City manager reports three COVID-19 cases among staff; commission opts to stay virtual

City Manager Johnson reported to the Mount Clemens City Commission on Nov. 2 that three city employees had tested positive for COVID-19 over the past three weeks and recommended the commission continue virtual meetings rather than return to in-person or hybrid sessions.

“This will be short. COVID, the pandemic has actually hit city staff,” Johnson said. He said two employees were currently isolating after positive tests and a third employee had been identified as a close contact and was self-isolating. Johnson added the cases appeared to have been contracted outside city workplaces.

Johnson said the city had obtained a replacement cable that appeared to have solved prior technical problems experienced during hybrid meeting tests but urged against proceeding with hybrid or in-person meetings at this time. “We don't think we should be moving towards in person meetings at this time,” he said.

Several commissioners agreed. “I would concur that we stay with the Zoom meetings for the time being,” one commissioner said; another added, “I agree too.” The commission recorded consensus to continue with virtual meetings.

The report and the commission’s response reflect an operational decision to keep city governance remote until staff health conditions improve. The city manager asked for commission direction and staff noted ongoing monitoring of cases and testing.