Detroit Documenters took notes at some novel public meetings last week. 

Residents shared concerns about housing affordability and tax incentives in the latest community benefits meeting for the $3 billion Future of Health development, helmed by Henry Ford Health, Michigan State University and Tom Gores (they’re seeking $273 million in subsidies). We finally made it to a Detroit Transportation Corp. meeting, where board members approved several contracts to update the Detroit People Mover system, including new paint jobs for every station.

Huntington Place is making more money this year when compared with last year, we learned In the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority meeting. We’re still waiting to make sure all the plazas, green space and bike paths it said would be included in the expansion plan are still on the table.

We also got updates on early voting center plans for next year’s elections and a revenue dip at the Detroit Land Bank Authority. And Highland Park’s tens of millions in water debt were forgiven last week when the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) board approved a plan to relieve the city’s debt since 2014.

For the rest of your weekly public meetings digest, read on.

Politics

There was an auditorium full of striking casino workers and union supporters at Detroit City Council’s formal session last week when the councilmembers approved, in the name of the full council, a resolution to demand wage increases, workload reduction, protection of health care benefits and job security for employees at MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel and the Hollywood Casino at Greektown.

Councilmembers also approved plans for an almost $14 million athletic recreation center, to be housed in an air dome in Chandler Park, despite previously saying they wanted a brick-and-mortar structure in District 4. Since there are no plans for a different structure, and the federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project must be spent by December 2023, District 4 Councilmember Latisha Johnson said it was better for residents to at least have something for now.

10/24/2023 Detroit City Council, Formal Session
Documented by Afua Osei-Bonsu and Sherrie Smith

Transportation 

The Detroit Transportation Corp. recently hired EDSI Consulting to conduct a study on employee compensation. Before the study, it didn’t have a salary structure and had only limited policies on salary assignment. EDSI created a pay structure on fair market value emphasizing career growth and pathways.

The board approved several contracts to update the Detroit People Mover, including a budget increase for Northstar Painting. The original contract from April cost $40,000. The company was awarded an additional $107,000 to paint all 13 stations before spring, when the city will host sporting events including the Detroit Grand Prix, NCAA “March Madness” basketball tournament and NFL Draft.

10/24/2023 Detroit Transportation Corporation, Board of Directors Meeting
Documented by Amber Umscheid and Gina McPherson

Utilities

The GLWA Board of Directors approved the terms of agreement in a proposed settlement on a decades-long billing dispute with Highland Park.

“This is both a last step and a first step,” said William Wolfson, GLWA chief administrative and compliance officer and interim general counsel. Per GLWA, the term sheet focuses on payment assurances from Highland Park, state investment in capital improvements in Highland Park and other GLWA communities, and adding meters for that city. Highland Park City Council had already agreed to the terms. 

Brian Baker, chief deputy to public works commissioner at Macomb County, has concerns about how suburban cities would recoup payments they have made to GLWA over the decades. 

The term sheet can be changed by the board’s committees. It would also need final approval by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

10/25/2023 Great Lakes Water Authority, Board of Directors
Documented by Bridget Scallen

Elections

10/23/2023 Detroit Election Commission: City Clerk Janice Winfrey says 14 early voting centers will open 12-14 days in advance of the next election.

Documented by A J Johnson and Meghan Rutigliano

Development

10/24/2023 Detroit Land Bank Authority, Board of Directors: Revenue is down about $900,000 compared to last year; the authority said it’s due to decreased sales. The board approved property purchase agreements for several organizations to create affordable housing rental units.

Documented by Amanda Duren and Amelia Benavides-Colón

10/24/2023 Detroit Planning and Development Department, Future of Health CBO (meeting No. 3): Neighborhood Advisory Council members were elected and immediately expressed concerns about housing affordability for residents and tax incentives for developers.

Documented by Clarissa Williams and Laura Kennedy

Tourism

10/26/2023 Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority, Board of Directors: Representative from the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights​​ calls on the authority’s board to review a key memorandum for union workers.

Documented by Eric McCormick and Perry Sylvester

Housing

10/26/2023 Detroit Housing Commission, Board of Commissioners: Voucher recertification is trending in the right direction to hit the goal of 2,500 completed certifications by end of year.

Documented by A J Johnson and Amber Umscheid

Policing

10/26/2023 Detroit Board of Police Commissioners: Homicides are down; officers were promoted. Tamara “Liberty” Smith will fill the vacant District 1 seat previously held by Bryan Ferguson. For more on the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, check out the latest BOPC Watch.

Documented by Gina McPherson and Meghan Rutigliano

Lynelle Herndon, Noah Kincade, Amber Umscheid, Amelia Benavides-Colón, Bridget Scallen, Meghan Rutigliano and Perry Sylvester contributed.