Residents press Mount Clemens commission for more notice, options on sidewalk repair program

Residents in River Acres and other neighborhoods urged the Mount Clemens City Commission on Sept. 21 to give more advance notice and more options under the city's sidewalk-repair program, saying letters sent Sept. 7 left homeowners little time to secure contractors.

"I received my letter on September the 7th and I was informed that work was going to begin during the week of September the 20th," Beverly Lashure said during public comment, arguing two weeks was not sufficient time to obtain bids and permits.

City Manager Johnson responded that the city's contractor was scheduled to start cutting sidewalks the week of the meeting and that removals were scheduled to begin Monday, Sept. 28. He said residents who obtain a permit for private contractors before Thursday, Sept. 24 at 4:30 p.m. will be removed from the city's contractor list and will not be charged the city's contractor cost, but work performed by private contractors must meet city standards or it will be rejected.

Johnson also addressed cost concerns, saying the city's actual per-flag cost is about $180–$185, and noted a comparison with Royal Oak, where bid prices were higher. "Our actual cost on it is more like $180 to $185 per flag," Johnson said.

Residents asked whether minor defects could be addressed by leveling rather than full replacement and whether certain properties (including nonprofits and HUD housing) might be exempt. Staff committed to follow up with specific answers and to provide additional information to residents who requested it.

The administration said it expects to report back on special assessments for sidewalk repairs at the Oct. 5 commission meeting. In the meantime, residents who want to use private contractors must obtain a permit by Sept. 24 to avoid the city's contractor performing the work.