. So if I'm not mistaken, the land bank received its first director in about 2009 digs, rest in power, Mr. Diggs, but he had nowhere near the level of resources that you all have now as a robust land bank. And that became a robust land back in 2014, when I was elected and started my tenure here at city council table. That's been 10 years. So in that 10 year period, how many properties has a land bank disposed of in total? Homes? Site? Lots, community lots. My next question is going to be in the 10 year period, prior the land bank, becoming really established land bank in 2014, how many properties was the city of Detroit able to dispose? And what I'm looking for is efficacy here, the ability of the city to manage its own property portfolio, versus what a robust land bank has been able to do. And I have a very strong feeling that it is nowhere near and that the city of Detroit was ineffective, as in terrible at selling, disposing of managing his portfolio of properties, which as you said earlier, was over 100,000 problems. Which means tells me that in the last 10 years, you've been able to get rid of at least 30,000 properties, probably more, because I'm sure you've gained some. And then how did you acquire these properties? Who did you buy your portfolio properties from? And why did you buy those properties?
So through the Chair, I just quickly did the math from the numbers that are posted on our website, we've, we've disposed of over 45,000 piece of property in the last 10 years. Through all of our sales programs. We did not purchase those properties. They were the vast majority of them. Significantly, the vast proportion, the vast majority of them were transferred to us,
too. to dispose of them, which I feel was gonna interject there. So you're telling me that over 100,000 properties were transferred to you from
the city of Detroit, not quite 100,000 With the exception of some of our programs like Knapp and Wayne County foreclosures that haven't come since. But the vast majority of that, of that inventory did come to us through the initial
transfer from the from the same. So the city gave you properties, sexy properties, where these high end properties were the Occupy were generating revenue, or the lonely unwanted properties that no one could dispose up, which is why the city had them in his portfolio
and others. That's really the chair Yes, we are the receiver of all blighted, vacant, dilapidated property, and with the task of trying to return it to productive use. So yes, now these were
not sexy property, okay, which then also goes to the point of people who are living in lamping property is always a concern of mine, when someone says, I'm living in the land bank property, because you're living in a property that was unwanted, unloved, probably open to the elements, and maybe dangerous, which then goes to a point you made earlier, you are providing Property Management Services, on behalf of the City of Detroit, you often stumble across properties where people living in their mind are squatting or may be had a very negative experience with a landlord or somebody who was posing as a landlord. But now you are in the Human Services business as well. And I see that Mr. Bowser is on here, I'm going to go on a limb and say that the Community Health Corps Mr. bows are probably supporting you in those human services. But let's talk about the human services that are being provided to the land bank from the city of Detroit for that specific population who choose to live
in a land bank property. So the partnership which has been enhanced over the last year, they do outreach to every last one of our individual, all the all the families that don't qualify for buyback, because if they qualify for bad back, they're put in the program and they're immediately on a path to homeownership. If they don't qualify, they are immediately transferred over to David, David Bowser and his team to do outreach to make sure maybe they need some help getting the documentation, they may need relocation assistance. David's team is embedded in our process it like five or five or six different steps to ensure that these families who don't qualify have options, relocation options, and he can talk more in depth about what services that his team is able to provide. But they are that is the goal to ensure that if they can stay, they can stay and if they aren't because of the condition of the property or because they don't qualify for the program, that there is a path to transition them to stable homeownership or not homeownership, but the stable housing. So I will turn it over to David to talk about
specifically, Madam President. Mr. Bowser, good writing it.
Thank you through the chair. So this this, Barney did fund HRD to expand its outreach to land bank homes. And so right now, and this has been an ongoing strategy even before it was funded, funded by a council. And so what the funding will do is allow us to continue to work and expand our partnership with the land bank, to provide door to door outreach, as was mentioned here, to connect residents who are inland bank homes to additional opportunities, if not to the land bank itself. And so there are many residents in these homes that may have communicated with the land bank at some point or may not have ever communicated with the land bank, that HRD then connects with the door knocking does a an intake and then connects those individuals to the land bank or to other resources as needed. A large piece of this is the relocation effort. So when we find that a family is living in a place not meant for human habitation, or that that house has failed land bank inspections, then we start a process of case management with that individual or with that family. They're essentially enrolled in the Housing Services Office, which will assign a case manager to that individual, help them find employment if needed, and then connect them to landlords and also in many cases, pay for first month's rent security deposit application fees and things like that, just to make sure we're lowering barriers to relocation. And so again, the funding that we've received most recently from City Council will allow us to expand and we're looking to actually go on a district by district basis to the occupied land bank homes that are in those districts work with the Department of neighborhoods before we perform the our secondary outreach, and then make sure we are knocking on each and every door that's indicated to be occupied by the land bank. And so that should result in quite a few customer service efforts, as well as metrics that we can deliver to you all and share with the land bank as well, in terms of the, the rate of occupation of these homes. The next steps for individuals, US rerouting individuals back to the back to the land bank, as well. And so we're hoping to actually have, you know, some pretty good and transparent outcomes for residents on a district by district basis once we
begin our expanded outreach. All right, thank you. So it sounds to me as if land bank was to Detroit have are now going above and way beyond what any property management firm would do, or would be able to do. But we have a very unique situation here, and that you all manage a portfolio of unwanted and unloved properties, that unfortunately, in certain people's lives, they have found themselves living, and probably it's a space of last resort, am glad to see that what we're doing is trying to move people out of a home of last resort, and into a home that safe and manageable. Now, the family that was here earlier was six children. I mean, that's the story is it's heartbreaking. Now, you indicated there is no water there that there are vicious dogs there. So maybe some additional illegal activity happening at that home would also then concerns me or Child Welfare Services. Once you bring that type of story to light, you now place the family's togetherness in jeopardy. So I'm hoping that we're also very, very cautious and just very sensitive to that type of situation that we're not looking to break up families in a situation like that. Because if someone were listening to that tale today of what was going on, there may be a jeopardy for the that family moving forward. So I'm hoping that we're being very, very sensitive to that.
Is that the case? Yes, we will be as sensitive as possible. Despite, you know, what has been said, we have not moved to remove them from the home because we don't, they don't have anywhere to go. So we've referred them to David's team to help them get stable safe housing, which is a basic, to me, a basic tenet, everyone should have stable, safe housing. And the thought that living in this house should somehow be a right is actually sad to me that we would leave this woman with our six kids in this house. That's on it.
That's unacceptable. All right, thank
you. Then just for me, it's an apocryphal tale, that the land bank is conspiring as some type of nefarious cabal behind the scenes, to take homes from people to not sale property to our residents. And you just said 45,000 have been sold the last 10 years, I'd be interested to see how many homes a city Detroit was able to sell within a same within the previous 10 year period, I would go on to say it's probably less than 5%, maybe less than 10% of what you add, which means you are doing 10x What 2400 Over a 10 year period versus the 45,000 and ad that you are able to sell. So that's less than 5%. That's about 5% of your productivity is what the city of Detroit was able to do it over a 10 year period. So I'm hoping that we're really looking at the value add of the land bank, versus what the city of Detroit has been and would be able to do moving forward. The calls for you all to improve services, I believe they've been eating, I've had very candid conversations with the land bank, as well as the board about where you all fall down. And your inability to answer calls and get back to residence in timely fashion is a huge problem, which I'm glad to hear that you're working on. What initially when I had my first robust conversation with you all was about what was being said about you or taking people's property through a nuisance abatement program. We had numerous conversations and what I learned was going back to those Apocryphal Tales, that there's always two sides of the stories. And the number one call that I get in my office about the land bank is the terrible condition of land bank properties next to an owner occupied home and how that is causing a negative impact on their quality of life, their kids, just everything and so we're often asking, why not tear that home down we can be saved we want to save it. You are doing damage to other people's property values by trying to keep these up these homes that oftentimes are well beyond the financial means that anybody to, to maintain or even to bring back online. And then if you were to bring it back online, he would try to rent it, you couldn't get the rents, you'd need to pay for those for the infrastructure and investment you had. So I'm oftentimes advocating get rid of more of your homes, and then number one other to work your sales out of business. That is the goal should always be the golden Troy land bank to work your sales out of business, dispose of your entire portfolio, there may always be two or three peat because you get a couple 100, maybe a year, but you need to be looking at that. And then understanding how you all can add and you do to improve quality of life of our residents. And so I'm prepared to move forward with this MOU. But I do have a question on MOU and it's looking at holdover. issues. So we've had this as the Chair said since September of 2023. So at a certain point, we are out of contract with the with the land bank. But what are the I didn't I looking in this updated MOU? I didn't see a holdover issue, how are we handling holdovers, if we're out of contract, where you all continue to do the work for us if we as a body don't approve and updated
MOU. So through the chair, we have continued to work in good faith under the old contract that expired on December. And that expired on December 19. We continue to work under the terms of that contract. And so we are, you know, working with this body and the administration to come up with an agreement so that we can move forward under a new contract that will allow us to continue to expand our services continue to expand our impact on the city. But there when you say hold over, I'm
not sure the continuing words if we are out of contract.
So what we're doing now, yes, we've continued to operate in good faith under the terms of the old
agreement. And well, I just don't see that provision in this
MOU. So if we execute the new MOU, we wouldn't need that
because we'd have I get that. And that's that is humorous, but it's not realistic. And so we are in a holdover situation now, but I don't see that. And I believe we've been in one before because it's often a very political, very charged conversation, I would just like to see us have an official fold over provision moving forward so that if we do find ourselves in situation, again, that we can have that address. So it's not like we have the sword of Damocles above our head, that we can have these conversations and people can get their questions answered. And you all still provide those services. And I want to say this one last time. So when I started this job, Carrie, the one was the director of the Detroit land bank, and my advice to her and then my directive to her was, number one, if you all are not as efficient if you all have problems and make mistakes, I'm okay with that. wreck them and let's continue to move forward. If you steal, I'm not okay with that. And when the city of Detroit managed properties, there's a lot of corruption, a lot of problem lot of people went to jail based on their management and or misfeasance or malfeasance of city property. We don't see that any. And that was my other directive. Do not steal, be an honest broker and manage the city's terrible portfolio honestly and correctly. And you all done that. I appreciate that. Thank you, Madam Chair.
All right. Thank you, member Benson. All right. Probably. gonna wrap it up. I'll go back to you member waters. If you have a motion on the floor, then. Yep. The one you made earlier. I want to ask her a question. Okay. And then after that we do because
we have a two o'clock, okay. Yeah. Okay. So the waters go right here. Say I want to I want to know, you. We continue continue to bring up Miss McSwain. All right. So she has proof that she has running waters, I need you to go do another inspection. Take another look at her home reconsider that family. Now. That's what I'm asking you to do. Director Daniels, unless something you're not telling us and you saw actually sold that property that she lives in. But I would ask that of you. You could just say yes or no. It doesn't have to be a long, drawn out conversation about it. So And Madam President, we've just played it. And remember, Yun brought up the whole process, we've played it for the land bank to take a look at their process to have some compassion with homeowners, not homeowners but occupied owners, when you know when you're considering them, your original use as opposed to just clear title and sale property in the first place. But now you have all of these programs that you want us to pay for. And I just don't think that You should be in that business. So I need you to please take a look. Because sounds like my colleagues want to keep you guys around I, you know, hey, what can I say? So, um, the 42 Homes initially had it not been for us, at least 28 of those people would have been sold from that Bondo smoke. So we've got to have you to be more sensitive, it is our job to take care of the residents. That's all I'm saying to you guys. And I know we're, we're in a hurry, right here. But I just, I just wanted to point those things out and to plead to you because I didn't so when when PE D, I made a plea to you guys to take a look at things, take a look at your process, so that we can help more people. I mean, and that's exactly, you know, if it were up to me, I wouldn't have you doing buyback, you know, the buyback program at all? I would not that was certainly rest totally with with HR debt. And then that way I know who yell at about it. But that is not the case. And so Madam President, I do want to ask a question of through you to Mr. Whittaker. All right, Mr. Whittaker.
So, then President Yeah. All right. So, if we decided to place this on the ballot, Team waters, we will have to go out and get the signatures necessary. What can can how many signatures will be need, because I believe it's getting to a point that all the people here in this city are going to have to address this whole land bank issue. That's how I'm feeling about it. So please explain that to us how many signatures we need. And exactly, then we want to talk with you about the question that we
will ask. Madam President, I wish I were able to tell you that. But I don't I don't know. I mean, that's a complicated question, because there's a statutory. Yeah, this is uh, so you gotta you gotta look at the statute. And there's a method we've written on how you can dissolve the land bank before. And one of the things in the statute, something in the statute does not there that you're asking about is how you dissolve it by by ballot that this is very creative. And to be honest with you, I'd have to study it. This seems a possibility. All right. Okay. That's okay. We have to do that if we
get the assignment. All right. Okay. That motion, madam. Madam President, that LPD research. A ballot initiative, how we do that for the land bank.
Right. Is there any objections on signing LPD? That and member waters if you could just follow up in writing with this question, it would just be out be a ballot initiative. Eliminate the Detroit land make a move the process for that to happen.
Yes, clarify. Yeah, yeah. We will. We want to understand the process of how we how to make that
happen. Absolutely. Okay. Discussion? Yes.
Mr. Benson, I object to dissolve in land bank, but I do not object to
wherever the most is just emotional table is just for LP to do a report if it's even feasible for that to take place. All right.
Yes, member young. I just wanted to second member Benson's request.
All right, thank you, the people.
Here are no objections that action will be taken from Mr. Whitaker for that report. Now, Dr. Powers member waters made a motion after member
pro 10. So
okay, university, okay.
Okay, all right. So protein intake.
had already my motion yet was on the table to return it to the committee for safeguards. And I know Mr. Chairman said he was opposed to it. He didn't want it back. He's tired of it.
But that was my motion. Alright, so we will take a member waters motion first. Member waters motion is to return the land bank MOU back to planning and development committee. Are there any objection?
Objection counsel was Scott Benson?
Objection council member for his or her objection, President Pro Tem Tate
Madam Clerk, Madam President, there's five lows in three lows excuse me in five days That motion passes.
Okay, so the MOU will go back to planning and development committee. Alright, so we will proceed with the remaining items. There were two of excuse me there were
Madam President, line item 18.5, which was forwarded. I'm sorry, for line item 18.5. You wanted to bring that item back to the end the agenda or was that item being postponed
all together? We were bringing that back at the end of the agenda. We were waiting for the updated resolution 18.5.
President Yes, I've been notified and I see it here that the item the resolution is attached to the document that we have in our possession if you look at the very end up
okay. All right. So we did receive the updated information for 18.5 A motion has been made for approval
he ever approved Move approval line item 18.5
as well. Okay. All right, Hearing no objections that action will be taken 18.6 was sent back to committee we will proceed now to planning and development
department.
Council President Pro Tem James take three resolutions line items 18.7 through 18.9.
Pro Tem take a president move approval of line items 18.7 through 18.9
Please. Alright, these are various property sales. Hearing no objections, the three resolutions
will be approved and present. Yes, of course. We're waiver on line item
18.8. Please. waiver has been requested for 18.8 Hearing no objections that action will be taken from the Office of contracting and procurement.
Awesome number Santiago Romero a resolution line item 19.1 which is contract number 600611 to 100%. City funding to provide advanced cleaning inspection here maintenance and tracking of a firefighter structural turnout gear contractor. Fire Service Management LLC total contract amount $442,903.50 cent. That's for fire. House number Santiago Romero
one resolution number Santiago Ramiro Thank you madam president
motion to approve any objections?
Hearing none, the one resolution
will be approved. request a waiver,
Madam President, any objections to a waiver? Hearing none that action will be taken from the Office of Development
and grants. Councilmember Santiago remember all two resolutions lie islands 19.2 and 19.3.
Councilmember Santiago Romero. Thank you Madam President. Motion to approve. These are both various grant applications. Any objections?
Hearing none, the two resolutions will be approved. From the Department of Public Works city engineering division.
Councilmember Santiago Romero six resolutions, line items 19.4 through 19.9.
Councilmember Santiago
Ramiro. Thank you, Madam President, motion to approve these are all various requests
for encroachments. Alright, any objections?
Hearing no objections, the six resolutions will be approved. We will now move to the new business portion of the agenda from the mayor's
office. Councilmember young eight resolutions line items 20.13 20.8.
As a member Yun, thank you Madam President, I move to approve line item 20.1 through
20.8.
right these are various approved events. Are there any objections? Hearing none,
the eight
resolutions will be approved.
The Office of contracting and procurement
councilmember Santiago Romero a resolution line item 20.9. Just contract number 600610 to 100% city funding to provide municipal resident identification In car software system, contractor Omicron technology solution LLC, total contract amount 87,000 And that's for to help customers Santiago remember one resolution.
Council Member Santiago Rivera. Thank you, Madam President. Motion to approve it. Discussion.
Okay, discussion. Thank you, Madam President. Real briefly, just want to share with everyone that we are finally here, this is the contracts to approve the vendor to re instate restart our Detroit ID program. I just want to say thank you so much to our health departments, the administration for going through this process and ensuring that we find a vendor that puts into policy protections for our residents. And we are incredibly excited to move this forward. Last year, we asked for funding to restart our ID program. We got it through the budget. And now we are looking to approve our final vendor to relaunch our program. So thank you so much to everyone. Again, I am incredibly excited to see this program again for the city. All right, thank you, Councilmember.
I'm Hearing no objections to this item. Councilmember Santiago remove Ramiro move this for approval and Hearing no objections that
resolution will be approved. request a waiver, Madam President.
All right, Hearing no objections, a waiver will be attached to you. Right from the Office of contracting and
procurement. How some rubber Yun five resolutions, line items 20 point 10 through 20 point 14 Noting that they are all contracts for General Services Department. First contract is contract numbers 6004315 dash a one 100%. City funding Amendment One to provide an increase of bonds for vehicle glass replacement and or repair service labor and or parts contractor mastek paint glass total contract amount 162,000 next contract contract numbers 6006011 95% major street 5%. City funding to provide floor cultural maintenance and enhancement for city wide public spaces. Contract the W H cannon LLC total contract amount 2.4 million 2,450,000. Next contract is contract number 6006069 75%. Solid Waste and 25% city funding to provide high all refuse loaders and packers repair service labor and or parts contractor McQueen equipment LLC doing business as bale Equipment Company total contract amount 450,000. Next contract is contract number 6005131 dash a one 100% capital funding Amendment One to provide an extension of time for Stokoe number one park improvements contractor Michigan recreational construction total contract amount 500,000 last contract is contract numbers 6006117 36%. ARPA and 64% capital funding to provide repairs and maintenance for Detroit public spaces and parks contractor Michigan recreational construction total contract amount 7,400,000 For general service department, also member young five
resolutions. All right. Thank you, Councilmember
Yang. Thank you, Madam President. I moved to approve lie idle 20 point 10 through 20
point 14
All right, any objections?
Hearing no objections the five resolutions will be approved. From the office of development
in grants,
Councilmember Santiago Romero one resolution line item 20
point 15. Councilmember Santiago Romero. Motion to approve.
Right and this is for the Simon Foundation grant to support project clean slate. Any objections? Hearing no objections the one resolution will be approved.
Under resolutions councilmember Santiago Romero two resolutions line items 20 point 16 and 20 point 17.
Councilmember Santiago Romero. Thank you Madam President. Motion to approve 20 point 16 This is a resolution recognizing April 2024 as sexual assault awareness month and 2020 Excuse me 2017. This is a resolution recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month motion to approve both All
right. Are there any objections? And I'm not sure what councilmember if we can be added as a council to both. Yes, I can do so. There's no objection from members. Okay. All right.
The clerk would know. Park was
so Nope. Madam President. All right, Hearing no objections, both of these items will be approved. Yes.
Is it too late for me to request a waiver on line item 20.7
and 20 point 12? No. 20.7 in 20 Point 12 There was a request for a waiver seven
one is for the event at
MCs Bricktown. And then 20 points. Well.
Any objections objection to 20 points,
well, 20 points well, which is the McQueeney equipment contract. Okay. So that item fails 20 point 12 for a waiver and the other one
is approved.
All right.
I'm ready for the budget excuse me for the standard report referrals and other matters for the budget Finance and Audit Committee
submittal tool memorandums line items 23.1 through
22.2. Those two memorandums will be referred to Committee or internal operations
committee saw reports from various city departments line item 23.1 and
23.2. Those two reports will be referred to Committee or the Planning and
Development Committee. One report from the planning and development department line item 24.1.
B one report will be referred to Committee for public health and safety
standing committee submit all to memorandums, line items 25.1 and
25.2.
The two memorandums will be referred to the public health and safety Standing Committee under the consent agenda. There are no items Madam President. Alright, we will call for a motion to suspend member reports. All right, Hearing no objections, we will suspend our member reports under adoption without committee reference. There are no items Madam President and under communications from the
clerk or report on approval of proceedings by the mayor.
The report will be received and placed on file under testimonial resolutions and special privilege.
Councilmember Gabriela Santiago Ramirez on behalf of councilmember Benson, two resolutions line item 30.1
and 30.2. Councilmember Santiago and mural.
Thank you, Madam President. Both of these should be member Benson's name.
Yeah, I think they're in his name.
But he's not he's not here. I'm so sorry.
Motion to approve. All right. Hearing no objections, the two resolutions will be approved. And that will take us to the end of the agenda. We do have a 2pm executive session, will you all like to help owned it postponed for 30 minutes or start right at two to allow us additional time for lunch? I see a couple of clarity. I see a postpone Everybody's cool. 230. Okay. So we will reconvene at 230 for our Executive Session. Discussion? Do I need to call? Do I need to call it at two? And then I'll recess until 230 to allow people to have
lunch. Okay, yes. Since we're moving back by 30 minutes. Do we have a cap on the end time today?
No. So I guess we're going to try to get through as much as we can and kind of base it on. Because we have. I'm sure you all saw the executive spreadsheet. It's like 189 items. So as much as we can get done today, we'll we'll go and kind of get a sense of where we're going to be back in the Committee of the Whole. Yep. Did you have a in time that you wanted to propose me Robinson? Just 535 30? Okay.
Yes, I got to do this in here, but I already know if all the items that I have set your session, I want to pin all my items because they're not ready for primetime yet, for a lot of reasons. I don't know once we get to that. I just request that everybody's on because I know where I'm at. I know what I need to do, but I'm not waiting my I know we got a long day. I don't mind doing that person because
yet will we get there? Well that's what I'm gonna do. Okay. Good thing we know in advance. Yeah.
All right, great.
All right. So we will adjourn this meeting and then we will convene at 230 for our executive session in the Committee of the Whole but there's nothing else to come before us this afternoon. We will stand adjourned