Mount Clemens confirms Janette Best as interim utilities director

The Mount Clemens City Commission confirmed the interim city manager’s appointment of Janette Best to the position of utilities director, effective Feb. 7, 2017. Staff described Best as the administration’s preferred candidate to oversee both the wastewater treatment plant and the water filtration plant; the posted annual salary in the transcript was $78,000 plus benefits.

Commissioners asked whether Best holds the required water and sewer certifications (F1 and S1 were mentioned along with a Class A license). A city staff member identified as Jeff told the commission that the necessary licenses "exist within the city" and that the city plans a transition period so the new director can work alongside the contracted operator (referred to in the transcript as FNB/F&V/FNB operations) during any handover.

The commission also discussed maintenance demands at the plants and whether additional staff hiring might follow; staff said the contract with the current operator includes a 30‑day notice provision and that no immediate termination of the operator was planned. The commission confirmed Best by roll call vote.

The commission recorded a plan to hold a transition period and to involve the finance director and DDA (as relevant) in follow-up discussions about staffing and operations.