Committee of the Whole - Interviews for Board of Zoning and Inspector General
Detroit City Council
Politics
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Reporting
Edited and summarized by the Detroit - MI Documenters Team
Live reporting by
Heather Alder
Councilmembers interviewed three candidates for inspector general and two for director of the Board of Zoning Appeals. They are expected to vote on both appointments at the next Formal Session.
Heather P In The D!
@HeatherPInTheD
#Detroit I’m live @ 3:30 City Council Committee of the Whole - Interviews 4 Board of Zoning & Inspector General - 4 #DetroitDocumenters @DetDocumenters & media partners: @BridgeDet313 @chalkbeatDET @freep @media_outlier @metrotimes @MichiganRadio @PlanetDetroit @wdet @wxyzdetroit
11:32 AM Jul 24, 2024 CDT
Here is the website for more information on the Detroit City Inspector General’s office-
detroitmi.gov/government/off…
City has website for Board of Zoning Appeals details the way the board is appointed-
detroitmi.gov/government/boa…
The council yesterday advised they would like to see each person for these appointments in person if possible.
Meeting has started. Roll Call- Durhal, Waters & Sheffield..no quorum until Tate and & Benson & Johnson showed up- 3 raised hands for public comment.
Mr William Davis stated these people should all live in the city.
Female speaker for public comments during stated Board of Zoning rules need to be revised.
Need more info to be able to comment on these meetings.
Heard these candidates are from “else where”.
Need more info to be able to comment on these meetings.
Heard these candidates are from “else where”.
Mr Ronald Johnson -change perspectives on these appointments-
“Ask real ? & deny when you need to deny”.
“Ask real ? & deny when you need to deny”.
Laquita Brown- speaking on James Ribbron- Director Board of zoning - request they reappoint him on the board.
Cindy Darrah- advised she has been listening to there meetings today- speaking on housing and subsidies and co-ops…
Doing Inspector General interviews 1st-
Randall Harrison.
1st they are getting more info on position- 6 yr term- 10 yrs previous public service-
Tate-5 individuals ? If all have requirements-
Advised 3 were selected to be interviewed by council and all meet requirements.
Randall Harrison.
1st they are getting more info on position- 6 yr term- 10 yrs previous public service-
Tate-5 individuals ? If all have requirements-
Advised 3 were selected to be interviewed by council and all meet requirements.
Randall Harrison 1st interview for Inspector General-
A little intimidating use to panel but 3 people- he is asst admin to Deputy Director of Labor-
A little intimidating use to panel but 3 people- he is asst admin to Deputy Director of Labor-
Benson- what would you change about Dept if appointed-
Looking at any process or procedure to get rid of waste -1st thing.
Looking at any process or procedure to get rid of waste -1st thing.
Member Waters- make certain you have no bias with local officials-
Stated since he’s not from the city—
“I don’t have any connection any biases”
I’m coming from the outside.”
Stated since he’s not from the city—
“I don’t have any connection any biases”
I’m coming from the outside.”
Pro Tem Tate- ? What he things IG is doing well & how would he “piggyback”.
Mr Harrison mentioned 2 previous IG’s didn’t get recalled, so they did good job.
Mr Harrison mentioned 2 previous IG’s didn’t get recalled, so they did good job.
Mentioned how even if no violation still provide process improvements.
“It’s always hard to accept change.”
“It’s always hard to accept change.”
Member Johnson- share more of his investigative experience.
Mr Harrison said when he 1st started with state he was over Wayne County-had to work with city lawyers.
Worked with public & private sectors to investigate (MI Wage & Hour Division)-
Payroll fraud-shared ex in Taylor
Mr Harrison said when he 1st started with state he was over Wayne County-had to work with city lawyers.
Worked with public & private sectors to investigate (MI Wage & Hour Division)-
Payroll fraud-shared ex in Taylor
Member Durhal-
W/ no relationships w/ dept of individuals how can you be certain no bias-
Mr Harrison advised people see him as “the bad guy”.
If person works for city they should know what I do”.
W/ no relationships w/ dept of individuals how can you be certain no bias-
Mr Harrison advised people see him as “the bad guy”.
If person works for city they should know what I do”.
Pres Sheffield-speaking of dept pushback- how do you handle-
“I have things I have to incorporate around that”
“I’ve been dealing with that my entire career.”
“I have things I have to incorporate around that”
“I’ve been dealing with that my entire career.”
Member Durhal asked how he will handle pushback from dept or citizens-
Stated found “strategic ways” to enforce the law.
Understands Detroit is way different than the State
“I was born and raised in Detroit, I was only away for 5 yrs for school”.
Stated found “strategic ways” to enforce the law.
Understands Detroit is way different than the State
“I was born and raised in Detroit, I was only away for 5 yrs for school”.
No further ?- his closing remarks-
“I love my current job & wasn’t looking for another job.”
But saw this job looking for a job for his friend.
Wants to do something for the city he grew up in.
“I love my current job & wasn’t looking for another job.”
But saw this job looking for a job for his friend.
Wants to do something for the city he grew up in.
“Thank you for the invitation to interview for this position”.
Pres Sheffield- what are goals for IG?
Advised she is familiar with the office - stated her dept gets complaints. Correct IG doing well-
Would improve External & Internal communication and improve the appeal process and the communication of it.
Get issue to correct dept in 1st pl
Advised she is familiar with the office - stated her dept gets complaints. Correct IG doing well-
Would improve External & Internal communication and improve the appeal process and the communication of it.
Get issue to correct dept in 1st pl
Member Durhal ? What her mass experience as attorney and litigator could bring to the office-
She advised-understand need to look at all info prior to making decision.
Staff ethics- my responsibility.
“The truth is the truth”.
She advised-understand need to look at all info prior to making decision.
Staff ethics- my responsibility.
“The truth is the truth”.
Member Johnson’s- because you have relationships with people in city how to you lead in the work without bias-
Presents itself in her current role- “that don’t fly”.
“Act always with moral integrity “.
“Hey mom can you bail me out of jail…the answer is still no”.
Presents itself in her current role- “that don’t fly”.
“Act always with moral integrity “.
“Hey mom can you bail me out of jail…the answer is still no”.
Members Young what metrics would you use to show improvements?
Better communication,Turn around time, outreach
Benson has to leave but- ? Timeliness.
She advised process improvements can’t truly advise how to in the office to know what to prove.
Better communication,Turn around time, outreach
Benson has to leave but- ? Timeliness.
She advised process improvements can’t truly advise how to in the office to know what to prove.
Pro Tem Tate ? Why she don’t apply for last 2 times IG was up.
She is ready now.
Has more opportunity for management & know more how the city works.
She is ready now.
Has more opportunity for management & know more how the city works.
Member Waters-
Do you believe this position is appropriately identified in Charter-
Yes.
It’s what’s required.
Member Waters asked what position she enjoyed the most-
Loves Public Service-current position Chief Legal Counsel of Municipal
Do you believe this position is appropriately identified in Charter-
Yes.
It’s what’s required.
Member Waters asked what position she enjoyed the most-
Loves Public Service-current position Chief Legal Counsel of Municipal
Didn’t prepare closing remarks.
Stated she’s ready & knows what IG needs.
Stated she’s ready & knows what IG needs.
Next-
Kamau Marable-deputy IG for 12 yrs.
Born & raised in Detroit.
Kamau Marable-deputy IG for 12 yrs.
Born & raised in Detroit.
Member Waters- asked why he wants this job.
Discussing his past jobs with the city, working with IG it wasn’t the right time ..until now.
Discussing his past jobs with the city, working with IG it wasn’t the right time ..until now.
Pro Tem Tate-
If selected how did you learn from past IG’s what what would be your mark?
He advised from
James Heath- learned be yourself- be authentic.
Ellen Ha- organization and preparedness.
Improvements- get information about IG to citizens. B proactive-
If selected how did you learn from past IG’s what what would be your mark?
He advised from
James Heath- learned be yourself- be authentic.
Ellen Ha- organization and preparedness.
Improvements- get information about IG to citizens. B proactive-
Member Young- if u came across contracts issued out & noticed 1 comp female @ 1 male & female getting paid less- would you refer?
IG covers just Fraud, Abuse or corruption-
not bias unless goes into Fraud, Abuse or Corruption.
IG covers just Fraud, Abuse or corruption-
not bias unless goes into Fraud, Abuse or Corruption.
Member Johnson-
Share with us your greatest contributors IG office-
Answer- “we’ve done a lot we e done a lot”.
I think biggest accomplishment hosting National Association of IG conference within 2 yrs of getting an IG office with a small staff.
Share with us your greatest contributors IG office-
Answer- “we’ve done a lot we e done a lot”.
I think biggest accomplishment hosting National Association of IG conference within 2 yrs of getting an IG office with a small staff.
Pro Tem Tate-
? Thoughts on office transparency and create trust with community.
They spend a lot of time making certain careful on transparency and privacy-
Deal with facts- not political decisions-
? Thoughts on office transparency and create trust with community.
They spend a lot of time making certain careful on transparency and privacy-
Deal with facts- not political decisions-
Pres Sheffield asked about handling high profile cases-
Advised of previous issues and the need to change FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) don’t want an FOIA request in the beginning of investigation- it’s just the accusation and no background at that time.
Advised of previous issues and the need to change FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) don’t want an FOIA request in the beginning of investigation- it’s just the accusation and no background at that time.
Pro Tem Tate- ? What qualities Om would you look for in a deputy?
Answer- someone to tell me the truth- ideally someone who knows the city-
& IG business
Answer- someone to tell me the truth- ideally someone who knows the city-
& IG business
Member Young ? If office would use AI & how do u deal w/security.
Answer- we are discussion the IG offices now- security you have to be careful- it’s not a private system- “I’m a technology guy”
Answer- we are discussion the IG offices now- security you have to be careful- it’s not a private system- “I’m a technology guy”
Member Waters in discussing AI- prefers he use human beings-
Marable advised he wouldn’t use system for people but crunching data-
Marable advised he wouldn’t use system for people but crunching data-
Closing remarks-
“I am the most experienced candidate for this office.”
“It takes a spine of steel to deal with this job.”
“I am the most experienced candidate for this office.”
“It takes a spine of steel to deal with this job.”
Board of Zoning Appeals interviews next-
(You hear Member Young saying “I gotta reply to that last statement”.
(You hear Member Young saying “I gotta reply to that last statement”.
Jada Filson- working in city for 20 yrs-
Started as planner with BSEED and then zoning inspector-
Manager of Zoning with BSEED (Building Safety Engineering & Environmental Dept).
Very familiar with BZA (Board of Zoning g Appeals-
Started as planner with BSEED and then zoning inspector-
Manager of Zoning with BSEED (Building Safety Engineering & Environmental Dept).
Very familiar with BZA (Board of Zoning g Appeals-
Pres Sheffield asked why she wants job-
States she Knows job and wants opportunity to help the board.
States she Knows job and wants opportunity to help the board.
Member Johnson familiar with Ms Filson- ? How she would improve dept-
Answer- more training for board members.
Answer- more training for board members.
Member Young started to make comment- way he referred to AI because by 2030…the. Tate said “Point of Order”
Young then had no ? For the candidate.
Young was about to leave at that time, but was advise they would not have a quorum if he left, so he sat back down-
Young then had no ? For the candidate.
Young was about to leave at that time, but was advise they would not have a quorum if he left, so he sat back down-
A few ? About conflicts with BSEED and she explained would not be an issue.
Her closing remarks-
As zoning manager she has her hand in every development in the city.
As Director of Board of Zoning appeals she has knowledge to make board better members.
Her closing remarks-
As zoning manager she has her hand in every development in the city.
As Director of Board of Zoning appeals she has knowledge to make board better members.
Next James Ribbron current Director of Board of Zoning Appeals-
Here is his LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/james-ribbr…
Here is his LinkedIn
He is detailing his track with city work from Youth Advisory to the city council, in 95- he got book of Municipal Code and was told to learn it.
He did and that’s why he learned about zoning.
Ran non profit.
In 2004- back to Detroit for city planning commission-
He did and that’s why he learned about zoning.
Ran non profit.
In 2004- back to Detroit for city planning commission-
He help up picture of a group of people who were getting zoning training at Michigan State.
Says he is the person most experienced for this job.
Greatest accomplishment during Covid-
Called City Council Pres to advise of Zoom-
Opened door for community to be openly involved
Says he is the person most experienced for this job.
Greatest accomplishment during Covid-
Called City Council Pres to advise of Zoom-
Opened door for community to be openly involved
Pres Sheffield..as Director why do you think a board member should recuse themselves?
Answer- any time you are beneficial to it/
But if not financial interest if you can be non bias.
Answer- any time you are beneficial to it/
But if not financial interest if you can be non bias.
Member Johnson ?- staff when she was on board had staff that helped her become accumulated to how board works.
Answer- since bankruptcy we don’t have that staff member to assist.
Looking to get another staff member and maybe deputy.
Answer- since bankruptcy we don’t have that staff member to assist.
Looking to get another staff member and maybe deputy.
Pro Tem Tate-
What are some of the things we should be aware of when related to zoning laws and how to alter-
& communication council from his office -
Had been doing individual meetings- things happened- willing to speak when they need him.
Could do better informing comm
What are some of the things we should be aware of when related to zoning laws and how to alter-
& communication council from his office -
Had been doing individual meetings- things happened- willing to speak when they need him.
Could do better informing comm
(Cont) - communities with city council more and have their staff sit down to our meetings.
Member Waters-
When BZA denies does it ever come to council?
No.
When BZA denies does it ever come to council?
No.
Member Johnson quick comment-
Concerns of residents about getting info before “our suburban neighbors”.
Concerns of residents about getting info before “our suburban neighbors”.
Closing remarks-
Thank you for support over the last couple weeks his mother passed.
Thank you for support over the last couple weeks his mother passed.
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That concludes this live event for Committee of the Whole - Interviews for Board of Zoning and Inspector General
Detroit City Council
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Detroit City Council
The Detroit City Council is the legislative body of Detroit, Michigan, United States. The Council is responsible for the creation of local laws—called ordinances. Additionally they pass resolutions, motions, and the proposed city budget. The full-time council is required to meet every business day for at least 10 months of the year, with at least eight of these meetings occurring at a location besides city hall. The council may convene for special meetings at the call of the mayor or at least four members of council. Areas of responsibility for the Budget, Finance and Audit Committee include, Budget, Finance and the Auditor General.
City Council members are elected on the same cycle as the Mayor and will be elected in 2021. Seven members represent the seven council districts, while two members are elected at-large.
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