Live reporting by
Roshaun Harris
Highland Park City Council conditionally approved the settlement agreement with the Great Lakes Water Authority and the State of Michigan regarding HP's water debt. New wording regarding the trust will be written by Miller Canfield and presented to council for final approval.
Roshaun Harris
@roshaun_harris
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04:10 PM Mar 4, 2024 CST
Tonight's agenda is packed with items that may cause a stir based on previous HP City Council meetings. The GLWA contract, a resolution to apply for federal funds, and multiple properties for sale are scheduled for discussion tonight.
Council is currently going through the agenda and requesting items to be added to and others to be subtracted. These items pertain to the property sales that will be up for discussion later in the agenda.
Last meeting's meeting minutes are passed with some contention from Council member Ash-Shafii.
Public comment is now open. No one has come forward. Public comment is now closed.
According to Kathy Square, Highland Park has a problem with the Trust Account set up by the GLWA. This was established in the 90's. An agreement was made that the Trust would be established by a third party, says Square. She claims the City has until June to settle this case.
Kathy Square also claims that the conflict of interest clause would be lifted from terms of the settlement agreement if passed, which would provide Comerica Bank and Miller-Canfield protection while they draft the new trust agreement.
Council Member Ash-Shafii is questioning Ms. Square about the trust agreement. There is much consternation about the current resolution amongst the council.
Voices are being raised but the conversation is remaining civil for the moment . Audience members are filling the chambers with murmurs as the Council is going back and forth.
Council Member Ash-Shafii has become indignant and claims that other communities are waiting for them to "blow" this contract so they can eat the remains of the contract left over from the Council's lack of approval.
The audience has become outspoken and have levied their heckles at Council member Temeko Manica and her constant questioning of the resolution on the floor.
The resolution has passed with the condition that the conflict of interest waiver be removed from the document.
City Council has approved the resolution to apply for fiscal year 2025 Congressionally directed spending through Senator Stabenow's office.
Council Member Ash-Shafii has attempted to abstain from the vote on Parker Pride parade. He claims to have been called names for not attending the previous year. An apology was offered and Council Member Ash-Shafii accepted. The resolution was approved.
Council is moving through the resolutions to approve the sale of the listed properties on their agenda. All of the items up for vote have been approved. The last item in this portion of the agenda deals with the site plan approval of 20 Bartlett. That has been approved as well.
There is a call for an emergency demolition contract for a house that has collapsed on another property on Rhode Island street. That has passed.
Council has approved the last two agenda items dealing with Department of Public Works.
Public Commenter claims to desire a means for minority owned businesses to obtain municipal contracts from the city of Highland Park.
Another public commenter claims there is a need for recycling throughout the city of Highland Park. Currently there is none according to the commenter.
Another public commenter addressed the issue of businesses and non-profits not paying their water bill. Says there needs to be something to protect the city and it's citizens from these bad actors.
Another public commenter is addressing the issue of people buying homes and letting them become more dilapidated and putting other homes in jeopardy. Community member spoke with the Mayor during the meeting and they will have an offline discussion.
The Police Chief is currently addressing accusations made by Metro Times and an article claiming that HP Police fabricated a warrant. He claims the allegations are false.
The Police Chief says "there is no one who owns me.". Says he is very proud to serve the community. Claims he is making every effort to clean up the image of the Police Department. Says he would resign from his post if given an unlawful order.
The Mayor claims the article has no merit and says that they will hire an attorney in regards to this case. Says the article is destructive.
Council member Kallela Martin congratulates the council on a successful meeting. Says they are working together which is an outlier for this body according to consensus in the room.
The Mayor of Highland Park is Glenda McDonald for those who are wondering.
Council President says that young men and women need encouragement to further their education. Says FASFA applications are now open.
This concludes my coverage of Highland Park City Council. To follow other community meetings in and around Detroit follow @DetDocumenters. ✌🏾