Mount Clemens commission adopts downtown maintenance rates, approves sidewalk assessments and confirms new fire chief
May 31, 2024 | Mount Clemens, Macomb County, Michigan
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The Mount Clemens City Commission voted Dec. 7 to adopt recommended rates for a downtown maintenance special-assessment program, approved a 2020 sidewalk assessment and payment program, authorized the 2021 sidewalk proposal for two districts and confirmed Captain Greg Shipman as the city’s fire chief.
The actions came after a public hearing on the downtown maintenance program, which City Manager Johnson described as covering maintenance of downtown sidewalks and the Cherry Street Mall area and said the program brings in about $57,706 per the assessor. Following public testimony and staff explanations, the commission moved to close the hearing and then to adopt the recommended rates, instruct the assessor to prepare a special-assessment roll and set a second public hearing for Dec. 21, 2020.
The commission separately approved the 2020 sidewalk assessment for District 3 and authorized the treasurer’s office to offer monthly-payment arrangements. The approved payment guidance states amounts under $500 should generally be paid prior to June 1, 2021; amounts between $500 and $1,000 prior to Dec. 31, 2021; and amounts over $1,000 prior to Dec. 31, 2022, while staff said the treasurer’s office will retain discretion to work out plans with residents in hardship cases.
Commissioners pressed staff on contract history and bidding. Public Works staff explained the sweeping contract was bid about seven years ago and that only one bid was received; the contractor previously reduced service days to avoid raising the assessment, and staff said a new bid could substantially increase costs.
The commission also approved the 2021 sidewalk program for Districts 4 and 5, accepting engineer cost estimates (engineering approximately $39,500; construction estimated at $424,000) and the plan to notify residents in late December or early January with construction likely in spring when weather permits. City Manager Johnson said markings of sidewalks would be performed by AEW’s contractor.
On personnel and legal matters, the commission confirmed Captain Greg Shipman as fire chief. City Manager Johnson said Shipman plans to retire Jan. 20 and would return as a contractual chief about 30 days later; a formal contract will be brought back for commission approval. Commissioners praised Shipman’s leadership in brief remarks.
The commission also voted to retain Hallahan & Associates, P.C., to assist with Michigan Tax Tribunal appeals, a step Johnson said the city recommends because appeals have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and some high-value commercial or industrial assessments may require specialized representation.
The meeting ended with routine approvals of purchases and invoices and an adjournment; the commission set its next meeting for Dec. 21, 2020.
The actions came after a public hearing on the downtown maintenance program, which City Manager Johnson described as covering maintenance of downtown sidewalks and the Cherry Street Mall area and said the program brings in about $57,706 per the assessor. Following public testimony and staff explanations, the commission moved to close the hearing and then to adopt the recommended rates, instruct the assessor to prepare a special-assessment roll and set a second public hearing for Dec. 21, 2020.
The commission separately approved the 2020 sidewalk assessment for District 3 and authorized the treasurer’s office to offer monthly-payment arrangements. The approved payment guidance states amounts under $500 should generally be paid prior to June 1, 2021; amounts between $500 and $1,000 prior to Dec. 31, 2021; and amounts over $1,000 prior to Dec. 31, 2022, while staff said the treasurer’s office will retain discretion to work out plans with residents in hardship cases.
Commissioners pressed staff on contract history and bidding. Public Works staff explained the sweeping contract was bid about seven years ago and that only one bid was received; the contractor previously reduced service days to avoid raising the assessment, and staff said a new bid could substantially increase costs.
The commission also approved the 2021 sidewalk program for Districts 4 and 5, accepting engineer cost estimates (engineering approximately $39,500; construction estimated at $424,000) and the plan to notify residents in late December or early January with construction likely in spring when weather permits. City Manager Johnson said markings of sidewalks would be performed by AEW’s contractor.
On personnel and legal matters, the commission confirmed Captain Greg Shipman as fire chief. City Manager Johnson said Shipman plans to retire Jan. 20 and would return as a contractual chief about 30 days later; a formal contract will be brought back for commission approval. Commissioners praised Shipman’s leadership in brief remarks.
The commission also voted to retain Hallahan & Associates, P.C., to assist with Michigan Tax Tribunal appeals, a step Johnson said the city recommends because appeals have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and some high-value commercial or industrial assessments may require specialized representation.
The meeting ended with routine approvals of purchases and invoices and an adjournment; the commission set its next meeting for Dec. 21, 2020.
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