Mount Clemens approves Advancing Macomb sponsorship to serve as fiscal sponsor for downtown Rose Walk

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to authorize a sponsorship agreement with Advancing Macomb that will let the nonprofit act as fiscal sponsor for a planned Rose Walk downtown.

The Rose Walk project, proposed by the Mount Clemens Beautification Committee, would stretch along southbound Bradstreet Avenue between the Anton Art Center and Cass Avenue. The proposal calls for new roses, native trees and low‑maintenance shrubs along a landscaped gateway, educational signage and a central area inspired by Japanese garden design.

City Manager Shipman and a committee representative told commissioners the city cannot accept tax‑deductible electronic donations directly, so Advancing Macomb would receive contributions and manage grant requirements. The agreement allows Advancing Macomb to retain 5 percent of funds for administration with a $250 quarterly minimum to cover management costs; the agreement was reviewed by the city attorney.

Commissioners and members of the public expressed support for the project and asked questions about the length and boilerplate language of the six‑page agreement. Shipman said the agreement is standard language used by attorneys and that the partnership would make fundraising and grant pursuit more feasible for the volunteer committee.

A motion to approve the sponsorship agreement was made and seconded; the commission conducted a roll‑call vote and the motion carried.

The commission directed staff and the beautification committee to coordinate outreach about donation channels and to post information on the city’s beautification page and the committee’s social media.

The sponsorship lets the Rose Walk organizers accept electronic and potentially tax‑deductible gifts; no city general fund dollars were committed to the project.

The commission moved on to other business after the vote.