Mount Clemens commissioners present snowflake awards, approve consent items and hear city manager on sidewalks and cleanup bids

The Mount Clemens City Commission on Jan. 5 presented the Beautification Commission’s 2015 'Snowflake' awards to residents for outstanding holiday decorations, approved routine business by roll call and heard administrative updates on infrastructure and planning.

Ryan Rinsky, representing the Mount Clemens Beautification Commission, described the commission’s volunteer work, monthly meetings and seasonal awards program. He told the commission the awards recognize curb appeal and neighborhood effort. "We only do this once a year," Rinsky said, introducing a list of recipients and handing out commemorative ornaments.

The commission approved the consent agenda, payment of invoices and minutes from the prior meeting by roll call. During agenda consideration, a commissioner moved to postpone item 9A for two weeks; that postponement was approved and the commission adopted the agenda as amended.

In his report, the city manager announced curbside Christmas tree pickup will continue through Jan. 23, and that the city is accepting bids for cleanup work at 217 North Walnut with bids due Jan. 13 (contact and procurement websites were provided during the meeting). He also said staff is preparing a sidewalk-program proposal for consideration in 2015 and previewed a possible strategic-planning partnership with SEMCOG that would require commission buy-in; a SEMCOG representative is scheduled to present the process on Jan. 20.

Commissioners used their member-comments period to offer condolences for former mayor Quinny Cody and to congratulate the Mount Clemens Public Library on its 150th anniversary; commissioners noted the library is launching an online historical-research tool. Several commissioners urged more proactive downtown marketing and called for hiring or restoring economic-development staff to help attract businesses and manage property vacancies downtown.

The commission also approved a motion to enter executive session; after a brief recess the commission moved to adjourn.

Actions recorded in the meeting included approval of minutes, payment of invoices, adoption of the consent agenda, postponement of agenda item 9A, a vote to enter executive session, and a motion to adjourn. Vote tallies for the recorded roll calls are in the meeting minutes.