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Clawson delays warning letters, asks staff to craft policy to help homeowners flagged for private sewer repairs
Summary
Councilors and residents pressed city staff for clearer processes, funding options and appeals after a CCTV survey identified roughly 85–108 taps needing attention; staff agreed to return Aug. 18 with a policy and possible assistance programs and to waive the $100 permit fee while retaining bond requirements.
Clawson City Council paused formal notice mailings about private sewer‑tap repairs on July 21 and asked city administration to return at its Aug. 18 meeting with a written policy outlining timelines, appeals and potential financial help for affected property owners.
The discussion followed repeated public comments from residents who said a draft notice — previously slated to give homeowners 90 days to submit a plan and 12 months to complete repairs — would place a heavy burden on people with limited incomes. "Before council asked property owners to spend thousands of dollars, I think it's important that both council and property owners have a clear understanding of exactly what component is considered private and the legal authority supporting that conclusion," said Jamie Gills Takanocchi during public comment.
City administration told council the notices would be based on CCTV work and that footage would be provided to property owners. "If you are notified that you have a potential issue, the footage that we have from Rogue who did the CCTV will absolutely be provided to you on your end," staff said during the meeting. Staff also clarified the draft timeline is illustrative: notices could be sent by mid‑August, responses due mid‑November and repairs completed by August 2027, but council elected to hold off on sending official warning letters until the policy is finalized.
Council members pressed staff on several policy points: whether the list of affected properties includes commercial as well as residential addresses, whether some properties overlap with planned public infrastructure projects, and how the city will verify contractor work. "We need a process to address those sort of circumstances and what's the final mediation for something like that," said Mayor Moffitt during the discussion, noting disputes over contractor reports could ultimately lead to litigation.
Several councilors urged relief measures for low‑income and senior residents, including waiving the $100 permit fee for public‑right‑of‑way work. DPW staff present said they would support waiving the $100 permit fee but that the bond requirement for restoring the roadway could not be waived. The city also committed to exploring grants, block‑bidding to reduce contractor costs and short‑term financing or payment plans.
To reduce panic and give staff time to prepare a comprehensive package, council agreed staff should return on Aug. 18 with a policy document that includes: the final notice text, a clear appeals or review path for homeowners who obtain alternative assessments, guidance on permit/bond treatment, possible funding mechanisms, and a proposed schedule for phased notifications. Staff said they will also accept resident calls and emails in the interim and can provide CCTV footage on request.
The council's decision to delay formal letters and to request an implementation plan reflects repeated resident requests for transparency and options before official enforcement begins. The next procedural step is the Aug. 18 council meeting, when administration will present the drafted policy and proposed resident supports.
