Mount Clemens departments report a busy quarter; fire captain recounts small overnight paint-plant wiring fire

The Mount Clemens City Commission heard quarterly reports from department heads that outlined a busy fourth quarter for public safety, utilities and city administration.

Captain Hoppy, reporting for the fire department, said the department responded to 797 runs in the quarter, including 13 fires, 508 rescue calls, 31 hazardous-condition calls and 149 good-intent calls. He told commissioners that a late-night electrical arcing incident on wiring connected to an eyewash station at a local paint plant was discovered by security staff and contained quickly; firefighters were able to confirm and secure the scene. “We were very fortunate that security got there right away,” Captain Hoppy said, adding that plant staff tore out and inspected wiring to prevent recurrence.

Finance staff reported the city’s 2017 fiscal year-end audit was completed and presented; the audit and citizen guide are available at City Hall and on the city website. Staff also said assessing work to establish 2018 land values is underway and assessment notices will be mailed March 1, 2018. The finance presentation noted an IT and phone system upgrade approved to reduce costs by an estimated $34,000 per year once implemented.

Janette Best, representing utilities, summarized production and operations: approximately 183 million gallons of treated drinking water were produced in the quarter (about 770 million gallons annual) and roughly 372 million gallons of wastewater were treated in the quarter (about 1.67 billion gallons annual). Utilities staff reported completing the DEQ-required evaluation of local limits for industrial discharges, submitting biosolids reports on time and progressing on meter replacements and hydrant painting; crews completed 250 painted hydrants and have about 750 to go.

Brian Tingley, Community Development, said 340 building and trade permits were issued in the quarter, 371 new code-enforcement cases were opened and several projects advanced, including pre-construction activity for a kayak launch project and a planned 44,000-square-foot addition at McLaren hospital expected to begin in 2018.

During public participation, business owner Lisa Taylor announced a shop reopening and Junia Aquario commended the streets department for clearing main streets after a winter storm. A resident raised concerns about animals getting into curbside garbage bags and said offering a garbage can option would help reduce mess in neighborhoods.

Procedural business: commissioners approved the agenda, minutes from Jan. 2, 2018, purchases and payment of invoices, and the consent agenda by roll call. Toward the meeting’s close, the commission voted to enter an executive session and then adjourned.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to excuse Commissioner Crop: Approved by roll call (Bunton, Campbell, Dempsey, Ford, Forier, Mener — all recorded as yes).
- Motion to approve minutes (Jan. 2, 2018): Approved by roll call.
- Motion to approve purchases and payment of invoices: Approved by roll call.
- Motion to approve consent agenda: Approved by roll call.
- Motion to enter executive session: Approved by roll call.