May 10, 2021, Detroit City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting, 2:00pm

Detroit City Council

Politics

Monday, May 10, 2021
2:00 p.m. EDT

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Reporting

Edited and summarized by the Detroit - MI Documenters Team

Note-taking by Tina Scott

Discussion on how to fill vacant after Gabe Leland's resignation, which was effective May 3.

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Live reporting by Lynelle Herndon

Discussion on how to fill vacant after Gabe Leland's resignation, which was effective May 3.

Lynelle @AnndWhat

This concludes the meeting of the Committee of the Whole. Their next committee meeting was just scheduled for Monday, May 17th at 2PM.

For more local government meeting coverage, check out Documenters.org

02:55 PM May 10, 2021 CDT

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Live reporting by Lynelle Herndon

Discussion on how to fill vacant after Gabe Leland's resignation, which was effective May 3.

Lynelle @AnndWhat

There are disagreements in the interpretation of the language in Section 3-105 of the charter...
(page 26)
detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitm…

01:46 PM May 10, 2021 CDT

Lynelle @AnndWhat 2/11

And there is a question about I think the time period between appointment and assuming the position. And then there is a question about whether or not a primary election is required https://t.co/EKtPWjBn7u

Lynelle @AnndWhat 3/11

Then there was a question about whether or not the Council could demand outside counsel, because Council President requested an election lawyer to analyze and report back since she disagreed with Corporation Council's assessment...

Lynelle @AnndWhat 4/11

Corporation Council agreed to consult an election lawyer, though he was not required to since there was no dissenting opinion from counsel and because he wasn't representing anyone's interests, just interpreting the legislation.

A motion was passed for that outside consult.

Lynelle @AnndWhat 5/11

Member Ayers wants to know if they are planning to have another meeting after everyone gets back with their opinions, because how are they supposed to make a sound decision without that information? https://t.co/bAvmb7QcsK

Lynelle @AnndWhat 6/11

President Jones says maybe they will make some new rules or suspend some rules, but something has to be done...
Mr. Whitaker (LPD) agrees suspending the 60-day rule is a possibility. But first they have to decide are they going through an appointment process or election process

Lynelle @AnndWhat 7/11

Whitaker says it's better to just wait the 180 days until general election. It's not new; they can operate without the other person; half that time they will be in summer recess.

Lynelle @AnndWhat 8/11

Jones jokes maybe she and the other members not seeking reelection just resign now too

detroitnews.com/story/news/loc…

Lynelle @AnndWhat 9/11

But really, Jones agrees they have been in this position before, and with two at-large members the Council will still be able to liaison and serve the citizens of District 7 [until the seat is filled at the election in November]

Lynelle @AnndWhat 10/11

Question is about filling the position versus actually starting the position. I suppose that is still the question for the time after the election and before the term. https://t.co/NaRU3sMoqP

Lynelle @AnndWhat 11/11

Meanwhile, Member Tate and others feel like if they do decide to appoint someone, it should not be someone who will also be on the ballot in November.

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Agency Information

Detroit City Council

www.detroitmi.gov

See Documenters reporting

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.