Good morning, everyone, the regular session. All right, the regular session of Tuesday, April, the 22nd will come to order and Madam Clerk, good morning. Please call the roll.
Council member Scott Benson, Council
Member Frederick duha, the third present.
Council member Letitia Johnson.
Councilman gapia sends up. Diego Romero
um council member has indicated she will be running behind this morning.
So no council member waters,
Council Member Angela Whitfield Callaway,
Council Member Callaway also indicated that she would be running behind this morning.
So no council member Coleman, you're on the second. Council President Pro Tim James state and Council President Mary Sheffield, present.
You have a quorum. Present, Madam President,
all right. There being a quorum. We are now in session. Council member waters has joined us as well, and we are now going to go into invocation. We have joining us, Pastor Frank Harris, Junior of second cannon, Missionary Baptist Church, who is joining us virtually you.
Present. Are we ready?
Morning? Are we ready? Yes, sir, we are ready. Pastor, go ready.
Alright, let's pray, Lord, thank you for this day, thank you for this blessed privilege of a day that we've never seen before, but it has been scheduled since creation. We thank you for giving us the precious gift of prayer as our means of communication with you, and even in this moment, we recognize how important it is to involve you in all things. So I pray today for the spirit of unity. I pray today for the spirit of peace, that this time in prayer will set the precedence for the tone and tenor of this meeting, I pray God that you would guide every thought and be with every leader, and may we lay aside personal preferences and consider the greater good, especially for those living beyond the margins. Help us today to model your example. Help us to continue to lean on the side of the oppressed. And God, I pray that you get glory out of this time that what we do this day will not only be said this day, but will have actions and impactful implications in the days to come. We thank you and we love you in Jesus name, amen.
Amen. Alright? Thank you so much. Pastor Harris Junior, thank you for joining us, sir. Thank you so much. You have a blessed day. Thank you. Do likewise. Okay, all right, the Journal of the session of Tuesday, April the eighth, will be approved. There being no reconsiderations or unfinished business. We will proceed to the budget Finance and Audit standing committee for the budget Finance and Audit standing committee
12 reports from various
city departments.
12 reports will be referred. There's 21 reports. The 21 reports will be referred to the budget, Finance and Audit standing committee for the internal operations. Standing Committee, eight reports from very C department. The eight reports will be referred to the internal operations standing committee for the Neighborhood and Community Services standing committee,
this reports from various city departments. The six
reports will be referred to the Neighborhood and Community Services standing committee for the Planning and Economic Development standing committee,
a report from legislators Policy Division.
The one report will be referred to the Planning and Economic Development standing committee for the public health and safety standing committee
four reports from various city departments
before reports will be referred to the public health and safety standing committee, we will now move to the voting action matters under other matters, there are no Items madam president under communications from the mayor and other governmental officials and agencies,
there are no items, Madam President,
all Right, we will call now For general public comment. You
How many do we have today? How many online? How many online?
Okay, we will do two minutes for public comment. Miss Lyons, you will start off first two minutes for public comment. Good
morning. Good morning.
Praise to the black man last week who appeared with some black men. I loved seeing that to educate, support and work toward positive future. This cement crush crushing Benson sounded weak and defeated, instead of helping the people obtain health by getting these people out of the community. Yet Romero spoke up challenging, saying they can be stopped. And I agree she Romero. I've seen her on TV two and four. She makes herself presents and speaks for her people. She even has this power. Has Dugan assure presence of Chief bedeson at the Cinco de Mayo and the Detroit Police Department even old young jump ship to rescue the Mexicans and let his people drown. Assuring that the Cinco de Mayo proceeds with no problem. Council corner is just what it is. It keeps you in your place and that Mike Dugan, he needs to be stopped in his tracks. He has stolen over $600 million belonging to the Detroit citizens. That's of overpaid property taxes, and you negros up there won't even unite to provide justice for the Detroit people. And attorney Conrad mallet, I don't know where he ever is. He only comes out when Dugan says he can come out. So we need to work on helping the Detroit residents. And also dugan's interviews are usually staged and phony, with him bragging about his being white and there has not been a white person in government.
Thank you, Miss Lyons, Robert King, followed by Mister Cunningham, there
you go. Yes. My name is Robert King.
Mister Cunningham brought me here today to discuss the issue with the busses. We did all schedule, but I don't need to be clean. They don't seem to have a certain schedule or whatever they running anyway, in every way, whatever you got,
uh, stepping up with trash. He still have a seat.
The seniors standing up, nobody trying to give a senior seat stand at the bus job. Bus Driver jobs to make sure that seniors are seated, disabled and ones with the dogs. Thank you.
Thank you so much. And we're going to also cut off the public comment for this morning. Mister Cunningham,
good morning, everyone. 31344491143134449114,
that number was made so you can remember it and on Facebook, not enemy. Tours, not enemy. So I go around and give out bus tickets around the city. I want to thank Council Pro Tem Tate for the most recent donation of the bus passes. He donated it 24 hour passes, and I appreciate it. They're in my hands. And also have to shout out, because I'm getting, well, I believe that I will get another vehicle I have 262,000 miles on it. Want to shout out. Joan, price, $25 miss. Amy, $8 JM, $10 mega feet, $10 anonymous, $50 within the last couple days, the information to donate is on my Facebook page so I can continue to get around and about My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches and glory by Christ, Jesus and I know how to be perfect for that to come to pass. I have been looking online and about 7000 or so. And I'm not totally destitute. I've saved some, and I appreciate those $8 and those $10
and those anonymous gifts.
I'm working at it, and I want to continue to do what I have been doing in the community, and I need a vehicle to do it east, west, north, south. You can live vicariously when I give you give. I'm talking to you when I give you give with the bus tickets and the low income housing lists and also, candidates have been doing ride alongs with me. Candidates have been doing right along with me. You can reach me again at 313-444-9114, and know that I pray for the donor and the donation, and I appreciate you. I will get another van. Thank you.
Thank you so much. Mister Cunningham
mccuskey, you morning Council. Darren McCluskey, it's Earth Day 2025, the theme this year is our power our planet. Think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone that's against renewable energy or solar use, anyone with the right mind. But there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. I grew up in a conservative household. I fully support renewable energy. I was the president of my environmental club in high school. I had 33 solar panels on my last house. Drive electric cars. I just think there are constitutional rights that are protected in this country that should not be stepped on, and I truly believe that we're going to look back and this is going to give renewable energy a bad name. So candy McGee last week had her necessity hearing. She's a Detroiter, went to Wayne State. She was throwing up as the judge was reading her ruling, and stated to me and her attorney that she was robbed today without a gun. Most people come to Detroit hoping they're not robbed. They don't think that maybe the city of Detroit could rob them. So I hope that every time you guys vote to take someone's property by force, you have to look into their eyes and see how it's affecting them. The pastor this morning talked about the people on the margins and the people who are oppressed. Those are the very people who are affected the most by these takings. You guys will have an opportunity in a few seconds to hear Danielle Murthy story. Her family home was taken she was completed, completely treated, completely differently because this was a solar neighborhood. Had no right to counsel, was evicted by the police without an actual eviction, because she was not allowed to get on a payment plan to save her property. Well, last week, we had at least one win, because on the record, your attorney, Devin Sullivan, stated, the city will forever own this land, and you better bet that we're going to be watching this land's not going to be flipped for a profit. It will forever be solar and will forever be owned by you. Detroit solar scam.com thank you.
Thank you. Mister mccrusky and the carpent note member Young has joined us as well. Mister morning, um,
good morning through the president. Um, just be positive today. Um, just a few things that March. I think it was 6263 Reverend Martin Luther King spoke in gross point, and he spoke about the other America. I think it's important that you guys take some time and look at that. That perspective still exists today, as we can see when we talk about getting some resolutions and things brother Cunningham come down here quite a bit. He does very good advocacy. The city spends a lot of money on FTS and grant writers. I don't understand why anybody couldn't use their influence to have somebody write a grant writing to see if it brother Cunningham could get another vehicle to continue on with his ministry. These are little, simple things that you have to have a heart to be able to identify solutions for. And so I ask that you guys open up your hearts to the community so that you could come up with solutions with the resources that you already have. Um, thirdly, you know, this is an election time, I think it's important that you guys decisions be based upon the 600,000 residents here, and not personal interests or influences that may push your agenda or may not push your agenda. You know, just have to stay focused on what the elected people ask you to do within the time that you guys were elected for, until the next election decides who and what's going to be doing there. And so, just lastly, I'm a God fearing person. I've been very described as a lot of other things, but I just want to uplift just everybody. I just wanted to make sure that as first and foremost. Know that God is first in my life, and I don't really have any needs so desires down here. You have covered me in so many aspects. Um, I do just have a tender heart for community and others, and I ask that we all share
that. Thank you, Mister Foster.
Danielle murders, Daniels, followed by David rolling.
My name is Danielle Mertes. My home, 19212, Danbury was my address for 15 years until the city of Detroit stole it for me. I am now homeless since January 10, along with my two roommates, David Pinel ski, which is right here, and Allison Berger, no funding or housing was provided from the city, even after the city inspector Mohammed Salah took all of our information and promises. Housing financial crisis I've been going through isn't an excuse to rob me of my home or other people going through the same situation. Neither are the Blight violations that were corrected. We did everything required in the middle of winter, and then it still had extremely minimal time to move, which not even three days, causing me to lose most of my belongings, also causing unnecessary stress due to the amount of police cars and city officials that treated me and my family and friends as if we were criminals. My neighbors, who are lifelong friends, are now scared about their living situations because of the Detroit solar project. I wouldn't wish that situation on my worst enemy. My house has been vandalized and set on fire since the city of Detroit made me and my roommates vacate illegally. It never got demolished on schedule. I spoke with Mohammed Salah supervisor about the situation. Also, it's been three months. I made multiple phone calls, sent multiple emails, and did all the required paperwork that every city official told me I needed to do. I corrected all the Blight violations, and it cost me almost $1,500 to do so just to get evicted anyways, illegally. The City of Detroit should have just let me pay my property taxes so I could stay in my home. We spoke with Brenda Simmons and heaven Davis from social services, no contact from them, no contact from waiting housing assistance, no help from the city at all. David Penn Allison burgers, child is in foster care, was involved in that situation. Also. We spoke with Detroit Police. Joel, heard Carol Papazian, Megan quarter and Sean Davis from the mayor's office about this. 19212, Danbury has been owned legally since 2016 I have been trying to pay the money I owe for the property Texas since last summer when the EPA and solar project claimed it abandoned because I didn't answer the door to people I don't know. Again, financial crisis is no reason to illegally vacate people out of their homes. I know my fifth amendment rights that I couldn't afford a lawyer I received an offer for $90,000 in early 2024, and turned it down because that was my home, my art show, my everything. I put my creative passion into it was considered legendary that everyone ever visited.
Thank you so much for being here. Is this currently being litigated right now? Are you all litigating this particular situation, or are you just kind of bringing it bringing it to our awareness. Just want to get clarity if it's being lit.
I should be ashamed of yourselves. That's all I'm saying. I just want to know if
it was being litigated, because I wanted to get more information from the attorneys at this point regarding your particular property, so we can get your information, please, so that we can make sure I'm properly briefed on what exactly took place in this situation. Okay, and so we'll get your information and get with your corporation. Council, thank you so much. Alright, thank you. David rollin,
yes, good morning. Council, I'd like to start off with solo mill Todd purgatory burger. That's my son's name. He's Native American. He's in this land in the beginning, in time. Um, his middle name is to keep her and bring her of all true life from Native Americans, from my tribe. Um, that house is legendary. It was going to be my house. We gotta because they had a fireplace so self efficient, when it comes down to the long run of it. It was one of the oldest houses on the block. I used to own six houses on that block, running through and through refab, some of those houses, and then turn them over the squatters rights, and then put homes families in them. You know, I was actually part of our occupy Detroit. We were the first people. We did 16 houses, refab, completely destroyed and burnt up. Houses decapitated, you know what I mean? Just run down moldy, clean them all up, put people in them, let them do this. Taught them how to do squatters right when squatter lights laws were actually efficient to rehabilitating the city of Detroit and by using junk to make creation for like you do in court town, you got to go back to the original blue books, you know. So you take the original parts, you put them back in the houses. I mean, this is one of the things that we did to bring it back, to be able to have our house taken from us and my son, my son taken for me, because we didn't have proper housing or anything. No no vouchers, no nothing. And the whole city, every shelter was full, and we're out there on the street, and my son is Tiger. For me, he's about to be two years old. I don't even get to seal for Easter. We had a chance. All I needed was three months, and the house is still standing, and I could have had my son back. So for some solar power, you know, you could cut into people. They could get, you, give them, give them a bond of a part of the solar company. Then maybe they'd be more voucher to sell their houses to these companies and get it at a lower price when our house was worth, easy to unit home. $150,000
each coming out, $400
God bless the Blessed be a blessed three.
Thank you, Mr. Rowland, for coming down and sharing that. Sorry you experienced that. And we can also just try to assist you as much as possible, even if you know what happened with the solar farms and acquire your property, we should the city still should be assisting you with with housing. So, okay, so we going to make sure we connect you while you're here. Okay, Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Rollins, okay, okay.
Miss Hankins,
oh, I need to take a deep breath for a second. Okay, I
want to introduce myself as today, Hankins. First and foremost, I'm egalitarian, Christian elected official, federal employee, mother, grandmother and community leader
this past Friday, on Good Friday, the person who has assaulted me, who DPD is protecting and has not chose to prosecute. You all should be aware of the background in this situation, accosted me again in my driveway while her cohorts, okay, began to build something and block me from my driveway. I decided not to call the police, because of the history, and they won't do anything, but put me in her on the same level, and had my daughter pick me up because I did not want to run them over. So this is my official police report, which leads me into they're supposed to be investigations, investigation. My council person, der Hall, said it's legal. It's legal. What does that mean? Nobody has talked to me about anything beyond defending the officers who violated me and city employees are not subordinate. I mean citizens are not subordinate to city employees. I have got nothing, no invitation to speak to anybody. Nobody has asked me about the evidence I have or what's been going on in terms of police reports that I filed, but yet these investigation. So my question is to the council, when do I get protected? Because if I call the police and they come out and do what they have been doing. When am I going to be interviewed during the investigation? When do I matter? City employees are not my supervisor. They are not my superior, and nothing has been done clearly or this woman wouldn't feel so comfortable on Friday accosting me again, and the only reason why I don't have wasn't bludgeon or don't have violence, is because I choose to back down. I'm tired of it.
Thank you so much. To be honest, I would have to look back into the situation. I know we actually did put a memo in and have the police department respond in writing to what was going on in your situation, I would have to pull the response and kind of get briefed on where we are to date, but I know we did our due diligence based on your conversation with us, we reached out to the department, we had them respond in writing to the situation, and we can make sure we get the update on where that is to date, so we can follow up with DPD after this and let you know Miss Hankins.
Okay, will you include this updated information? Um, yeah, we'll be the following, yep, yep.
We'll get with you and let them know that we heard from you this morning as well. Okay, all
right, good. Thank you. Okay,
yes. PR, Yep, that was the the first thing when Miss Hankins came down, I suggested that she go to the board of police commissioners. I think she had already done that. And so we at that point, because she's come several times, put something in writing to DPD
member, durha, thank you, Madam President, and to ms Hankins, we submitted the information as well, and that's why we you know the information we got back is that it was being investigated, and I know you have filed a complaint recently against DPD as well, but we will follow up and check back in when we said legal, though, and you talked about possibly hiring an attorney, when you say that, at that point, it becomes a different situation for us if we're looking into it as a as a city employee, As or a council member, and so I cannot provide you legal advice. But what we were trying to state to you that if that is a legal matter and you pursue getting an attorney at that point, the the communication changes a little. Never
said that you Fred, I never said that. I purposely
don't bring that list up. Let's make sure we don't go back and look.
I cannot say that too. So that will conclude all of our in person public comments, and we will go to those who have joined us virtually.
Good morning, Madam President, for 20 people who raised their hand on Zoom for public comment and the first caller is phone number ending in 169,
uh oh. Can you guys hear me? And can you hear me? Well,
yes, we can.
And um, clergy, council persons, everyone to the sound of my voice. Touch, not God's anointing. Need to do his servant, Cunningham, no harm. Help him. Don't hurt him. Cunningham's outreach vehicle, slash taxicab, has over 262,000 miles on it. As I heard him say, If anyone is selling a van at a discounted price or as charity, please contact him for a good van. It's about $7,000 um Cunningham has proven itself to be good ground, good ground, good ground, good ground, good ground, good ground. Your donations and help could be your lucky charm. Yes, it could be your lucky charm. Cunningham has been held down long enough and remember, he does not get paid for his good work. Thank you for my time. All
right, thank you.
The next caller is Betty Ava, good
morning. Good morning, Madam President, and to all within the sound of my voice, I want to thank you, Madam President, for my birthday greeting. It was very thoughtful of you. I appreciate it. Betty, a Barner, president of DeSoto Ellsworth black Association, advocating for my community. I am a resident, of course, City of Detroit, born and raised, proud to be a city of Detroit resident. I'm advocating for the Finca corridor and other corridors that do not have the moneys that they need for the improvement for their quarters in their neighborhoods. I'm specifically talking about our corridor, Finkel, on Finkel, between liver noise and Wyoming, but there are corridors throughout the city of Detroit that has not received funding, as I spoke daily during the budget period, asking for help for black clubs, associations that were doing the work and needed the help to improve their neighborhood, I'm asking the council and the administration to work together to come up with monies to help us, give us a helping hand. We're not asking for a handout. We're asking for a helping hand. I am blessed that the city is working with us with our finger corridor, but there's not much that can be done without money, so please, please help, not only my corridor, but the other quarters throughout the city of Detroit that's not receiving the funding, and we are still in need of the landscaping boulders. Thank you for this time. God bless
you. You as well. Thank you.
The next caller is Alexi s 22 ultra
Good morning.
You know, it bothers me that folks come down there week after week asking for the same thing. I like to know what power do you guys have to help the people? What power do you guys have where you could go to Duggan and get money like he come to us and take our tax dollar? It is so sad that we have all these blacks in here that need to be fighting for our community and the people in our neighborhood, because we don't live downtown. When downtown wants something, they Yo, you guys, okay, the money for them to get it, and it's sad. Joanne Watson, she fought for the people. When is y'all going to stop fighting for us in our community? I've been coming to you guys raising hell about our neighborhood, District Four, yeah, you give us some crumbs, and then think we supposed to shut up. We tired of, you know, and then you guys want to run for another term in in the city, but your track record is showing us something different. Y'all gotta pull together and fight for us. We got blacks, we went our assets. Went through hell for us to get to where we at today, and then listen how we getting treated in our community. You got letting them take people houses, putting them in the street for that solo they want to put chickens in our neighborhood. Y'all turning this city into a farm. It don't make sense. It's ridiculous. Y'all got to wake up, you know, I'm saying and have some heart. You don't have some backbone. Put something in the neighborhood beside giving us crumb and telling us what we gave you this you gave us nothing. That's our tax dollar, just like we paying your tax our tax dollars to pay your salary. Take care of us. You know, it's sad we have to do this week in, week out, week in, week out, with the same thing over and over. You know, I'm saying y'all get it together down there. Y'all black folks. It's supposed to be fight for black folks.
No member, Santiago Romero has joined us. You
Yes, apologies, Caller, please,
my next caller is Galaxy Tab A Okay.
Galaxy Tab A Good morning.
Galaxy Tab, a good morning. Okay, let's come back to this Caller, please. Okay,
the next caller is Mr. Rueben
Crawley, good morning.
Hey. Mary Sheffield, check this out. This whole city council is cheated in, the school board is cheated in, the board of police commissioners is cheated in some judges, Janice Winfrey, the Detroit City Clerk and chairperson of the Detroit Election Commission, and Gina Avery Walker, been cheating in Detroit elections for years and years and years and years now it's a matter of Fact, absentee ballot fraud it's a nefarious means that they use to put all y'all in office to Mayor Michael Edward Duggan teed it in and that little crafty Conrad, his homeboy they was over at DMC when all that money came up missing. Then about a $30 million fine got paid, and none of it. Then all of a sudden, garlic Gilchrist runs to be city clerk in 2017
he raises the issue about
precincts and the votes tallies that's coming in out of those precincts. He don't want to do a whole recount, but then he goes quiet about it and gets appointed to be Lieutenant Governor of the state of Michigan. This whole state, this whole county of Wayne and the city of Detroit is corrupt, and Michael Edward Duggan seems to be in the mix of everything. Do you know that he is the one that told Gretchen Whitmer to run for governor and pretty much said to her, we going to elect you as governor. Don't run for attorney general. Let Dana run. Now, I did the investigation. Y'all didn't want to take the tag up off of Kenisha mother. Kenisha Coleman, he needs mother, so now I'm going to take it. That's exactly what I'm going to do, and I'm going to turn this whole city upside down. That's my word. If y'all know anything about me, y'all know I'm getting ready to live up to it.
Alright, our next caller, please. Next caller is Theo pride.
Theo pride, good morning, good
morning. Good morning. City council. My name is Theo pry, organizer with Detroit people's platform. I want to make comment on the resolution to support the proposed riverfront multi sports complex. I want to bring to the attention of city council the immense amount of research that clearly demonstrates that providing public funding to build facilities for professional sports teams is a poor investment. Economists almost unanimously agree that public investments in sports facilities almost always fail to generate tangible benefits, like economic growth or job creation for cities and the residents. Studies indicate that these projects frequently result in a transfer of wealth from taxpayers to the billionaire team owners. I would ask city council to look at this research as you consider this project, as well as the data here in Detroit with our own public investments and sports teams, which will show the revenue, ticket sales and team value for team owners have skyrocketed, while Detroit residents are typically relegated to poverty, wage and part time and seasonal jobs. Also, gentrification near these facilities have driven rents way beyond what most Detroiters can afford displacing many mostly black Detroit residents. Finally, as the evidence suggests, the publicly financed WNBA practice facility is likely to repeat this history and fail to deliver a real return on investment for the average Detroiter. Thank you and have a good day.
All right, thank you.
The next caller is 20 reads,
good morning. You hear me. Good morning.
Hello. Am I audible? Hello, yes, we can hear you. Thank you. Greetings, honorable members. My name is Tony Reeves, and I'm a PhD candidate in economics at the University of Michigan, member of the edtf, and lifelong Detroiter. I'm here to respectfully urge each of you to vote in support of the resolution to fund research on the local option, what I'm calling smart tax in addition to the direct benefits for Detroit, the research will include a legal analysis of pathways to enacting lost. It will explore other local governments that may benefit and potentially partner with the city. And finally, the research will also explore opportunities for both combining the amusement tax and entertainment tax with lost or alternatively keeping them a separate tax instruments. For over 50 years, some 38 states have successfully implemented lost including Kansas City, which raised a projected $3 million during its NFL draft, and Savannah, Georgia, which raised 1.5 billion with a B over 20 years, 38% which came from non residents, equivalent to a 12% increase in property taxes. Our outdated tax system, designed before World War Two and largely untouched for the past 30 years, has failed to keep pace with today's economic realities. Local governments are driving economic development in a car built in the 1930s that hasn't had a tune up in decades. As a result, overburdened residents are unwilling to authorize increases to the nation's highest property tax rates to modernize business infrastructure, which is desperately needed for growth and competitiveness, rather than a dumb tax, which taxes everything, everywhere, all at once, effectively an income tax on Working Families like today's modern tariffs, a smart tax, by contrast, can be levied at times and in locations where they are at least impactful on business revenue and on residents, targeting instead the $30 billion in direct spending coming from out of state, A local option. Smart tax is an opportunity to moderate the federal cuts coming to the city and to build a more equitable, sustainable and economically sound future for Detroit and for the state, we deeply appreciate your continued leadership on behalf of Communities and Detroit can take a leadership role in the state. LET'S GET LOST DETROIT. Thank you very much.
Okay, thank you.
The next caller is William M Davis, all right,
Mr. Good morning. Can I be heard? Yes, you can. Okay. I am especially looking forward to seeing what goes on with 18.9 the eight, the A, S, F, recruitment, lump sum, cash option. As you may or may not know, a certain group of city Detroit retirees was targeted principally the ones that started working for the city after 1973 because prior to that, there were some blacks and others, but the vast majority of this city employees and retirees was light skinned, very light skinned. And so the targeted group that got the you know that 10 year period they especially went after was predominantly black, as some of you may or may not know, so it's a step in the right direction, or something is being done, because this recruitment, you know, that we pay is is horrible, and you know it has disturbed the economic vitality of being a city Detroit retiree, and also has adversely affect the city in that we, as a group, live in the city mostly, and we contribute money that should be going to my sons and my grandkids is helping to pay a recruitment on what was my savings, you know, which is horrible and it's racist from the the concept, and We need to make sure you know this language is a step in the right direction. Is not ideal, but it's a step in the right direction. And I like to see the city doing more to help the city Detroit retirees, because for the past 11 years, the city has done has had a very dismal record, especially in so much that the city allowed over 3000 city Detroit general fund retirees to die that could have been helped with some of that ARPA money, but you close your eyes to us. Have a good day.
Thank you. Mr. Davis,
the next caller is we see you.
We see you. Good morning. You.
Uh, good morning, and through the Chair, may I be heard. Yes, you can. It was very emotional hearing the gentleman come down and tell you what you're doing to people's lives in the city of Detroit. I say you because the City Council voted for the Solar Initiative without any thought. Mister Whitaker came up with all kinds of reports, even in front of other things that had been on the back burner. You put them on the back burner, you didn't take care of them, you didn't answer questions that we had about things that were very important to the citizens. But you pushed up the solar project, and now you see obfuscating your jobs your duty to protect the citizens, by giving this administration the right to just come in and take people's homes, you have created this problem by allowing him and Conrad mallet to do this so we Don't vote for you to make our lives more difficult or more complicated. We vote for you to make our lives better. But that's not happening, and it hasn't happened since you sat down. We had north of $260 million in surplus when you sat down. The last surplus we had was 12 million or a little more than that or less. But what I'm saying to you is that you are wasting our tax dollars on projects that will not help the citizens. This won't even help our bills with the buildings downtown that you plan on supplying this energy to, we still going to have to pay a bill. 17.1 is the utility tax, user tax. I'm not I'm not for paying any more bonds for the public lighting authority. That is not their money, and it's not your money. $184 million in revenue should be in the in our pot. That's the reason why we don't have a surplus, you are doing something illegal by giving our dollars to the to this utility.
Thank you. The next caller is not Karen,
hello. Yes. Good morning. Good
morning. I agree with Ms Hughes and Mr. Davis. As it relates to the effects of the bankruptcy, the informed employees were not they didn't suffer a deduction in their pension, and one of the reasons was because they didn't get Social Security. Well now President Biden, he reversed that. So all these guys now got a huge check last month or this month to, you know, of money that was not given before, but so there's been no rearrangement for the pensioners that were did have their pensions reduced, so that needs to be taken into consideration, and maybe we could go back and stop this clawback without people having to go into what little savings they have left and pay a lump sum. It's just the eliminated period. Put the retirees that suffered deduction and are still suffering a deduction and pension, put them on level with the uniform officers. We're all city employees. All of them were city servants, public servants. Um, Mr. Roland, he was in tears, and I put me to tears, you've taken his house. You've taken this causes son to be removed from his, you know, from his authority. I think that's all wrong, and more should be done for not only the homeless, for the impending homeless, people who may be homeless, who have been homeless. We gotta reach out. We gotta help these people, all the less fortunate, need help. As relates to new public servants. I'm all for that. I think term limits are in order. I think that positions are in order. You shouldn't be able to jump from one taxpay position to another taxpay position. I think some people need to wake up and be a part of the taxpayers. Not that you don't pay taxes, but you have the ins and outs to avoid most of them. Thanks.
Alright. Next Caller, please. Next caller, is you matter?
Alright? Caller, the floor is yours. You have two minutes. General public comment,
yes, good morning. May I be heard? Yes, okay, well, Happy Earth Day, everybody. Um, so you got to see some more of the fallout from the disastrous solar plan. Um, I've been telling you, other people have been telling you, there are people that are hurting, and I just don't understand why this body won't go back to the table. You've got over 66,000 properties in the land bank's inventory, largest land bank inventory in the country. Yet this city couldn't figure out a way to go solar without using eminent domain. I'm sorry. It's just a big shame on Earth Day and duly noted there was federal money. The federal housing act of 1950 is probably what incentivized the Detroit City Council when they used eminent domain and cleared out part of black bottom. A lot of people are upset about that, rightfully so in the reparations Task Force. Well, news flash, everybody the eminent domain that the city is using right now against people taking their property, even though they could have figured it out by using rooftops and other solar installations, they are basing it on the 1951 in Ray slum clearance of Detroit case. And so they're saying we can take your property because it's blighted. Well, guess what? Under state law, if your property was ever tax reverted, or you got it from the land bank, it is blighted. Per state law, there's nothing you can do to change that. And yet this body could solarize you just take your property for a solar field. And I'm, you know, disappointed. I really wish you would do your due diligence, realize the human pain you're causing, go back to the drawing board and do this right? I know you rushed this because of the inflation Reduction Act money, but having a better plan, I think would be a better way
to next caller, please.
Next caller is Melissa. Love Melissa,
love the floor is yours. We have two minutes. General public comment,
good morning.
Good morning. My
name is Melissa. Love
I'm here because I never
voted in the November, 2020 election in August, 2024 election, she devotes Israel. She devotes Israel. She devotes is real. I am the evidence. I will stand in my truth. I will continue to come in person and online. Thank you.
Next Caller, please.
The next caller is Russ. Belong. The
floor is yours. You have two minutes general public comment.
I first want to say that the ASF recruitment, as Bill Davis was discussing, is a step forward, but I hope that the plan is going to allow a series of payments those, for those who still have 10s of 1000s of dollars that the bankruptcy pirates are trying to seize. This is an this is as Bill laid out, a form of reverse reparation still where they're looting the most recent retirees to benefit financiers at at a huge expense that's with interest. Compounding interest is taking hundreds of 1000s of dollars out of their retirement, like all money that was initially invested out of their own pockets, not out of the public tax dollars. So I hope that you can make sure that that has a payment plan so they're not have, don't have to come up with 20, $30,000 all at once. Secondly, I wanted to comment about the resolution, about the Gores project. I I'm troubled that it's going this is being put forward in the manner it is, without going through the Planning and Economic Development Committee, being evaluated, being subject to public hearings, having questions answered, instead just being put forward as a resolution, as if some level of intent or motive is already been established without due process. And you know, questions like, you know, is the site fully decontaminated? Will more road work be needed for WNBA events? If those should prosper, there is Council really being leveraged by Gore's influence. And I think, I think this resolution should be set aside. You don't have to vote against it, just set it aside and go through the Planning and Economic Development Committee and follow the proper processes for any statement of policy from this Council. Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Next caller is Marguerite Scarlet Marx.
All right, good morning, Miss
Maddox Marjorie, what?
What happened? Yeah, have
to
Um,
yeah, yeah,
okay, miss, we would like to do a moment of silence.
Yes,
okay, did you want to repeat the name for us again?
Okay, okay, for Pope Francis, okay,
okay, we will do a moment of silence.
Okay? Thank you, and
remember that
Detroit
one, Detroit because, because of
Yes,
thank you and God bless everyone.
Thank you so much, and you as well. The
next caller is to hear Ahmed.
All right. Good morning.
Good morning. Thank you for taking my comment. Ditto, Miss Hughes, ditto, Miss Winston, ditto, you matter. Detroit homeowners were illegally overtaxed $600 million and 100,000 homes were illegally foreclosed. These policies are causing homelessness. Coalition for Property Tax Justice, the I, a O, A O, study has finally been released a year late, it is showing the lowest value. Owner occupied homes are still being illegally, overset, over assessed. We're calling on Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabri, to halt all foreclosures valued for owner occupied homes valued $50,000 or less until the racist illegal over taxation no longer exists. Go to the Coalition for Property Tax Justice Facebook page and sign our letter to treasurer Sabri to hawk the owner occupied illegal foreclosures. I thank Professor Bernadette atua Henny for her book plundered, how racist policies undermine black home ownership in America. I also want to thank we well, we're also calling on treasurers to brief to reinstate the foreclosure refunds, definitely indefinitely for people who who lost their homes or their homes were foreclosed for taxes that actually they probably didn't even owe, but for taxes they lost their homes, they were foreclosed and they were do a refund because the treasurer sold the home for more than it was within taxes owed. That deadline came and went, and we want him to extend that deadline, because that's justice. He should not unjustly be enriched because of an illegal practice. Thank you. Have a blessed day.
Thank you so much.
The next caller is in bloom.
Good morning. May I be heard?
Hello? Yes. Good morning. We can hear you. Good
thank you. Thank you. Detroit City Council. Good morning. My name is Eden bloom. I'm a resident of district five. I work with Detroit people's platform, and today I'm also responding to the resolution supporting the proposed waterfront multi sport complex. The resolution calls for city council support of the proposed complex. It highlights potential benefits such as activating the riverfront, supporting youth development, however, the project is still in early discussions. There's no finalized plans or Community Benefit Agreements. Supporting the project at this stage has the potential to undermine and limit opportunities for community voice concerns or suggestions and to translate them into real outcomes for residents. Historical precedents such as the public funding controversies over LCA, Little Caesars arena, the district Detroit, future of health. Stellantis, speaking of Earth Day, demonstrates the risk associated with large scale projects that do not receive thorough scrutiny. A preemptive resolution may inadvertently pave the way for similar issues, including financial burdens on taxpayers, the diversion of public dollars from public institutions, and the lack of response to much needed Community Priorities, as others have mentioned, while the proposed multi sport complex may offer significant opportunity for Detroit, a preemptive resolution of support could compromise the city's ability to critically evaluate the project, engage with the community and negotiate terms that best serve the public good. I want to thank you for your time and end my comment and just recognize and send peace to Mr. Rowland and his family and his people. Thank you.
Thank you.
The next caller is Miko a Williams,
yes, hi, good Hi. Good morning. Yes. Damico Williams, resident, taxpayer stakeholder and also private citizen in Detroit, I decided not to run for election. I pondered long and hard. I went to the city clerk's office few weeks ago. Was about to pull out the petitions prayer and to talk with God. I love my life. I love what I do. I also love the passion that I have for this city, and I'm going to continue doing whatever I can to make the city better. I'm a traumatized Detroiter. I'm also one of the Detroiters who have been fighting for better and have not been heard. I have been really feeling the effects of disenfranchisement, and even among my peers, my community, my neighbors, that you're all hearing from down there complaining to you that they have lost their homes, they have lost their pensions of peace. So we wanted was peace. You benefit millionaires, billionaires, they're supposed to provide the ROI, the return of investment, and it's not come to this city. You're gonna invest in arenas. I mean, to the arena, I'm not ashamed to tell what. I have three jobs. I'm an arena worker. I'm broke and literally suffering. Miko, we lost, you know, not from you. Can
you hear me? We still
showing anything, yeah. Can you hear
me? Yeah, I can hear you. Okay,
yes. I mean, whenever I think about in my decision that I wanted to make the city better, I'm being criticized, gaslit, disrespected, and even being threatened with physical violence. I've been thrown in jail for no reason, for protesting and simply fighting back for my rights. I've been disrespected and even been talked about by other neighbors, but I would never let that get me down as we fight for liberation and as we fight for better, we must continue to fight for better, and that's why I'll continue to be here. Thank you for taking my comment.
Okay, thank you so much.
The last caller who raised their hand before public comment was cut off is Galaxy Tab A,
right? Galaxy Tab A.
Galaxy Tab A Going once.
Galaxy Tab A, twice
right Galaxy Tab A, thank you so much for calling. And if you have a comment, please submit it to the clerk's office for our public record. And that would conclude all of our public comment, and we will go to our agenda for this morning, understanding committee reports for the budget, Finance and Audit standing committee from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer.
Council member young, a resolution. Line item 17.1,
Council Member Young, thank
you, Mayor, President, I think this should be in council member durhall name, because he's here now. He wasn't here in committee, Madam
President, or unit member young because it was moved through you.
Yes, alright. So just line up 17.1 alright. Thank you, Mayor president, I moved to approve line of 17.1
just with discussion and to the administration. Do we have anyone on for this resolution?
Madam Chair and council, good morning.
Yes, we do have Dan
will attach online, if
we can move them Over through. Did you get the
name? Good morning. Good morning. Are you there?
Yeah, so let me raise my volume here. I'm not hearing you very well. Can you hear
me now? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. If you can just briefly explain what this resolution means, I know during the budget deliberations, one of my requests were to look into how we can possibly expand some of the public lighting authority within the city as it relates to additional mid block lighting and possible alley lighting. And at that time, both Taylor mentioned that there will be a resolution forthcoming regarding the refinancing of bonds that could possibly, in turn, provide a pathway to allow for some additional or expansion of the public lighting plan. So I just wanted you to briefly talk about what this resolution does and how, in fact, if any, this will provide a pathway if the city wants to move forward with expanding the public lighting authority plan.
I'm sorry, I'm with the public lighting department, not the public learning authority. I really don't have that information.
Okay, so thank you so much. Mr. Washington, do we have someone on from the PLA is Bo Taylor available
through the chair? If we could bring this item back towards the end, I can reach out to him. Okay,
all right, if we can postpone this item, member young, please motion post fall, we'll bring it back. I'm sorry, towards the end of the agenda, please motion to bring back item to any agenda. Okay, we will bring line item 17.1, back towards the end of the agenda from the office of the city clerk, City Planning Commission. Council
member young, a resolution line item 17.2
council member Young, thank you, Madam President, moved to approve line item 17.2
all right, a motion has been made for approval. Are there any objections on line item 17.2 hearing, none the one resolution will be approved
from the legislative policy division.
Council member Johnson, a resolution, line item, 17.3,
Council Member Johnson,
thank you, Madam President, Move for approval with discussion. Okay? Discussion, thank you. Just want to share with my colleagues that this is merely a study to evaluate the implementation of a local option, smart sales tax. This is will help us to really understand whether or not this is something that we would want to encourage the state to implement, as well as this local, honorable body in any other city within the state of Michigan. We do recognize that this is a very lengthy process, but this would just provide insight as to what the calculation of anticipated potential revenue would be dependent upon how the state as well as local bodies move forward in doing such if we get to that point, merely a study, but just wanted to share that. Thank you, Madam President,
all right. Thank you so much. Member Johnson. And also, just want to be clear that it is reflective of both me, member Johnson and myself on the actual resolution. Director Whitaker,
yes, that's true, okay? And carries both your names and you'll also include the the exercise tax for for entertainment venues as
well. Okay, and do we know how long the study will take? We
want to expedite it, because we using, we're using allocated funds for this fiscal year to do the study. Okay, so we're indicating we want to have the study done by the end of June, if it if possible by the end of June. Okay,
sounds good. And if the Kirk, if you can note the reflection of both myself and member Johnson for 17.3
CLIN plus, I know that Madam President, discussion.
Thank you, Madam President, um, I just wanted to ask you, um, is there also going to be discussion about the legal process and how we would have to follow this as well constitutionally? I think that's something that's going to be very important. I also think that it might be important if you talk about the differences, because the prohibitions here are a little bit different, because you correct me if I'm wrong, legal correct me if I'm wrong here, because Article Nine, Section 31 the Constitution talks about the prohibition of local taxes. Specifically, I think whereas the land value tax, all we had to do was just go to the majority get go to the Lansing for the majority vote. Whereas this, even if you got the majority of the vote, and I think you had to give three fifths, if I'm not mistaken, because you are amending the Constitution, you would then take a statewide vote. Whereas land value tax, you would just be locally because of the opt out provisions and the voter authorizations in the Constitution, so as as well as the language in Article Nine, section three, involving taxes. So I think that if we have that kind of primer, so people can understand the differences of why we're having to go through a whole entire different burden of voter approval for an authorization of a local sales tax versus the land value tax. I think that'd be helpful for a lot of people, because there's going to be some people, rightfully so, who are going to call out a little bit of a misunderstanding or confusion about the process. So I think if you're talking to sister Research Council, which I think is being contracted dudes who's already broken this down. I think they can just break down their analysis. I think that'd be better for everybody long term.
Yes, we will cover all the legal aspects. That's largely the main hurdle that you have to come here, so we'll the study is intended to cover all of the legal aspects as well as the practical effects of trying to persuade the legislature to do it. In this particular instance, we expect the report to cover as much as we can in all the areas in which you discuss. It will not include the land value tax, though, right? Not included. But we have given you reports on the land value tax and how that would be implicated implemented, should the legislature pass it, right? I'm just talking about, I'm not talking about talking
about land values. I'm just talking about the legal comparison. I'm not saying you should include that in there. I'll just say that you use that for example, right? Because that's something that's going to come up when you're out there talking to people, when you're out there discussing, how come it's so much easier for us to do this, it's so much more difficult to do that. And so I think just from from that perspective, just to kind of get ahead of that, I think that was something that would be a lot better for us to understand and to know why that is and how that process works. And I also think it'd be good as well if we had a comparison of other cities of our comparable sizes that do have this. Because there's other cities that have like, local sales tax. They have like local gas taxes, you know, they have like, they have like local fees that, you know, their local DMV or secretary of state. So, you know, there are cities that have these type of powers before within our region, and so what that meant for them and what that mean for us as well, I think that would help us the long term, to explain what the benefits of this would be,
right? We, Madam President, we intend to cover the area, because our state law prohibits a lot of that, right? So it's necessary to have some review of what other states are allowing their municipalities to do to raise taxes or revenue for, you know, carrying municipal services, right?
And I think the prohibition of sales tax on prescription drugs as well. I think that's something that you know people should know. So people kind of understand that we're not if we did implement this, there are limitations in this. We can't just implement this on everything and everyone. There's certain things we can tax, food and prescriptions are banned, constitutionally. Other things are and so I just kind of want people to kind of know all these. I think you kind of got all this covered, though, from talking to you so but I'm just kind of just speaking out loud, just so people will understand what this is and get a full comprehensive view of it, right? We intended legally, politically, socially, economically, all, constitutionally, all of that. It's a lot. You can tell I've been talking about this for a long time, when I was in Lansing for arguing with a lot of people about this. So I want people to understand that the report will be comprehensive. Look. I agree, as I expect, as always. Thank you, sir.
And director Whitaker, I know in one of the previous reports there was some indication to how much a entertainment tax could possibly it may have been your report or CRC that had some possible revenue estimates, would this break down a little bit more, because I think that's one of the main things too, is people want to quantify how much these local sales option tax, amusement entertainment tax, whatever it may be, could roughly generate for Detroit. So with this, go that deep to give us some samples or examples
of will be an attempt to that some of this is kind of difficult to to quantify because information may not be available, readily available sales receipts within the city, and that type of thing may be difficult to to obtain, but to the degree that we can. I mean, the most important thing is making sure that that the amount of tax revenues you receive is worth all the effort that it's going to take to get it? Yeah, so there has to be some graduated assessment of how much, how much a levy you would have to make in order to make the receipt of the tax worthwhile. So we've anticipated that that should be included in the study as well, but as I indicate, we got a lot of work to do in a short amount of time to do it. Okay,
all right. Member, Benson, thank you. Indicated that there would be funds utilized from this fiscal year. So that's especially That's what I heard for this report. Are we doing the report in house? Are we hiring outside consultants to do the report?
Madam President, yes, the CRC will be retained to do this work. We've had conversation with member Johnson and the council president about the effort, so they're ready, willing and able to do it the contract we've already submitted it through purchasing and so it's got the same track as your resolution here. It's important that you act on the resolution today so we don't have any impediment going forward to get that contract in place.
Okay? And then, CRC, for those who aren't familiar with the acronym, citizen Research Council,
okay? Thank you.
Thank you council member, young
Thank you, President, uh, just kind of piggyback on the President's question. She was talking about, how much money we're raised, will we have to mirror constitutionally to save 6% at the state levies on a sales tax? Or would ours be smaller?
Madam President, yes, I think that would be determined later. We're certainly not asking for 6% right? An awful lot to ask. I'll just
say, could we I'll just say I'll be talking potentially here. I'm not saying we're going to do anything. I'll just say, potentially we have to be that or or do we have wiggle room to make it smaller?
No, I don't think you have to do that. And I think it would be, you would be stuck with what the legislature and what the constitutional requirement will provide that would be set sometime in the future. But we're not advocating any number, okay? And we're just trying to figure out what you would have to do in order to make the whole effort worthwhile for the city, the revenue would have to be sufficient to go forward. This is a lot of work to do a heavy lift, right? So the work would have to, you know, the amount that you receive would have to be justified by all that labor.
Would that be a good baseline, though, how much money you could determine, I
think that would be a very high. 6% would be a lot.
Are we going from 2% to 6% you know, 1% to 6%
would that be a good basis? Yeah, I would think that's what basis? Yeah, I would some graduation. Whether it would go all the way to 6% I don't know. I would think that it would be a hard sale in Lansing. Okay, yeah. Thank you.
All right. Member Johnson has moved line item 17.3 for approval. Are there any objections?
Hearing no objections. The one resolution will be
approved. Madam President, yes, I'd like to request a waiver on line item 17.3
Hearing no objections, a waiver will be attached to 17.3 for the internal operations, standing committee from the Office of contracting and procurement.
Council member Johnson, a resolution nine, item 18.1,
Contract Number 6003045,
dash a one, 100% city funding. Amendment One, to provide an assignment increase in renewal for publication of ordinances and triangle supplementation of the Detroit city code. Contractor, civic plus LLC. Total contract amount, $187,934.48 cent. That's for city clerk, Council Member Johnson, a resolution. Council member
Johnson, thank you, Madam President, Move for approval.
All right, any objections, discussion. Discussion. Member Benson,
that's why the need for the increase.
Madam President, I do see Miss Powell here. Miss Powell is here. I
Okay. Good
morning. Good morning, honorable
body. Good morning. You
can just provide an update on the need for the increase for this contract, please. Okay, just state your name and title too for the record. Okay? Josephine
Paul and I'm with the City Clerk's Office and the codification division, and this contract is to provide for an assignment to civic plus from the Municipal Code Corporation, which was our original vendor on this effort to codify the city code and the supplemental supplements that take place as the council passes ordinances to have them incorporated into the total code. The original contract is set to expire in October. And originally we funded the contract at $90,000 and because of a number of different circumstances, including COVID, we find that we have expended the amount of money that was originally allocated for this effort, and this is a continuing process that we're engaged in in terms of amending the code and providing the information to city residents and to different departments So civic plus had a new program that they're offering municipalities. Currently, our contract provides for a per page cost for every additional page that's added to the city code of $23.75 our last supplement was 1200 pages. So right now we have an outstanding bill of $34,000 plus to pay for the last supplement. So we need to have the contract amended in order to pay for that. But the program that they're offering is a flat rate. And what they do is they look at the average cost of your previous supplements, average that, and then that's the flat rate you pay, regardless of how many pages the supplements will be in the future. So we're looking at supplemental costs of about 29,000
as compared to the 34,000 and
and we're also looking moving forward for an additional three supplements of the code during this particular contract period of a year with an option for an additional year.
All right. Member Vincent, good. Thank you so much. Okay, thank you. Appreciate you. Thank you for coming. All right, any objections to the motion to approve for this contract? Line item, 18.1, hearing, no objections. The one resolution will be approved from the law department council
member Johnson, seven resolutions, line items, 18.2 through 18.8
council member Johnson, thank you,
Madam President. Move for approval. These are various lawsuit settlement requests,
hearing, no objections.
The seven resolutions will be approved from the Human Resources, Labor Relations Division.
Council member Johnson, a resolution, line item 18.9,
Council Member Johnson,
thank you, Madam President, Move for approval. This is the ASF recoupment, lump sum, cash option for retirees.
Right. Motion has been made, and we're going to open it up for discussion. Council member Benson, all
right, thank you. Through yourself to the administration, can you just give a brief explanation of what's happening here? My understanding is that this, it's was approved by the trustees of the GRS. I think it's really important that the residents understand what we're doing here and how this is helping. Not the best way that I would like to see help offer, but it's better than what they have right now or what we're offered. Mr. Washington at the bankruptcy
mr. Washington yes
through the chair, we have John naglett online. We will promote
Mr. Naglet you.
Good afternoon, Madam Chair and other council members.
Yeah, so Council will recall that during the bankruptcy, one of the most controversial things that happened to retirees was a clawback of what was deemed to be excess returns that were paid to annuity savings fund participants. And there was a total at that time of $190 million of what the bankruptcy case deemed to be excess payments so and the argument was that if this money wasn't clawed back from the annuity savings fund participants, then the pension cuts would have had to be greater. That was the argument made during the bankruptcy and so part of the bankruptcy plan of adjustment then did this clawback of the 100 and 90 million, a good portion of it was still in participants account. So if someone was still working for the city and had their money in their annuity savings fund account, they didn't have a choice. The money just got taken out of their account. Then there was an option that if and many participants had transferred their money out to another retirement plan, most typically, although some people cash the money out and used it to maybe help family members or with, you know, one of their financial needs. So the bankruptcy plan of adjustment gave those people a limited time to pay the money back, and if they didn't the amount they didn't pay back was to be deducted from their pension check over their life expectancy. And if they elected a joint form of benefit for themselves and a beneficiary, it was over the joint lifetime of the retiree and their beneficiary. And the most controversial thing that retirees have complained about, you know, through our retiree task force that members der Hall and waters chair is that this amount includes interest at 6.75% which is the assumed rate of return used by the pension fund. So the bankruptcy court said, Well, if you can't pay it back, or choose not to pay it back, we will take this money out of your check, but you have to pay us 6.75% interest. So what this has turned into is a mortgage over a person's lifetime, so not even a 30 year mortgage, a mortgage over their lifetime. And many retirees who who didn't have that great of a pension benefit to begin with, have come to the Pension Board and to city council into the retiree Task Force, saying, Can't you give us some relief? There's still $75 million to be recovered through these deductions from pension checks over the lifetime of the retirees and beneficiaries. So while, while we've been asked, council has been asked, and the retiree Task Force has been asked, is there a limit? The only way to forgive it is the city would have to contribute that 75 million which to the retirement systems, which, of course, would be a very difficult amount to find in in cities budget. So the next best thing that we could offer which retirees are in favor of is reopen that window. So if someone wants to pay off that amount and the amount, not including the entry, they would be able to pay off the remaining principal amount right now that allowed under the plan document, so the retirement systems isn't allowed to do it. If a retiree said, I want to stop the pain, I'm willing to pay off my balance, please let me the retirement system says, well, the plan doesn't allow that. That was a one time election, and that date has passed. So if Council approves this resolution, you are amending the plan to allow the retirement systems to send letters to all the retirees and beneficiaries saying, we have now amended the plan, and we're going to once again allow you to pay off in a lump sum without interest, your remaining principal balance. Gabriel Roeder is the systems actuaries. They would determine that amount, and each retiree would receive a letter, and if they choose not to take the option, they're still in the same place. They'll continue to have the deduction out of their pension check. But this is offering at least something to these retirees that we would give them the option to pay it off, and then, in turn, stop that deduction from their pension checks that they so sorely desire. So Madam Chair, that's the presentation on this.
Thank you. Do we have any idea of how many pensioners will be able to take advantage of this?
Well, we do know, through the chair to member Benson, we do know that there's approximately 3400 retirees and and and active employees. So as you know, a person that's vested in the retirement system but hasn't yet retired, this deduction will start for them once they do retire. So in total, we have 3400 people that are subject to this and and that would be the you know, that would be what goes out, as you know, to that group, and until each person gets the offer, we really don't know. It. Wouldn't, you know. And again, I know we're worried more about the retirees, but it wouldn't hurt the retirement systems, because presumably, and that's what the Gabriel rota report that's attached to your resolution shows, is that the retirement systems would then get the lump sum, and they'd be able to invest it, hopefully, to earn the 6.75% rate of return. So we don't have any indication on how many would take advantage, but I can tell you that the maximum number of people that are subject to this are approximately 3400
All right, thank you. And I just wanted to highlight that this while approved by the the trustees and a better deal, we did finance the bankruptcy partially on the backs of our pensioners and word language I've heard come out of staff has been immoral to force a mortgage like payment loan basically on the backs of our pensioners. This would offer a level of relief, but it also goes to show the importance of good governance. If you're taking in 3% in earnings, you cannot pay out 7% and this is why it's really important that you look, pay attention and are engaged in how we manage the finances of the city of Detroit. Thank you.
Thank you. Yes, and through the chair to member Benson, you're exactly right the current annuity savings fund, because we still have it. It's still a benefit that people can participate in at the city, that plan gets an interest rate awarded to it only consistent what the plan earns. So we are, under the new plan design, we are no longer able to grant a higher interest rate than what we earn. Hopefully, you know, we never face another financial emergency in this city, but, but if we did, no one would be able to make a similar argument that we've overly enriched people that because we're only giving them the rate that the plan earns.
Thank you. Thank
you. And Mr. Nagle, I know it probably would be difficult, but do you have a rough estimate to how much some of the month payments would be for a retiree, just kind of average, a roughly amount of what that hit would be for a resident or a retiree. Madam
Chair, it's such a it's such a wide range. It's, it's, they really, the average really wouldn't be meaningful. It could be a small amount for some people. It could be a very large amount for for for others, but, but again, every, every retiree of council passes this to amend the plan, would get a custom letter with their amount. And the retirement systems are anticipating that they would do this approximately october 1. They're just wrapping up doing the 13th check. So they're they're set to distribute that to retirees on their may 1 pension check. It'll be part of their check. And general Retirement System, retirees of the component to plan, the legacy plan will get $472.09 each. And police and fire retirees will get $664.01 each, and that'll be included in their may 1. So the retirement system has got that done for us. They're now also implementing the police and fire changes that council previously authorized, and a number of those benefits were retroactive, so they're going through that. So their estimate is that retirees would get this letter, you know, in advance of october 1, and then have a three month period to make their decision, talk to their financial advisor, see if they desired to take advantage of the offer.
Okay? And then just last question, I know you mentioned that it would take the city would have to take on the cost of the $75 million if you were to forgive, essentially, the overpayments, and the retirees would not have to take on paying that overpayment back. Was there anything contemplated to phase in that amount, kind of, you know, taking more, either retiree Protection Fund gradually, to kind of pay off that, that lump sum, so that the retirees don't have to absorb this cost. Or was it just, hey, it's $75 million the city can't afford it. Or was there more discussion around how we can maybe phase that cost in so that our retirees don't have to absorb the cost long term?
Well, Madam Chair, there'll be a number of obstacles to doing it, the city would have to do the 75 million in a lump sum. Okay? And the main reason is that you'll recall, we took that $23 million grant from the state of Michigan, the protecting Michigan pension grant that protected a number of cities Flint was, you know, obviously a big reason for for that legislation. But we took that 23 million to get the legacy plan up over 60% and one of the conditions of the grant is that if we changed any benefits in that plan, we had to pre fund them, meaning upfront. So there's really not a way, unfortunately, to spread it. And you know, having just watched the, you know, long budget deliberations you went through to find much smaller amounts of money. The administration just believed that it was just not unreasonable ask to try to find $75 million in a one, you know, one time payment out of the current year budget. So this was the best option we could put on the table at this time. Okay,
all right, thank you. All right. There are no additional questions that the clerk, but no member Callaway has joined us as well. Clerk will send up. Madam President, are there any objections on line item 18.9 Okay, Hearing no objections that one resolution will be approved.
Madam President, I'd like to request a waiver for line item 18.9
are there any objections to a waiver for 18.9
Hearing none that action will be taken for the Planning and Economic Development standing committee from the City Planning Commission council
President Pro Tem James Tate, a resolution line item 19.1
president, pro temp Tate, madam. President, I move approval of line item 19.1 please. All
right. Motion has been made. This is for our homeless solutions, funding review, schedule and list of applicants to identify any potential conflict of interest, any objections to line item 19.1 hearing none the one resolution will be approved for the historic designation advisory board okay
council president pro tem James. Take two resolutions, line items 19.2 and 19.3
Pro Temp tape. Madam President, I move approval. Line items, 19.2 and 19.3 please.
All right, a motion has been made for approval. Are there any objections hearing? None. The two resolutions will be approved. Madam Chair, yes. This
church, the historical Grove, African Methodist Episcopal Church, is in district two. I like to request a waiver online item, 19.2 and 19.3 and thank you. Madam Chair,
okay, any objections to a waiver hearing, none. A waiver will be attached to both items from the housing and revitalization department.
Council president pro tem James Tate, two resolutions, line items, 19.4 and 19.5
proton tape, Madam President, I move approval of line items 19.4 and 19.5 please.
All right. Motion has been made for approval. Are there any objections? Hearing? None. The two resolutions will be approved for
the planning and development department.
Also President Pro Tem James Tate, 10 resolutions, line items 19.6 through 19 point 15. And Madam President, noting that line item 19 point 10, there has been an amended resolution submitted, and we do have it in the city clerk office. Thank you. Okay, thank you.
Pro Tim Tate,
Madam President, I move approval line items nine, 19.6 through 19 point 15, noting 19 point 10 is as amended.
All right, any objections,
hearing none the resolutions. The 10 resolutions will be approved.
Madam President, yes, I'd like to request a waiver online item 19.5 and 19.8
any objections to a waiver on 19.5 and 19.8
hearing, none that action will be taken
for the public health and safety standing committee from the Office of contracting and procurement. Council
Member Santiago Romero, eight. Resolutions, line items, 20.1
through 20.8
our stuff is contract number 3080475,
100% city funding to provide an emergency demolition for residential property. 787, Connor contractor Detroit, next incorporated total contract amount 18,700 that's for construction and demolition. Next contract is contract number 3081909, 100% city funding to provide an emergency demolition for the residential property. 13634, steel contractor, Detroit, next incorporated total contract amount, 15,900 that's construction and demolition. Next contract is contract number 3081911, 100% blight funding to provide an emergency alteration and backfield for the commercial property, 3319, Finkel contractor, Adamo demolition company. Total contract amount, $78,083.34 cent that's for construction and demolition. Next contract is contract number 3082014, 100% blight funding to provide an emergency demolition for the residential property. 4635, chats worth. Contractor, celebe trucking and excavated incorporated total contract amount, $19,134 that's for construction and demolition. Next. Contract line item, 20.5
contract number 3082571,
100% black funding to provide an emergency alteration for the commercial property. 2841, Cochrane contractor, salad Bay trucking and excavated incorporated total contract amount $15,284 that's construction and demolition. Next contract is contract number 6004264, dash a one, 100% city funding. Amendment One, to provide an extension of time only for the removal and sale of scrap materials from PL the infrastructure contractor, Goodwill Green Works incorporated total contract amount $1 that's for public lighting. Next contract is contract number 6007015, 100% city funding to provide marine cleanup services contractor jabus LLC, doing business as select Services Group incorporated total contract amount 300,000 that's for fire. Next contract is contract number 6006118, 100% city funding to provide certification for community health worker training program, contractor, Michigan Community Health Worker Alliance. Total contract amount, 90,000 Council Member Santiago Romero, eight resolutions.
Thank you, Madam Clerk. Council Member Santiago Romero, thank you, Madam
President. Motion to approve 20.1 through 20.8
Okay, any discussion on these items,
all right, any objections.
Hearing, no objections.
The resolutions will be approved
request a waiver. Madam President, for 20.6 and 20.8
right for all of them, only 20.6 and 20.8 Okay. Madam Clerk, if you could note and Hearing no objections, we would attach a waiver to those items.
Clerk will so no. Madam president for the
Department of Public Works, city engineering division. Council
Member Santiago Romero, two resolutions, nine items, 20.9 and 20 point 10.
Council Member Santiago Romero, thank
you, Madam President. Motion to approve. These are both requests for easements and vacations.
Any objections.
Hearing, no objections. The two resolutions will be approved.
Request a waiver for 20.9 This is the Henry Ford Health Project.
Hearing, no objection, a waiver will be attached to 20.9
under resolutions. Council
member waters, a resolution nine item, 20 point 11.
Council member waters, thank you, Madam President, this is just a resolution encouraging the Michigan legislature to pass a law that will help us identify all of these LLCs that currently exist, allowing people to hide behind who they are, making it very difficult for the assessor's office, in fact, to find them. That's that's the resolution. Thank you. All right. Are
there any objections to the resolution?
Hearing no objections. The one resolution will be approved, moving to the new business agenda from the mayor's office.
Council member, young two resolutions, nine items, 21.1 and 21.2
council member, you know,
thank you, Madam Clerk, thank you, Madam President, excuse me. I like to make a motion. Move line, 20.1 and 20.2 you
these are both various events.
Oh, I'm sorry. 21.1 and 21.2 I apologize. Thank you, member waters, I'm sorry.
Nah, yeah, I can hear you. I hear her. Thing you be doing over there. I
got the ESP
any objections.
Hearing those objections, the two resolutions will be approved
from the Office of contracting and procurement.
Council member, Santiago Romero, seven resolutions, line items, 21.3 through 21.9
contract number 6007075,
100% city funding to provide cardio cardiac medic supplies for emergency medical services. Contractor, striker, sales, LLC, total contract amount 400,000 that's for fire contract number 6007045, 100% city funding to provide ballistic and tactical vests necessary for the protection of Officers, contractors, CMP distributors incorporated total contract amount $2,938,250 that that's for police. Next contract is contract number 6006904, 100% major street funding to provide bridge inspection services. Contractor orchard hills and McClement incorporated doing business as ohm advisors. Total contract amount, 1,500,000 that's for public works. Next contract is contract number 6007118, 100% major street funding to provide course, aggregates, material, M, D, o, t, 23 A, only for DPW street maintenance contractor, guy, younger company. Total, contract amount, $216,240 that's for public works. Next contract is contract number 6003091, dash a one, 100% capital funding. Amendment One, to provide an extension of time only for signage displays for the bus base at the Jason Hargrove transit center. Total contract amount $31,573,632 that's for transportation. Next contract is contract number 6006964, 100% special revenue funding to provide removal and disposal services for boats, watercraft and recreational recreational vehicles and trailers. Contractor debut construction Incorporated. Total contract amount 525,000 that's for police. Last contract is contract number 6007031, 15% city and 85% grant funding to provide federally required by America bus audit services, contractor, vehicle Technical consultants. Total contract amount 600,000 that's for transportation. Council Member Santiago Romero, seven resolutions.
Council Member Santiago Romero, thank you, Madam
President, motion to approve 20 points, 21.3
through 21 point 10. Discussion.
Can we stop that? 21 point 21.9 excuse me to 21.9
Okay, and we will move for approval with discussion council member Benson, alright. Thank
you. Looking at line item 21.6 to yourself, to the actually, to LPD and to the administration. The contract indicates $216,000 but you're looking at the TV report, it indicates the winning bidder. Bid 129,008% equalization points takes 10,000 off that contract, but the next lowest bidder is still at 88,000 just how was that winning bid? Select, that's a 35% that's a contract that is being selected after equalization points, still $35,000 more than the next lowest bidder. How did that selection process work? There should be guard rails that prevent this type of 35% $40,000 overage in contracts.
Miss Wilson. Good morning. Ashley Wilson, legislative policy division, that is a question that I believe OCP would be better equipped to answer.
Okay, and then just through the president to yourself, how the information that you're receiving. Where is that coming from?
The information that LPD receives? Yes, it comes from Oracle. So OCP uploads documents, bid information, bid tabs, equalization points into Oracle. We open those documents and provide that information to council through the teta report.
Okay? Is there a possibility in the future of incorporating that level of detail into teta reports? And so there's disparity of this nature, which should be caught by the guardrail ordinance, that you could provide that information as well?
Absolutely, we will look into providing that information. I don't believe that there's an error in the bid information. I believe the bid information is based on a sample size that they requested, but as I previously stated, I think OCP will be better equipped to explain that process.
Thank you. That's when we get clear, not indicating that there may be an error here, but just that level of detail could help to educate those who are reviewing this as to why there is that level of disparity here. Thank
you, absolutely.
Thank you. Member Benson, any additional questions, Madam
Chair, I was hoping to hear back from procurement as to answer the question regarding the difference in the size mr.
Washington, do we have someone on from OCP,
Yes, Madam Chair, we have Chris Jones online. Okay, we will
promote Chris Jones.
I do not see a Chris Jones among the attendees.
I'm sure motion to move this to the end.
Okay, Mr. Washington, if we can get Chris Jones on and we will move this item to the end of the agenda and come back to it. There's no objections. 21.6 we will move that to the end of the agenda. All right, any additional questions for the remaining items? 21.3 through. 21 point 10.9,
Madam President,
any objections.
Hearing no objections, the resolutions will be approved,
Madam President, requesting waivers for 21.3 21.5
21.7 through 21.9,
any objections to any waivers that have been listed right hearing, None those waivers will be attached to the items
from the Office of contracting and procurement.
Council member young a resolution line item 21, point 10. Contract number 6007049, 100% blight funding to provide paint supplies and equipment and repair services. Contractor Sherwin Williams company, total contract amount 500,000 that's for general services. Council member young, a resolution. Council member Young, thank
you, Madam President, Move to approve line item 20 point 10.
Any objections.
Hearing, no objections. The one resolution will be approved. Yes.
Let it request a waiver for lying on 21.2
hearing, no objections, a waiver will be attached to 21 point 10
from the Office of Development and grants Council
Member Santiago Romero, two resolutions, line items, 21 point 11 and 21 point 12.
Council Member Santiago Romero, motion to approve. These are both grants applications.
Any objections.
Hearing, no objections, the two resolutions will be approved request a waiver, Madam President, for both items and Hearing no objections, a waiver will be attached to both items
from the Office of Development and grants.
Council member young a resolution nine, item 21, point 13.
Council member Young, thank you,
Mayor, present Move to approve line item 21 point 13. All
right, any objections to 21 point 13, the grant application as well for the Joseph Walker, William rec center, Hearing no objections. The one resolution will be approved, and if we can request a waiver for that item too. Madam
President, request a waiver for lineup 21 point 13,
Hearing no objections, a waiver will be attached to 21 point 13
under resolutions.
Council member Johnson a resolution noting a roll call line item 21.4
council member Johnson,
thank you, Madam President, line item 21 point is to schedule a closed session on Tuesday May 6, at 3pm
Move for approval.
A roll call is required. Madam Clerk.
Council member Johnson, no.
Council Member Santiago Romero, yes. Council President Pro Tem James Tate, yes. Council member waters,
yes. I think council member
Whitfield, Calloway, no council member, young,
no council
president. Mary Sheffield, no council member, Benson, no council member, durhall, no Madam President, six nays, that motion fails. Okay.
That resolution fails under resolutions, yes, I'm just gonna say these are all the same day, same time, so I'm assuming the rest would probably be the same. Attorney, Anderson, do you want us to maybe postpone or remove these from the agenda, instead of denying them through
the chair for the purposes of time, that would be wise. Okay,
okay, so to remove from the agenda, that's fine. Thank you, and I'll find a new date another time. Okay, thank you. Yes, Council Member young,
I know these are closed sessions, but there's very sensitive Is there anything you could tell us about this publicly? No, to fill this in at all. I think
it would be best to speak in the closed session. But I'm happy to speak with you
all, and I'm not sure I keep your trouble, you know, but, but I don't know if he, I didn't know if he had, like, a standard answer, or if you had, like, you know, to read from or something if you can't find I just, I just wanted to hear what that message was. I'm like, wrote something. I just want you. I just want to even say no, just for my curiosity here.
So the goal is to just present the facts at a closed session number and give this body the best opportunity to make an informed decision.
Yeah, I'm not trying to get you in trouble, man. I was seriously. I just swear to God, I'll just curious. All right, thank you.
Thank you, and I'm happy to speak with you offline. Yeah, no problem. Thank you. I see I've done
it. Thank you, Mr. President. All
right, is there a motion to remove 21 point 15 through 21 point 17 motion? Okay, Hearing no objections. These items will be removed from the agenda. Okay? Going back to we had two items that we moved to the end of the agenda. Yes, you
did, Madam President, you moved line item 17.1 and line item 21.6
right? We'll start with 17.1 mr. Washington. Do we have someone on for 17.1
Yes, Madam Chair, we do have both Taylor online, as well as Nikhil Patel. Okay,
you can promote both.
Hello. How's everybody today? Good. How are you not too bad, not too bad. I understand you have some questions you'd like clarification on in the upcoming bond refinance. Yes.
I just wanted the opportunity. This came up during budget, you know, when the PLA came before us and I talked about, you know, trying to address expanding the public lighting plan to include additional mid block lights in areas that needed additional lighting, and possibly alley lighting. And I know you mentioned the bond, and here it is before us. So I just wanted you to kind of again walk through the process where we are today with the resolution and what would be the next steps necessary in this process. So I know this is kind of step one, and just want to ensure that residents understand what this means for them. Essentially, for those who are interested in wanting additional alley lighting or additional support through the PLA with this refinancing of this bond actually means, well,
what the refinancing of the bond means is that it provides us additional capital for you know, obviously future projects, the modification of the lighting plan has a lot of prerequisites to it. So my position is, let's make sure we have availability of all funds for the types of projects that are modified, that need to be modified by the lighting plan. What I mean is the refinancing of these, these bonds will require us to spend, I believe, a portion of this money within the first three years. I want to make sure that if we cannot use that money, if we cannot get the lighting plan amended and fixed within the first three years, because of a number of factors, we still have money to do that after three years as well. So I don't want to put a finish line that's artificial out there, unless I have to. So the intent is to have a comprehensive plan for future capital work, have that include the modifications that we talked about during the budget cycle, but also have a contingency plan if we're not able to access the funds or get the money in time, so we can go ahead with that plan as well under a different framework. So I'm trying to keep as many options on the table, but I am including these provisions in the documentation so there is reference points that lead to the modification of the plan in the way that we talked about during the budget cycle. So lot of moving parts moving forward with it, starting the engagement with our board on on what this means and what it would require of them. But no, we're not looking at it as a one shot deal. We're looking at it as how can we modify the plan in a way that gets it done and uses whatever funding is possible moving forward?
Okay? And then if the lighting plan cannot be amended, because I know you said that that takes a lot of moving pieces, and I think a change in state law, if you have access now to additional capital funding with this refinancing, what are you able to do with that fund? Well, we
do have capital money right now, so the intent would be to take our current capital plan that's funded, use this money for that because there's a timeline, which would then free up the capital money that we already have for discretionary use moving forward, which then could include the modifications of the lighting plan if the timeline didn't overlap consistently with the refinancing.
Okay? And then does the council need to do anything as it relates to the changing of the PLA plan itself? Or is that really come from the board? And then the state legislature? Well,
it's not the state legislature. The state legislature passed statutes to outline the mod, how the plan is to be modified in the in a nutshell, though, the city council and the administration both have opportunity to weigh in on any any, any modified plan, and there's a timeline for them to approve or reject and send back. So there is a inclusive way to get it done if our board puts a plan forward that the city council isn't, isn't, you know, in approval of but my intent would be to consult with the City Council ahead of time, get input from them, have your board members, you know, interact with you guys as well. Put together a plan that is, you know, collaborative in nature. So we really don't have to go through the the back and forth of of the plan, because we're all in agreement, in alignment, before we go ahead and modify it in the first place.
Okay. Well, thank you so much both for for your work on this. I know you've been working really hard, and appreciate you and appreciate seeing this before us. I've always talked about alley lighting and additional mid block lighting for certain areas in Detroit where they complain about inadequate lighting. And so it sounds like there possibly could be a path to explore, and excited to see this, and looking forward to working with you and the board to have further discussions.
Absolutely, I'm trying to thread the needle. Yes,
you are, sir. We appreciate you. Yep. All right, okay,
Madam Chair, yes. Now, since we still have him on the, on the on the call, it's Bo Yes. This is council member Callaway. Good morning. Hello. How are you? Oh, good. Had a conversation with your doing budget, and you promised that you were going to do something about the lighting on West McNichols, across from Mary Grove College. The lights are out old poles, and it's very dangerous over there. Eric Cook, one of my business owners over there, and Doctor Chanel Hampton, we can continue to complain. It's from green lawn to, I think, roughly, Wyoming. So we're not talking about a lot of polls, but you did promise that you would take a look at it, and we haven't seen anything, and I haven't heard from you, sir, okay, we're
taking a look at it that that that portion is one that needs to be included in our capital plan, not a restoration. We do need to get out, if it's out right now, and provide intermittent restoration until we can have the capital people go out. But we, I'm guessing it, it's either in the capital plan or needs to be included. We are taking a look at it and including it, and that will not be left out of the modifications that area you're right does need to be looked at. And just take some time, because we put it in a long term comprehensive plan. We don't put it into the next week's work, but the message was received, and we're out looking at it and getting it in there, and more than happy to meet you out there and walk you through what we're going to do.
Are you free through the chair? Are you free today? Free today?
Not I can't today. I only because I have to pick someone up at the airport, but more than happy to meet you out there as soon as we can get out. Okay,
can you write my number down? Yes, sir, 224, 4535 and the only reason I'm I'm a little anxious about it because I have a daycare over there, a elementary school over there, middle school over there, high school over there, and we have college students over there, and it's very important that that area is safe for all those young people. And we have lights, yep,
it's my job to get them on. So we'll meet you out there and get her taken
care of. I hope we can meet out there this week or next. Thank you. All right. Thank you so much. All right. Thank you both. Thank you, Madam Chair, thank
you. Member Callaway, all right, we will. Member young, can you move this again for approval? 17.1
Thank you, ma'am, President, Move to approve my item. 17.1
any objections to 17.1
Hearing no objections. The one resolution will be approved. And Madam Clerk, what was the second item? Yes.
Madam President, line item 21.6,
Mr. Washington, do we have someone on?
Yes. Madam Chair, we do have Chris Jones on. All right.
Chris Jones,
Hi, good afternoon. Chris Jones, Office of contracting and procurement.
All right, remember Benson. Thank you. So the question is,
looking at the contracts, $129,000 bid, 8% equalization reduces that bid. 219 the next lowest bid is at 88,000 that's a 35% gap, or $40,000 gap between the equalization points, which reduces the cost of that contract, and the next lowest bidder, but the next lowest bidder was not selected, just what's the what was the process for that? And then, typically, I would think that the guardrail ordinance would pick that up, but I believe that that's not about percentages. It's about total cost. So this would seem to be more of a kind of a loophole for me, when we're saying that we're going to provide somebody the contract that's $40,000 more than the next lowest bid. As what was the process there to get to a winning bid that's $40,000 more than the next
bid through the chair. Thanks for your question.
Actually, this didn't have anything to do with equalization. The low bidder, unfortunately, did not bid on all items. The first item, which was the most expensive item, he couldn't bid on. So we had to award to both vendors and the most expensive item went to the highest, you know, went to Guy Anga. So that's why that particular amount is higher than the other one, because that material is much more expensive. So there were three items total. Got the the awarded bidder, world, Guy anger was awarded all three items, and the other vendor, Edward C Levy, he was also awarded the two items that he bid on. So actually, they both would be eligible for that, for that particular award, okay,
thank you. And so in this situation, I mean, just to the i There's seen as a $40,000 difference between the winning bid and the next lowest bid. And so I just think some supporting documentation information would be very helpful for council members when we're making decisions like this and to the public, and I'm not sure if that information is being passed on to LPD when we're doing the teeter report, and they provide that supporting documentation to us with this type of situation or scenario, would that warrant you believe, some additional information so that we are educated on why this decision was made. That's not what I received as part of the teeter report. That may be the fact that you all don't interchange information like that, or maybe just a new process would be helpful
here, through the chair, that information was available through our award summary that is in our system that LPD does review. They may not have, they may not have picked it up, but the information was there,
okay, and I'll be talking with LPD. Thank you. All right. All right. Thank you. Member Vincent,
is there a motion to move forward with 21.6 motion?
Okay. Are there any objections to 21.6
Hearing none that one resolution will be approved
for the President's reports on standing committee referrals and other matters for the Neighborhood and Community Services standing committee,
one report from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Development and grants
in one report, will be referred to Neighborhood and Community Services for the Planning and Economic Development Committee,
three reports from various city departments, the three
reports will be referred to Planning and Economic Development for the public health and safety committee,
three reports from various city departments, the
three reports will be referred to the public health and safety Standing Committee Under the consent agenda. There are no items. Madam President, all right, we will call now for member reports. And just a quick reminder that director Whitaker, you would like us to all have a memo submitted to you, along with the budget department regarding our allocation of ARPA dollars by Friday of this week.
Okay, President, we will prepare the necessary resolutions for your vote, for your next formal session. Should you do? Should you give us the instruction to do so?
Do you mean a formal motion? Now, yes,
but we need to have comments from from you first. But we provide, if you give us the documents, we will prepare resolution for you to vote on next week. Okay,
sounds good, alright. So just a reminder again, by Friday to have your memo submitted to LPD, along with budget, outlining where you would like your $1 million in ARPA funding to be allocated. Okay, yes, member young, so let me make sure I get
this straight. This is just a memo, just a memo, just showing where we want to spend the money. This isn't like an actual memo, like, you know, like a resolution that we're going that we're putting this money towards. Or is that what you're drafting here? Madam
President, yes. If you give us instruction as to how you want the money allocated, yeah, we will prepare a resolution to execute your wish
that resolution will have all of the request in one resolution. Yes, okay, remember, member Callaway,
my comment is or question has nothing to do with this,
okay, yeah, I think we're fine. Just want people to know about that call away, I understand
that through you to Graham Anderson, you were going to give an update on the solar farm situation before the end of the formal session, because I know I had a couple of residents who are not are happy, are not happy or pleased with what's happening and them and their homes, and So as their council representative, I need to know on their behalf, because they're listening, what your explanation is that you said you're going to provide before the end of the formal session today. Thank you, Madam Chair,
yes, through the chair, Graham Anderson law department, I'm still waiting on a written response from the solar team. I don't know if Mr. Washington, if that's been put together yet, but that's what I was told at this time. We're still waiting on the written response, unless that has recently been put together. Mr.
Washington, yes, through the chair. I do know that Miss Stein is working with Corporation Council on drafting something to provide to the body in writing, and so we will be sure to follow up with this body and as well as you member call away regarding this matter,
Madam Chair, is there any way we can make this a line item? This is a very important issue, and it's hitting my district in a way that I anticipated and expect it, and they're speaking up now, and so I would like to have a conversation about it. I understand that a couple of my very, very upset, maybe a handful of them, and I think their voices need to be heard. So I don't know if this could be a line. I don't know how you want to proceed. Madam
Chair, yep. So we, we did request that the attorney come down today, hopefully to provide an update. What we can do is schedule for one of the next formal sessions, like an update, and we can notate it on the agenda that there will be a solar kind of update, if we'll work with you member Calloway as well to get a schedule, and that way it can be a more formal public update. That's excellent. Thank you, Madam Chair, absolutely okay. Thank you. Okay. We will now move to member reports, and we'll start with you. Member Young's report, all right. Member Santiago Romero,
thank you, Madam President. And the following information has been put together by our outreach team, so for our member reports, for this for today, and all these details will be in our social media and in our newsletter. We will continue our office hours for April. Please stop by with any questions or concerns for us. Will be at Kemeny rec center next Monday, April 28 from four to 6pm and hope that district six residents can plan ahead with us for our May events. On Wednesday, May 7, from six to 730 we will be hosting our monthly d6 meeting at class act Detroit. We will not only hear about the home repair programs available through HRD, but we are going to have Pro Tem with us as well to talk about his protect your crown campaign initiative on Wednesday, May 14, from six to 730 we're going to be hosting our next building power training series, all on mutual aid. Meet us at St Stephen A M E for tips and best practices on how to build strong networks of support in times of need in our communities. We're going to be joined by DHCC, you and I, Detroit, Southwest, pride unity in our community. Time Bank as well all folks who have extensive experience on mutual aid. Thursday, May 15, at 11am we're going to be at the Perry Outreach Center in four two and seven for our coffee hour. And lastly, on Wednesday, May 21 at 11am we're partnering with the hemming Ford Health for a hiring event. So come dressed to impress with your resume at the UAW local 22 on Michigan Avenue for on spot interviews. Thank you, Madam President,
thank you so much. Member Johnson,
thank you, Madam President. Just want to share with everyone that this Friday, April 25 I will be hosting a coffee hour at 8am at next chapter books located at 16, 555, East Warren, again, that is this Friday, April 25 at 8am at next chapter books. And also want to share with everyone that Saturday, April 26 my team and I will be partnering with the East High community network for a housing resource fair that will run from 11am until 3pm so if you need some assistance with housing, please stop by again. That's Saturday, April 26 from 11am until 3pm at 4401 Connor and lastly, want to congratulate you snap back on their 40 years of service and dedication to residents throughout the city, but particularly the hard work and efforts that they put into housing on the east side in District Four. So looking forward to their celebration on Friday. Friday evening, they are having a fundraiser, and so just looking forward to congratulating them there, and for all the work that they've been doing throughout the city, that is all of my member reports. Thank you, Madam President,
thank you. Member Johnson, member durha. Thank
you, and we wanted to invite everyone to join us for our coffee and conversations this Friday, April the 25th from 9am to 11am located at the in harmony suites and cafe located at 12041 Dexter Avenue, again, that is this Friday, April, 25 from 9am to 11am at in harmony Cafe located at 12041 Dexter this will be a great time, as we can give you legislative updates, resources and information, and finally, get some great sweets, some coffee and some tea, all provided by us. So again, join us. This Friday, also, we would like to join you, or we would like for you to join us. I'm sorry for our policy session on Monday, April the 28th from 6pm to 7:30pm again, this is Monday, April the 28th from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Edison library located at 18400 Joy road. Again, that's 18400 Joy row. And the topic of this month will be the city budget. And so please join us for this policy session so you can get updated about everything that has happened in our recent budget that council passed, we look forward to seeing you there. Thank you.
Thank you. Member Pro Tem
Tate, thank you, Madam President, just wanted to invite everyone on the 13th floor oak and in city government to come by at three o'clock and join us for the celebration of giant Singletary. His last day is today. We did provide him with the Spirit of Detroit award last Thursday, a very well deserved Spirit of Detroit award. So check your emails for the location and we will see you at 3pm Thank you, Madam President, thank you.
Member waters,
thank you, Madam President, I just want to share with people that the skill trade meeting went well on Wednesday, and also they were pretty thrilled to see both you and member young. So then we did the tennis Rights Commission. They had their first meeting at the Joseph Walker Williams center. And so we're just in the process of helping them to to just kind of work their way through the through the process, help acting as a facilitator so that they they can then hit the road running on this very, very important commission. It was pretty well attended by members of the community as well, and I think that we have a pretty good commission in place. So thank you.
Thank you. Member Benson, alright. Thank you. Just a
reminder that this Saturday, April 26 from 10am to noon, we are hosting our Earth Day awards. This will be held at the Union carpenter mill rights guild Training Center at 11687, America. This is our third time hosting them at the Union carpenter right skill training center. We're going to have approximately 200 people at this year's event, so hoping to see my colleagues, we will give again awards to sustainability champions in each district, and typically, we have my colleagues present those awards to their bosses. So hopefully we'll see everybody there, and we feed everybody. And if I'm not mistaken, we will be having eggs, grits and other food for those attendees. In addition, we will have vegan options for those as well. So hopefully we'll see everybody 10am three to noon, and the doors open at 9:30am for our annual Earth Day award celebration and breakfast.
All right, thank you. Council member Calloway, thank
you. Thank you, Madam Chair. And good afternoon everyone. I'm still excited about the home inspection certification program being offered at Wayne County Community College is a new program. Thank you. Dr ivory, the classes start on May the 15th, and the number to call for more information is 4962704,
the number again is 4962704,
we want everyone. If you're 18 over to a retiree you can qualify to participate in the home inspection certification program. Want to thank Dr Nikolai vidy and Dr Jeffrey Robinson and Dr Roy Johnson Helen Moore and all the members of the school board who attended the groundbreaking. Bishop colletta bond calls it the ground shaking of the new Paul robes and Malcolm X Academy located at 2585 grove. They broke ground this morning. Right now they are meeting at a school in district one. They told me to tell pro temp, take that they you've been amazing to them. They had a problem at the school, and they got it fixed after calling you in less than 24 hours, and that message comes to you from Dr Jeffrey Robinson, so thank you pro temp take for taking care of those folks over there who are temporarily in district one. But we are excited about the school the we broke the ground today, and I had to just share with them what the school was called before it was called Paul Robeson Malcolm X Academy. It was Halley, and it was named after judge PJ M Hallie. And the school was built in 1929
and one block over was
some of the temptations home. Eddie Kendricks home was over there. Gladys Knight lived on lacelle. Eddie Kendricks lived on Bayless. And so you have a lot of folks who were prominent, not just entertainers, but judges and lawyers and doctors who lived in that area and was not Martin park at the time. It was called Green filled Township, and then it turned into Cassandra Park, and then it turned into Martin Park. I want to thank the Blackwell family, one of our well known families, and then the black souls, Kathy blesso was there. I asked her to join me on the stage, and she moved in that area on April the second in 1962 so I had all the haliites to stand up, and I was trying to let the children know, and all the students and all the folks who attend that school now what it used to be called, and then we found out that it was not a middle school, it was an elementary school. And so everything in the school was scaled down for those students who were, like, couple feet tall, and it was not meant for middle schoolers. It was actually a middle Elementary School. And then Kathy bless so shared that their janitor participated in the Olympics back in the 60s, and he actually brought his gold medals home. So we're trying to find out I just texted her, and I'm hoping she'll call me back, or text me back and let me know what that gentleman's name was. He's no longer with us, but I'm hoping they will acknowledge that in that new structure and name that gymnasium after that Olympian. And if we don't tell our story, nobody will and when they tear that building down, that history will be gone. So I talked to Dr Vitti, and I talked to the members of the Board of Education to make sure some of that history is captured in that building and they hang up pictures and again, perhaps name that gymnasium after that Olympian. Thank you, Madam Chair, that does conclude my report. Thank
you so much. Member Callaway
and our office will be hosting a summary summer camp and youth job fair at the Northwest activity center. This will take place Tuesday May the 20th, in partnership with Detroit Parks and Recreation Department in other community partners. Again, this is a summer camp and youth job fair for our young people to come out and find summer job employment, other opportunities for our youth discover a variety of camps and youth activities designed to keep our young people active, learning and having fun all summer long. So again, if you have young kids between the age ages of five and 14, there will be information for summer camps available here in Detroit, and then also a youth job fair for ages 16 through 21 they will have employers job openings and perfect summer job opportunities again that will be held on Tuesday May the 20th at the Northwest Activity Center, in partnership with Detroit Parks and Recreation and other community partners. Summer Camp and youth job Expo will take place on Tuesday May the 20th. Is that correct? Tuesday May the 20th? That's what's on the flyers. Want to make sure Tuesday May the 20th, from four to 7pm at the Northwest Activity Center. For more information, please contact our office. Lastly, the construction at the Coleman Young rec center is complete after years and years of waiting, yes, $11 million construction is now complete, and so we are excited that that rec center should be opening very soon. I think the date will be released in the coming days. I think the first or second week of April, the rec center should be open. So good to know that the recreation center construction has now been completed again. That was $11 million renovation to the Coleman Young facility, and excited to have that opening for this coming spring and summer for our seniors and our youth over in district five. All right, that will conclude my reports, and we will continue now to the agenda. Madam Chair, yes, sir,
may we request a waiver for item 21.6 this is for materials for DPW streets maintenance 21.6
Yes, okay.
Is there a motion to do so?
Any objections for 21.6 for a waiver hearing, none that action will be taken. Thank you. Thank you. Under adoption, without committee reference,
there are no items, Madam President,
under communications from the clerk,
a report on approval of proceedings by the mayor.
The report will be received and placed on file under testimonial resolutions and special privilege.
Council member Benson a resolution, line item 30.1
council member Benson motion to approve
Hearing no objections that action will be taken and if there is nothing else to come before us as a reminder, I do apologize until I misspoke last week that we didn't have formal session, and we do have formal session, but the recess will start tomorrow and end on Monday, so there will be no committees convening tomorrow, going until Monday, but we will be here for formal session next Tuesday. All right. Is there a motion to adjourn. There's nothing else to come before us this meeting will stand adjourned.
