Mount Clemens asks governor to reconsider landscaping restriction; suspends long-grass provisions temporarily

Mount Clemens — On April 22, 2020, the Mount Clemens City Commission voted to send a resolution asking Governor Gretchen Whitmer to reconsider portions of her executive order that limit landscaping businesses, and separately moved to suspend sections of the city nuisance ordinance related to long grass and noxious weeds until state restrictions change.

City Manager Mr Johnson framed the resolution as a request to the governor rather than a change in local enforcement. Commissioners discussed practical enforcement concerns and variation in how landscaping companies operate. Commissioner Campbell and others said the measure is only a request and would not supersede the governor’s orders; the commission voted to approve the resolution and forward it to the governor’s office.

Separately, commissioners approved a motion to temporarily rescind sections 35.5 and 35.6 of the nuisance ordinance that concern long grass and noxious weeds, until Executive Order 2020‑42 is rescinded or amended to allow contractors to perform landscaping work. Staff explained the ordinance does not take effect until May 1, but commissioners opted for a temporary suspension to avoid penalizing residents who cannot hire contractors under current state restrictions.

Both measures passed by roll call vote. Commissioners emphasized the actions were temporary and tied directly to the governor’s executive order; enforcement practices would revert once the state permit conditions change.

The commission then approved purchases and payment of invoices and the consent agenda as presented, with no substantive discussion recorded on the consent-items votes.