Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing And Blight topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission tables rental‑inspector contract amid calls for stronger blight enforcement and a full‑time inspector
Summary
The commission tabled approval of a $48,000 annual contract for independent rental inspector Michael L. Faren after commissioners pressed for stronger enforcement of blight at rental properties and considered moving the role to a full‑time city position; staff said the contract includes a 30‑day termination clause and the issue will return at the next meeting.
Mount Clemens commissioners tabled a proposed contract June 6 with Michael L. Faren to provide rental‑inspection services at $48,000 for the 2023 fiscal year after extensive discussion about blight enforcement, manpower and program outcomes.
City staff summarized the contract and noted that Mr. Faren, an independent contractor, inspected 864 properties in 2021 and 275 in the first quarter of 2022. The agreement includes a 30‑day termination clause and would take effect July 1, 2022. Staff also said the rental‑registration program has produced approximately $200,000 in annual registration and inspection revenue in recent years.
Commissioners and residents urged more aggressive enforcement of blight related to rental properties — citing broken windows, trash and overcrowding — and several commissioners advocated exploring bringing the inspection role back in‑house as a full‑time city position so the city could control hours and oversight. Commissioner Mener proposed tabling the contract to give staff time to draft a plan and evaluate whether a full‑time inspector should be hired; the commission voted to table the item and present it at the next meeting.
Staff noted equipment and staffing constraints and said changes to enforcement (for example, administrative hearings or civil infractions) are being planned and budgeted; commissioners urged clearer performance expectations if the contractor continues. The tabling preserves continuity of inspections while the commission considers longer‑term structural changes.
