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Clawson DDA reviews attendance policy, declines to forward removal letters
Summary
The Clawson Downtown Development Authority reviewed member attendance records and debated submitting removal letters for two members over absenteeism; the board voted not to forward removal letters and agreed to draft a commitment letter and refine attendance enforcement.
The Clawson Downtown Development Authority opened its regular meeting by reviewing a tally of member attendance going back to May 15, 2024, and debated whether to ask the city council to remove two members for exceeding absence limits.
Chair called for a discussion after citing the DDA bylaw that a chairperson should recommend removal to city council if a member has three consecutive or four or more unexcused absences in 12 months. The chair presented a roll-up of absences that showed multiple members with several missed meetings; the chair said the board needs volunteers “who are going to come on a regular basis because we’ve got important things to do.”
Several members said personal hardship explained some absences. One board member and local business owner argued that recent family illness and store responsibilities reduced their attendance but said “the present is I’m here,” and pressed to remain on the board while promising better participation. Mayor Sue Moffitt told the board she is not asking members to neglect family duties but said the DDA needs “people in these seats who are going to spend their time doing the duties that the seat 100%.”
The chair moved to submit a removal letter for one member; the board held a poll-style vote and several members recorded “no,” citing the member’s stated commitment to improve attendance. That motion did not carry. A second motion to submit a removal letter for a different member also failed after a call vote.
Board members agreed to tighten procedures moving forward. One motion proposed that any board member who accrues three unexcused absences be automatically referred to council; the board also discussed and agreed to draft a commitment letter for all members to sign, documenting meeting expectations and attendance requirements. Staff (Kristen) said she would prepare a draft commitment letter and a job-description package addressing DDA director hours for consideration at a special meeting prior to the next city council date.
The board framed the votes as an effort to balance accountability with fairness: some members wanted strict enforcement to restore credibility and meet accreditation expectations, while others urged consideration of personal circumstances. The board did not remove any members and directed staff to return with a commitment letter and clearer documentation of excused vs. unexcused absences.
