City manager reports CCTV sewer findings, estimates $4 million in repairs; administration cites nearly $5M in grants won and ongoing litigation updates

City Manager provided a brief status report at the Oct. 21 Clawson council meeting on sewer work, grants and pending litigation.

The city’s cleaning and CCTV program is wrapping up; staff said several large‑diameter pipes (over 24 inches) remain to be completed and that overall findings are “favorable and well within what we budgeted.” The manager told council the administration is “tentatively estimating about $4,000,000 for the needed sewer repairs” from the infrastructure bond set aside for sewer work.

The manager also corrected prior figures on grants awarded during the current administration. He said the administration has applied for roughly $24,000,000 in grant opportunities since 2022 and has been awarded “just shy of $5,000,000,” which he quantified in the meeting as approximately $4,960,000.

On litigation, the city attorney reported an upcoming Jan. trial date in a slip‑and‑fall paver case on 14 Mile Road; the matter was adjourned from a recent hearing and the city prevailed on several motions. The attorney also said the city received a favorable ruling in portions of several related cases (Bannister v. City of Clawson), with the counterclaim proceeding in one matter.

Staff asked residents to check the city website for maps and updates about the cleaning and televising program and warned that homeowners whose sewer taps were observed to be separated or showing root intrusion would receive direct notification. Council members said they will discuss the timing of notifications and next steps when staff returns with a recommended schedule.

The council did not take action on the manager’s items at this meeting; staff said they will provide more detailed cost estimates and outreach timelines at a future meeting.