Mount Clemens approves amended SMART grant to expand Senior Shopper service

The Mount Clemens City Commission approved an amended funding agreement with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) to continue and expand Senior Shopper transportation services for senior and disabled passengers.

Staff told commissioners the Federal Transit Administration awarded $54,054 for the project and that the city’s local match—$27,027—will be provided through in‑kind services such as driver time and existing Dial‑a‑Ride expenses. "The total amount awarded is $54,054," staff stated while walking commissioners through the agreement and Exhibit A in the packet.

Commissioner Menser questioned the wording and arithmetic in the packet, noting the document listed the city's portion in a way that read like "$27.00" or "$0.27". "I want the whole $54,000," Menser said, urging clarity in the grant language so the full award and match are clearly reflected. Staff responded that the in‑kind match is the city's existing costs applied toward the project and pointed commissioners to the attached exhibit for the line‑item breakdown.

A roll call vote followed and the commission approved the amended agreement. The funding will support continued Senior Shopper trips to retail locations named in the packet, including Meijer, Kroger and Walmart, delivered through the Mount Clemens Dial‑a‑Ride.

The commission’s approval authorizes the city to sign the amendment and accept the grant; staff said the grant will pass through SMART and has been attached for review. The agenda packet identifies Exhibit A as containing the detailed match calculations.