like to call the mean of the Wayne County Commission to order. Madam clerk, Roll call, please.
The board is now open for roll call. Commissioner Hattis has requested an excuse.
You have a quorum present. Thank
you. Next item, please, Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge of Allegiance.
Thank you. Next item, please.
Invocation.
Today, I'd like to introduce Miss Diane Washington, who is going to do the invocation. She's the legislative aide for Commissioner haters out of district 11. Come on up, Miss Washington, you
Good morning. I have had the honor and privilege of working with a fantastic 15, which includes my boss, Abdul Hales, who has decided to retire. Heavens to Murgatroyd. I know things must change, but he's an awesome guy. These commissioners have served the county with dignity and intellectual stability a person behind the scenes. Let me as a person behind the scenes, let me express the appreciation of my colleagues who helped to keep the wheels turning in each office. I can't name them due to the time restricts by my boss, Commissioner Hales, but let me say this, the commissioners have formed several areas within the community, such as forming the Women's Commission, where women can share their thoughts and their issues, also providing prom dresses for young ladies who may not be able to purchase A gown. Along with providing dresses, they also give a glimpse into efficacy and gracefulness. There's also a youth council where young people from all over the county can get a glimpse into the government and the political process. There are youth essays, contests that are county wide, building writing skills and researching skills, the commissioners take time to honor our service people as well as our sheriffs, city police, firefighters, teachers, etc, together, they service the community. There are many other projects and services that are offered to our community and our commissioners are there for our people. Let us pray, Heavenly Father. As we gather together today, we ask for your spirit of unity to be present among us. We ask for your guidance, wisdom and support as this meeting begins. Help us engage in meaningful discussion, allow us to grow closer as a group and nurture the bonds of community working together in harmony towards a common goal. Fill us with Your Grace, Lord God, as decisions are made that will affect the Wayne County Commissioners, staff and faculty, and all is accomplished shall be in the pursuit of truth, for the greater glory of you and for the service of humanity, we ask these things in your name. Amen.
Thank you. Miss Washington for that level. Oh, please don't fall ma'am. Oh, Lord,
thank you. Diane, thank you. Be careful.
Next item, Madam Clerk,
reading, correcting and approval of the journal. Vice Chair, pro tem
bedoon, Move for approval. Board moved and supported any discussion or corrections to the journal, hearing, none please vote.
Motion carries.
Thank you so much. Next item report from the chair. Sad news to report today, the mother of our very own, Cynthia Douglas passed away this morning, so we want to keep Cynthia and her family in prayer during this very difficult time. As you know, Cynthia was the primary caretaker for her mother because she was the only sibling here in Michigan. So please keep her in our prayers. We'll let you know what the arrangements are when we get more information.
Thank you. Next item, Madam Chair, clerk,
unfinished business. There is none listed. We are moving to page two of the agenda. Offering of all petitions, ordinances, resolutions and presentations. There is one resolution listed, a resolution by all commissioners, honoring Eric Doa for his outstanding contributions as president and chief executive officer of the Detroit Wayne integrated health network. All
right, as you know, Detroit Wayne integrated health network has done amazing things over the last few years. We have a crisis center down in the Midtown area. Now we have a crisis center being built on seven mile Eric Doa has been the lead for all of these amazing projects, and has really taken the Detroit Wayne integrated health network to another level. We are recognized as one of the best community health networks in the country, and it's all because of the leadership of Mr. Eric DOA, he is going on to bigger and better things, but we want to congratulate him and thank him for the work that he has done over the many years at D win. Eric, if you could please come up, sir. He is here with us today, and we couldn't let this day go by. Come on up. Mr. Do Mr. Doher, come. Come. You get to come all the way up here today. I know you used to go right over there. Aren't you? We couldn't let him get away from off without thanking him for his service, thanking him for his vision, thanking him for all that he's done, for D win um, again, he's going on to a brighter pastors, but we will always remember the work that he has done. Of course, I'm not going to read this extensive resolution, but I would just read the last resolved resolve that we extend our best wishes to Eric Doa his future endeavors, confident that his legacy of service and commitment will continue to inspire and benefit the community for years to come. Thank you, Eric, for all that you've done. We appreciate you, and don't forget about it. Wherever your travels may take you can say a word, let's give their door a round of applause.
Thank you so much, Madam Chair, your leadership, once again, has always proven to be just impeccable. Please do not hold it against my heart if I can't thank everyone, because the meeting must go on. But to Commissioner Kinloch, to Commissioner Killeen, Commissioner Scott and so many others who've been just great influences on my life. Thank you so much to the county executive, I could not have asked for a better partner to work with through all of this. And thank you for your kindness to the mayor of Detroit. Once again, you have demonstrated what leadership is all about. To many of you who do not know that you are mentors to me, thank you for your mentorship to Dr Elsa, who's going to continue this great work with D Wynn, I want to thank you so much for that partnership that we have built to the board. D Wynn, you've been extraordinary to my executive leadership there. I could not have asked for a better team to this body. Thank you so much for doing the work that you do on behalf of people who have so so much depend upon you each and every day, but most importantly, the people who we serve, the most vulnerable in this community, I want to thank them. I want to thank their families for trusting me, because all I ever wanted to do was just to improve the quality of health for those we serve. And so for that, Madam Chair, I don't know whether I'm going on to bigger and better things, but I thank God for giving me the opportunity to serve in this capacity. Thank you so much.
Get attention with this.
Thank you, Eric. Don't forget about us and your journeys, and again, a heartfelt thank you for what you've done with D win. You have really taken it to the next level. So we couldn't have asked for a better CEO. You were the right person at the right time, and the next person, whoever that may be, has big shoes to fill, because you were amazing. So thank you again, sir, and feel free to stay for the rest of the meeting, but you don't have to. You're not released from those duties. So thank you so much. At this time, I would like to ask if Mr. Jonathan Kinloch could come up please for a special presentation as well. You
Good morning, everyone.
It's with great honor and deep respect that I stand before you today to present a special resolution to a remarkable individual whose legacy has profoundly impacted our community and beyond. I have the distinct privilege of having known Ron Teasley since my days at Northwestern High School. Ron was not just an outstanding athlete, he was also a mentor and a guiding light for many of us. His dedication exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to excellence paved the way for future generations of athletes and students alike. Ron's contribution and contribution to baseball and education are truly extraordinary. His journey from Northwestern and his pioneering role in breaking barriers in professional baseball have left an inductible mark on history beyond the field, his commitment to education, his role as a teacher and coach, have inspired countless young minds. Today we honor Ron Teasley for his outstanding achievements, his trailblazing spirit and his lifelong dedication to making a difference. Ron, your legacy continues to inspire us all, and it is our privilege to recognize you and your lovely family with this resolution, Mr. Teasley, I believe his his daughter is here. Teasley celebrated his
the on the
Ron Teasley turned 97 he was recognized. I don't know if you saw the article that was published in the Detroit News with for as far as his impact on baseball and his historical contributions. And so it's an extreme honor that we present this resolution to his family.
Thank you.
What an honor, and how, what a blessing that he is 97 years old and still here, and to have all of those accolades and be historic figure. Thank you, Commissioner Kinloch for doing that, and all of our names are on that resolution. So we want to just continue to uplift those people and recognize those people and give them their roses while they're still here to appreciate them. Thank you. Jonathan Commissioner, Kinloch,
Madam Clerk, next item
about the vote on them, I'm sorry, so we need to vote on the resolution that's before us, and that's the vote for Eric Doa under petitions, ordinances and resolutions, there a motion, motion by Commissioner bigger McCormick, supported by Commissioner Killeen. Any discussion hearing? None. Please vote. I
motion carries,
thank you. I said,
our tech person, sorry, Computer Aided. And I said, Yes, Computer Aided, audio, sorry. I
All right. Thank you. Thank you.
Before we go on to our committee reports, for those on Zoom and in the audience, we work out of committee and we vet and thoroughly discuss all of the items that are before us today at this full board meeting. The items today have been vetted and they come to full board for final disposition. So we will continue now with our committee reports. Madam Clerk, first committee report
we're on. Report a from the Committee on Economic Development. There are four items listed on pages two and three of the agenda. Commissioner Anderson,
Madam Chair I Economic Development Committee approved of items three and four and number one and two, or receive and file and recommend that to the full committee for approval.
It's been moved and supported any discussion on the receiving file and items three and four, we'll come back to two. Any discussion on one, three and four, hearing, none, please vote
Okay. Is it number three? Madam Clerk, yes, okay, for item number three. And I think I misspoke when I said the others. Commissioner Anderson was approving items one, two and four. Commissioner Clemente is going to move approval for item number three, okay, moved by Commissioner Clemente, supported by Commissioner BeiDou, any discussion on the delegated authority item or CDBG
on Item three, I would like to be recorded as a no vote.
Duly noted. Any discussion on Item three, please vote.
Motion carries.
Thank you. Next item, please.
We're moving to report B from the Committee on Public Services. There are seven items listed on pages three and four of the agenda. Commission mereky, thank you, Madam Chair, I'd like to move approval
of items one through seven
been moved by Commissioner recke, supported by
ordered by Vice that was pushing buttons. Stop pushing. No, no, no.
Stop pushing please. You
want to stop pushing buttons. Okay? Commissioner, stop pushing buttons. No. Okay. Now
someone can support we're good now.
Are we good? Now? Okay, this is for the public services report. It's been moved by Commissioner Ricky, supported by Commissioner Garza. Any discussion on Public Services Commission Anderson,
Mike's not working there now. It's working. I had a question. I don't know if there's someone that can address this from the administration. They were being asked to extend the contract for a property that is tied to the CJC and the completion of that and it indicates such as uncertainty of when the administrative offices of the sheriff's department can move into that new facility. And I guess what I'm wondering is if there's someone that can address that, because it looks like it's going through the end of September, and I think we have to be in there by By mid, or at least the third week of September. Is it prorated? Is there some way that, because it we're looking at $96,000 for this extension. Now
you're speaking to item number six? Correct?
Yes. Item six. Sorry,
through the chair. Aaron Wagner, Chief Administrative Officer, Commissioner Anderson, the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Excuse me. Administration team is scheduled, or slated to move, I believe it's or about August 15. And so this will allow not only the team to move, but also we have to leave the the building that we're vacating in acceptable condition for for the owner. And so this gives us 30 days to go through patch new walls that we need to clean up, carpeting, have cleaning crews go through and just ensure that we're leaving the building in the condition per the lease.
Are we going to be running into this issue with all the end users, or the CJC,
the through the chair, the only building that is impacted by a lease at this point, or the last lease, I should say is, is this 400 Monroe, there was a a prior lease extension that came maybe about a month ago. That was the third lease extension that had to go into the system before this one could be taken care of, or as all of the other ones, I believe, have already been established. And the Mdoc one, that one's okay, yep, yep. So the Mdoc lease for, I think it's the Tremonti building that was the only other building that we had to extend in that one, I believe, already went through or it's in. It'll be coming up shortly.
All right, thanks for the answer. Thank you.
Thank you McCormick,
thank you, Madam Chair. Item number three, is there a reason why this is retroactive?
Good morning, Gregory, hers director, facilities management and planning, yes. So there is a reason, essentially, that contract just expired, and while we were putting out the or in the RFP process, we realized that the RFP would not be complete, so we decided to move forward with the current vendor through the end of the fiscal year to ensure that we have services. I would like to say, although it is, it does come in front of the commission as a retro because of the expired contract, we have not used services from the vendor. So what you would be approving is essentially the, not the extension, but the, basically an extension of the contract. But we have not expensed against this vendor any services against this vendor at this point. Okay,
so there is going to be a RFP. There's
currently an RFP in process. Okay, that's correct.
And then Item five, this item is a sole source. Is there a reason that there was no RFP on that item?
Believe that may be a different department. I'll allow them to answer.
Wondering why it's for signage. It looks like
Good morning. Angelia Miller, Director of equipment for DPS. This is a sole source agreement. This is for wind signs as it pertains to our roads maintenance division. It is pretty much a piece of equipment that will advise the citizens of rural work ahead, and it is durable for any type of weather conditions. And this is the only vendor that's able to provide this product.
So we didn't put out a RFP, but we already know that there's no other vendors that is like. So how long have we, I guess, worked with this individual, this company? Do you know? Speak to that?
Yeah, so good morning, commissioners. Steve share division director of roads. So this company is a sole source. What director Angie just talked about, these are for regulatory signs. Basically gives direction, speed limits, no right turn. And these are all mandated by mdot. So they're the only source, sole source company that MDOT is approved on that so it's
a MDOT approved vendor. Okay, thank you.
Okay, thank you. Any additional discussion or questions on the public services report?
Hearing? None please vote.
Motion carries next item? Please.
We are on report C from the Committee on Health and Human Services. There are two items listed. Commissioner Scott
Hey, spin move, moved. There's support by Commissioner merecki, discussion, Commissioner Killeen,
all right, I got a classroom voice on item number one, and my colleagues will recall. This is a report from over at the meos office that a few years back, before we had Wayne State University as managing that office, our offices would get calls that people Families awaiting cremation, and they weren't released from the from the funeral homes and trying to get the well released from the meos office. And we hear from funeral homes. We hear from with the management. We're no longer getting those calls the turnaround time for people to get their certificates in order to cremate for the funeral homes as well as the families that are waiting. That's happening on a very timely basis, we're down to less than basically a half hour before the before the meos office response to those requests that were coming. It was a real mess three, four years ago, but now we're not getting those calls anymore.
Thank you, Madam Chair,
thank you. I think Wayne State has done an excellent job. It was Rocky, as you stated for many years, and Wayne State has really come in and turned it around. We want to applaud them, as well as a new medical examiner on the turnaround, because we are not getting those calls and those concerns anymore. So we're very grateful for that. And further discussion on Health Human Services report
hearing none please vote. Motion carries. Thank you. Next item
we are on, a report D from the Committee on audit there are two items listed. Mr. Dobb,
thank you, Madam Chair, I'd like to move the entire report for receiving file
been moved by Commissioner Dobbs, supported by Commissioner Killeen. Any discussion on the audit report? Any
discussion hearing, none. Please. Vote.
Motion carries.
Thank you. Next item,
we're report E from the Committee on Public Safety, judiciary and homeland security. There are two items listed on pages five and six of the agenda. Commissioner Clark Coleman,
thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to move that we receive and file item number one, and I move approval of item two.
Move by Commissioner Clark Coleman, supported by Commissioner Garza. Any discussion on the public safety report,
any discussion hearing, none. Please vote
motion carries.
Thank you. Next item we are
on, report F from the Committee on Government Operations. There are nine items listed on pages six through eight of the agenda
Clemente. You
one through Thank you.
Thank you, Commissioner. It's been moved by commission Clemente, supported by Commissioner kemlock, any discussion on the government operations report, any discussion on the items on Government Operations?
All right, hearing. None. Please vote. Motion carries.
Thank you. Next Final, Please.
We are on page eight of the agenda, upcoming meetings. Please note the
upcoming meetings, including the Committee of the Whole today at 12pm and the meeting scheduled for next week, next week, let's see. I'm sorry. Look really quick. And the fact that we have meetings on Thursday, please note that as well economic development, public services, Ways and Means will all be on Thursday of next week.
Next item,
we're on new business. Immediate consideration, there are no items listed, B testimonial, resolutions and certificates of appreciation. There are seven items listed.
There a motion for resolutions and certificates of appreciation, moved by Commissioner Kinloch, supported by Vice Chair BeiDou. Vice Chair BeiDou, I need the discussion on these items. Discussion on these items.
Hearing none please vote motion carries next item, please.
We're on memorials. There are seven names listed.
Anyone like to speak to any of the names listed? Commissioner Baker McCormick,
thank you, Madam Chair. I wanted to speak to Timone Martin. He was my first cousin that passed away. He was only 46 years old. He started an organization called Detroit takeover, and they would move around the country supporting the Detroit Lions. So he was a promoter, very well known. He was in it worked for the city of Detroit, just an overall great guy, great father, great community leader, and we're going to dearly miss him. Thank you
so sorry for your family's loss. We'll keep you and your family in our prayers during this difficult time.
Mr. Clemente,
thank you, Madam Chair, just my light. That's not working. I just wanted to speak to Officer mo as he's known in Melvindale, it was a tragic loss for the community of Melvindale. This was a young man that was born in Melbourne or grew up in Melvindale and dedicated his life to public service. Everything about him and his dedication to the community is just remarkable, and he was a police officer and an athlete, and it is quite a loss, and is really affected myself and the community, and I just have to say some thank yous to the executive office, the Sheriff's Office, Department of Homeland Security, all of the police that came to Melvindale to help them, and all the state agencies they assisted the Melvin Dale's police department and the community of Dearborn to and the mayor, and, you know, they took over for the shift so that Melvindale could go to the services take some time. And it's just been remarkable how everyone in Wayne County has stepped up and helped out. And I think that is something that's really unique about us, and we need to be. Remember officer mo remember all of our public servants, police officers, first responders, because they keep our community safe, and we need more of them. So thank you, and in my sincere condolences to Melvindale and Officer Mo's family, it's been very difficult. Thank you.
Thank you, Commissioner. I know we've lost three officers in the line of duty in the southeastern Michigan region over the last three months, so we want to continue to keep our law enforcement members in our prayers as they go out to do their job every day, knowing that they're putting their lives on the line every day. So thank you. Commissioner Clemente, Vice Chair, potembe Doom,
thank you, Madam Chair, very well, said Commissioner Clemente. Commissioner Clemente and I attended the funeral in Dearborn. I haven't attended such a funeral before in my life. Quite honestly, we had police officers from all over the country. This young man was only 23 years old. He's a proud Yemeni American born and raised in Melvin Dale got killed in the line of duty, and it was such a such a tragic loss. It impacted so many people in Dearborn Melvin Dale, Dearborn heights, Southeast Michigan, again, I extend my sincere condolences to the police department in Melvin Dale and kudos to all the law enforcement agencies, especially Wayne County, they played a major role in arresting the suspect and hopefully bring him to justice. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you, Commissioner and again to have the deep, Dearborn law enforcement shipping their services while the Melvin Dell police officers were able to go to the funerals. There's a lot about Wayne County and what we do as as we support one another here in our county. Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Clark Coleman,
thank you, Madam
Chair. I noticed that you have one for alfredine Wiley, is that the same alfredine, while is that's one of my very active, aka source, that
was sent to me. So I'm not sure. I'm sorry that was sent to my office. So I'm not I will check to see who sent it.
I don't know of any other Alfred Dean Wiley. I'm pretty sure that's he's very active, very, very active in a haze.
Okay, I'll go check to see who sent that to me. Sorry to hear that. Yeah, with a name, Alfred Dean, that's probably the one in the same. Any additional comments by members acknowledging our losses. Commissioner BeiDou,
thank you, Madam Chair, again, I do want to add another person also. Tragedy struck the city of Dearborn on July 20, when Dr Radda Mustafa, a 33 year old woman from Dearborn was killed in a tragic car accident on Michigan Avenue where the driver was driving, according to police, at least 9200 miles an hour she was had died on impact. She survived by loving family, three children. Just, just a horrible, horrible tragedy. Again, I extend my sincere condolences to her entire family. May God rest her soul in eternal peace. Thank you, Madam Chair,
thank you, Commissioner, Could everyone please rise for a moment of silence? You
and again, send our prayers to the families who've lost loved ones, especially to our very own, Cynthia, as she mourns the loss of her mother as well.
Next item, Madam Clerk, public comments. Is there anyone on Zoom for public comments? Anyone on Zoom for public comments? I you, anyone on the telephone for public comments? You have a zoom? Okay, even, how Rick, can I be heard? Yes, you can. Okay, so
I'm Steven hiring of Detroit, and I'm here to discuss about what's going on at smart. So it's been 500 now, over 500 days that smart drivers have not had a contract. And you know, I've been going to every meeting. And you know, currently, the executive director or the general manager of smart, Dwight Farrell, has constantly, you know, blamed the drivers and blamed the union, and amidst he's not taking any responsibility. And you know, drivers are now getting fired because they're speaking out. You know, what's going on in Smart is disgraceful. And you know it's really hitting the service hard. You know, busses are 2030, minutes late. And you know Some don't even show up because they're short on drivers. You know, Dwight Farrell's leadership, to be honest, has been some of the worst government leadership I've ever seen. You know they didn't. I don't know who this idea was, if you look at his history over in some of the other states and cities he's worked in, but you know the situation is getting worse and worse, and they need to get a contract like right away. I know there's probably not much you guys can do about it, but at least want to notify this commission what's going on. And you know that this really needs to be taken care of, because the other day at the last meeting, one of the board members Hillary chambers pretty much defended Dwight bear a land really didn't acknowledge the issue that's going on with the drivers. So, you know, this is, you know, no, I mean transit agency or driver should be driving without a contract. You know, this is beyond ridiculous, and no, I'm just really disappointed and smart. Thank
you, Mr. Steven, your time is up. Thank you for your public comment for today. Is there anyone else on Zoom for public comments? Anyone in the chambers? Okay?
Tony Guerrero,
good morning. For the record, I'm Tony Guerrero, Chief of legislation, grants and Community Relations for the Wayne County prosecutor, Madam Chair, commissioners and members of the audience, it is my distinct honor to appear before you on behalf of Wayne County Prosecutor Kim worthy, to introduce to you the new director of finance for the Wayne County prosecutor's office. James Williams, Mr. Williams comes to the Wayne County prosecutor's office with a wealth of experience, so please bear with me while I try to go through all of this experience. He's a former employee of the Federal Reserve. He was a state of Michigan Department of Treasury revenue officer. He was also with the state of Michigan as a treasury tax compliance auditor. He was a state of Michigan Treasury fuel tax auditor. James served as Michigan Department of Education fiscal grants auditor. He served also as the city of Benton Harbor. Benton harbors chief financial officer and treasurer. Most recently, he served as the city of Detroit agency Chief Financial Officer for Asset Management. And on a more personal note, he's been married to his loving wife for 22 years and as the father of five children, please join Wayne County Prosecutor Kim worthy in welcoming James Williams, Director of Finance for the Wayne County prosecutor's office. Thank you.
Welcome Mr. Williams. Like
to address the commission due to due to the time
constraints, I just want to thank the commission for having me, inviting me out, and I'm looking forward to working with some of you. I see some familiar faces, and I just want to say thank you once again, thank you.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Welcome Mr. Williams, you're just in time for budget season. So get ready. Very good Commissioner. Kinloch,
thank you, Madam Chair, James Williams, the four if you heard his financial background, but let me just tell you, James is very active in the community. James also has served and worked alongside myself and many others as we worked through the Department of Elections over the years, as well as managing, being co manager for the absentee Accounting Board. So James has a particular interest in the voting processes. So I've known James for over 20 years and his family and he's a great East sider and loyal East sider and a strong Detroiter. So welcome. Yeah, yeah.
Forward to working with you, sir. Do we have any emails? Madam Clerk,
no emails were received. No
emails. Any additional public comments from the chambers hearing the next item reconsiderations. There are none remarks by members. Are there any remarks by members for today?
Commissioner Baker McCormick,
all right, the
mic is
not working. Fine commissioners and I want to thank Diane for acknowledging the
we
oh, okay, it's just not one. Okay. We are accepting applications. The applications open on today, August 1. And so if you have any young people in mine, 10th through 12th grade, we had agreed to move the first meeting to October, so we have time to vet Our candidates, and I look forward to an exciting year for them.
Thank you. Thank you. We look forward to another exciting year as well. Please get your candidates in commissioners. Make sure you interview them, talk to them, and then once you decide upon them, please send them to Commissioner Baker McCormick, thank you. Anyone else for public comments? Commissioner kenlock, yes,
just wanted to mention that we will begin as the Chair mentioned the budget hearings this year. We will not have as many off site hearings. We will have in consultation with the Chair and staff. We have three off site hearing sites, one being Lavonia Dearborn, and the other, I'm going to be consulting with the chair as well, as far as that other third location. And so just keep a lookout specifically the Committee on Ways and Means. So we're still waiting for the final details of the budget to be turned over to our staff. Thank you,
Commissioner.
Any additional remarks by members? We do have a birthday to acknowledge before we meet again, we have a young man who will be turning 21 and that is Commissioner David knezek. David's birthday will be August 13. Happy early birthday. Commissioner, yes, Don't party too hard now that you can drink okay. Any additional remarks by members? Okay, our next meeting is on the 15th, please. Again, look at the meeting schedule for next week. Is there a motion to adjourn. All right, Jared. Thank you. And don't forget, cow at 12. Thank you.