A focal point of the meeting was the discussion around the federal consent decree and the city’s settlement agreement with the MDHR. The council explored the possible integration of these two frameworks, with a view towards streamlining monitoring efforts under a single entity, the Effective Law Enforcement for All (ELEFA). The council expressed a desire to publicly roadmap these commitments.

The council addressed a staff direction concerning municipal oversight and consent decrees. This direction was swiftly approved. Procedural discussions ensued, including a notable decision to reorder the agenda to prioritize a resolution involving the waiver of attorney-client privilege. This resolution was seen as important for enabling public discourse on the legal settlement agreement with MDHR, particularly in the context of the federal consent decree’s significance to the public and the council.

The waiver of attorney-client privilege was debated extensively. Concerns were raised about potential risks, including increased liability and complications in the city’s legal operations. The city attorney advised against waivers, emphasizing the importance of open discussions about litigation matters without jeopardizing the city’s legal interests. Nevertheless, the council voted to waive the privilege. This move mirrored a previous council action in 2021, where privilege was waived for public interest reasons.

The council also discussed mechanisms for amending the settlement agreement with MDHR. A motion to establish a collaborative framework between the council and the mayor was introduced and passed. This framework aims to ensure that police reform commitments are maintained beyond the current administration.

Another topic was the presentation on election preparations for the upcoming 2025 municipal election. The Director of Elections and Voter Services detailed key dates and new legislative changes affecting the election process. Emphasis was placed on National Voter Registration Day and the start of absentee voting, both slated for September 19. The introduction of pop-up voting events was highlighted, aimed at increasing voter outreach, particularly in underrepresented communities. Changes to polling places and the introduction of the Express Vote device were also discussed, with efforts to inform voters of these changes through various outreach methods.

The council heard from the Elections Department about legislative changes, including the requirement for candidates to prove residency when filing, mirroring voter registration requirements. The Department of Elections outlined a comprehensive voter outreach strategy, particularly targeting immigrant and marginalized communities. This strategy includes a series of outreach events, media campaigns, and collaboration with community organizations to ensure broad voter participation.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Law Enforcement for All semi-annual progress report. The report addressed the city’s compliance with the consent decree, focusing on use of force policies and training initiatives. However, challenges in policy development, staffing, and balance between reform and daily operations were acknowledged. The council discussed the need for enhanced training and addressed concerns about disruptions during training sessions. The importance of creating an academic atmosphere for training, where respect for instructors and material is paramount, was emphasized.

The council also scrutinized the handling of police misconduct cases by the Internal Affairs department. Concerns were raised about the manual intake process and the need for improved tracking systems. The council debated cultural issues within the police department, highlighting the necessity for leadership buy-in to drive change. The consistency of the disciplinary matrix was also discussed, with calls for a fair and structured process to enhance accountability.