Votes at a glance: inspection contract approved; utilities director confirmed; several routine measures passed

The Mount Clemens City Commission approved several formal actions, including a two-year professional services agreement for building plan review and inspections, confirmation of a utilities director and routine administrative resolutions and purchases.

Safe Built Michigan LLC contract: City administration recommended approving a two-year agreement to provide building official plan review and mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspection services. The contract provides minimum weekly inspection hours, a minimum of 20 hours per week of building official services, and sets compensation at 72% of permit fees collected. With commission approval the contract becomes effective July 1, 2021 and expires June 30, 2023. Commissioners approved the motion by roll call.

Utilities director confirmation: City Manager Johnson recommended confirming Leonard Bertram as utilities director; the commission moved and approved confirmation. The appointment was announced with a salary of $90,000 per year, plus vehicle and phone allowance and standard benefits. Mr. Johnson described Bertram’s tenure with the city since November 2001 and his relevant state water licenses.

Other votes: The commission also approved a resolution waiving penalties for late filing of Michigan Property Transfer Affidavits (form L-4260), approved quarterly printing and distribution of the city’s Clementine newsletter at $1,410.98 per issue, adopted the consent agenda and approved purchases and payments of invoices (with one amendment to exclude agenda item 5). All listed motions carried on roll call except a failed motion on outdoor marijuana grows (covered separately).

Quotes and context: On the inspections contract, a commissioner who moved the item said the contract provides needed flexibility and additional staffing capacity for inspections; City Manager Johnson said the arrangement lets the city draw on a firm’s pool of inspectors to meet schedule needs. On the appointment, Mr. Johnson noted Leonard Bertram holds the state’s highest drinking water license and will oversee both water and sewage treatment.

What happens next: Staff will execute the inspection services agreement, and administration will onboard Leonard Bertram to the utilities director role effective 06/07/2021. The commission requested continued updates on implementation of the contract and any related staffing needs.