Cathleen Martin

The work session began with roll call, noting one commissioner's anticipated late arrival. The public participation segment was opened, though no members addressed the commission initially. The agenda proceeded to a discussion regarding MSU Extension program offerings, which involves educational services on topics such as budgeting, credit, disaster recovery, property tax foreclosure basics, mortgage foreclosure basics, and home buyer education, many of which are offered at low or no cost. Commissioners engaged in an extensive discussion opposing proposed state legislation that would preempt local zoning ordinances, citing concerns over a lack of local control and provisions perceived as detrimental to community planning and housing affordability, referencing specific proposed bill elements like restrictive parcel sizes and timelines for site plan review. The importance of local input in shaping community development, especially regarding historic districts and gentrification concerns, was emphasized. The discussion concluded with plans to formulate a resolution opposing the legislation and encouraging meaningful state consultation with local elected leaders.

The meeting covered multiple agenda items requiring introduction of ordinances and subsequent votes for adoption dates. Key discussions involved amending the purchasing department ordinance to raise the open market purchase limit from $1,500 to $15,000, a change necessitated by a 2021 voter-approved amendment to the City Charter. Another ordinance introduced aimed to register, license, and regulate virtual currency machines (ATMs) to mitigate risks of fraudulent transactions. A third ordinance introduced proposed prohibiting the sale of kratom products to individuals under 21 years of age due to a lack of state regulation. Finally, a resolution and blanket permit for the Mcome County Department of Roads concerning general road maintenance within the county right-of-way for a five-year period was adopted, authorizing the City Manager to sign the application.

The meeting included several key segments: announcements, acknowledgements, communications, and reports, featuring a presentation by the director of MCOME Community Action regarding the upcoming Walk for Warmth fundraiser, which benefits low-income individuals facing heating emergencies. The commission also proceeded with agenda adoption and public participation, where several residents addressed the commission concerning community issues, including homelessness and the repurposing of the 67 Cass Avenue property, and representatives from Turning Point, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, and Care House of Mcome County advocated for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding allocations. Furthermore, the commission opened a public hearing to receive input on the allocation of Community Development Block Grant funding for Fiscal Year 2026, detailing potential funding requests from various public service organizations and requests for capital projects.

The meeting began with roll call and acknowledgments, featuring a presentation from State Representative Denise Mener, who donated a battery-powered chainsaw to Jeff Wood of Public Services. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing public concerns regarding allegations of animal abuse and neglect concerning a specific property, including extensive discussion about excessive barking and conditions during cold weather. The Commission read a statement clarifying that an investigation by the Mcome County Sheriff's Office found no evidence of ordinance or state law violations by the dog owner, despite numerous prior complaints over several years. Public comments also addressed the city's homeless situation and urged consideration for creating shelter space, potentially utilizing an old school building. Furthermore, members of the Mount Clemens Farmers Market voiced strong objections to the city entering a lease agreement with Consumers Energy for their lot on North River Road, asserting that the process violated their existing lease agreement and contradicted the DDA strategic plan goals. The agenda was adopted, and the city's financial report and governance letter for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2025, were accepted.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and roll call, noting the absence of Mayor Crap who was representing the city at a SEMCOG meeting in Washington D.C., with Jeff Ward sitting in for the City Manager. A moment of silence was held for the passing of resident Mrs. Sheila Bean, who was an active community volunteer. Key discussions during public participation involved concerns over an unregulated substance called kratom, with residents detailing its addictive nature and advocating for local and state action, including reference to House Bill 4969. Another resident raised critical issues regarding the lack of homeless shelter resources in the county seat, questioned the handling of a recent death, and voiced strong opposition to proposed Main Street restructuring plans, specifically the implementation of parallel parking and bike lanes. The commission then moved to approve the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations, which included funding for Lawndale Park playground equipment, fire engine/equipment, and senior recreation programming. The Mcome County Hazard Mitigation Plan (2025-2030) was approved for submission to FEMA. The commission also approved purchases, payments, and the consent agenda. An administrative update noted the issuance of a building permit for a 116-unit apartment complex on the former Victory Inn property and announced the closure of city offices for President's Day, rescheduling the next meeting to Tuesday, February 17th, 2026.