Resident urges clearer ballot language for Renshaw senior-apartment sale; council agrees to revisit wording

Jamie Gills, who identified herself as a Clawson resident, told the council she was concerned the ballot question for the proposed sale of the Renshaw senior apartments at 121 Renshaw Avenue did not provide necessary context and could mislead voters.

“My concern is not simply about the outcome of the vote. My concern is whether voters are being presented with a clear, complete, and neutral question,” Gills said, urging the council to publicly review the final ballot language before it is submitted to Oakland County.

Gills pointed to an inconsistency she read between the ballot question and the explanatory statement: the ballot permits proceeds from sale to be used “for, but not limited to, the sustainment improvement of senior services,” while the explanatory statement she said gives the impression that proceeds would be directed to senior services. “That context matters. This is a city‑owned residential property with current residents,” she said.

After public comment and a short discussion, City Attorney Cara Crofton Velozik told the council the proposed language is included in the meeting packet but has not yet been submitted to Oakland County and can still be changed. “It has not been submitted. It is technically the duty of the clerk to forward it to Oakland County once it’s been approved,” Velozik said, adding that the attorney’s office has reviewed it but that council can refine the wording.

Mayor Susan Moffitt moved to place the ballot language on the next council meeting agenda for discussion and possible refinement; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. The council also voted to place the city’s planned tap‑letter notification process on the next meeting agenda so members can review timing, repayment-policy questions and dispute procedures before letters are mailed.

What happens next: council will revisit the ballot language and the tap‑letter policy at its next regular meeting, allowing public discussion and an opportunity to alter the wording before the clerk forwards final language to Oakland County.

Why it matters: Residents raised that the Renshaw property is occupied and that the current ballot wording leaves open non‑senior‑service uses of sale proceeds; council action to reexamine the text gives voters and the council a chance to ensure the question is clear, neutral and accurately reflects the transaction.