Mount Clemens approves concessions, event permit and routine payments; settles litigation recommendation

The Mount Clemens City Commission approved several routine and operational items during the meeting.

Concession agreement: By roll call, the commission approved a concession agreement with Clinton River Canoe and Kayak Rentals to operate at the marina bathhouse and Shadyside Park for the 2015 season (April 1–Oct. 31, 2015). The agreement mirrors the 2014 contract, requires the operator to maintain restrooms in lieu of rent, can be terminated by either party with 30 days’ written notice, and was accompanied by a brief question‑and‑answer with the operator (Speaker 19) about limited rentals and modest maintenance costs.

Event permit: The commission granted Grace Episcopal Church permission to hold an Ashes‑to‑Go event on Main Street on Feb. 18 from noon to 1 p.m., allowing five clergy to assemble between Market Street and Macomb Place; sidewalks must remain passable and a certificate of liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured was submitted.

Purchases and invoices: Commissioners approved purchases and payments of invoices as presented. The finance director (Speaker 20) said some purchase orders and repair needs will require a budget amendment at the fiscal year end; commissioners asked where an approximately $18,000 variance would be funded and staff said it would be handled in the annual budget amendment process.

Consent agenda and settlement: The consent agenda was approved by roll call. Separately, the commission approved the recommendation of counsel regarding settlement in Haigh v. city litigation by roll call vote.

Why it matters: These approvals enable seasonal park concessions, community faith‑based programming on a holiday, routine city operations and closure of a pending litigation matter. The finance director’s note about an upcoming budget amendment signals fiscal follow-up to reconcile purchase order variances.

What’s next: The concessionaire will begin operations in April under the approved term; staff will bring required budget amendments and any follow‑up contracts to the commission when appropriate.