CITY COUNCIL

New Chicago curfew rules detailed

FLINT, MI -- A City Council investigation that started a year ago has cost taxpayers more than $25,000 so far and it’s unclear whether it will continue. I really don’t see the point of what we’re doing,” said Lewis, one of six new council members who have been elected since the investigation started. “I personally don’t think it’s worth going forward.”A divided council voted to start the investigation last June, just before agreeing to a three-year contract with Priority Waste. Neeley said this week that the investigation of the waste contract has been a “tremendous waste of taxpayer dollars,” money he would rather have spent on city services and programs. “I’m hoping (other council members) don’t stop the proceeding,” he said.

FLINT, MI -- The future of the old St. Agnes Catholic Church property remains unsettled but the City Council has voted to allow organizers of a planned maternity home at the West Pierson Road property to remain there for at least 60 days. In addition to House of Ester, Brighter Futures also has occupied part of the St. Agnes property, city officials said. A vote to add an item to Wednesday’s agenda of the council meeting to further discuss the St. Agnes property failed after just three council members supported the motion. Council members Eric Mays (Ward 1), Jerri Winfrey-Carter (Ward 5) and Tonya Burns (Ward 6) supported the motion. A spokeswoman for the city said Thursday, May 19, that officials are still reviewing Taylor’s letter before commenting further on the St. Agnes property.

The mayor moved the curfew from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor’s latest City Council meeting started off on a somber note, with the city’s elected leaders reflecting on the recent death of a 16-year-old who drowned after jumping off a railroad bridge over the Huron River. They want to find ways to prevent another similar tragedy and stop teens from jumping off bridges into the river, they said Monday night, May 16.

FLINT, MI -- Flint is planning to beef up its ability to clean up the city as it prepares for a massive demolition program that’s being funded with federal and grant funds. “This will affect every neighborhood in the city of Flint” as well as select properties outside the city, he said. The Land Bank owns 14,950 parcels of land in the county, 13,375 of which are in the city. The Land Bank ends up as the owner of some of the properties that are in poorest condition through the tax foreclosure process. Freeman said the average demolition cost for properties owned by the Land Bank has been about $14,500, a cost that includes removal of lead-based paint and asbestos.

ANN ARBOR, MI — A statewide construction trade group in Michigan has come out against Ann Arbor’s new best-value contracting policy that gives more weight to factors beyond price when choosing contractors for city projects. The new policy was implemented by City Council this year following city voter approval last fall.

-- Flint is facing insolvency without a substantial cash infusion to help pay rising pension costs, the city’s chief financial officer warned on Thursday, May 12. CFO Robert Widigan told members of the City Council that pension costs are rising by 25 percent -- to $40 million annually in the 2024 fiscal year, a price it cannot afford. “If the state does not come through with a fix (for) the pensions I do not see a sustainable way forward at these costs,” Widigan said during a council budget hearing Thursday night. As of Dec. 31, 2020, Flint had $559 million in pension liabilities but plan assets of just $149 million, making it funded at less than 27 percent. Read more at The Flint Journal:Early Flint budget projection turns $17M deficit to $2M surplusBudget hearing on Flint’s 2022-2023 fiscal year to take place WednesdayFlint kids in water crisis lawsuit suffered acquired brain injuries, expert says

New safety measures are coming to family events in Detroit after the City Council voted to approve the purchase of 10 metal detectors that will screen for guns and knives.

FLINT, MI -- Mayor Sheldon Neeley says a new executive order to combat harassment and bullying in City Hall stems from the treatment of city employees by members of the City Council. Neeley issued the executive order last week, alerting employees who violate it that they will be in violation of city policy and subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension or termination.

After months of fighting between Black and Latino City Council members over the next decade of council power in Chicago, aldermen say they’ve reached agreement on a new map.

FLINT, MI -- Flint can move ahead with planning for a massive street reconstruction project through the heart of the city. Council approved the contract as part of its master resolution Monday after discussing the project during a committee meeting last week. Related: Downtown Flint’s historic bricks to get $5.2M facelift – all 750,000 of themCity officials have said work on Saginaw Street is being scheduled around summer festivals and will be carried out on a block-by-block basis. The contract approved by the council Monday includes stamped concrete paving in downtown intersections, something Adas has said will keep bricks from being pried loose because of the pressure from tires repeatedly turning on them at an angle. Saginaw Street bricks were originally laid in 1898.

We want to know, are you participating in No Mow May?

The city of Dearborn Heights has finally completed a long overdue renovation of its city council chambers, now called “Studio B.”

FLINT, MI -- Michigan gas prices are rising faster than any other state in the nation and the city is feeling the same pinch at the pump as individual drivers. “All it is, is gas,” Flint Finance Director Robert Widigan told council members Wednesday. In the Flint area, the average price for regular gas has reached $4.35 per gallon, the highest-ever average price reported by AAA for this area. AAA said record gas prices have been pushed higher by increasing demand and rising oil prices. One year ago, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in the Flint area was $2.96.

SALINE, MI - Saline residents can expect a bigger utility bill every quarter, as City Council on Monday approved an increase in water and sewer rates. Council members approved the rate increase in a 5-2 vote, with supporters saying more funds were needed for improvements to the city’s utility infrastructure, such as the water treatment plant. Starting June 1, residents will pay $5 for every thousand gallons of water consumed, an increased rate of one dollar, according to the city resolution. “Every time I see an article or hear something, it’s about the smell at the plant, concern that we’re not going to have a plant that works, concern about our water, concern about the treatment of it,” he said. “Putting it off is not going to help us.”Council member Jack Ceo also supported the rate increase, saying the Michigan cities and towns are facing a “crisis of aging infrastructure.” Council members Kevin Camero-Sulak, Janet Dillon and Dawn Krause also supported the rate increase to get infrastructure improvement projects moving.

FLINT, MI -- 1st Ward Councilman Eric Mays was handcuffed and removed from the City Council’s meeting on Monday, April 25, just two weeks after losing his position as council president. Herkenroder said Mays, the longest-serving Flint councilman, used profanity to merit his first warning and was ruled out of order a second time after leaving a special affairs committee meeting and attempting to return to his seat. In 2016, Mays was also handcuffed and escorted by police from another contentious meeting. He later filed a damage claim against the city because of the council’s action and agreed to settle the claim for $4,500. Read more at The Flint Journal:Mays gets the boot as Flint City Council president after 5 months on the jobEric Mays insisted on handcuffs after Flint Council vote to remove himCity pays councilman $4,500 after he was taken out of meeting in handcuffs

City Council approved the expansion of the Main Street Ann Arbor Social District earlier this week.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Twelve candidates will compete for Ann Arbor mayor and City Council seats in the Aug. 2 primary. MayorAnne BannisterChristopher Taylor (incumbent)Read more:Ann Arbor mayor seeking reelection to keep city ‘progressive and positive’Ann Arbor mayor may face some of his biggest critics in this year’s election1st Ward council seatCynthia HarrisonAngeline SmithRead more:Contested race for Ann Arbor City Council shaping up in Ward 1Ann Arbor hasn’t had a Black council member in 15 years. The Ann Arbor News/MLive will be providing more in-depth candidate coverage leading up to the elections. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Here’s how Ann Arbor may spend $935K in new marijuana tax revenueSee who’s running for new Ann Arbor-area seat in CongressAnn Arbor’s $15M plan to ramp up street repairs means more construction comingWhat are all those metal holes around Ann Arbor? City wants you to report themEx-Ann Arbor official calls on city to cease and desist ‘unjustified defamation’

FLINT, MI -- The city and its largest labor union have struck a deal on a new, 26-month contract that will provide a 2.5% wage increase and other benefits in its first year. “We definitely wanted to reward them for the services they provide for the residents of the city of Flint ... “I’d first like to thank the mayor’s administration for working through the devastating issues that were given to us by the emergency manager,” Muma said. Muma said another contract was imposed on Local 1600 in 2014 while Flint was still under the control of another emergency manager. The union president said his employees have worked under the terms of that 2014 contract since that time.

PORTAGE, MI -- Residents in Portage may pay more for water and sewer services beginning in July. The City Council is considering a 5.23% increase to the quarterly water and sewer service rates for residents living in Portage, Acting City Manager Adam Herringa said in a report to the council this week. The proposed rate changes include an increase of the sewer commodity rate from $5.06 to $5.33 per 1,000 gallons of metered water and an increase to the water commodity rate from $3.14 to $3.30 per 1,000 gallons of metered water, the report said. According to the 2022 Utility Rate Financial Study, an average Portage customer spends about $740 per year for sewer and water services under the current rate. Under the proposed new rate, the same typical household would spend about $779 per year, an approximate $39 increase, the report said.

FLINT, MI -- William Kim, an assistant city attorney since 2015, has been confirmed as Flint’s new city attorney. Mayor Sheldon Neeley announced the appointment after the City Council approved Kim’s appointment during its meeting on Monday, April 11.

Expect more cannabis-and-music events to come to Michigan

FLINT, MI -- Eric Mays’ term as president of the City Council has ended after five raucous months. “We cannot move this city forward as long as we got this man as the president of City Council,” said 3rd Ward Councilman Quincy Murphy, who voted to remove Mays from his leadership position. That censure came after Burns asked city attorneys to detail the steps needed to remove Mays as president or to remove him from future meetings. Mays’ replacement was not chosen Monday, April 11, the day the council meeting started, or Tuesday, the day that it ended. He’s pawned a city-issued laptop and verbally assaulted a reporter in City Council chambers.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor is moving forward with a $15 million project to address deficiencies at the city’s wastewater treatment plant along the Huron River, including odor control. City Council voted unanimously to approve contracts for the improvement project this past week, including a $12.3 million construction contract with low-bidder Spence Brothers, plus a $1.2 million contingency fund for change orders.

Solis secretly recorded now-indicted former House Speaker Michael Madigan and Ald. Ed Burke.

ANN ARBOR, MI — With just 11 days to go before the April 19 filling deadline, it’s uncertain whether there will be a contested City Council race in Ann Arbor’s 2nd Ward this year. With no one else stepping up to run, Council Member Kathy Griswold, D-2nd Ward, announced at the March 21 council meeting she would seek a second term. Some observers have pointed to the divisiveness of Ann Arbor politics as a reason some people may be hesitant to run for City Council these days. Ann Arbor is one of Michigan’s great cities, so why is its government such a mess? “That’s why we need to take advantage of the expertise and lived experience present on our commissions and in our communities to find solutions that work specifically for Ann Arbor.

“No Mow May” encourages residents to not cut their grass until May 31 in order to promote local populations of pollinators and other environmentally helpful creatures.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ali Ramlawi joined his Ann Arbor City Council colleagues this week in approving a spending plan for $24 million in federal stimulus funds, but he felt conflicted. The future of America is going to be held back because of the spending of these last 20 or 30 years. The way the federal program worked, if the money was used as prescribed, then the loan could be forgiven, Ramlawi said. Eyer added she’s glad the federal government has stepped up to provide needed relief to communities, businesses and individuals. Ramlawi said “of course” the money his restaurant received added to the national debt.

FLINT, MI -- City officials are pushing forward a proposal to spend $45.3 million on an aggressive demolition program designed to knock down roughly 2,400 abandoned homes and businesses in Flint and surrounding areas. “This is an issue of environmental justice for people to (be able to) live in neighborhoods that are safe and sanitary,” Land Bank Executive Director Michael Freeman told the council Wednesday. The Land Bank owns 14,950 parcels of land in the county, 13,375 of which are in the city, the majority of which are lots without structures. In addition to the demolitions, the program would pay for up to five years of property maintenance after structures are torn down. All of the city’s $16 million in ARPA funds are projected to be spent by December 2026.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- A plan to reimburse an industrial development for environmental remediation has moved on to the next step with Ann Arbor City Council’s approval Monday evening. The brownfield plan, approved by Ann Arbor City Council on April 4 after a public hearing, would also allot roughly $1.1 million to the Ann Arbor’s Affordable Housing Fund, thanks to a 2019 change in the city’s brownfield policy. “It’s an exciting opportunity to bring in an international firm to Ann Arbor in a really significant way,” said Phil Santer, senior vice president for Ann Arbor SPARK, at the city council meeting. The district, also called an industrial facilities exemption, was approved by Ann Arbor City Council in March. The brownfield plan will now move to Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for approval.

While other Michigan communities have allowed rec weed sales for years, Detroit has been stuck on how to introduce social equity measures

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor officials are now committed to bringing at least 100 units of affordable housing to a city-owned site that’s primed for redevelopment downtown. That had been in question heading into City Council’s meeting Monday night, April 4, but City Administrator Milton Dohoney cleared up the matter before council could even discuss it.

ANN ARBOR, MI — How should Ann Arbor spend $24 million in federal stimulus funds? After months of public input, that’s the question City Council will decide when it meets Monday night, April 4.

City council said Warren Mayor Jim Fouts has been spending money without their approval and a judge has told him to stop.

Flint’s contract with Republic Services, which did not bid to remain in the city, expired at the end of September. I did not direct, suggest or imply who should be the recommended contractor,” Neeley said. Frayer’s attorney told the council on Tuesday that her subpoena only requested she be available for 90 minutes. Neeley read a statement concerning the garbage contract at the start of Thursday’s hearing and did not stray far from those prepared remarks. 3rd Ward Councilman Quincy Murphy said the questioning of Neeley was dominated by Mays and seemed motivated by politics.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Main Street closures will be returning to downtown Ann Arbor this summer, thanks to a resolution recently passed by City Council. Although Ann Arbor has seen a variety of street closures over the past two years, it was previously unclear if the closures would continue into 2022. Related: Downtown Ann Arbor street closures to continue through Nov. 1But on Monday, March 21, Ann Arbor City Council passed a resolution that allows the closures to resume on May 5 and run until Oct. 31. Closures start at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and end at 6 a.m. on Mondays and will be located at:Main Street from William Street to Washington StreetWest Liberty Street from Ashley Street to Main StreetEast Liberty Street from Main Street to Fourth AvenueWest Washington Street will be closed from Ashley Street to Main Street full-time. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:Savvy Sliders to slip into former Ypsilanti pizza spotDefense objects to ‘snitch’ invoking Fifth Amendment in Gov.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Two more spring run events are returning to Ann Arbor streets. City Council has OK’d streets closures for the Burns Park Run and the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run. The Burns Park Run involves closing several neighborhood streets from 7-11 a.m. Sunday, May 1. See the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run street-closure list and map. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor OKs street closures for return of FestiFools, FoolMoon‘The Jedi we have been waiting for.’ Ann Arbor aims to keep interim administratorAnn Arbor development earns award for addressing pollution spreading to riverPlans for a new Ypsilanti Transit Center get $300K federal funding boostAnn Arbor OKs street closures for boxcar derby, Goddess 5K and more

ANN ARBOR, MI — After five months as Ann Arbor’s interim city administrator, Milton Dohoney is poised to take on the position on a more permanent basis. City Council voted unanimously to offer him the job Monday night, March 21, authorizing Mayor Christopher Taylor to negotiate a contract and bring it back for approval.

FLINT, MI -- The City Council has restarted an investigative hearing into the awarding of a multi-million dollar waste collection contract in 2021 and plans to hear from Mayor Sheldon Neeley later this week. In the second round of bidding, Priority Waste, Green For Life Environmental and Waste Management bid on the waste collection contract in Flint. During Monday’s hearing, Widigan told council members he started working for the city on Aug. 16, 35 days after the second round bids were opened. “The purchasing (department) was overseeing this process, your (Department of Public Works) director was overseeing this process,” the CFO said. Read more:Flint’s garbage contract subject of council investigative hearingDespite bid protest, Flint sticks with Priority Waste for garbage pickups starting Oct. 1Former Flint purchasing manager says she followed rules on garbage contract bids

A University of Michigan student group launched a campaign that calls on Ann Arbor to fully decriminalize all drug possession. Students for Sensible Drug Policy...

George Flagg's family is asking the city to consider the late, former Des Moines City Council member's entire record before stripping his name from a city street.Driving the news: Flagg's three sons sent an email to six of the city's seven council members Wednesday, shortly after Axios first published an article about community efforts to rename George Flagg Parkway.Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.Councilperson Indira Sheumaker was excluded from the mes

ANN ARBOR, MI — A University of Michigan student group is calling on Ann Arbor to fully decriminalize drug possession. Now, SSDP is calling on City Council to adopt a “Resolution to Advance Sensible Drug Policy” to begin the process of fully decriminalizing drug possession. Organizers unveil plans for 50th anniversary of Ann Arbor Hash BashAfter months of behind-the-scenes work with addiction treatment providers, elected officials and other activists, SSDP plans to officially launch its campaign to decriminalize drug possession in Ann Arbor with a kickoff rally at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, at the Michigan League. “I’m proud to join SSDP in their campaign to decriminalize drug possession in Ann Arbor,” Irwin said in a statement provided by the group. Oregon decriminalized drug possession in 2020 and there hasn’t been an increase in illicit drug use rates there, Dargay said.

FLINT, MI -- The City Council has censured President Eric Mays after a majority of his colleagues singled him out for lack of decorum during a meeting earlier this month. Council voted 6-0 with three members abstaining from the censure vote, which doesn’t impose any specific penalty on Mays, after hours of debate during a council meeting that stretched from the afternoon of Monday, March 14, until the early morning hours on Tuesday, March 15.

ANN ARBOR, MI — With a return of spring weather, Ann Arbor officials are anticipating more activity at Liberty Plaza and discussing how to curb problems that come with it. Interim City Administrator Milton Dohoney has recommended to City Council putting $100,000 of the city’s federal stimulus funds toward Liberty Plaza, the city park at the southwest corner of Liberty and Division streets downtown.

The police union has warned of a mass exodus from the department over the mandate.

FLINT, MI -- 8th Ward Councilman Dennis Pfeiffer is taking a new approach to an old problem in Flint. The City Council could consider that change as early as Monday, March 14. “It’s to try to reduce criminal activity, save police resources and (reduce) 911 calls ...,” Pfeiffer said Friday, March 11. Violation of the ordinance would result in a civil infraction, according to the proposal sent to council members earlier this week. Former 2nd Ward Councilman Maurice Davis called then for a new ordinance to require liquor stores and gas stations to close at 9 p.m. following the shooting death of an 18-year-old woman.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The city of Flint would pay $7,500 bonuses to already certified, newly hired police officers and firefighters under a proposal given initial approval by the City Council. The chief said the city needs to make the extra pay available to attract new employees in a super-competitive hiring market. The recruitment incentive program still requires full approval of the council -- something that could happen as soon as Monday, March 14. Other requests for ARPA funding did not fare as well Wednesday, including a request for $600,000 for the North Flint Food Market and $3 million to address blight in the city. Read more:Miller Road project gets ARPA funding but North Flint Food Market vote delayedFinal Flint community meeting on ARPA spending scheduled for March 19Several Flint City Council members walk out of meeting as funding for grocery project stalls

Weaponizing information abroad is a specialty of Putin’s, but two weeks into Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, he’s losing on that front — badly.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- An area in Ann Arbor’s Research Park has been designated an industrial development district after it was approved by Ann Arbor City Council earlier this week. The resolution to turn 3874 Research Park Drive and four adjacent lots into an industrial development district was passed by City Council on March 7. The land is currently owned by Sartorius BioAnalytical Instruments, Inc., which has plans to create a $57-million facility at 3874 Research Park Drive.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Accusations of corruption and a contractor falsifying bid documents punctuated Ann Arbor’s latest City Council meeting, while leaving some wondering if city officials have invited a lawsuit against the city. “But because it’s lily-white Ann Arbor, we can do this in daylight. A representative for Bailey Excavating did not respond to a request for comment from The Ann Arbor News/MLive. Eyer and Radina both argued Bailey Excavating has a more local workforce, though Briggs said the data there isn’t clear. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:2 traffic-calming projects coming to Ann Arbor neighborhood streetsAnn Arbor OKs street closures for return of FestiFools, FoolMoonAnn Arbor green rental housing policies would hold landlords to higher standardsAnn Arbor’s longest-serving city attorney passes baton at final council meeting20-story Ann Arbor development plan advances in 10-1 vote

ANN ARBOR, MI — Ann Arbor is implementing new traffic-calming measures in two neighborhoods to slow cars on cut-through streets. City Council voted unanimously this week to OK a $50,000 project to install traffic-calming devices on two neighborhood streets that run between Jackson and Dexter avenues — Longman Lane and Fairview Drive — and a $12,000 project to install traffic-calming devices on a neighborhood street between Barton Drive and Pontiac Trail: Northside Avenue.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Ann Arbor City Council has given its initial OK for a big rezoning of over 200 acres around Briarwood Mall that’s been many months in the making. Ramlawi, D-5th Ward, said he’s not as trusting in the benevolence of corporate America to provide affordable housing and sustainability features without requirements. Council Member Erica Briggs, D-5th Ward, cautioned those criticizing the TC1 zoning to not let perfect be the enemy of the good. It might help to envision who might want to live along city transit corridors, said Council Member Linh Song, D-2nd Ward. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:20-story Ann Arbor development plan advances in 10-1 voteStreet fair coinciding with Hash Bash gets green light from Ann Arbor councilAnn Arbor administrator recommends using $24M stimulus for 13 projectsNew model for Ann Arbor greenbelt could make land more affordable to new farmersAnn Arbor weighing 2 different approaches to design downtown central park

ANN ARBOR, MI — A 20-story development plan for a city-owned site next to the Blake Transit Center has the Ann Arbor City Council’s support. Council voted 10-1 Monday night, March 7, to give the initial OK to rezoning the former YMCA property at 350 S. Fifth Ave., known as the Y Lot, for a potentially mixed-income housing project put forward by the city’s Housing Commission.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The street fair coinciding with the annual Hash Bash marijuana festival in Ann Arbor is officially a go. City Council voted unanimously Monday night, March 7, to give the Monroe Street Fair the green light to return in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Hash Bash. Council OK’d the request from Fred Heller/Creative Rec LLC to close Monroe Street between Tappan and State streets and Tappan Street between Monroe and South University Avenue from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 2. Additionally, there will be a soft closure of Oakland Avenue from Monroe to Hill Street for portable toilets, with the street open to local traffic. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Ann Arbor prepping for 50th anniversary of Hash Bash marijuana festivalAnn Arbor administrator recommends using $24M stimulus for 13 projectsNew model for Ann Arbor greenbelt could make land more affordable to new farmersYpsilanti invites residents to community meeting for Depot Town affordable developmentThis Ann Arbor intersection is named after famous Ukrainian leaders.

The ongoing duel between Warren Mayor Jim Fouts and city council continues with another lawsuit.

Wednesday (Feb. 9), Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced a plan to raise the minimum wage for Detroit city workers to $15 an hour, and with councils approval, it’s going to go in place sooner rather than later.

A contentious night in Royal Oak as the Planning Commission got an earful from the public over two proposed retail marijuana shops. One proposed site is located on Meijer Drive in the north end of town, while the other is in a residential area on Harrison in the south end of town.

Ann Arbor City Council members voted unanimously on a resolution condemning the demonstrations outside of Beth Israel Congregation and antisemitism.

A Madison Heights city council member is making history. In the city’s 67-year history, Quinn Wright is the first Black city councilor.He was sworn in on December 13, 2021.

Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, Michigan’s lone black woman of Congress, announced Tuesday night that she would not run for re-election in 2022.

Christopher Taylor announces he will run again in Ann Arbor's mayoral race later this year.

The new Detroit City Council met for the first time Monday, Jan. 4, 2022.

Minneapolis voters are deciding whether to replace the city’s police force with a new Department of Public Safety.

Jenn Cornell Queen (D-Ward 5) has announced her run for Ann Arbor City Council.

An 1833 statue of Thomas Jefferson will be removed from New York’s City Council chamber by the end of the year.

Los Angeles leaders have voted to enact one of the nation’s strictest vaccine mandates.

Ann Arbor City Council unanimously voted to hire Milton Dohoney as the new interim city administrator.

Interviews will stream live at 4 p.m. on CTN.

A Black Lives Matter mural in Ypsilanti was vandalized by a white supremacist group in the early morning hours of Sunday morning.

What crimes was the FBI investigating when agents raided the city council offices of Janeé Ayers and Scott Benson?

What crimes was the FBI investigating when agents raided the city council offices of Janeé Ayers and Scott Benson?

Tom Crawford formally resigned after City Council voted to terminate his employment over racially insensitive comments.

The Ann Arbor Marathon has received city approval to take place in October.

Concerns over parties and concerts at The Corner Ballpark in Corktown are being addressed by the city.

Livonia City Council announced Wednesday it will be returning to in-person meetings on June 14, 2021.

Keith Olson has been charged with threatening two members of the Warren City Council and their families.

A video that shows a portion of a recent deadly police shooting in Portland, Oregon, has circulated on social media and evening news broadcasts.

Ann Arbor councilman Jeff Hayner (D-Ward 1) has been stripped of all Council committees through the end of the year.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Southfield residents living in a subdivision are voicing their frustrations with a decision made by Southfield Public Schools. The subdivision sits behind the bus yard for Southfield High School. The school decided to use the area as an emergency exit road for its bus depot. The city of Southfield owned the land, but the district had a lawyer tell City Council that it would take the land through eminent domain. Residents weren’t alerted to the situation until after the council accepted the district’s $800 check for the easement.

Defense attorney Eric Nelson also raised the possibility of renewing his previously unsuccessful motion to move Derek Chauvin's trial to another city. AdMayor Jacob Frey deferred questions about the timing of the settlement to City Attorney Jim Rowader, who declined to comment. Potential jurors questioned later didn't mention hearing of the settlement, and neither attorneys nor the judge directly asked if they were aware of it. At least four potential jurors dismissed Monday said they couldn’t be impartial. Three other former officers face an August trial on charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter.

Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 5:Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan clarifies controversial vaccine statementDetroit Mayor Mike Duggan told City Council on Friday that he expects to the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine to be “a key part of our expansion of vaccine centers” when the city receives it in the next shipment.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan told City Council on Friday that he expects to the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine to be “a key part of our expansion of vaccine centers” when the city receives it in the next shipment. As vaccine eligibility expands, Detroit will open a second site offering Johnson & Johnson vaccines. I have full confidence that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is both safe and effective. We are making plans now for Johnson & Johnson to be a key part of our expansion of vaccine centers and are looking forward to receiving Johnson & Johnson vaccines in the next allocation.”AdHis statement Friday comes after Detroit turned down 6,200 doses of the newly authorized Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, with Duggan favoring shots from Pfizer and Moderna for now. “Johnson & Johnson is a very good vaccine.

WARREN, Mich. – The Warren City Council is refusing to pay nearly $5 million in city bills because the administration won’t pay for legal services that Mayor Jim Fouts says the council sought “illegally” earlier this year. The council voted on Dec. 8 not to pay city bills until the city paid a legal firm that was hired by the council in May. Warren City Attorney Ethan Vinson argues that the city council “exceeded the scope” of its authority when securing an attorney from Plunkett Cooney on May 12. The City Council is litigating the tax rates, city budget issues, and other matters in this lawsuit. The city council is committed to paying all city vendors and contractors as this is our legal obligation.

The footprint of the production hub will grow with a private land purchase and a lease involving state trust land. She said the partnership with Netflix should send a signal that New Mexico is the place to be for film and television production. As part of the proposed investment, Netflix has committed to providing training programs in partnership with the New Mexico Film Office, local universities and industry organizations. Since coming to New Mexico in 2018, Netflix said it has spent more than $200 million, used more than 2,000 production vendors and hired more than 1,600 cast and crew members. Netflix is in production in New Mexico on the original films “The Harder They Fall" and “Intrusion" and is expected to soon begin filming “Stranger Things 4" in Albuquerque.

DETROIT – Mayor Mike Duggan and City Council member James Tate are expected to unveil a proposal Monday that would allow marijuana licenses in Detroit. Residents of Detroit were surprised to hear that Duggan could soon be announcing an amendment to the city’s code that could possibly allow adult-use recreational marijuana licensing in the city. But freeing up marijuana sales isn’t the only goal of the legislation -- it also includes a social equity program focused on inclusion and opportunity. Under the new plan, 10 types of licenses are expected to be available to people operating in the city. Legacy applicants to receive first priority with discounts on application fees and city landDetails are expected to be revealed during a Monday afternoon press conference.

ANN ARBOR – City Council unanimously approved on Monday night the extension of downtown street closures for businesses to continue operating outdoors through Nov. 30. The closures were originally set to end on Nov. 1. The closures include:Main Street from William Street to Liberty StreetMain Street from Liberty Street to Washington StreetWashington Street from South Ashley to Main StreetMaynard Street from East Liberty Street to East William Street (seven days a week)East Liberty Street from Thompson Street to South State StreetSouth State Street from East Washington Street to East William StreetClosures will continue to be in effect from 2 p.m. on Fridays through 8 p.m. on Sundays. The Maynard Street closure will move to a weekend-only closure on Nov. 2. Ramlawi said city administrator Tom Crawford can end the closures at any time if they are deemed unsafe due to weather events.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The city of Ann Arbor has decriminalized psychedelic plants and fungi, including magic mushrooms, and police officers will no longer make them an enforcement focus. City Council voted unanimously Sept. 21 in favor of a resolution declaring it the city’s lowest law enforcement priority, MLive.com reported. It means that authorities won’t investigate and arrest anyone for planting, cultivating, buying, transporting, distributing, engaging in practices with or possessing “entheogenic plants” or plant compounds. A grassroots group called Decriminalize Nature Ann Arbor, or DNA2, has been lobbying city officials to take up the issue. READ MORE: Ann Arbor News

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – City Council members voted unanimously this week to decriminalize the use of psychedelic mushrooms in Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor is a college town that prides itself in a more relaxed approach to drug enforcement. “They are non-addictive chemicals,” Ann Arbor City Council member Anne Bannister said. The Council voted 11-0, saying Ann Arbor police should stand down enforcing possession. In its resolution, the Ann Arbor City Council also asked the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office to cease prosecution of those involved in entheogenic plant use.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. With more students headed back to Ann Arbor, an emergency ordinance has been put in place to minimize the spread of the coronavirus. On Monday night, the Ann Arbor City Council unanimously passed the temporary emergency ordinance, which limits social gatherings and requires face coverings. Wash your hands frequently and do your part to keep our community safe.Supporting both state and Washtenaw County orders, the ordinance states indoor gatherings cannot exceed 10 individuals from different households. Outdoor gatherings can not exceed 25. Related:Washtenaw County restricts outdoor gatherings in Ann Arbor, Ypsi to 25 peopleUniversity of Michigan students begin moving into dorms amid COVID-19 pandemicAnn Arbor Police Department announces University of Michigan partnership for fall term

Help Me Hank is getting answers from Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan about the potential big hit facing the citys demolition program. City officials put contractors on notice that the demolition of blighted homes and structures might be significantly scaled back unless City Council members support the upcoming demolition bond. Duggan wants the City Council to pass his demolition bond, which would then go to the people to vote on next year. The demolition program has not only been under investigation in the past -- a recent report essentially claimed the program is mismanaged. Local 4 has been on the ground watching the dangerous homes come down, and many residents have been thrilled to see the results.

Here's where you can find election results for Flat Rock Mayor and City Council on Nov. 5, 2019. View more 2019 Michigan General Election results here.

Here's where you can find election results for Highland Park Mayor and City Council on Nov. 5, 2019. View more 2019 Michigan General Election results here.

Here's where you can find election results for Troy Mayor and City Council on Nov. 5, 2019. View more 2019 Michigan General Election results here.

DETROIT - Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo appeared at Tuesday's City Council meeting in Detroit demanding answers after a house she owned was demolished without warning. The house was in the process of being fixed up by a nonprofit to be given to a deserving family during Christmastime. ORIGINAL: Detroit house meant to be rehabbed for deserving family demolished without warning"I've reached out to utility companies. It's still unclear who demolished the house and why, that mystery is now a criminal matter. Detroit police have launched a criminal investigation as to why the house was illegally demolished.

ANN ARBOR - Officials are conducting more tests and excavating contaminated soil to address pollution that was found on the grounds of a nature center in Ann Arbor. The City Council this month approved a $431,000 contract increase for environmental consultant Tetra Tech to complete remediation work at the Leslie Science and Nature Center, MLive.com reported. The city initially approved an emergency contract with Tetra Tech in May for $16,000 to probe the condition and gather initial soil samples. The nature center is situated on property that belonged to Eugene Leslie and Emily Leslie from 1923 to 1976 and was given to the city when they died. The couple also left the city the land that is currently Leslie Park and the Leslie Park Golf Course.

DETROIT - Here's what is coming up on Local 4 News at 4:GM strikeNegotiations between General Motors and the United Auto Workers are ongoing as the strike continues. Police situationPolice said they are trying to figure out what triggered a shooting and barricade situation in Garden City. Duggan blight removalThe mayor is asking the City Council for a $250 million bond to eliminate all residential blight in Detroit by mid-2025. Ford Explorer recallFord is recalling more than 300 thousand Ford Explorers. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

WESTLAND, Mich. - There was a packed house at Westland City Hall on Tuesday night as neighbors vented their thoughts about an approved opioid treatment center. The center will go where the dilapidated former Montana's restaurant currently sits in a commercial area near Ford Road and Wildwood Street. "It's wrong, wrong, wrong for the children of the city," Dino Tomei said. Tomei owns the health club near where the treatment center will be. He said he has explored putting a charter school on his property, but that will no longer happen with the opioid center.

MARYSVILLE, Mich. - The mayor of Marysville is calling for a City Council candidate to withdraw from the race over what she said about interracial marriages and race at a forum Thursday night. Mayor Dan Damman is in his third term and isn't up for election, but he's denouncing the comments Jean Cramer made. READ: City Council candidate says she wants to keep 'Marysville a white community'"My suggestion is to keep Marysville white and keep foreign-born out," Cramer said during a forum Thursday night. On Friday, Cramer wanted to clarify her statement. Watch the video above for the full report from Local 4 News at 11.

The mayor of Marysville is calling for a City Council candidate to withdraw from the race over what she said about interracial marriages and race at a forum Thursday night. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.