Residents press Mount Clemens commission on income tax, polling moves, cannabis rules and lake flooding; routine business approved

At the meeting, several residents used the public comment period to press the City Commission on local policy and community concerns while the commission completed routine business including approval of minutes, payment of invoices and a consent agenda.

Gloria Haller, who gave her address at the meeting, suggested the city consider a local income tax as a fairer alternative for low- and fixed-income residents to a property or “roof tax.” “An income tax is based on income. And if you're lower fixed, you're not gonna pay any tax, whereas a roof tax is based on the value of your home regardless of your income,” Haller said. She also questioned the city's handling of interim management and personnel pay decisions.

Other public commenters included Ruthie Stevenson, who asked whether the planned relocation of polling sites (from Karnes/Jermaine Jackson Community Center and Turner Chapel to City Hall) matched prior relocations and requested reasons for the move, and John Van Camp, who asked the commission to report back on the impact of high water levels on Lake St. Clair and the city’s wastewater systems.

Resident Mike Zubis described Michigan’s new recreational cannabis law, which the state set to take effect Nov. 1, and outlined two types of permitted consumption venues — one where patrons bring their own product and venues that function more like festivals. He also offered a historical critique of past national drug policy. “They’re gonna allow, new types of facilities such as, it’s comparable to a cannabis club...and the other part was the festival part,” Zubis said.

On routine business, the commission approved the July 15 work session and regular meeting minutes, a motion to approve purchase orders and payment of invoices, and the consent agenda; roll-call votes were taken for each item. Commissioners also heard the City Manager’s report on upcoming Uptown concerts, the 130th Annual Old Crowd Parade on Aug. 15, and community photo submissions. Commissioner reports highlighted neighborhood cleanups, high-school sports, library programming on identity-theft prevention, local business support and public-works concerns such as speeding and roadside weeds.

The meeting ended after the routine business was approved and the Chair moved to adjourn.

What the public asked for next: the Chair and staff committed to provide follow-up information on the polling relocation question and on inquiries about Lake St. Clair water impacts.