Commissioners approve 5‑year unilateral Metro Act right‑of‑way permit for Verizon Access

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to authorize execution of a five‑year unilateral Metro Act right‑of‑way permit for MCI Metro Access Transmission Services Corp., doing business as Verizon Access Transmission Services.

Commissioner Pratt moved to approve the permit; the motion was seconded and the commission approved it by roll call. Staff explained the permit follows the Metropolitan Extension Telecommunication Rights of Way Oversight Act (Act 48 of the Public Acts of 2002, as amended), a state form that restricts local authority over fees and permit terms.

“It's a basic wash,” a staff member said when commissioners asked whether the city receives fees from the company, adding that under the state law “you can't charge them for permits. You can't charge them for anything. You get a $500 application fee, and that's it. Period.” Commissioner Menser pressed whether the city is listed in the permit’s notice section and whether exhibits listing work locations and bonds would be completed; staff described the form as generic but said the company would provide maps and bonding information when construction occurs.

A second staff speaker explained the difference between the unilateral permit, which carries a five‑year term, and a bilateral permit, which the presenter said often has no expiration date; commissioners noted their limited discretion because the permit is a state form.

After questions and discussion, the commission approved the permit on the roll call called during the meeting.

The commission’s approval is procedural authorization to execute the state permit; the unilateral form and its terms govern what the city may require for the right‑of‑way work.