Mount Clemens honors outgoing Commissioner Roger Button; candidates introduced and commission adopts procedural changes

The Mount Clemens City Commission opened the meeting with a proclamation honoring outgoing Commissioner Roger Button for eight years of service, noting his roles as mayor pro tem and community involvement. Roger Button told the commission he was "overwhelmed" and said, "It's been a blessing to work for the city," and that he plans to remain involved in community activities.

The meeting included a public-participation segment in which applicants for the commission vacancy introduced themselves. Applicants who spoke included Bridal Gobitz (312 Cambridge), Dr. Wanda Goodenough (Macomb County employee and 53-year resident), Kathleen Kelschner (636 Harrington Street), Chris Lockritz, and Gina Palazzolo. Applicants expressed interest in serving and highlighted local ties and community involvement; the mayor said interviews of the candidates are scheduled for the coming week.

On business items, the commission approved amendments to the city commission rules and procedures. The changes noted in the motion would add an additional two-minute public-participation slot during regular meetings and rescind a quarterly department-head report requirement. A motion to adopt the amended rules passed by roll call.

The commission also approved routine items including minutes from the Nov. 18, 2019 meeting and the purchases and payment of invoices. In the city manager’s report, staff announced the "Tinsel Tour" beginning Dec. 3 (5 p.m.–8 p.m.), a Downtown Development Authority free after-3 parking program, and an extension of curbside compost pickup through Dec. 13. Commissioners thanked community volunteers, recognized student achievements, and requested staff follow up on a public comment about alleged poaching in Sleepy Hollow Park.

The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn.