Detroit committee of the whole adjourns after failing to reach quorum; confirmation hearings to be rescheduled

The Detroit Committee of the Whole convened for confirmation hearings but did not reach a quorum, and the body moved directly into public comment before adjourning without taking formal action. Council President (presiding) told attendees that several council members had submitted memos excusing their absence and that, because of the lack of a quorum, the scheduled confirmation interviews could not proceed as planned.

Mr. Whitaker, speaking as the council’s parliamentarian on the record, recommended bringing the confirmation items out of the Internal Operations & Standing committee for discussion by the full body "to allow for the fuller discussion" and said there is a mechanism to pull items from committee into a formal session for discussion rather than a vote. On the record he said, "I think it's February 3," when asked about timing for a possible formal-session consideration, but he added he did not have the date in front of him.

Member Renata Miller told the council she had personally interviewed candidates outside committee and supported pulling the items out of committee so all members could ask questions. Member Leticia Johnson emphasized that time was "of the essence" and pressed staff for the deadline the council must meet for confirmations. The council president said he would consult the committee chair and staff to arrange the hearings during a future formal session so that each member would have the opportunity to question nominees publicly.

The meeting concluded with an apology from the presiding officer to members of the public who attended in person despite the cold and travel inconveniences; staff were directed to continue working offline to schedule the full-council opportunity. No votes or confirmations occurred at the session.