Commission approves Michigan Works agreement to place seasonal youth workers, subject to attorney finalization

The Mount Clemens City Commission authorized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Michigan Works to provide summer work placements for local youth, with conditions requiring the city attorney to finalize outstanding contract language.

City manager (referred to in the transcript as Mr. Johnson) said the program could provide up to six workers for the public services department and one for city hall; Michigan Works would be the employer, pay up to $12 per hour, and permit the city to supplement wages if it pays the difference plus a 10% administrative charge. Mr. Johnson said the city wanted approval now to avoid losing too much of the summer employment window.

Several commissioners asked for clarification on insurance, liability and discipline terms that were not yet finalized. The city attorney (referred to in the transcript as Mr. Murray) told commissioners the motion had been drafted to allow finalization by the city attorney before execution and that he would try to protect the city’s interests regarding insurance, workers’ compensation and discipline. One commissioner posed the question directly: “How is it legal…for us to approve a memo of understanding that we don't have?” Mr. Murray responded that the agreement, as amended, would be finalized and approved by the city attorney and that if Michigan Works could not agree to necessary protections then no agreement would be executed.

The commission voted to approve the MOU as amended (subject to final review by the city attorney) so the program could proceed within the summer timeframe. Staff said Michigan Works would remain the direct employer and that the city would work out any needed clarifying language prior to signing.

Next steps include finalizing insurance and discipline language in the MOU and returning a finalized document to the clerk for signature if acceptable to the attorney.