Mount Clemens commission approves Upshaw Way naming, permit extension, public-art agreement, EV charger grant and budget amendments
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Summary
The Mount Clemens City Commission approved a commemorative renaming of Kibbe Street to Upshaw Way, a one-year extension for Ritz 99 LLC’s conditional marijuana permit, a permanent obelisk agreement with MCEP, acceptance of an $86,744 EGLE EV charger grant, and fiscal-year budget amendments including a $1 million transfer to local streets.
The Mount Clemens City Commission on the evening of June 2025 approved a package of items including a commemorative street renaming, a business permit extension, a public-arts agreement, an EV charger grant and fiscal-year budget amendments.
Commissioners voted to rename Kibbe Street — the segment from southbound Gratiot Avenue to Barber Street — as Upshaw Way to honor the Upshaw family. Staff said the naming followed a 30-day public notice period and that the applicant will pay administrative and sign costs. Supporters at the public hearing emphasized the Upshaw family’s civic contributions.
The commission granted a one-year extension to Ritz 99 LLC for its conditional marijuana retail establishment permit for the property listed on the application as 395 Grosbeck (staff noted the adjacent vacant parcel may be 397). City staff explained the delay in construction stems from the site’s proximity to a county drain and ongoing coordination with the Macomb County Drain Commission; the extension was approved under the city’s marijuana business ordinance provisions.
The commission approved an agreement with the nonprofit Macomb Cultural and Economic Partnership (MCEP) to install and maintain a permanent obelisk sculpture on city right-of-way between South Main and southbound Gratiot. City staff said MCEP will cover all costs for installation and upkeep and that the draft agreement was reviewed by the city attorney.
City officials also adopted an agreement with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to accept $86,744 in reimbursement grant funding to replace and install electric vehicle chargers on Main Street near Rotary Park, in the Roskop/Rescob lot behind the Emerald Theater, and in the New Street municipal parking lot. Staff said the grant reduces the city’s capital burden and includes reporting obligations.
On budget matters, staff presented recommended amendments to the FY2024-25 budgets for multiple funds, describing line-item adjustments and an intra-fund substitution: $1,000,000 in ice arena sale proceeds will be used to support planned local-street projects rather than a transfer from the general fund. Staff reported the net effect of the amendments increases projected fund balance by $788,420, to an expected ending fund balance of about $10,800,000. Commissioners voted to adopt the amendments.
Other routine business approved on the consent agenda included the schedule of regular commission meeting dates for FY 2025-26 and standard administrative items. The meeting record shows roll-call approval for each motion.
What happens next: signage and installation for Upshaw Way will proceed at the applicant’s expense, staff will continue site coordination for the Ritz 99 LLC location with county drainage authorities, the MCEP agreement allows the nonprofit to move forward with obelisk procurement and installation under the signed contract, and the city will begin procurement and installation steps tied to the EGLE reimbursement grant.
