Detroit City Council Formal Session, 10 a.m.

Detroit City Council
Politics

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Reporting

Edited and summarized by the Detroit - MI Documenters Team

Note-taking by Allise Hurd

In a 5-4 vote, the city council approved a $60 mil tax break for Bedrock's Hudson's site project.

Live reporting by Kayleigh Lickliter

In a 5-4 vote, the city council approved a $60 mil tax break for Bedrock's Hudson's site project.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 2/173

@media_outlier @BridgeDet313 @PlanetDetroit @freep @wdet @Detour_Detroit @metrotimes @chalkbeatDET @DetDocumenters Agenda: https://bit.ly/3OFAexb

Note: you can access relevant documents by clicking the 📎 icon next to each agenda item

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 3/173

The public can access City Council’s calendar, links to join meetings virtually and watch previous meetings on City Council’s website.

Watch today’s meeting live on Channel 10:
http://detroit-vod.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/watch/6?channel=1

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 4/173

A bit of a delay getting situated this morning (on my end), folks. We are now hearing from DWD about the Lifeline Water Affordability Plan. https://t.co/9cYsaQhwXP

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 5/173

^DWSD**

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 6/173

Overview of the DWSD Lifeline Plan https://t.co/Z5J6svlFFE

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 7/173

This was the first rate study conducted by DWSD in over a decade https://t.co/irfykdpPrZ

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 8/173

Gary Brown, Director of DWSD, said block rates focus on water conservation and costs are proportionate to their use https://t.co/uZYnkI6R2c

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 9/173

Graph of how the Lifeline Plan will impact customers. Over 70% of all residential customers will see a decrease in their bill. https://t.co/9KS04PttIb

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 10/173

DWSD Lifeline Plan will have 3 tiers for qualifying households for the first 4,500 households. The tears are $18, $43 and $56. https://t.co/Jlvwwjeqkv

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 11/173

Per Brown, 72% of residential customers use less than 4,500 gallons of water per month. The average Detroit household uses between 2,300 and 3,000 gallons of water per month.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 12/173

If a customer uses above the threshold, they’ll be charged on a small amount for the excess usage.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 13/173

DWSD’s Lifeline Plan will protect customers from shutoff. No resident enrolled in the plan will have their water shut off.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 14/173

WRAP-enrolled customers will be automatically enrolled in the Lifeline Plan

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 15/173

Brown said someone making $150k that falls on unforeseen circumstances and gets behind on their water plan, they can put 10% down and DWSD will put them on a plan to be protected from shut offs.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 16/173

Gary Brown said the only way the city will secure permanent funding for this program is if water advocates, non-profits, utility users, etc. are lobbying in Washington D.C. “Detroit has an opportunity to execute on a world class program that’s income based”, he said.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 17/173

You can find more information about the affordability plan here: https://detroitmi.gov/news/mayor-dwsd-announce-detroits-first-income-based-water-affordability-plan

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 18/173

Next up, we’re hearing from Corporation Counsel Conrad Mallett about the Law Department’s legal opinion regarding ballot initiative signatures.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 19/173

Kim James explained that what happened. BSEED denied a license in the medical marijuana space because they’re limited. The applicant appealed the denial and a hearing officer pointed out there was no criteria for denying a license in the ordinance.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 20/173

The issue of limited licenses had never come up before. In this particular case, the applicant had been operating illegally and was closed down by the police after an investigation. There were many complaints about the investigation.

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There is new criteria included in the amendment to ensure there hasn’t been a situation where a business was operating illegally. The amendments include other things like fraud.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 22/173

Bryan Coe, Law Department, said the proposed amendment don’t deny someone a license for illegal possession. It does, however, deny a license if there is indication the applicant was operating a business without a license.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 23/173

Now hearing from the public about the ordinance amendments for medical marijuana licenses.

  1. Had concerns about Detroit businesses having access to the same opportunities as outsiders.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 24/173
  1. Hopes to see opportunities for Black business owners and doesn’t want to see the ordinance exclude them.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 25/173
  1. Concerned that most of the investigation and enforcement is on the back of Detroiters. Asked about enforcement strategies that are being used for illegal operations and what resources are available. Suggested a list of licenses and a map.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 26/173
  1. Concerned that the laws are being clouded.

  2. Feels this is the wrong industry for Black residents into and is concerned that it will “kill our city even more”

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 27/173
  1. Concerned that this particular business isn’t a “good neighbor”. Says residents don’t want to see marijuana establishments on every corner like they do liquor stores.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 28/173
  1. Agreed with previous callers. Doesn’t feel that marijuana should be an industry, says it’s more of a chance to prevail. Said her neighborhood is “inundated with drug activity already”
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 29/173
  1. Feels the reason they have some of these problems is because of mass incarceration that’s broken families up and forced people into a black market.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 30/173
  1. Wants Black Detroiters to have a fair economic opportunity in the cannabis industry.

  2. Thinks callers who’ve mentioned liquor stores should start questioning their licenses too. Asked how the tax revenue would be used.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 31/173
  1. Asked how many houses have been converted to grow houses and if the city is keeping track.
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  1. Shared concerns re: various zoning laws pertaining to marijuana establishments.
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Council President Pro Tem James Tate responded to various comments and said the city has to work within the parameters of the law.

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Corporation Counsel Mallett explained some of the details about what’s required for a ballot initiative.

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What the petition would have done is replace the ordinance by City Council and would have allowed license holders for medical marijuana establishments to be “grandfathered in”. This would have increased the # of licenses that City Council anticipated issuing.

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Ultimately, those currently operating a marijuana establishment who have been licensed would have a head start in recreational marijuana.

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The ballot initiative matter is on the agenda today: https://bit.ly/3OCcMBc

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Council member Coleman A. Young II compared someone who says they’re trying to achieve equity with a small number of licenses to someone who says they’re trying to lose weight but doesn’t want to work out and eat healthy. He doesn’t feel it’s a realistic goal.

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Young thinks the pool needs to be expanded so that someone who lost everything to the war on drugs can prosper despite those circumstances.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 40/173

The ordinance amendment was unanimously approved. Review the ordinance here: https://bit.ly/3OJ0o2s

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Items under Sections 6 through 9 were sent to the appropriate standing committees.

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🚨General public comment is starting now

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The first 3 comments supported the Hudson site and discussed Gilbert’s investment in Detroit and support for the community he employs.

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  1. Asked questions about the income generated from Belle Isle based on lease agreements.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 45/173
  1. Said they need Fisher 21 Loft project for various reasons including lighting and asbestos removal.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 46/173
  1. Thanked Santiago-Romero for adding $12 million for Right to Counsel to her ARPA resolution. Pointed out that the Gilbert-funded program isn’t subject to the public’s oversight.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 47/173
  1. Wants City Council to ensure that reparations benefit Black Detroiters. Said she’s traced her ancestorial history back to Detroit at Shiloh Baptist Church
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 48/173
  1. Doubted that Gilbert was going to pull out of his investments in Detroit. “If he does go somewhere, let him go,” he said. Spoke about the needs of Detroit residents.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 49/173
  1. His family was impacted by the property tax overassessment. Encouraged City Council to continue outreach and engagement about tax abatements. He is in an electrician and asked Council to consider approving a resolution
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 50/173
  1. District 5 resident, supported the Hudson site tax abatement.

  2. Member of a local electrician’s union, also supported the Hudson abatement.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 51/173

Several members of Local 58 are present in support of the Hudson development. Their comments have been quite similar noting their support for small business during lunch breaks, employment opportunities, etc.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 52/173

More on the Gilbert tax abatement ⬇️ https://twitter.com/polarbarrett/status/1551956052610109440

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 53/173

11-16 supported the Hudson site tax abatement

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 54/173
  1. followed up on her comments from last week about a situation with her landlord. Said the issues go beyond faulty landlords, it’s also property owners operating as illegitimate property management businesses
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 55/173
  1. There will be an eviction protest on Wednesday, August 10th at 1pm in front of 36th District Court. Said there needs to be a moratorium on evictions until BSEED gets inspections together.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 56/173

19 and 20 spoke in support of the Hudson site.

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  1. Mr. Cunningham- said he gives out free rides on election days. Mentioned he was giving out free bus tickets.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 58/173
  1. Discussed barriers he’s faced with employment as someone who relies on the public transit system.
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  1. Spoke on behalf of Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development and supported the Hudson site development.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 60/173
  1. Representing Nation Outside and supported Santiago-Romero’s resolution urging the city to coordinate resources to support homeownerships for median-income Detroiters
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 61/173
  1. Spoke about case managers not being helpful. Said she was put out with paperwork from the hospital. Also discussed issues with housing vouchers.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 62/173
  1. Said the Mayor’s housing plan is a “slap in the face to people that need housing and a gift to developers”. Feels the city needs to shift from housing as a commodity to housing as a human right.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 63/173
  1. Supported Hudson site tax abatement

  2. proposed various questions that City Council can ask. Also concerned about selective enforcement and poor city leadership

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 64/173
  1. “opposed to any giveaways to corporate welfare” and said it seems like the city only cares about rich white people
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 65/173
  1. Urged the city to prioritize the needs of Detroit residents. Urged a no on any community development agreement that doesn’t benefit the community
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 66/173
  1. Retired auto worker, opposed the Hudson site tax abatement. Discussed poverty rates here and in Cleveland and pointed out Gilbert’s hand in both cities.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 67/173
  1. Supported Santiago-Romero’s resolution calling for $12 million in ARPA funds to support Right to Counsel. Feels Gilbert has been given enough tax giveaways
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 68/173
  1. Supported Council’s approval of the Hudson site redevelopment abatement
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 69/173
  1. Said city council menebers that vote no on the Hudson site abatement don’t want the city to move forward
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 70/173
  1. Supported the AMC site development and felt confident in the city’s opportunity to bring something better to the location
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 71/173
  1. Thinks the Hudson tax abatement should be approved for the simple fact that it creates opportunities.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 72/173
  1. Supported the resolution calling for $12M in ARPA funds to support Right to Counsel. Opposed to tax abatements for the Hudson site, especially not as a walk on 👀
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 73/173
  1. Opposed the Hudson site abatement. Also wants the Right to Counsel program to be fully funded.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 74/173
  1. Wants the Virginia Park community’s boundaries to be added to Master Plan.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 75/173
  1. Her comment broke up in the middle
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  1. Opposed giving any more tax credits to Dan Gilbert and supported Santiago-Romero’s resolution for funding Right to Counsel with $12M in ARPA funds
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 77/173
  1. Said they can’t wait until @robertsnellnews reports that a specific council member “has been charged by the Detroit FBI”
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 78/173
  1. thinks more needs to be done with item 6.2 than just receiving and filing. Concerned that it suggests “our sovereignty is in trouble and we have abated ourselves almost into a bankruptcy again”
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 79/173
  1. comment cut out, from what I gathered she supported the Hudson tax abatement?
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 80/173
  1. @DavidPalmer76 - Opposed the Hudson site tax abatement and supports transformational investment in neighborhoods. Supports using ARPA funds to rehabilitate 1,000 DLBA homes and said this is an opportunity to correct significant market deficiencies
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 81/173
  1. VP of DABO - said they know first hand how much work the Rocket family of companies has done in support of the community. DABO is currently knocking on doors to inform residents about property tax foreclosure assistance
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 82/173
  1. CEO of a workforce development nonprofit. Believes that Detroit needs a thriving downtown in order to grow. “The Hudson’s project is exactly what we need to continue to build our city.”
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 83/173
  1. Said the issue with the Hudson site isn’t whether the building should be developed, it’s who should pay for it. He said Gilbert already has billions to invest.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 84/173
  1. Supports the AMC project. Lives on 2 blocks away from it and feels that people who don’t live in the area shouldn’t have a say in what happens in their neighborhood.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 85/173
  1. Director of Community Engagement for Barton Malow (construction manager for the Hudson site) - said she oversees the contract awards to local minority and woman-owned businesses. Also discussed the $10M Motor City Contractor Fund created by the Gilbert family.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 86/173
  1. Supported the efforts to fund Right to Counsel. Said the funds offered by the Gilbert family aren’t nearly enough.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 87/173
  1. Supported the tax abatement, Rocket/Bedrock. Said they’re leaders in helping improve public spaces and this is a long-term relationship between Gilbert’s companies and the city.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 88/173
  1. Said they don’t want to see the spacing requirements reduced for marijuana businesses. Also feels the developer for the Fisher Body Plant fails to engage in good faith negotiations and hasn’t restored environmental protections previously agreed to.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 89/173
  1. Supported Santiago-Romero’s resolution calling for ARPA funds to support the renovation of 1,000 Land Bank homes. Feels this proposal promises home ownership opportunities for Detroiters.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 90/173
  1. Lost her house in 2012 because she was over assessed. Her and her daughter are currently living in a hotel and have been since last August. Said she’s been going through this for 10 years and just wants justice.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 91/173
  1. Supported the Hudson site abatement.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 92/173
  1. Rob Hardamon, developer that has worked in Detroiter - said the risks that are taken on by developers to pull off projects receiving abatements is significant.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 93/173
  1. Said despite best efforts, people are still waiting hours to catch the bus. Said current COVID services are discriminatory towards people who don’t own a car.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 94/173
  1. Supported the Hudson site tax abatement. Feels the city needs the development and this allows them to continue the momentum outward into the neighborhoods.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 95/173
  1. Discussed how Prop N money is being spent. Said they hear how many demolitions are being done but not how many houses are being rehabilitated.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 96/173
  1. Supported the Hudson site tax abatement. Spoke about the Minority Contractors Fund and employment opportunities that have been a direct result of the development.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 97/173
  1. Supported the AMC redevelopment.

  2. Supported the Hudson site tax abatement and said they see the investments that Gilbert’s companies are making first-hand.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 98/173
  1. Supported the Hudson site tax abatement and discussed employment opportunities that are a result.
Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 99/173
  1. I wasn’t able to understand her comment.

There was a written comment in support of the redevelopment of the Hudson site.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 100/173

That concludes general public comment!

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 101/173

I’m going to step away for a hot minute (mom duties!) and will be back in a few! I will be listening, so I’ll provide a brief overview of what happened while I was gone once I return. https://t.co/tjj4eoq82i

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15.1 and 15.2 were approved. 15.3 was postponed until after recess after discussion about concerns with the procurement process. https://t.co/KLLVA0UG9v

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Now discussing 15.4 which is a resolution urging the administration to reprogram ARPA funding for various purposes.

https://bit.ly/3PVVAaR

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15.4 was unanimously approved. 15.5 is a resolution supporting House Bill 6281 and was also unanimously approved.

https://bit.ly/3zzMKKE

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All items under Section 16 were approved.

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17.1 was sent back to committee. The remaining items under 17 were approved.

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There are 139 items under Section 18…. bare with me! 🙃

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18.35 was moved out of committee with a recommendation to deny. Benson noted that his no vote is due to the need to move the city forward with technology https://t.co/bqb9dA1oXe

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 109/173

I’m a little confused. I initially thought it passed with Benson, Santiago-Romero and Waters voting no. But it may have failed? 😵‍💫

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 110/173

18.35 failed approval for the ARPA purchase of 50 Malibus for DPD’s investigative unit.

Santiago-Romero noted that her vote is due to her office not being contacted after Council asked the administration to socialize large contracts like this.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 111/173

Items 18.1 through 18.34 and 18.36 through 18.40 were approved.

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18.63, 18.73 and 18.80 are being removed from the agenda for tax clearance issues.

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Council member Johnson asked about the duplicity of item 18.69 and the affordable housing plan rolled out last week.

https://bit.ly/3PXwR5Q

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 114/173

Terra Linzer, Homelessness Solutions Director, clarified that 18,69 is to “provide services to households that present for emergency shelter.” She said this is often referred to as diversion services.

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According to Linzer, when households go through CAM and say they need emergency shelter, the first thing they do is attempt to divert the household to somewhere other than a shelter bed.

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Linzer said emergency shelters provide a “pretty critical” service”. It helps to reduce the # of people staying in emergency shelters.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 117/173

Correction: I don’t think she meant the affordable housing plan, she may have referred to the CDBG plan (?)

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Linzer said the plan announced last week deals with people before they necessarily need emergency shelter.

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Line item 18.103 was removed from the agenda.

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Line item 18.113 is a $20 million gift from the Detroit Pistons that will help construct a recreation center in District 7.

More about the donation: https://bit.ly/3OzRBzB

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18.118 is a resolution accepting the donation of the Dexter-Elmhurst Community Center. Rhea Bautista, General Services Department, said the city plans to use $8.5M in ARPA funds to renovate the center as well as a neighborhood park adjacent to it.

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Bautista said the city has estimated the costs to maintain the facility to be about $415,000 and they will utilize general fund money. This has been included in the 4-year budget.

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Council member Durhal said the renovation of the community center will “do wonders” for the residents and will change how Dexter Ave looks, bringing new life to the area again.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 124/173

Moving forward - 18.123 is a resolution supporting the Michigan House Bill 4297 and Senate Bill 208 which amends the Elliot Larson Civil Rights Act which prohibited discrimination on the basis of religion, race, age, sex, height/weight, familial status & marital status

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Read the resolution here: https://bit.ly/3z9dQXr

These two bills would amend the Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

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Now discussing the resolution urging ATF to review gun sales at Action Impact and Training Center. This is in relation to Officer Loren Court’s death.

Resolution: https://bit.ly/3RYeGz3

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 127/173

Benson emphasized the importance of responsible gun sales and how it impacts the city. Young said he feels this should be expanded to include gun stores in the region, not just Action Impact.

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Young said he doesn’t think Michigan is part of the iron pipeline. He does think there’s an issue with straw purchases and illegal firearms.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 129/173

Both 18.23 and 18.24 were approved unanimously and will be in the name of City Council as a whole.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 130/173

Correction: 18.123 and 18.124***^

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18.135 will be postponed until Council returns from recess.

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Regarding 18.127, Council member Johnson asked how the city valued 23 DLBA properties at $27,000.

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Alvin Mitchell said these properties are in need of extensive repairs and once finished, the properties would be sold. He said this is in line with the DLBA selling properties at a lower amount for the repairs.

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Johnson requested someone from DLBA because she’s personally paid more for vacant lots than this organization is paying per property. She also has concerns about the first right of refusal and working on 6 properties while holding the other 17

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Latisha Johnson: “It looks like we’re giving them the opportunity to really push property values and not allowing everyone to be able to acquire these properties through the Detroit Land Bank Authority”

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 136/173

Karla Marshall with DLBA is here to respond to Johnson’s questions.

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Marshall said these properties were a combination of properties that DLBA has tried to sell through their online platforms that didn’t end up selling or failed compliance consistently when someone couldn’t complete compliance on these properties more than once.

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This organization, according to Marshall, is a community partner that has done rehabs with DLBA and decided to take on some of these challenging properties.

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8 of the properties are occupied and DLBA has trouble finding partners that will work with the occupants and provide a way for occupants to get these properties back through leasing or buy back programs.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 140/173

Through DLBA’s occupied nonprofit program, the amount to purchase properties is $1,500. The buyer pays $500 and then there’s a $1K promissory note on the back end as an incentive to try to keep the person in the home.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 141/173

After 6 months, if they can’t keep the person in the home, the occupant voluntarily leaves and/or cannot get into an agreement w/ the developer, the developer has to pay an additional $1,000.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 142/173

8 of the 23 homes that DLBA is looking to sell to this organization are part of the occupied program

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Organizations never take the profit; they roll it back into rehabbing more neighborhood homes.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 144/173

7.2 was moved to new business and approved unanimously.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 145/173

Now discussing amendments to the Community Benefits Provision for the Hudson site development and the Affordable Housing Agreement with Bedrock Management Services.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 146/173

Affordable Housing Agreement Resolution: https://bit.ly/3PEvhWP

Community Benefits Provision Resolution: https://bit.ly/3ovfVrE

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 147/173

Steve Ogden, Senior VP and Jared Fleischer, VP of Government Affairs for Rocket Companies are both present this afternoon.

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The various commitments include:

20% of the first-floor retail will be devoted to Detroit-based small businesses and other community programs.

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Rocket Companies will dedicate $1 million to support growth and development of the Detroit-based small businesses in the Hudson site and invest $5 million in projects in support of the Neighborhood Improvement Fund.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 150/173

They’ve worked with council member Waters to invest $1 million to support the creation of a one-stop shop for digital inclusion in the city.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 151/173

Rocket Companies will support programming like financial education so seniors can avoid online scams. Fewer than 30% of Detroiters have access to online banking. They’ll support these programs in 22 neighborhood tech hubs.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 152/173

Rocket Companies will also commit to a long-term partnership to create an internship pipeline from DPSCD for technology jobs.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 153/173

The initial agreement said that 20% of their entire portfolio had to be affordable at 80% AMI. They are making what they described as “the most far-reaching commitment to affordable housing ever made by a developer” in the city of Detroit”

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 154/173

Moving forward, 30% of everything they do development-wise will be affordable at 60% AMI.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 155/173

Mary Waters provided examples of some of the digital equity initiatives she’s worked with Rocket Companies on including a phone number you can call if you need a laptop or want to find out if you qualify for low-cost internet service.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 156/173

Waters said she’s going to ask developers what they’re going to do for the community anytime they come to City Council requesting a tax incentive.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 157/173

Council member Waters refuted some of the sentiments shared earlier by the public and said nobody on City Council is willing to sell their soul to a developer. “We cannot think like that”, she said.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 158/173

Council member Tate said he’s made one thing very clear in the past and that’s that people should know what we’re gonna vote on before it’s in Committee of the Whole.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 159/173

Tate: “I believe that everyone should have an opportunity to know what is going on this agenda.”

He believes this should be an item that was on the agenda so everyone knew they’d be voting on it. He said this is where he draws the line in terms of processes.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 160/173

Whitfield-Calloway: “We say we support them but then our actions speak differently”

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 161/173

Whitfield-Calloway believes they’d be doing residents a disservice. She supports what Tate said prior to her remarks and doesn’t plan to support the walk on item.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 162/173

Durhal referenced some of the remarks made during public comment about the employment opportunities created as a result of the Hudson site development.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 163/173

@ColemanYoungII encouraged support for the workforce: “There’s no problem in this city that a good paying job can’t face and the best social program, in my mind, is a good high-paying job.”

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 164/173

Benson said there’s a direct connection between development, job growth, tax revenue and the growth of the general fund.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 165/173

Council member Sheffield read her written statement in support of the amendments being made to the Hudson site development agreements.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 166/173

The two amendments were approved. Santiago-Romero and Whitfield-Calloway voted no, and possibly Tate(?)

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 167/173

There was a motion to reconsider the vote on 15.3. This item was approved after reconsideration.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 168/173

*** I will circle back after the meeting to summarize actions taken for items under Section 18.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 169/173

Items under Sections 19 through 22 were referred to the appropriate standing committees.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 170/173

Council will be holding a special session on August 1st at 10am to discuss items related to the Fisher 21 Lofts Project.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 171/173

Council will be in recess until September. There won’t be a formal session held in August.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 172/173

With nothing further on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned at 3:57PM.

Kayleigh Lickliter @kayleighrenel 173/173

This concludes the Detroit City Council Formal Session meeting on Tuesday, July 26th, 2022.

For more meeting coverage, check out http://documenters.org 🎉

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Agency Information

Detroit City Council

www.detroitmi.gov

See Documenters reporting

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.

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