Detroit City Council Formal Session

@DetDocumenters @media_outlier The meeting begins with a number of resolutions referred to other committees beyond the Council, this is followed by public comments.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier One commenter reminds the city that DDOT has two upcoming meetings worth attending – the schedule can be found here or on Facebook:

detroitmi.gov/Calendar-and-E…

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier A number of comments so far on the Solar Initiative, though per President Mary Sheffield it is not on today's agenda. People are speaking generally to how they feel it will make a positive difference in their neighborhood. Sheffield indicates that an update will be provided.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier Here is a a link to information about the Solar Initiative by way of the city:

detroitmi.gov/government/may…

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier And here's an article that diversifies the perspective:

outliermedia.org/detroit-solar-…

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier (I share because a number of public commenters are speaking to interest in the Solar Initiative, though again, only an update will be provided in today's agenda, per Sheffield)

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier and here's one more article which could provide some more context:

energynews.us/2023/11/17/as-…

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier A number of comments speaking in opposition to the city funding the purchase of Bola Wrap, suggesting that instead the city could put that money to other places, for example social work programs.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier The vote on a more than $32,000 contract to purchase BolaWrap devices, which is a less-lethal weapon for the police department to use in crisis intervention, was postponed until today. More on this later I assume…

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier End of public comments

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier An update is now going to be provided regarding the Solar Initiative…

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier I missed who the official is who is providing the update, but he indicates that requests for proposals will end the 15th.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier Also, he suggests to individuals and neighborhood groups looking for more information and ways to participate, that working with the District Managers is a good first step.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier Not much else said in terms of an update on the Solar Initiative

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier There is a discussion regarding the cost of attending to community appeals for BSEED. Indication that there is not adequate funding for processing hardship appeals, and the consequences of having a fee for community appeal. Decision is postponed to the end of the session.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier Following this, an intense discussion regarding the election process and the concept of voter fraud. No resolutions are taken.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier I apologize! Earlier I posted the agenda for last week. This is the link to today's agenda:

pub-detroitmi.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?I…

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier A number of contracts (starting at 18.1 in the agenda) are under review. This is primarily emergency demolitions, and contracts for the Police and Fire departments. This includes the Bola Wrap contract.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier Council member Calloway is not having this half-a-million contract for contracted ambulances companies (that would be stand-by ambulances for Detroit, Romulus, and one other city in Metro Detroit).

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier She asks to postpone this decision as she does not understand why they would charge senior citizens for ambulance services, while also receiving such funding from the city. The council requests more information on how exactly these contracted ambulances are used.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier Councilmember Calloway requests information on whether the per-dollars can be used to help pay off the debt that Senior citizens have because of ambulance fees.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier 1 week postponement on resolutions 18.5-18.7 and request for more information is agreed upon by the council.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier A discussion regarding the Bola Wrap contract (resolution 18.9) is now happening with a representative from the DPD

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier (the representative is in support of the purchase and use of Bola Wraps)

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier The contract is to provide one unit (device) for each commanding officer for 24/7 Bola Wrap access for each district.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier Sheffield suggests that this type of technology seems to respond to what residents have been asking – for the police to be more innovative in using less-than-lethal ways of mental health crisis intervention – and that is why she supports the contract.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier So far no statistics offered about whether this technology have a meaningful effect, or the fact that the commenters all shared moreover a concern that while we are spending money on new police gear, social services for mental health crisis is undervalued.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier There is questioning of whether enough community education has taken place on the part of the department regarding this technology

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier The DPD representative indicates that it was the killing of Porter Burks that caused the department to explore more less-lethal options. They are also talking about pepper balls and foam launchers.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier All this is a little hard for me to understand given that in these situations where someone is killed by police, guns are always drawn first. It seems like a policy / practice question rather than just having another gadget on their belt.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier Council member Santiago-Romero suggests that more communication and a partnership with disabilities groups would be valuable

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier Captain Tonya Leonard with the DPD indicates that the department already has partnerships and mental health awareness training and they ensure that they will reach out to the groups who voiced their concern in the public comments. We'll see if there is follow-up there

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier After only hearing from DPD representatives during the discussion , resolution 18.9 for the $32.083.44 contract with Bola Wraps has been approved.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier In other news, Detroit is now a designated Bee City USA affiliate🐝🍯

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier I am not sure what that means

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier But it sounds good!

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier Council member Calloway submits memos regarding the rise of syphilis cases in the city, and another memo regarding human trafficking in the city.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier A number of announcements: council members are speaking to upcoming events in their districts, including opportunities to share skills and trades, and find jobs. Many of events for the next month can be found here:

detroitmi.gov/Calendar-and-E…

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier Meeting adjourned at 1:23pm

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier If you believe anything in these notes is inaccurate, please email us at documenters@outliermedia.org with “Correction Request” in the subject line.

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@DetDocumenters @media_outlier This concludes my coverage of the Detroit City Council Formal Session. Thank you for tuning in! Learn more about our coverage of local meetings here:

Documenters.org

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By Noah Kincade 2/13/2024

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.