Saginaw · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Saginaw public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2026 Local Road Millage Resurfacing and Water Main Replacement
The council was asked to add roughly $730,737 to the Lois Kay Contracting deal for the 2026 road millage project, pushing the total to about $3.7 million. That means more streets repaved and old water mains replaced.
2026 sidewalk and ADA ramp projects
Resident Melanie Velasco pressed the council on broken sidewalks on Superior, Fashion Square, and Russell, warning of fall injuries as winter approaches. Councilmember Ostash clarified sidewalks are the resident's responsibility, though a $40 right-of-way permit and city inspection are required for repairs.
Strickland Street Sign
Arthur Carpenter petitioned the city to add Horace Strickland's name to the street sign at 7th and Johnson Streets, honoring the grandfather who bought his family home in 1958 and watched over the neighborhood. The council referred the petition to the Planning Commission for a recommendation.
CSX railroad crossings and fall construction schedule
Council learned the Washington Avenue rail crossing closure came as a surprise because CSX worked through MDOT, not the city. State Street and Weiss crossings remain on track for November, weather permitting.
Winter street preparations and tree removal
The council stocked up early — 1,800 tons of road salt, brine tanks, and a $311,500 tree removal contract — to keep streets safe this winter and address hazardous trees across the city.
Neighborhood conditions: sidewalks, lighting, and street basketball hoops
Residents raised broken sidewalks that caused falls, dark streets, rotten roads (Russell, Superior, Fashion Square), and basketball hoops left in curbs. Council members directed staff to follow up, and Carter was asked to leave contact information with the clerk.
Sheridan Avenue rehabilitation with MDOT cost agreement
The MDOT cost agreement locks in the reconstruction of Sheridan Avenue from Treanor to Hess.
Street sign at 7th and Johnson Streets
A resident petition (Petition 26-11) asks the city to add a street sign at the corner of 7th and Johnson Streets. The council referred it to the Planning Commission, which will study it and make a recommendation.
Hancock and Ames reconstruction
A $1.57 million contract will rebuild Hancock and Ames from North Michigan to North Niagara.
Overnight parking ordinance from 1957
A new resident got four tickets in 35 days under the 3-6 a.m. no-parking rule and asked the council to reconsider it, noting the ordinance dates to the late 1950s. Councilmembers Hammond and Ostash expressed interest in revisiting or surveying residents on it.
STARS transit update
Saginaw's bus system ran 725,000 trips last year, made the whole system fare-free for Delta and SVSU students, and will install new bus shelters with $300,000 in combined funding. Two underperforming routes may be consolidated, with public input planned.
Perkins Street reconstruction (Genesee Avenue to 17th Street)
Council formally adopted the state cost agreement to move the Perkins Street rebuild forward.
Street decertifications
Council removed portions of five streets — Wolcott, 12th, North Niagara, Congress Avenue, and Schaefer — from the city's certified road inventory, with Congress also vacated. This affects which roads the city must maintain.
Safe Streets Project
The council formally adopted the city's street safety action plan, drawing on federal countermeasures for sidewalks, crossings, speed management, and transit stops. Council Member Hammond highlighted its transit-infrastructure page.