Saginaw · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Saginaw public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Medical Diamond Project progress
A nearly $7 million contract with American Excavating was on the agenda for Phase 1 & 3 of the Medical Diamond Infrastructure project. This is one of the city's biggest construction investments on the table right now.
Five-Year Parks and Recreation Plan (2027-2031)
The council was scheduled to adopt the city's five-year parks plan, which guides how Saginaw invests in its parks and recreation programs through 2031.
Water department equipment and study funding
The agenda included purchases for the water and wastewater treatment plants — $114,624 in control hardware from Kendall Electric and $7,760 in waste disposal — plus a $36,000 railway license for a water main installation.
VA weekend urgent care closure in Saginaw
Dave Schmidt warned that VA urgent care in Saginaw closes on weekends starting January 9, forcing veterans into private care, and noted VA employees lost their union again. Councilmember Ostash encouraged residents to contact congressional representatives who control VA funding.
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.
Victim and family support services awareness and sustainability
Nurse and sexual assault examiner Sharkesha Hines asked the council to help publicize services like Underground Railroad and the Sexual Assault Center — including free forensic exams — and to plan for their survival when government grants run out.
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.
Projects/Prospects Report
Minards wants to build a bagging plant for cement and aggregate products at its Saginaw industrial site, but the equipment is too tall for the 50-foot cap. The board's approval keeps a $20 million investment and manufacturing jobs in the city.
East-side blight and inequitable services
Melanie Velasco asked for speed limits or speed bumps on fast roads, noted Russell Road's potholes and new housing, suggested opening abandoned homes for the homeless, and pushed for public trash bins along corridors like Michigan Avenue.
Data Center Zoning Ordinance and Moratorium
Saginaw is drafting zoning rules for data centers, including crypto-mining facilities and co-location hubs, ahead of a July public hearing. Commissioners flagged enforcement of annual reports and concern that state or federal law could preempt local rules.
Autism/elopement alert system for missing residents
Terrecina Jackson returned with an update on building an alert form and information-sharing process for when a child or adult with disabilities goes missing. Her team has met with county mental health and Saginaw Police, adapted Saginaw Township's autism alert form, and hopes to present a finished product to council next month.
Mobile Medical Response purchase and development agreement
The city was scheduled to consider a purchase and development agreement with Mobile Medical Response, Inc. covering three parcels on Davenport Avenue. What happens with these properties affects the surrounding neighborhood and the city's land holdings.
Data center oversight and enforcement
Environmental health professional Keandra Riley asked who will actually enforce the city's new data center ordinance — the 500-foot residential setback and 55-decibel noise standard — and who pays for water and power infrastructure. Councilmember Hammond invited her to review the ordinance and send comments to the planning commission.
Water System Improvements and DWSRF Bond Financing
The city is seeking up to $9.15 million in state drinking water loans — with big chunks forgiven — to replace watermains, loop dead-end lines, and replace roughly 250 lead service lines, timed to a Perkins Street road project.
Property Tax Cap Reform
Multiple speakers pressed the city on what residents get if the 47-year-old tax cap is lifted. Krista Mann wants a public accounting of a decade of development incentives; Danita Dorsey wants a transparent, measurable spending plan. Council members defended the ask and pointed to the strategic plan.
Commercial Rehabilitation Act District for Shaheen Development properties
The Council established a Commercial Rehabilitation Act District to help Shaheen Development redevelop nine Old Town parcels into mixed-use space with housing. Supporters say it keeps downtown momentum going and grows the tax base; the district is a tax-increment tool that subsidizes rehabilitation costs.
Federal housing and community development grant agreements
Saginaw gets about $3 million a year from HUD for housing, homelessness, and neighborhood programs. The council locked in this year's allocations, including shelter funding, home repair programs, Wi-Fi for housing commission high-rises, and youth programming.
South 10th Street sewer backup and unresolved damages
A landlord and his tenant told Council a city-contracted hydrant flush during June road construction flooded basements with sewer water on South 10th. Months later they still have no heat, hot water, or compensation, and say the city, contractor, and MDOT keep pointing at each other.