Wayne County’s Economic Development Committee on Nov. 25 approved a two-year comparable-source grant services agreement with the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) to formalize county access to magnetometer screening units that DDP purchased for public events. The panel added a requirement that DDP notify the county if the units are later sold.

The measure, introduced as Item D.1, covers use of magnetometers to support major events across Wayne County. Eric Larson, chief executive officer of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, told the committee DDP bought 18 units to meet growing demand and to supplement technology already deployed by the Detroit Police Department. "We went ahead and purchased these 18 to supplement, with the county's support and partnership, the ability to create a safe family friendly environment," Larson said.

Larson said the Detroit Police Department operates about 20 different "Evolve" units that use another technology and that DDP’s units can be deployed singly or in clusters depending on event needs. He said DDP will coordinate use with county partners, most likely through Homeland Security or the sheriff’s office, and that a donated Penske box truck will help with transporting the units.

County staff said training logistics are still being worked out. Anthony Carrarian, director of economic development, told commissioners a formal training session will be scheduled and that the county plans to route training through one county avenue (for example, Homeland Security or the sheriff) so shared users operate the units consistently.

Commissioners asked about cost and ownership. Larson and Carrie Easterday, DDP’s chief financial officer, said the intent is that county access remains at no charge while the partnership endures; as demand grows the county and DDP may buy more units or create a schedule that prioritizes events that most need the devices. Easterday said there is a one-year parts warranty on the units, and Larson estimated the useful life, with proper maintenance, at about 15 years.

After an initial approval vote, Commissioner Kimlak asked whether the agreement included a notice requirement if DDP later sold the devices. County counsel advised the commission that the current contract lacked a notice provision and that the board would need to move to reconsider and vote again to add it. The commission did so and re-approved the agreement with the added notice requirement.

The committee also received on file notices of local hearings: Dearborn City Council public hearings on 600 Town Center Drive scheduled for Dec. 4 and Dec. 9, 2025, and Van Buren Township DDA informational meetings on Dec. 16, 2025. With no public comment, the meeting adjourned.

The agreement is now recorded as approved with the added county notice provision; the committee did not record a roll-call vote tally in the minutes beyond the clerk’s tablet confirmation.