Detroit City Council Formal Session
Detroit City Council
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. EDT
2 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48226 (Directions)
ERMA L. HENDERSON AUDITORIUM, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
Check the source website for additional information
Reporting
Edited and summarized by the Detroit - MI Documenters Team
Public commenters ask council to pass a resolution separating Detroit from federal use of military troops against protesters. They also demand housing and speak in favor of a bodycam ordinance. The council approved several contracts, and curfews and closures for the fireworks.
Hey, Detroit–6/10 at 10 I live cover Detroit City Council for @detdocumenters.bsky.social #DETdocumenters and media partners👇
09:02 AM Jun 10, 2025 CDT
As always, the meeting is ‘live at the CAYMC’ (Coleman A. Young Municipal Center)…but you can attend remotely. Remote options/access and agenda are here👇🔗
They are calling the meeting to order at 10:10 AM…they have a quorum, but it appears that only the female council members are present🤔
Following invocation, Councilmember Angela Whitfield-Calloway gives testimonial presentation for Dr Cleamon Moorer from Eyecare Detroit…pretty amazing vita! More info on Eyecare Detroit, which receives Spirit of Detroit award, here👇🔗
www.eyhttps://www.eyecarefordetroit.org/
Eyecare Detroit brings eye care direct to the homebound…apparently a first in the nation!
It appears that Councilmembers James Tate and Scott Benson are now present
They move to public comments…Russ Bellant starts, followed by a colleague, reading a resolution for City Council to separate the City from Presidential Executive Order to allow troops in cities, citing experience of 1960s
Several speakers, apparently from a newly formed Antifacist Coalition…the link below is from a Wisconson source but talks about Detroit👇🔗
wibailhttps://wibailoutpeople.org/2025/06/09/detroit-protest-june-10-2025-no-troops-in-our-streets-no-martial-law-solidarity-with-l-a-protests-2/
A woman is now speaking up about the Detroit Land Bank…presents a difficult situation, stating that if the Land Bank is not able or interested in helping her, it should just leave her alone
Local transportation hero Michael Cunningham present with prayer–asking for it and giving it
Member of public present to inform Council about increase in homeless population in his area (didn’t hear district) and asking for more resources to be directed to them
Three more members of public speaking out against use of presidential orders for using troops in cities and urges council to pass resolution to formalize this resistance
Representative from Detroit Community Action Committee present to urge council to make Detroit a Sanctuary City…I believe the link below is the group👇🔗
www.dchttps://www.dcpasite.com/community-action-committee
Two people from Detroit Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression speak to urge council to pass the unaltered version of bodycam ordinance plus support Detroit becoming Sanctuary City
Another person speaks in support of bodycam ordinance & sanctuary city status, but focuses on Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero in particular because believes she will listen
In addition, urges city to divest from Israel–points out that police are becoming militarized and will ultimately use Israeli tactics here
Rep from Moratorium Now Coalition speaks out against federal troops being used in cities and urges council to pass resolution refusing it👇🔗
moratohttps://moratorium-mi.org/
Another person speaking out against use of federal troops in cities, citing lived experience of his family having had to flee their home country due to facism
Person from District 3 supporting a challenger to Scott Benson’s seat on council…says time for a change and wants more “high heels on the 11th floor”
23 callers online! Starting now, with the first person demanding accountability from police and supporting passing the original bodycam ordinance
Second person, Dameeko Williams, calls in to call on council to pass resolution separating Detroit from presidential orders for use of troops in the city
Now we have our usual issues with call-ins, muting issues, etc…finally back on track…first with a person supporting work of Michael Cunningham, reminding us he does his work without compensation
Next person is from Detroit Anti War Coalition, asking council to pass resolution separating city from presidential orders using federal troops in cities plus urges council to have Detroit divest from Israel👇🔗
linktrhttps://linktr.ee/detroitantiwar
Councilmember Calloway makes brief note that committee she heads is working on the language for the bodycam ordinance and information will be forthcoming…no specifics and odd timing, but at least something
For Margaret Atwood fans, we have a caller referencing Handmaiden’s Tale as a warning for direction the country is heading…
…and to emphasize how words matter, another caller speaks out on housing and wants term ‘affordable housing’ to be dropped/changed due to its problematic nature/context dependency
Melissa Love is back, like Cato the Elder, focused on being heard and letting council know she is not going to quit or go away
Another person calls in giving her lived experience of police violation and support of passing unaltered bodycam footage
A person calls in with wide range of comments but notable is first voice to oppose Detroit becoming a Sanctuary City, noting experience of Chicago
We have a person calling in demanding fair elections and coverage of electoral choices and closes his comments with foul language
Next person calls in to urge council to pass resolution separating Detroit from presidential orders to use federal troops in cities and frames Trump’s actions as setting stage for increased authoritarianism/facism
Another caller with a complaint about Detroit Land Bank…she is calling following recommendation from Councilmember Santiago-Romero, noting importance of getting these issues in the public record
We have the last caller who is second person to speak out against having Detroit become a Sanctuary City…points to practical financial issues for not doing this
So…an hour and twenty minutes or so into the Formal Session, we return to the agenda…
A couple things…there is a walk on resolution, but did not catch where in agenda…and 22.2 is getting moved forward…this is amending ordinance language for curfew during fireworks celebration…brief discussion, trying to verify version they are voting on…questions on process
They actually do not have the correct/amended version, but this can be noted and can still approve correct version…discussion about how the boundaries for where fireworks can be watched have changed
Discussion about gathering community resources and working with police/public safety to ensure fireworks celebration can be safe and accessible
Interesting reference to how in the past the city had to alter curfew ordinance for Devils Night, but now we have ‘Halloween in the D’ and this is the trajectory they intend to follow for fireworks celebration
More discussion on what parks will be open and what parks will be closed and how MI State Police and DNR support…apparently both organizations share resources & are involved, Belle Isle will be open
Councilmember Santiago-Romero speaks to emphasize the amount of resources needed to actually fully open the parks for the fireworks celebration…they need corporate sponsorships & approach similar to what was done for Super Bowl
Councilmember questions why Milliken Park is closed…explanation is that it is a state-owned park and this was there decision…Belle Isle & Milliken are the only state-owned parks in the city
Back to top of the agenda, kinda sorta, starting wit 17.2, Resolution Supporting Senate Bill 292 to Eliminate Property Taxes For Seniors…looks like 17.1 is connected with the walk on mentioned earlier
Councilmember Calloway is reading the resolution (17.2) but the link in agenda is currently 404–as in ‘File or directory not found’, not Ukraine😏
They have both 17.1 & 17.2 put in name of full council…and approve 17.2
18.2 thru 18.6…bunch of contracts for law firms, ranging from 300K to 2.7 million…all passed with smiles and no discussion
18.6 thru 18.12 all have to due with lawsuit settlements…some objections! 18.7., .8, .9, .10 all register objections
They circle back to 18.1…Reappointing Ike McKinnon to the Elected Officials Compensation Commission effective upon confirmation and expiring on September 1, 2032 upon City Council approval…they hear from Deputy Mayor about others being appointed and approve
18.13 & 18.14 both pass…Request to Accept and Appropriate the FY 2025 Detroit Right to Counsel Grant & Resolution Congratulating Governor Gretchen Whitmer and The Michigan Legislature on The Enactment of Public Act 3 of 2025
Onto section 19, Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee…so $$$🕺🤑
19.1 thru 19.15 are under Office of Contracting and Procurement…Grow Detroit Youth Talent Program (GDYT) has three contracts, one for $22,750,000.00, one for $8,000,000.00 & one for $1,500,000.00
Councilmember asks for details on 19.4–expresses enthusiasm, seeing it as a strong motivator for small developers to get properties into compliance
Councilmember Mary Waters says she has several questions…for 19.1 asks how recipients of the funding were selected as it seems they continually have the same organizations…process is explained & restrictions of ARPA funding pointed to as reason for not having new recipients
Also question on 19.3…what is actual position of those under eviction in this line item? Process for reviewing tenant ledgers explained along with repayment plan. I did not really get it…lack full context to really understand, but see it is not part of voucher portfolio, only public housing
Question on 19.6 regarding shelters…what does the City pay them, when were they last inspected? Process for determining payment described, and it is approx $40 per night…inspection process is multiparty…the City & BSEED both involved. No specific dates for ‘last inspection’ given
The people responding to Councilmembers questions in 19.1 thru 19.15
On to City Planning Commission…Item 19.16, To amend Chapter 50 of the 2019 Detroit City Code, Zoning, by amending Article XVII, Zoning District Maps…is postponed for one week
If I caught this right, it seems the two items in the Housing and Revitalization section are approved and they are on to the Planning and Development Department…I believe all are approved
And 19.23 & 19.24…it is resolved, resolved, I tell you! to urge Detroit Delegation of the Michigan Legislature to appropriate funds for Down Payment Assistance Program & Home Repair Grant Funding…$36 million in total.
Section 20, Public Health & Safety Standing Committee…& more contracts! 20.1 thru 20.14, under Councilmember Santiago-Romero who moves to approve
Question from Councilmember Calloway on 20.1 & 20.6…moving those to the end of the agenda. Remaining items approved
Going to Law Department, item 20.15…motion to change/amend language in the ordinance…this is reference to Chapter 19 of the 2019 Detroit City Code, Food, Article II, City Licenses for Food Service Establishments and Regulation of Vending Machines…20.16 is for public hearing on this
They are now discussing process and points of order on how to proceed properly
Following approval, they proceed to Public Works/City Engineering…20.17-20.23, requests for encroachments and in 20.23 a ‘request for the Decertification of Hamilton Road, lying north of Pontchartrain Blvd. and south of W. Seven Mile Road’…all approved, not sure what ‘decertifying’ a road means
Now discussing 20.24, Resolution Improvements To Patient Safety At Detroit Medical Center Hospitals…several objections, but you’ll need to check the transcript for who…this was postponed from 6/3 meeting…I’m still getting a 404, so can’t access link
21.1, Petition of Kirk Leaphart (#2025-138), request to speak before City Council for reconsideration of Council’s June 3rd decisions, fails…will have to check @detdocumenters.bsky.social 6/3 coverage of City Council to see what this is about
And 21.2…Petition of Bobby’s TCB Towing Service Inc. (#2025-127), request to speak before City Council regarding the reinstating of Contract No. 6004598 for Police Authorized Towing Service for the City of Detroit…she tried to speak during public comments as well…I believe they postponed this
Items 22.3 thru 22.6, Mayors Office–all pertain to events, all approved
Items 22.7 thru 22.18…first five from Councilmember Santiago-Romero…question from Councilmember Calloway on 22.10, To Provide Project Management Services for Office Space for the Airport…asks where the new offices will be & if it is necessary at this time…appears a school is moving in
Councilmember expresses concern about level of spending city is taking on…not critique of airport, just general concern plus hopes for a full forensic audit on spending from new mayor
22.7-.11, with 22.8 & 22.11 providing funds for Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Services
22.18, Request to Accept and Appropriate the FY 2024 Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant. is approved
22.20, scheduling closed session & consultation to discuss lawsuit of Ramon Ward v County of Wayne, et al Case No. 21-cv-12742 for retired Sergeant Tony Saunders, fails
22.21, scheduling closed session & consultation to discuss lawsuit of lawsuit of Ramon Ward v County of Wayne, et al Case No. 21-cv-12742 for retired Investigator Monica Childs…it passes
22.22, scheduling closed session & consultation to discuss lawsuit of Ramon Ward v County of Wayne, et al Case No. 21-cv-12742 for retired Investigator Dale Collins…it fails
I’m now questioning if I heard correctly regarding 22.21–it is same case, so I am wondering if it did pass. I am guessing it did not, but will have to check the transcript
22.23 is removed from the agenda, and they are discussing 20.24 again…Councilmember Latisha Johnson votes yes, and the resolution now passes
They are back to 20.1 and 20.6…Councilmember Calloway asking for details…20.1 is demolition contract in support of ‘a Planned Alteration for the Commercial Solar Property’…20.6 is for decontamination of fentanyl [!]…so far 4 properties have been ‘encountered’, purpose is to give capacity
20.1 approved with noted objection from Calloway…missed where they are at for 20.6
They return to 22.20 through 22.23…they are removing the items from the agenda, and it looks like they will be handling the matter at a later date
Councilmember Santiago-Romero asks for 22.26, Resolution Recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, to be entered under full council…Councilmember asks whether there has been uptick in violence against this community
So, three resolutions from Councilmember Tate have been approved but I am at a loss as to what numbers they are…they gave contract numbers but not agenda item number…😆
The testimonial resolutions under Councilmember Durhal, items 34.1 thru 34.3, are all approved
And with that, they adjourn the meeting at 1:55 PM, noting that they will see each other again tonight at 7 PM for the City Council Community meeting…this is held at Northwest Activities Ctr, 18100 Meyers Rd. You can get remote access & agenda here👇🔗
detroihttps://detroitmi.gov/events/detroit-city-council-evening-community-meeting-tuesday-june-10-2025-700pm
Before I close, some loose ends to try & tie up. Regarding today’s item 21.1, petition of Kirk Leaphart to address council…apparently he was injured on Detroit bus & seeking compensation from city for injuries. Details of his petition are here👇🔗
pub-dehttps://pub-detroitmi.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=219089
I’m also interested in what is going on with Bobbys TCB Towing…during the 5/27 meeting the owner appeared before council noting company contract with city was cancelled 5/15. From the 5/27 meeting transcript 👇
”…my contract was terminated after I responded to a tow request made by directly by an officer, Scott…I dispatched a truck based on his instruction. I now understand that this car did not follow usual protocol.”
So, how ‘bout some specifics…what is ‘usual protocol’? What does ‘Scott’ say?
Lots of comments regarding Trump’s use of troops in LA…the context for this provided in link below. The resolution the groups were urging council to support is ‘in the hands’ of city council…now, we don’t have it, but we’re not the vanguard, so…
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/department-of-defense-security-for-the-protection-of-department-of-homeland-security-functions/
You can compare the above link with this from the Left–as in the real one, not just the left(ish) liberal/Dem wing
https://www.peoplesworld.org/article/determined-to-create-crisis-trump-sends-the-marines-into-los-angeles/
It is interesting hearing the linkage – or attempted/proposed linkage – of support for resolution separating the city from executive orders permitting use of troops with adopting Sanctuary City status and divesting from Israel
‼️IMPORTANT‼️If anything in the coverage is not accurate, email documenters@outliermedia.org with ‘Correction Request’ in the subject line.
That is my coverage for the 6/10/2025 Detroit City Council Formal Session. As always, find more stories and coverage at https://Documenters.org
Attachments
5 attachments
Agency Information
Detroit City Council
The Detroit City Council is the legislative body of Detroit, Michigan, United States. The Council is responsible for the creation of local laws—called ordinances. Additionally they pass resolutions, motions, and the proposed city budget. The full-time council is required to meet every business day for at least 10 months of the year, with at least eight of these meetings occurring at a location besides city hall. The council may convene for special meetings at the call of the mayor or at least four members of council. Areas of responsibility for the Budget, Finance and Audit Committee include, Budget, Finance and the Auditor General.
City Council members are elected on the same cycle as the Mayor and will be elected in 2021. Seven members represent the seven council districts, while two members are elected at-large.