Votes at a glance: Mount Clemens commission confirms downtown assessment, approves SMART bus agreement and routine items

The Mount Clemens City Commission approved several formal items at its regular meeting, including confirmation of a downtown maintenance special assessment and acceptance of a federally funded vehicle lease from SMART to expand shopper transportation services.

Special assessment: The commission closed the second public hearing on the downtown maintenance program and voted to confirm special assessment rule number 18-01. Staff said the assessment rule had been prepared by the city assessor and the hearing gave property owners an opportunity to speak.

SMART vehicle lease: The commission approved a vehicle lease agreement with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) to receive a new shopper bus funded by federal grant dollars awarded in November 2016. Staff said the larger vehicle will replace an older bus and allow the city to expand shopper services for seniors and people with disabilities. Commissioners asked whether the bus was an addition or replacement; staff replied the grant both expanded services and provides a larger vehicle to replace the older unit.

Routine approvals: The commission also approved purchases and payment of invoices, accepted the consent agenda as presented, and approved minutes from prior meetings. The clerk recorded roll-call votes on the motions, and affirmative votes were recorded for each item.

Next steps: Items that require follow-up include final administrative steps for the special assessment and execution of the SMART vehicle agreement by appropriate city officials.