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Dearborn Heights council moves on claims, CDBG acceptance and several procurement votes amid resident concerns over privacy and unpaid bills
Summary
Council approved acceptance of $998,836 in CDBG funds, amended claims to remove two items pending HR clarification, awarded several bids including roof repairs ($176,898) and a parks master plan ($18,961), and updated bank signers; residents raised concerns about exposed personal information in CDBG claims and large unpaid utility bills.
Council addressed multiple financial and procurement items during the meeting, approving federal CDBG funds and several contract awards while responding to resident concerns about claims and privacy.
The council approved acceptance of FY 2025–26 Community Development Block Grant funds from HUD in the amount of $998,836. The CDBG director explained the annual action plan will govern spending, and staff noted federal grant documents are public records that can be FOIAed.
During public comment several residents and speakers raised concerns about a CDBG claim that they said exposed personal information. The CDBG director and other staff said the program follows HUD procedures and that applicants and approvals are part of the public record; the director invited affected homeowners to follow up directly.
On claims and ACH wire transfers, Councilman Saab moved to approve the current claims list but asked to remove items 9 and 10 (psychological evaluation invoices) pending clarification from HR; the council amended and approved the motion to remove those items for later review.
Council awarded a roof-repair contract for North and South fire stations to Shane Roofing for a total not to exceed $176,898 (base bid $160,898 plus a $16,000 owner's reserve for possible metal-deck repairs) and approved a parks and recreation five-year master plan contract to Manix Smith Group Inc. for $18,961. The council also authorized an MDOT-related safe-routes-to-school project with an additional local allocation of about $26,269 to address a bid shortfall.
Finally the council authorized updates to bank signers to add the newly appointed mayor and stated that purchases over $1,500 will continue to come back to council for approval; the treasurer confirmed routine controls remain in place.
