Mount Clemens opens first reading of parks ordinance covering hours, model aircraft and skate park rules

On Dec. 7 the Mount Clemens City Commission introduced a draft public parks and park property ordinance intended to regulate hours, activities and conduct in city parks and to protect public health and safety.

The draft—prepared in consultation with the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office—includes a prohibition on operating fuel- or battery-powered model aircraft in parks, though commissioners discussed designating larger parks (for example Memorial Park or Shady Side Park) where model aircraft could be allowed. The draft treats certain violations as misdemeanors and the city attorney explained that enforcement of misdemeanors would be handled by the sheriff’s department.

Commissioners also asked whether the ordinance should include specific permit-based exceptions for loudspeakers, public address systems and special events; staff said special activities could be allowed by permit and that permitting would be the appropriate mechanism for exceptions. Several commissioners recommended posting signage at parks ("use at your own risk" and helmet recommendations) and discussed limitations on requiring helmets versus recommending safety gear.

The draft sets park hours to open at 7:00 a.m. and close at dusk but no later than 10:00 p.m. Commissioners agreed this provided clearcut enforcement language (for example, an enforcement ticket issued after 10:00 p.m.). The commission approved introduction on first reading and set Dec. 21, 2015, for the second reading and adoption; staff was asked to consider specificity (which parks allow certain activities) and permitting language before the next hearing.