Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover a new livestock ordinance, potential changes to the minimum wage and more.

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New livestock ordinance passes

Detroiters will soon be able to keep animals on their property. 

The city council voted on a new livestock ordinance today that outlines the type of livestock that could be allowed in the city. Residents will soon be able to keep chickens, ducks and honeybees on their property.

Some animals will have to be tagged and have health records. Owners will need to apply for a license to keep the animals and pay an annual fee. Wild animals are still banned.

City Council passed the new ordinance in a 5-3 vote during today’s formal session. It goes into effect Jan. 31, 2025.

WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley contributed to this report.

Minimum wage changes

A State House bill would keep the lower minimum wage of just under four dollars an hour for tipped workers. If that bill does not pass, within about five years, a new law will require restaurants to pay tipped workers the regular minimum wage.

Democratic Representative Nate Shannon introduced the bill and says some restaurants could close if the higher wage law goes into effect and workers could lose their jobs.

The labor group One Fair Wage opposes Shannon’s bill. It says restaurant workers deserve a regular minimum wage plus tips. 

Foreclosure prevention

Detroit City Council member Coleman Young II is hosting a virtual meeting focused on property taxes and foreclosure prevention on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree and Willie Donwell from the Board of Tax Review will participate. The meeting is scheduled for 5-6 p.m., and residents can register to attend by calling 313-224-4248. 

November science events

The Michigan Science Center’s November offerings include an exhibit of life-sized dinosaurs, Black Friday membership deals and a hands-on paleontology event. For more information about upcoming events, visit mi-sci.org.  

Lego League volunteers needed

The organizers of this year’s First Lego League Challenge Qualifier are looking for volunteers. The event invites Lego robotics teams from throughout the area to compete at the Michigan Science Center on Saturday, Nov. 23. Volunteers may act as competition judges, referees, field resetters and fill other roles at the annual event. To register as a volunteer, visit firstinspires.org.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

An increase in Michigan’s minimum wage and required sick leave is set to take effect in February. This week on MichMash, host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow sit down with Chris White, Michigan director of the Restaurant Opportunities Center; and Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association; to share their positions on the new law.

Subscribe to MichMash on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode:

• How the new minimum wage law will affect employees and businesses
• How 9/11 influenced the Restaurant Opportunities Center
• Concerns the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association has with the rate of increase

Following the recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling connected to the state’s new minimum wage and sick leave laws, the legislation is slated to take effect early next year.

Michigan’s $10.33 minimum wage will climb above $12 by February 2025 — and to $15 an hour by 2029. Additionally, the law will require all Michigan employers to offer up to 72 hours of paid sick leave per year to their employees, and end the tip credit system.

White says the law changes are necessary for progress.

“They don’t make enough money. They are essential workers. The cost of living is going up, so wages should go up with that cost of living,” he said.

However, not all Michigan residents and business owners agree that the changes will be beneficial to the state, and especially for small businesses.

“I think the rate and the speed by which we increase the minimum wage is important to the industry, like it would be any small business operator,” Winslow said. “But for the restaurant industry specifically, the tip credit really means life or death for a lot of folks; service, restaurants, dine-in restaurants.”  

Stakeholders are now urging the Legislature to amend the laws set to take effect in February.

More from WDET:

• How Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling on minimum wage, sick leave will affect workers and businesses
• 2024 bringing boost in state minimum wage to $10.35
• Michigan appeals court ruling reverses minimum wage increase, paid sick leave revision

More from Gongwer:

• Groups push to preserve tipped wage; Singh hopeful for deal