City attorney memo clears way for Ypsilanti Human Relations Commission to hold town meetings; commission to schedule planning

At its July 17, 2025 meeting, the City of Ypsilanti Human Relations Commission reviewed a privileged memorandum from the city attorney concerning the definition of probable cause and the commission's authority to host public town-hall-style meetings.

Commissioners were given printed copies of the memo and were reminded the memo is privileged and may not be shared verbatim; they were told they may discuss its contents from memory. Commissioners reported the memo advised that the commission is permitted to host such meetings. The commission discussed practical questions: how many town meetings to hold, whether nonmembers may serve on planning subcommittees, and how to structure outreach.

The commission agreed to place scheduling and formation of subcommittees on the agenda for the next regular meeting so the group can plan timing, membership, and logistics for public outreach. One commissioner specifically noted the item will be placed on the next agenda and said they would ensure it appears there.

Background: commissioners had earlier explored forming committees to increase public engagement and to solicit complaints or community input that could be referred to city council or staff. The city attorney's memorandum was circulated in May and again July 15; at the meeting staff provided printed copies for commissioners to read during the discussion.

The commission did not take final formal action to adopt procedures at this meeting; it directed that planning and scheduling be considered at the next meeting.