Board of Water Commissioners

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Important info about today’s meeting, including location, Zoom information, agenda and presentation materials can be found at https://bit.ly/3w1KpVD

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters ‼️ IMPORTANT: If you believe anything in the coverage tonight is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@outliermedia.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters The committee meetings that began at 1:00 p.m. are still going! The Zoom like appears to be the same.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters The 3:00 p.m. BOWC Special Meeting No. 18 has been called to order. It appears that the committee meetings are recessed while the special meeting occurs. Committee meetings will resume afterward.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Today the board approved a $2.7M contract for service on 29 homes to address lead concerns.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Guests from the Detroit Land Bank Authority @BuildingDet are present to discuss the issue.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet When you purchase a property from the Land Bank, there is a list of compliance boxes buyers need to check. Land Bank has streamlined these requirements because they realize that buyers are Detroiters that aren’t sitting on a large amount of cash.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet The Land Bank was listing properties believing that the water line was connected, but when the property was sold, it was realized that the lines were not connected in several properties.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet The Land Bank then contacted DWSD and in Spring 2020 they began to change their process. Starting July 15, the listings said “in big bold print” that the Land Bank did not know the status of the water line, and that buyers may incur that expense.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Starting July 15, 2020*

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet If there was a purchase between June 1, 2020 and July 15, 2020, and the water line was not connected, DWSD has stepped up to cover the cost of connecting/replacing the lines.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Concern that investors are buying properties from the Land Bank, reselling, and then those 2nd buyers are stuck with a property without water lines.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Looking for leverage to help residents, especially because many are already low-income and cannot necessarily afford to fix these issues.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet If an investor sells the purchased property without meeting the compliance requirements, then they have breached the contract between themselves and the Lank Bank. The Land Bank can then take back that property via quiet title action.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Some of these compliance requirements include heat, water, working bathroom and kitchen, removal of blight, etc.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Most individuals who purchase from the Land Bank do not complete their rehab in 6 months, typically in 2 years. However, if they keep the Land Bank in the loop about their progress, the Land Bank won’t take any action.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet 650 houses were sold between the June 1 and July 15, 2022 time period referenced above.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Q: Under what conditions can a buyer say “this is too much” and give back the house?

A: Buyers can make an appointment to view the state of the house, and it is encouraged to take a contractor with them. Even after purchase, they can return the home to the Land Bank.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet The appointments cost $35 to tour the homes before purchase.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Q: Who is removing the water lines in these homes?

A: Huge problem, but unsure. If they were on the demo list at one point, then the lines may have been cut.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Q: Why does it cost so much to replace the line?

A: Labor (excavation and wages) is where most of the cost comes from. Line replacement could cost between $12-15K. Material requirements vary, and prices vary accordingly.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet 7500 people currently in the Land Bank’s compliance pipeline.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Q: Is there any instance in which the Land Bank could inspect homes and tell buyers definitely whether or not the home has a water line?

A: It is cost prohibitive because would require excavation. Don’t make much money off of these sales, and therefore don’t have the funding.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet It’s now time for public comment!

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet #1 - Lives on Odell. Purchased home from Wayne County Land Bank. Unsure if anything covered today applies to him because he didn’t purchase through Detroit Land Bank.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet #2 - First bought house in July 2020, auction, put down $1000. Thought bought house in good faith, “dream house.” Thought he would have fresh water, closed on house in 2021, and starting working on it. Basement full of water and sewage, but was not in that condition at auction.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Has put in $18K in this house, from family and nonprofit help. Has had several back and forth conversations between DWSD and Land Bank, but feels he has been sent in circles.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet #3 (virtual) - From Hydrate Detroit. Wants Land Bank to know they have “countless horror stories about the Lank Bank.” Thinks Land Bank is a “total rip-off.” Asked the Land Bank to put something tangible in people’s hands to let them know there is no water line in their house.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet There is discussion on whether or not they will switch back to the committees, since they have the room until 5:00 p.m.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Due to time sensitive items, the special meeting will continue.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Item 22-0803 is up for discussion. Details can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3KKU20v.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet No discussion on this topic. This motion has been passed.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Next is item 22-0796 - The BOWC authorizes the Director to approve DWSD Contract 6004383 with Major Contracting Group, Inc. for Full Lead Service Line Replacements at Various Locations Throughout Detroit (Project WS-723), for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $2,751,900.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet Full details can be found at https://bit.ly/3seyaUB. Motion was passed.

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet That concludes the special meeting. It was adjourned at 4:12 p.m. Committee meetings will continue! View coverage of committee meetings from @HeatherPInTheD here - https://twitter.com/HeatherPInTheD/status/1521901289101303809?s=20&t=ujk6YL7l9P1thwL2CLmYtg

@DetroitWaterDep @media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters @BuildingDet @HeatherPInTheD For more meeting coverage, check out http://documenters.org.