Right away tensions were high, and voices were raised over the hot topic of the evening, The Hasselbring Senior Center. The Senior Center has been operating without a lease agreement since 2016 and under the current agreement the Senior Center has been paying 1$ a year to the city. In an attempt to come to a new lease agreement, the City of Flint is purposing the Senior Center would need to start paying 500$ monthly to continue to operate in this space which is 5,999$ more yearly under the last official deal.
While the community members made their voices heard, you could feel the frustration building behind the City Council bench. A common theme of their comments stuck with me,
"If the money isn't going to the schools because the schools have closed, if the money isn't going into homes for repair, where is it going? Why can't it go to the seniors? We pay our bills!".
That is a very good question that should be investigated. However, there was one other comment that stuck with me. By the time that public commentary was over and other Council Members made their statements, the 1st Ward City Councilman Leon EL-Alamin was more than eager to say his piece.
He reminded the council that the Hasselbring Senior Center is in his ward, and since he has taken over the 1st Ward, he has negotiated the purposed agreement all the way down from the previously recommended $3,500-$5,000 dollars a month to the current $500 agreement. He also reminded them while not only did he negotiate this cost down, but he has also been boots on the ground working hands on at the Senior Center for repairs, and while the other Council Members don't see that, he let them know that his community did.
The coverage of Flint City Council and how our money is spent will always be an ongoing story, this specific case goes to show how important participation in these City Council meetings are. Not only that, but how important it is to see who are truly trying their best to make their communities better for their constituents.
I will be continuing to cover the ongoings of our City Council meetings and will be working with the Hasselbring Senior Center to help make sure their voices are heard when they would like it to be.
I hope to see you at the next City Council meeting!
-Rob
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