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, Detroitā6/10 at 10 I live cover Detroit City Council for @detdocumenters.bsky.social #DETdocumenters and media partnersš
09:02 AM Jun 10, 2025 CDT
As always, the meeting is ālive at the CAYMCā (Coleman A. Young Municipal Center)ā¦but you can attend remotely. Remote options/access and agenda are herešš
Ooopsā¦I mean herehttps://detroitmi.gov/government/city-council
Well, can you all tell Iām under the weather? ššš¤·āāļø
They are calling the meeting to order at 10:10 AMā¦they have a quorum, but it appears that only the female council members are presentš¤
Following invocation, Councilmember Angela Whitfield-Calloway gives testimonial presentation for Dr Cleamon Moorer from Eyecare Detroitā¦pretty amazing vita! More info on Eyecare Detroit, which receives Spirit of Detroit award, herešš
www.eyhttps://www.eyecarefordetroit.org/
Eyecare Detroit brings eye care direct to the homeboundā¦apparently a first in the nation!
It appears that Councilmembers James Tate and Scott Benson are now present
They move to public commentsā¦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 Coalitionā¦the link below is from a Wisconson source but talks about Detroitšš
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 Bankā¦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 prayerāasking for it and giving it
Member of public present to inform Council about increase in homeless population in his area (didnāt 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 Cityā¦I believe the link below is the groupšš
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 Israelāpoints 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 itšš
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 Bensonās seat on councilā¦says time for a change and wants more āhigh heels on the 11th floorā
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, etcā¦finally back on trackā¦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 Israelšš
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 forthcomingā¦no specifics and odd timing, but at least something
For Margaret Atwood fans, we have a caller referencing Handmaidenās Tale as a warning for direction the country is headingā¦
ā¦and to emphasize how words matter, another caller speaks out on housing and wants term āaffordable housingā 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 Trumpās actions as setting stage for increased authoritarianism/facism
Another caller with a complaint about Detroit Land Bankā¦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 Cityā¦points to practical financial issues for not doing this
Soā¦an hour and twenty minutes or so into the Formal Session, we return to the agendaā¦
A couple thingsā¦there is a walk on resolution, but did not catch where in agendaā¦and 22.2 is getting moved forwardā¦this is amending ordinance language for curfew during fireworks celebrationā¦brief discussion, trying to verify version they are voting onā¦questions on process
They actually do not have the correct/amended version, but this can be noted and can still approve correct versionā¦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 āHalloween in the Dā 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 supportā¦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 celebrationā¦they need corporate sponsorships & approach similar to what was done for Super Bowl
Councilmember questions why Milliken Park is closedā¦explanation is that it is a state-owned park and this was there decisionā¦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 Seniorsā¦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 404āas in āFile or directory not foundā, not Ukraineš
They have both 17.1 & 17.2 put in name of full councilā¦and approve 17.2
18.2 thru 18.6ā¦bunch of contracts for law firms, ranging from 300K to 2.7 millionā¦all passed with smiles and no discussion
18.6 thru 18.12 all have to due with lawsuit settlementsā¦some objections! 18.7., .8, .9, .10 all register objections
They circle back to 18.1ā¦Reappointing Ike McKinnon to the Elected Officials Compensation Commission effective upon confirmation and expiring on September 1, 2032 upon City Council approvalā¦they hear from Deputy Mayor about others being appointed and approve
18.13 & 18.14 both passā¦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 Committeeā¦so $$$šŗš¤
19.1 thru 19.15 are under Office of Contracting and Procurementā¦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 19.4āexpresses enthusiasm, seeing it as a strong motivator for small developers to get properties into compliance
Councilmember Mary Waters says she has several questionsā¦for 19.1 asks how recipients of the funding were selected as it seems they continually have the same organizationsā¦process is explained & restrictions of ARPA funding pointed to as reason for not having new recipients
Also question on 19.3ā¦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 itā¦lack full context to really understand, but see it is not part of voucher portfolio, only public housing
Question on 19.6 regarding sheltersā¦what does the City pay them, when were they last inspected? Process for determining payment described, and it is approx $40 per nightā¦inspection process is multipartyā¦the City & BSEED both involved. No specific dates for ālast inspectionā given
The people responding to Councilmembers questions in 19.1 thru 19.15
On to City Planning Commissionā¦Item 19.16, To amend Chapter 50 of the 2019 Detroit City Code, Zoning, by amending Article XVII, Zoning District Mapsā¦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 Departmentā¦I believe all are approved
And 19.23 & 19.24ā¦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 Fundingā¦$36 million in total.
Section 20, Public Health & Safety Standing Committeeā¦& more contracts! 20.1 thru 20.14, under Councilmember Santiago-Romero who moves to approve
Question from Councilmember Calloway on 20.1 & 20.6ā¦moving those to the end of the agenda. Remaining items approved
Going to Law Department, item 20.15ā¦motion to change/amend language in the ordinanceā¦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 Machinesā¦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 Engineeringā¦20.17-20.23, requests for encroachments and in 20.23 a ārequest for the Decertification of Hamilton Road, lying north of Pontchartrain Blvd. and south of W. Seven Mile Roadāā¦all approved, not sure what ādecertifyingā a road means
Now discussing 20.24, Resolution Improvements To Patient Safety At Detroit Medical Center Hospitalsā¦several objections, but youāll need to check the transcript for whoā¦this was postponed from 6/3 meetingā¦Iām still getting a 404, so canāt access link
21.1, Petition of Kirk Leaphart (#2025-138), request to speak before City Council for reconsideration of Councilās June 3rd decisions, failsā¦will have to check @detdocumenters.bsky.social 6/3 coverage of City Council to see what this is about
And 21.2ā¦Petition of Bobbyās 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 Detroitā¦she tried to speak during public comments as wellā¦I believe they postponed this
Items 22.3 thru 22.6, Mayors Officeāall pertain to events, all approved
Items 22.7 thru 22.18ā¦first five from Councilmember Santiago-Romeroā¦question from Councilmember Calloway on 22.10, To Provide Project Management Services for Office Space for the Airportā¦asks where the new offices will be & if it is necessary at this timeā¦appears a school is moving in
Councilmember expresses concern about level of spending city is taking onā¦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 Childsā¦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 Collinsā¦it fails
Iām now questioning if I heard correctly regarding 22.21āit 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 againā¦Councilmember Latisha Johnson votes yes, and the resolution now passes
They are back to 20.1 and 20.6ā¦Councilmember Calloway asking for detailsā¦20.1 is demolition contract in support of āa Planned Alteration for the Commercial Solar Propertyāā¦20.6 is for decontamination of fentanyl [!]ā¦so far 4 properties have been āencounteredā, purpose is to give capacity
20.1 approved with noted objection from Callowayā¦missed where they are at for 20.6
They return to 22.20 through 22.23ā¦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 councilā¦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 areā¦they gave contract numbers but not agenda item numberā¦š
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 meetingā¦this is held at Northwest Activities Ctr, 18100 Meyers Rd. You can get remote access & agenda herešš
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 todayās item 21.1, petition of Kirk Leaphart to address councilā¦apparently he was injured on Detroit bus & seeking compensation from city for injuries. Details of his petition are herešš
pub-dehttps://pub-detroitmi.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=219089
Iām also interested in what is going on with Bobbys TCB Towingā¦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 š
āā¦my contract was terminated after I responded to a tow request made by directly by an officer, Scottā¦I dispatched a truck based on his instruction. I now understand that this car did not follow usual protocol.ā
So, how ābout some specificsā¦what is āusual protocolā? What does āScottā say?
Lots of comments regarding Trumpās use of troops in LAā¦the context for this provided in link below. The resolution the groups were urging council to support is āin the handsā of city councilā¦now, we donāt have it, but weāre not the vanguard, soā¦
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 Leftāas 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 ā or attempted/proposed linkage ā of support for resolution separating the city from executive orders permitting use of troops with adopting Sanctuary City status and divesting from Israel
ā¼ļøIMPORTANTā¼ļøIf anything in the coverage is not accurate, email documenters@outliermedia.org with āCorrection Requestā 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