Residents press council on ARPA spending and homelessness as city pursues curbside recycling grant

Public commenters at the Jan. 6 Pontiac City Council organizational meeting urged the new council and administration to provide clearer information about federal ARPA spending and to address homelessness and senior services.

Dr. Deidre Waterman, speaking in agenda-address time and again during public comment, flagged ARPA accountability and said the one-time $38,700,000 allocation needs fuller public reporting about grantees and expenditures; she noted the community's interest in seeing who received grants and for what amounts. Other speakers described personal experiences of homelessness and gaps in available shelter beds and services.

Later in the meeting the council unanimously approved a resolution supporting the city's application for a Michigan EGLE curbside recycling grant. Mayor McGinnis told the council the reimbursable grant could be up to $1,000,000 and estimated the ongoing local cost at about "53¢ a household a week." He urged neighborhood groups and nonprofits to submit letters of support as the city finalizes the application.

Council members and administration staff said they would pursue public reporting on ARPA status and continue onboarding the confirmed department directors who will help manage programs and grants. The mayor also said the administration is reviewing retirement ordinance timing and expects to return to council at a regular meeting where ordinances may be considered.