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Residents press Mount Clemens on parking, parks, meters, wildlife and alleged dumping
Summary
During two public‑comment periods, residents urged action on street and park parking, reported a $525 meter‑installation damage claim, described park maintenance and wildlife problems, celebrated downtown business openings and alleged illegal dumping and retaliatory employment actions supported by video evidence.
Dozens of residents used public comment at the May 5 Mount Clemens City Commission meeting to raise neighborhood issues ranging from parking and park enforcement to an allegation of illegal dumping and a claimed retaliatory personnel action.
Ruthie Stevenson opened the first public comment period saying parking has worsened on her block between Clinton River Drive and Robertson: “I had 23 cars on my street,” she said, and reported about 57 cars in the surrounding area. Marilyn Hall described a $525 repair bill she attributed to debris introduced when a new cold‑water meter was installed and asked to schedule an appointment with city staff to resolve the matter.
Ron Houston told the commission vehicles are driving onto Shadyside Park trails and parking across walking and bike paths, saying posted restrictions are being ignored and enforcement is needed. Grace Shelton and other residents said the park’s entry area has large potholes that prevent children from safely riding bicycles, and asked about regrading and whether the city tests local wildlife for disease. Abe Jenkins and others said deer and geese have become a nuisance in yards and along park areas.
A major allegation came from Deshaun O'Neal, who said he recorded city property contractors illegally dumping tires and that, after he reported the dumping, he was disciplined and then terminated. “I got 4 days of footage,” Deshaun O'Neal said, urging the city to investigate; he told the commission he had contacted news outlets and said he would escalate the matter if the city did not act. No formal response or investigation outcome was provided during the meeting; the commission invited complainants to leave contact information for follow‑up and promised answers at a future meeting.
Several speakers praised downtown revitalization. Angel Beckett thanked the commission for support that helped open a small bakery on Cherry Street. Jeff Borgia, a downtown business owner, thanked staff but said he was denied participation in a Main Street festival despite being in good standing and asked the commission to reconsider vendor selection practices.
The mayor and city staff encouraged residents to sign up for notifications at Mountclemens.gov/notify, reminded Precinct 1 voters that polling was temporarily relocated to City Hall for the May 6 special election, and said staff would try to follow up with individual complainants between meetings.
The commission and staff took notes and asked residents to leave phone numbers for follow‑up; the mayor said some questions will be answered at the next meeting when staff can provide more detail.
