Mount Clemens approves LSL Planning contract to update master plan

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to award a contract to LSL Planning for a master plan update at a cost of $44,823.

Staff said the current master plan was adopted in 2010 and noted the Michigan Planning Enabling Act requires master plans be reviewed at least every five years. The proposed update will add a redevelopment strategy, downtown plan, and economic development and marketing strategy rather than replace the existing plan.

City administration described the process: a planning commission review in November 2014, an RFP and interview process, and a recommendation to award the contract to LSL Planning subject to city attorney approval of contract language. A commissioner who participated in the selection committee said she was "very impressed with the process" and expressed excitement about the firm's possibilities for the city.

The commission approved the award by roll call. Staff noted that the work is intended to be citywide (not limited to the DDA), though the Downtown Development Authority will fund part of an economic development manager position discussed elsewhere in the meeting.