Mount Clemens expands sidewalk program, directs staff to study payment plans and tree policy after heated public comments

Mount Clemens commissioners on Sept. 8 moved to tighten and accelerate the city's multi-year sidewalk replacement program after several residents urged relief for homeowners who say city trees have pushed up slabs.

Mayor Laura Cropp presided as residents described financial strain from the program. “During this pandemic time, people don't have the money to pay $160 a square,” said Ruthie Stevenson, who identified herself as living at 69 Bain Street and said dozens of flags marked sidewalks she believes do not need replacement. Sandra Wimbley of 14 Deal Drive told commissioners crews cut a large maple in front of her house last year and said three of four slabs should be replaced by the city rather than billed to her. Esther Lewis, 74 Bridal Street, said she is on a fixed income and asked whether payment plans or city assistance would be available.

City Manager Don Johnson said staff recommends proceeding with the pre-approved District 3 and brought forward several options: require that each district be completed before starting the next, consider adding additional districts in 2021, and offer longer-term special-assessment schedules so larger bills can be paid over multiple years. Johnson said roughly $250,000 in upfront working capital would be needed per additional district, noting “most of the money gets repaid to us” when residents pay assessments but that the city must provide short-term capital.

Commissioners debated precise policy language. Commissioner Menser said riverfront development should be part of broader economic planning (a related agenda item), but discussion of the sidewalk program focused on fairness and timing rather than new development. Commissioners asked whether contractors handle tree-root removal (engineer Jeff Wood said contractors remove roots under slabs) and whether markings could be done in spring so residents have more notice; staff said spring marking is feasible but can present contractor scheduling and weather challenges.

By roll call the commission approved a motion to revise the policy to require completion of each district before moving to the next, and subsequently approved a motion authorizing a minimum of two districts per year in 2021, with the option to do three if the budget allows and with authorization for the additional working capital per district as needed. The commission also directed administration to research and return with recommendations on spreading larger assessments over two or three years and to add discussion of tree ordinance language to a future agenda.

The city manager said staff will return with specifics, including recommended payment terms and how any special assessments would affect required working capital. That report is expected at a future meeting; no changes to the ordinance were adopted at the Sept. 8 meeting.