Mahdi Baydoun

The special meeting commenced with a roll call and affirmation of the agenda. A significant portion of the session involved a closed session to discuss pending legal matters, specifically the cases of Bloodline versus the city of Dearborn Heights and Crystal McDonald and Tyrone Kennedy versus the city of Dearborn Heights. Upon returning to open session, the council voted to concur with the legal advice provided by attorney Don Denal of Hall Ransilio regarding both specified legal cases before adjourning the meeting.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a quorum confirmation. A key segment involved Mayor recognition of administrative assistant Michelle Bianke from the ordinance department for over 11 and a half years of dedicated service, concluding with the presentation of a proclamation, a gift card, and chocolate. Discussions regarding the agenda approval revealed ongoing debate concerning a proposed revamping of the tree ordinance, specifically addressing tree cutting and replacement requirements, with a commitment to discuss it further in a study session scheduled prior to the next meeting. The council also approved the minutes from the November 13, 2025, meeting. During the public hearing, a resident inquired about missing attachments for claims, specifically concerning survey results related to a fence encroachment issue, which council members assured would be addressed by adding the survey to the backup documents.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence to acknowledge the passing of Deputy Treasurer Dad Garcia and a lifelong resident, Andy Wami. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring Mr. George Leland with a proclamation recognizing his service as a World War II nose gunner and his lifelong commitment to the community. Discussions during public comment addressed two main topics: the status of establishing a Veterans Affair Commission, including forwarding proposed commission names for future approval, and concerns regarding extensive vegetation removal along the E Course Creek by Wayne County, which attendees felt was excessive and lacked an environmental impact study. Additionally, there was discussion regarding payment for city services rendered by a former employee, and a council member provided an update on the leaf raking volunteer program. The Mayor also addressed the need for council members to cease negative interactions on social media to allow the city to heal.

The meeting commenced with a special swearing-in ceremony for newly elected council member Margaret King. Agenda approval included adding items related to a temporary food truck license application, an IT contract with Civic Plus, a dispatch contract update, and a correction to the short-term rental ordinance. Public comment featured discussions on awarding the bid for real estate brokerage services to represent the city, with multiple proposers advocating for their qualifications and proposing benefits such as prioritizing first responders, teachers, and veterans for property purchases. Residents also raised significant concerns regarding delayed property buyouts for flood victims, the need to modify the tree ordinance to address property-damaging sycamore trees and encroachment from neighbor's trees, and the importance of replacing removed healthy canopy trees to maintain air quality and property values. Traffic safety concerns were also presented, specifically regarding parking visibility at the intersection of George and North Waverly, and the need for a traffic light on Fenton Street where it meets Ford Road. Discussion also covered item 7D concerning the bidding process for title work on properties with title issues, referencing prior discussions from February 2025.

The study session focused on the city's tree ordinance, addressing concerns about city and private trees, associated costs, and related issues handled by the DPW. Recommendations were made to update the ordinance, including increasing the permit application fee for tree trimming or removal and the tree planting fee to better cover the city's costs. Discussion also covered sidewalk responsibilities, public vs. private tree processes, and the need for a robust planting program. The session aimed to balance revenues from permits and replanting, address the maintenance of existing trees, and ensure proper funding and utilization of the tree fund.