Residents raise sewer backups, blight citations, parks and safety concerns during public comment

During the public-participation portion of the meeting several residents raised neighborhood concerns and asked the commission for follow-up.

Jimmy Dixon, who lives at 94 Park in Mount Clemens, described recurring sewer backups at 260 North Broadway that forced the cancellation of a Sunday service because of odor. "We need to find out what's going on because the smell that's coming in there is not good," Dixon said, asking the city to inspect the line from the sidewalk to the street.

Glenda Clay Lee, a property owner at 71 Bay, questioned citations she received for having four tires on her property, calling the enforcement "petty" and asking why resources are spent on that when there are larger problems.

Michelle Sanders Owens urged the city to restore youth programming at parks such as Shadyside Park and asked whether the city will permit medical marijuana dispensaries for patients. "There's nothing for the kids to do," she said, and asked the commission to consider summer programs and other activities.

Dolores Kaciniak asked the city to address a large, bouncy speed bump created by a repaired water main on Hubbard Avenue that makes vehicles bounce; she also promoted the Mount Clemens 'sneaker walkers' kickoff on May 23 and invited the public to participate.

City staff acknowledged the concerns and said they would look into the drainage issue and other matters; the chair later noted that Shadyside Park is set to receive improvements using CDBG funds and that the commission will discuss medical-marijuana policy at an upcoming work session.

Residents were limited to three minutes each; the commission thanked them and noted staff follow-up would be pursued where appropriate.