Bob Bonham

The regular meeting included the approval of routine items via consent agenda, such as minutes, agenda, department reports, communications, approval of bills, board and committee appointments, and professional development. New business focused heavily on Board and Committee Appointments, including approvals for the Zoning Board of Appeals, Cherry Grove Cemetery Advisory Board, and Tree Advocacy Group. Appointments and compensation for the Board of Review were also approved. A new part-time clerical office professional, Devin Martin, was introduced. The City Manager provided updates on Lake Shamrock dredging, noting a pause in hydraulic dredging due to weather, and the Lake Shamrock Dam Project, where bid documents have been posted, with bids due February 24, 2026. The ongoing 'Let Water Run' order, initiated January 26, 2026, was noted, as were open nominating petitions for City Commissioner positions until April 21, 2026. A tour of the MyMichigan Hospital expansion was scheduled following adjournment.

The meeting agenda includes standard items such as the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call. Key discussion items involve the renewal of Board and Committee Appointments, specifically for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Further new business items are scheduled, including a contract extension with Hometown Decorations for holiday decorations, a contractual agreement with Clare Little League, and a Traffic Control Order pertaining to parking restrictions. The agenda also allocates time for reports from the Treasurer and City Manager, and significant discussion regarding proposed ballot language for both Parks and Recreation Millage Renewal and Streets Millage Renewal, as well as a discussion on Charter Language for the City Commission.

The meeting addressed several key items. Routine matters, including minutes, agenda approval, department reports, and bill approvals, were handled via the Consent Agenda. New Business focused on approving Board & Committee Appointments for Ken Hibl (DDA) and Andrew Santini (Parks & Recreation Advisory Board). A major discussion centered on the North Water Tower Cathodic Protection project, which requires sole source bid approval for $37,881, budgeted within the FY25/26 Capital Improvement Plan. The commission also discussed the progress of the Lake Shamrock Dredging and Dam Project design work, and promoted the community survey for the North+South Passenger Rail Project. City Manager's report highlighted active storm cleanup/brush chipping efforts and the upcoming ribbon cutting for Phase One of the MyMichigan Hospital Clare expansion.

The meeting involved the approval of the agenda, communications, professional development items, and bills via the consent agenda. Key new business included the approval of the Summerfest fireworks permit for June 27, 2026, with a potential rain date of June 28, 2026, by adopting Resolution 2025-004. The City Manager's report covered ongoing mechanical and hydraulic dredging efforts at Lake Shamrock, which are paused due to weather/ice, and updates on the Lake Shamrock Dam Project, where bid documents have been posted with a receipt deadline of February 17, 2026. The report also noted ongoing storm cleanup and brush chipping delays, and provided an update on the recently received International Cab and Chassis for the new DPW dump truck, awaiting final body components. A 'Let Water Run' order issued on January 26, 2026, was noted. Commission discussions included addressing abandoned vehicles, speeding on Wilcox Parkway, and whether to reduce meeting frequency from twice a month to once a month.

The Clare City Commission meeting included a presentation of life-saving pins to individuals who responded to a medical emergency, and Reserve Officer John Pedjac was recognized for 35 years of service. The first reading of a proposed ordinance regarding the designation of a Floodplain Manager was approved, and a public hearing was conducted. The commission also approved the submission of a USDA grant application for a new police vehicle and approved a services agreement with the Clare County Equalization Department. The City Manager reported on the Lake Shamrock Dredging and Dam Project and the DDA meeting. The commission also discussed Barnes Island and a fly-in at the City of Clare Airport. A closed session was held regarding an Attorney/Client privileged opinion.