City Hall Insider … 7/9/24

By Charles Sercombe
The city council met on July 9, and all councilmembers, except for Khalil Refai and Muhtasin Sandman, were in attendance.
Councilmember Abu Musa made a motion to postpone the council appointing a fellow councilmember to the Planning Commission until the next meeting.
He said that will give councilmembers time to talk among themselves about who to appoint.
The council was split on whether to postpone the decision, with Mayor Amer Ghalib breaking the tie to deal with the matter at this meeting.
Before the mayor voted to break the tie, he asked: “Do I have to vote on this?”
City Clerk Rana Faraj replied: “Yes, you do.”
Later in the meeting, a heated discussion took place over who to appoint, with Councilmember Mohammed Hassan insisting that, in the past, it was the mayor who appointed a councilmember to the commission.
Mayor Ghalib disagreed, saying that’s not what the city charter says, and asked the city attorney to read from the charter. The charter, indeed, stipulates that it is the council who appoints the Planning Commission member.
Ghalib told Hassan that, if in the past it was the mayor, then it was done incorrectly.
As it turned out, the matter was postponed until the next meeting, with Councilmember Hassan insisting that the mayor pick anyone from the council to the position, and that the council will support his decision.
During public comment, Bryan Wolf, the director of programming at Passenger Recovery, located at 2697 Caniff, introduced himself and explained what the organization provides.
Passenger Recovery offers support and counseling for those afflicted by substance abuse. It’s also a place where those in need of clothing or food will be directed to appropriate agencies for assistance.
“We’re basically a gateway to other services,” Wolf said.
Passenger Recovery is located in the former St. Lad’s convent, and it’s open Wednesday-Saturday, noon-8 p.m. and on Sunday, 1-6 p.m.
In an email comment submitted by a person who identified himself as Mr. Blackwell, the mayor was called a “hypocrite” who “acts in the manner of a dictator because he cannot tolerate opposing viewpoints.”
A lengthy discussion took place on whether to OK an expansion of a mosque located at 2201 Caniff. The mosque plans to expand its one-story building to three stories, as well as to expand the rear of the building.
The Imam from the mosque said “it’s a noble project for the community.”
Councilmembers repeatedly asked how many stories the expansion would be, and what, exactly, would take place on each level.
Councilmember Hassan noted that the Imam is extremely knowledgeable of the state and U.S. constitutions, and that he would sue the city and win if the council rejects the expansion.
The proposal was eventually OK’d.
Moving on, a lengthy discussion was held on making eight changes to the city’s zoning ordinance. The following changes were proposed:
1) To allow for Event Halls and spaces that are operated for-profit in the Central Business District (CBD) and Multi-Use District (C2). Clarify the approval process, allowing special land use review for oversight of hours, parking and other factors that can affect the surrounding neighborhood;
2) To allow for some limited types of LED strip lighting to be used in the Central Business District (CBD) and the Multi-Use District (C2);
3) To permit pressure-treated cedar wood as a secondary façade material, up to 50% of any façade in the Central Business District (CBD) and the Multi-Use District (C2);
4) To modify a parking lot requirement for managing the first inch of storm water on site;
5) To increase the maximum area of projecting signs permitted in the Central Business District (CBD) and the Multi-Use District (C2);
6) To allow for additional types of security gates in the Central Business District (CBD) and Multi-Use District (C2), including external gates;
7) To permit two separate fences to be erected along the side lot line;
8) To clarify parking requirements in Central Business District (CBD) and Multi-Use District (C2).

The council decided to propose changing number two and number eight. The matter will come back to the council for a second reading, and then eventually voted on.
In a routine matter, the council agreed to extend its workers’ compensation insurance.
The council also agreed to enter into an agreement with the Wayne County Public Health Department to provide help in cases of emergencies and disasters.
In another matter, the council agreed to purchase three properties from Wayne County that are facing tax forfeitures. The properties and cost for each include:
• A lot at 2310 Carpenter for $1,625
• A house at 12026 St. Aubin for $2,187
• A house at 11763 Dyar for $27,688
City Manager Max Garbarino said the house on St. Aubin has occupants, but he is unsure if they will pay the overdue taxes or leave.
In the mayor’s report, Ghalib said he was in Washington D.C. for two days to talk with lawmakers about Yemen (Ghalib emigrated from Yemen).
Councilmember Musa said that he had been the victim of an “ugly” social media post, along with Councilmember Muhith Mahmood.
“It was harmful,” Musa said. “It was painful.”
He said he was accused of taking money, but stated “nobody bought me. I cannot be sold.”
Councilmember Hassan said he is endorsing Mary Waters for the congressional seat that Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit) holds.
“We all have to vote for Mary Waters – no question,” Hassan said.
What is our City Council up to these days? We have the highlights of the latest council meeting.
Posted Aug. 16, 2024