Mount Clemens commission forwards landfill amendment, opposes state zoning bills and approves assessing-services contract

At its March 16 meeting, the Mount Clemens City Commission approved several formal actions affecting local planning, municipal services and procurement.

Solid waste plan amendment: The commission voted to forward a proposed county amendment affecting the Pineree Acres Landfill in Lennox Township. City Manager Shipman summarized the request from Waste Management of Michigan Incorporated to add about 236.5 acres (including roughly 135 acres of engineered disposal area) and to allow a recycling transfer station. "The amendment must be approved by twothirds of the municipalities covered by the county solid waste management plan before it can be submitted to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for final review," Shipman said. Jay Calvin, representing Waste Management, confirmed the summary and offered to answer questions.

Resolution opposing state bills: The commission unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Michigan House Bills 5529–5532 and 5581–5585, which staff said would curtail local zoning authority and impose new requirements on municipal development review processes. Commissioners described bipartisan, regional opposition and emphasized the need to preserve local control over infrastructure- and stormwater-sensitive areas.

Assessing-services contract: After discussion of two proposals from Assessment Administrative Services LLC, the commission approved "Proposal One" — a two-year contract at $99,480 annually with no annual increase, providing certified assessing staff in person four days per week and a Michigan advanced assessing officer to certify the role. Lisa Griffin, the firm owner, explained certification levels and staffing. Commissioners said the option preserves institutional knowledge while reducing cost and eliminating escalation during the contract term.

Purchases and payments: The commission approved the purchases and payments list after an amendment to separate Ken’s Janitorial from the other invoices; members voted to table the janitorial contract for further consideration (and possible resubmittal) and approved the remaining payment items.

Key next steps: The landfill amendment will require approval by two-thirds of municipalities in the county before state review; the city directed that copies of the opposition resolution be forwarded to the governor and local state legislators; staff will work with Ken’s Janitorial on resubmittal or options for a one-year rate review.