Council moves to formalize cemetery and grounds maintenance, directs written contract for current provider

The Clawson Town Council voted to direct staff to prepare a written contract for the town’s cemetery and grounds maintenance that will specify duties, timelines and payment terms and to start the new arrangement in July.

Staff member raised recurring problems with irrigation timers, solenoids and inconsistent work and recommended a contract so the town can enforce performance standards. "We need to write a contract today that tells her exactly what she's expected to do," Staff member said. A Committee member seconded the motion to produce a contract, noting that future bids should be "cut and dry."

Council members described past informal arrangements and said the contract will clarify expectations: lawn care, sprinkler repair, weekly mowing, weed control, and maintenance of bathrooms at the cemetery. Members discussed options if the contractor (identified in the meeting as Patty) cannot fulfill the contract — including terminating the arrangement and putting the work out to bid. "If she cannot maintain the sprinkler to get their money, she doesn't get the $500 and we have to hire that part out," Staff member said.

The council approved moving forward with the written contract by voice vote; the meeting record shows members saying "Aye," but a roll-call tally was not recorded in the transcript. The council also discussed setting aside funds for sprinkler system upgrades and for coordination so all irrigation zones use a consistent timer.

Next steps: staff will draft the contract and circulate it to council members; if the contractor does not accept or perform under the contract, the council discussed terminating the arrangement and advertising the work for bid.