[{"_1":2,"_106":-5,"_107":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,82,94],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6362566,"mediaKeyId","2167644-619c3fa0f19fd9716a73a92485c1cea9","parentId",2167644,"title","Votes and committee actions at a glance — Neighborhood and Community Services, Jan. 23, 2025","audioSeconds",265,"startMs",2406000,"endMs",2671000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167644-619c3fa0f19fd9716a73a92485c1cea9&start=2406&end=2671","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167644-619c3fa0f19fd9716a73a92485c1cea9/thumbnail_2406000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6362566/Detroit/Wayne-County/Michigan/Votes-and-committee-actions-at-a-glance-Neighborhood-and-Community-Services-Jan-23-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362566-6da439b3124e6f4c15de9ce75df8c3d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771089305&Signature=UH6f-KYgV-qOnOv5ZvvnspHp4P24lE7iBcKNS2Jqim8AfmrR9OxVp8Y8mMiloKGZKzh4g1jmCxTt5rJ8Gk0ofQGX2SANVDbX1dGKNYNL1HT73KIvAPaVWc5LpMc55wWzRHkXzmpKUPu9eoiY6uJLiQWvuOOhbPxiBZ9pDgyCwPMsNGLXOEoT7kznujgf21OnYaOkt-IZLIr2TCSB5B67rba0Mrd59Hg0m17qG6NhLngGp5cXUbP5uFHe5nFFUVoPQwQOpflIzuEl9Ln4Vn0VsTL9G3V5r5HUvU-he9cm7pgvrExmMazy3dcZgWRe8v-7C13jn875JVPQgrXGH4EeCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Detroit, MI ","date","2025-01-23T00:00:00Z","article","The Neighborhood and Community Services Standing Committee made the following procedural decisions on Jan. 23, 2025:

- Minutes: Committee approved the meeting minutes at the start of the session. (No roll‑call details recorded in transcript.)

- Line item 5.1 (Contract 606663 — Gotcha and Sons Towing): Administration requested withdrawal from the agenda; committee accepted the request and removed the item for further review. Agenda listed contract as about $350,000, 3‑year term, 100% city funding.

- Line item 5.2 (Jefferson Chalmers Flooding Prevention Grant — MEDC): Committee agreed to bring the $1,000,000 grant back in two weeks with clarifications on allowable uses (e.g., studies vs. infrastructure, whether funds can be used on private property); no appropriation was approved.

- Line item 5.3 (status update on Coleman and Young Recreation Center): Received and filed per council president’s office request.

- Line item 5.4 (request regarding disease tree program): Received and filed per council president’s request.

- Line item 5.5 (request regarding year‑round trash bins in city parks): Received and filed per request.

Notes and next steps: The committee instructed counsel to investigate BZA transcript/recording fee practices and requested a memo. Law Department counsel said more factual information from affected citizens will be needed. Several items were deferred for follow up; expect written memos and re‑filing for formal action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Detroit City Council Neighborhoods 01-23-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of procedural actions taken by the committee, including approval of minutes, withdrawal of a towing contract from the agenda, deferral of a $1 million flooding grant, and receipt/file of several status memos.","taxTitle","Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan","taxId",48464,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":78,"_53":79,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":80,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":81,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362570,"Committee delays vote on $1 million Jefferson Chalmers flood prevention grant to seek clarifications","/articles/6362570/Detroit/Wayne-County/Michigan/Committee-delays-vote-on-1-million-Jefferson-Chalmers-flood-prevention-grant-to-seek-clarifications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362570-a1fbe618916b87662a5616434418b2ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771089305&Signature=ZzWPqAUOTEQJckQS5jBLtlTcz-gOb3CDJEASQ9QQfT~JZOpmKw~wqgTbee-tg1XqV-xuRMDGL5fAhPE~8W0P58cAlqo2iUotyQI6kZlhke-VMJ6Z8X5NiB7~hio6cl5DDvxik3UjhfMMis-Pe~D2IEcEAEjKaWfAVq~M1BYX5VHUoBuUV9arYoQiD7~SpOxtCQwsP8wGpq4BSpgXyeZ3uh7jRAGtd8cQW0oN98b3DSeSVnz8victb31cHLT-5HbmaW5iXb1Mx5NKXqG~1hEC2Xv3yTQwFamPFEpEtOBIINh4HN8CiSnlIV8cUBjFbkDHU0Solc7eBTk8d9TKEhL08g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members moved to postpone action on a $1,000,000 Jefferson Chalmers Flooding Prevention Grant awarded to the City of Detroit General Services Department so staff can clarify allowable uses.

The grant, awarded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and listed on the agenda as fiscal year 2024 Jefferson Chalmers Flooding Prevention Grant, totals $1,000,000 and has no local match requirement. Deputy Director Jarrell Harris (GSD) told the committee the administration requested more time to answer outstanding questions, including questions raised by Council member Johnson about “the actual, the full use of these funds.” Harris said the administration was “requesting to bring this back. We need to work through a few more details on this.”

Why it matters: council members said they want clear guidance before accepting and appropriating the funds. Members discussed whether the grant could be used for physical infrastructure such as seawalls or for studies, and whether the city could use funds for private property mitigation. One council member referenced information from state Senator Chang suggesting the funds might be usable on private property; the administration said it was waiting for formal clarification before the committee acts.

The committee voted to bring the item back in two weeks with the requested clarifications and with state and city representatives present so council members can make an informed decision. No appropriation was approved at the meeting.

Ending: The committee set a two‑week return timeline and asked the administration to deliver written clarification of permissible uses, including whether the funds can be deployed for private property flood mitigation.","The committee agreed to bring back a $1 million Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant for Jefferson Chalmers flood prevention in two weeks for further details on allowable uses and whether funds can be applied to private property.",{"_33":83,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":84,"_41":85,"_43":86,"_45":87,"_47":88,"_49":89,"_51":90,"_53":91,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":92,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":93,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362575,"Detroit council committee asks law department to probe high transcript fees and missing recordings at BZA hearings",1210,1067000,2277000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167644-619c3fa0f19fd9716a73a92485c1cea9&start=1067&end=2277","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167644-619c3fa0f19fd9716a73a92485c1cea9/thumbnail_1067000.jpg","/articles/6362575/Detroit/Wayne-County/Michigan/Detroit-council-committee-asks-law-department-to-probe-high-transcript-fees-and-missing-recordings-at-BZA-hearings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362575-7428bef91dbf9a087b99066a2f1024a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771089305&Signature=j47mRBkaALEIndHLmgdnGxqdSSV29~M4O0jvWQ2s-JaOBcRQiKASnpMQHUz16S4lab0p-CcOhLEEx2jU5gczAQ04ylKOn0xKtyIAeCAYdwkHf6v9uwWBAirPdJ0oKyxu5bclpW27iErereKK1p2c0vuWQUce4UXv2OiuL7Tmc4FllnUy0UiTbGg5Il5uw8rr4eStgFXTvqli15SN1VFD6S3g0TryzCZiiJMQr-FWEX1UYrF4J1mxKd3RtMIjcpYqiQvtDEbOqNXObcFNWV-wAQRC16nn6WLEJiyqer0jExCHDtGecqjPtcFMZ8HljhB2fnHMBhYEJhHOo0onPqH3Kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Citizens told the Neighborhood and Community Services Standing Committee that access to Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) records is being restricted or priced beyond reach, prompting the committee to ask the Law Department to investigate.

Tyson Gersh said the city has “a contract with remote, legal, slash Precision Reporters, LLC,” and told the committee that “the zoning board is trying to charge me $4,749.80 for transcripts that I have to have for my appeal.” Other callers described sudden changes in recording practices and said the city’s contract should not leave residents unable to access hearing records for appeals.

Council members treated the matter as urgent. Chair Councilman Young called for a memo and asked the Law Department to review whether the practice is typical, whether the city has contracted away fee authority and whether caps apply. “I like to make a motion to see, what the process is in charging fees in terms of, videos and for, you know, particularly when you're going to appeal for the board of zoning appeals,” the chair said; a motion to investigate and request a memo was made and accepted.

Graham Anderson of the Law Department said he needed clearer facts from the caller but characterized an $8,000 request mentioned in the discussion as “definitely seems excessive.” Anderson offered to follow up if the caller or council staff share contact details and documents.

Why it matters: Several callers said the city pays contractors to record and store hearings (they named Remote Legal/Precision Reporters LLC) and then charges citizens steep fees to obtain transcripts needed for appeals. Callers framed the practice as a potential due‑process and access issue for low‑income residents who cannot afford thousands of dollars for records.

The committee instructed counsel to prepare follow‑up and asked staff to connect the citizen with the Law Department for more details. No formal changes to the contractor agreement were made at the meeting; the Law Department agreed to research the facts and report back.

Ending: The committee closed public comment and moved the matter to follow up by counsel; members said they would expect a written memo and outreach to the caller so any miscommunications or misorders can be resolved.","Multiple callers told the committee that Board of Zoning Appeals video recordings and transcripts are being withheld or charged at high rates; the committee asked counsel to investigate and return a memo about the city’s practices and contractor fees.",{"_33":95,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":96,"_41":97,"_43":98,"_45":99,"_47":100,"_49":101,"_51":102,"_53":103,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":104,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":105,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362580,"Gotcha and Sons towing contract pulled from Detroit committee agenda after public complaints",2088,293000,2381000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167644-619c3fa0f19fd9716a73a92485c1cea9&start=293&end=2381","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167644-619c3fa0f19fd9716a73a92485c1cea9/thumbnail_293000.jpg","/articles/6362580/Detroit/Wayne-County/Michigan/Gotcha-and-Sons-towing-contract-pulled-from-Detroit-committee-agenda-after-public-complaints","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362580-723882dfb2194fe677f843d94383ae59/orig.mp4?Expires=1771089305&Signature=hUARQ-7mAScC8jSeUpcirEcbH2S0Nu0rb07hfuAwfs8gVtMvf6vFE~hmCxgagW-JmSxOZkEdDtstLlJj28Q53X8OLBM6pJ0rVvyRES0xemBTMgVcRJ9-snF71Tmg2YySTAmibgvHdia~LBjnaVd~wV8NXinVJLTCS~a8mIm6vZ~8iJEby514eqTSLI4u9ieNMiV6l~HaldJflOT~ogNHTm~jc2HIH8nBgpOWD59tcQrJMrt-QBSksaD3XiNeWFUnV3qYNGrbOO9uGFN~L2K~1TAr9Ik~uvGB8ZuwN14~ocAU~YYZsN~r-3Yru022i0TL4Sn-H8SimF9pQWNEjWizGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Neighborhood and Community Services Standing Committee on Jan. 23 withdrew a proposed contract with Gotcha and Sons Towing from its agenda after public commenters raised complaints about the company’s towing practices.

The administration requested removal of line item 5.1 — Contract 606663, a three‑year, city‑funded agreement described in the agenda as “vehicle and equipment towing services for the City of Detroit, asset/property contractor Gotcha and Sons Towing,” located at 750 South Beacon St., Detroit. The contract was listed as about $350,000 and 100% city funded. Committee members approved removing the item from the meeting for further review.

Why it matters: multiple callers during public comment urged closer review of the company’s pricing and conduct. William M. Davis told the committee that board of police commissioner chairperson Woods’ vehicle was towed earlier this month and “they charged him over $800 for having this vehicle less than 2 days.” Davis asked the council to “take a closer look” at towing companies and their complaint histories.

Council members flagged the item for additional questions. Vice Chair Wind Galloway said she had questions about the bid and planned to reserve her questions for the agenda item; the committee was told the administration had requested the withdrawal. Staff present said the requester offered no additional comment beyond asking the item be removed for now because further information was needed.

The committee did not vote on the contract’s terms at the meeting. The administration’s request to remove the contract was accepted by the committee; no formal roll‑call vote tally was recorded in the transcript.

Members and commenters emphasized they will expect follow‑up reporting if the contract returns to the agenda. The item may be brought back for formal consideration at a later meeting after the administration supplies further details.

Ending: The committee moved on to other agenda items after removing line item 5.1. Several callers who had raised towing concerns also urged the council to block future contracts with companies described as predatory until questions about billing and conduct are resolved.","After multiple public comments alleging predatory towing and high fees, the administration requested that the Neighborhood and Community Services committee remove a proposed three‑year towing services contract with Gotcha and Sons Towing from the agenda. Committee members agreed to withdraw the item for further review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes and committee actions at a glance — Neighborhood and Community Services, Jan. 23, 2025

Committee delays vote on $1 million Jefferson Chalmers flood prevention grant to seek clarifications

Detroit council committee asks law department to probe high transcript fees and missing recordings at BZA hearings

Gotcha and Sons towing contract pulled from Detroit committee agenda after public complaints