Mount Clemens commission amends winter RV parking, extends medical-marijuana moratorium and confirms two appointments

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted on several measures at its October meeting, approving an amendment to winter parking rules for recreational equipment, extending a moratorium on medical-marijuana businesses, confirming two interim departmental appointments and adopting the 2017 41B District Court budget.

Commissioners approved a modification to a proposed ordinance that would allow winter (Nov. 1–March 31) parking of recreational vehicles in side yards, provided they meet screening and setback rules. The commission voted to replace the initially proposed 25-foot length limit with a 36-foot limit to accommodate larger motor homes; the change was approved by roll call. City staff said the amendment is intended to give relief to property owners on small, irregular lots while preserving neighbors’ objections through screening and setback standards. Resident Matthew Smith had urged flexibility for larger boats and RVs, saying, “I have a large boat and I want to be able to park it on my side lot,” and commissioners discussed variance procedures for vehicles longer than the ordinance limit.

The commission also adopted a 180-day extension of a moratorium first imposed in November 2015 on businesses engaging in the dispensing, distribution or commercial growth of medical marijuana, to allow review of recently enacted state licensing rules and to give the city time to consider zoning and regulatory options. Staff noted the state’s licensing framework includes categories for growers, provisioning centers, transporters and testing facilities and allows municipalities to limit or regulate such facilities via local ordinance.

Other actions included unanimous approval of the 41B District Court 2017 budget and confirmation of Sarah Price as Human Resources Director (effective Oct. 17, annual salary $60,000) and Jeffrey D. Wood as Assistant City Manager in addition to his duties as Public Services Director (annual salary $78,000). The commission approved purchases and payment of invoices and the consent agenda, and moved into executive session to discuss pending litigation and collective bargaining.

Votes at a glance
- Recreational-equipment ordinance amendment (first reading; length limit changed from 25 ft to 36 ft): motion to amend approved by roll call (unanimous). (See transcript coverage beginning SEG 1266.)
- 41B District Court 2017 budget: approved by roll call (unanimous). (Transcript: SEG 1486–1498.)
- Extension of medical-marijuana moratorium (180 days): approved by roll call (unanimous). (Transcript: SEG 1499–1682.)
- Confirmation of Sarah Price as Human Resources Director: approved by roll call (unanimous). (Transcript: SEG 1683–1729.)
- Confirmation of Jeffrey D. Wood as Assistant City Manager (in addition to Public Services Director): approved by roll call (unanimous). (Transcript: SEG 1730–1799.)

What happens next
The recreational-equipment amendment was introduced and the commission set a second reading/adoption for Nov. 7, 2016. Staff will return with the ordinance language for final adoption and implementation details. The moratorium extension will preserve the city’s ability to consider regulatory zoning and licensing options while the state’s licensing framework is finalized.