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Clawson staff weigh council chamber redesign and a downtown LED conversion; costs and optics debated
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Summary
City staff proposed replacing the mounted dais with a community table to improve accessibility and use of the council chambers (estimated ~$54,000) and presented two downtown lighting options: fitter replacement ($45,499) or full LED conversion (~$175,000 + $22,000 fitters) with DTE involvement and a potential multi‑year ROI.
City manager (city manager) proposed reconfiguring the council chambers to a mobile community conference table in place of the traditional dais, arguing a level table “creates better discourse” and would allow the room to be used for trainings and staff meetings. The manager said finishes and chairs would be the primary costs and estimated a budget around $54,000 but acknowledged optics and sightline concerns raised by several council members.
Multiple council members said they worried that a single table could impede visibility for both council and the public; staff responded that renderings, additional monitor angles and nonfixed chairs would be provided to address those concerns. ‘‘We would also set up monitors… and we wouldn’t have fixed chairs,’’ staff said, offering technology and layout fixes to maintain public sightlines.
On downtown lighting, Ryan McDonald (assistant superintendent, DPW) described two options after inspecting existing decorative pole fitters: replace the fitters on 120 poles ($45,499) to reduce fall risk, or convert poles to LED at an estimated $175,000 (plus ~$22,000 for fitter/top‑cap work). Ryan said DTE would install specialty poles and that earlier LED conversions in other communities produced payback in about 19 months in one example. Staff noted major streets funds could be used for LED work and that reserves remain sufficient for targeted investments.
Staff will deliver chamber renderings and fuller cost estimates for both the chamber and street lighting, and council will decide whether to include them in the final budget.
