Clawson Mayor Reflects on 2011 Goals, Looks to 2012

At the beginning of 2011, Clawson Mayor Penny Luebs had a she wanted to accomplished for the city. However, with the city's economic challenges and opposition from City Council, Luebs said many of her goals were not met.

"Grand ideas did not match hands-on work when it came to completing goals in 2011," Luebs said. "This was an economic, tumultous year for all of us."

In an email to the Clawson Patch, Luebs provided updated information on her goals from 2011 and a look at what's in store for 2012.

Mayor looks back on 2011

Recycling: "We are paid $55 per ton for recyclables and we pay for trash pickup. I am encouraged that residents will continue to recycle. SOCRRA now offers recycling for businesses and interest by businesses is expanding."

Art in city buildings: "We were able to connect with the DIA to participate in the DIA’s Inside|Out program where this summer (2012), the DIA will bring art into our city with plans to place artwork outside of city buildings and parks so that all may enjoy a walking tour of the art."

Message Board: "A message board listing calendar events did not occur. We are working on a master calendar where city, civic and community organizations are encouraged to contact the to list an event."

More community events: "We are increasing community events on an annual basis. We have who assists with daily details to make city events a success. Our intern is responsible for the and working on a Community Garden."

Businesses/Marketing: "Clawson remains a place of interest for new businesses; we have a low foreclosure rate. Council did not approve the idea to host an open house in Clawson collaborating with local real estate agencies, the school and city buildings. An open house means house hunters would be able to walk through homes for sale, but also stop at city buildings and talk to council, staff and members of civic groups to inquire about neighborhood life." 

Rebid contracts: "Contracts over $50,000 were not rebid. Presently, we have a good working relationship with our present contractors and continue to move forward with maintaining and improving the city. We asked employees for concessions and employees did agree to a 10 percent pay cut. This demonstrates their dedication to continuing to provide a good job for residents and businesses." 

Looking forward to 2012

City funding: . "Most of our revenue for our budget comes from property taxes," Luebs said. "With the decrease of housing values and a decrease in property taxes, our budget decreased 33 percent." 

Emergency system: City officials hope to implement an emergency response system this year. Luebs said the is a perfect example of when the system would be necessary. She said the system would establish evacuation routes, command centers and a communication process for city officials during emergencies. 

Infrastructure: "We continue to review our infrastructure – roads, water and sewer lines – to repair and renew when possible. We approved an energy efficient company, Honeywell, to review city buildings for cost savings where possible."

Collaboration: "City staff continue to provide outstanding services with a commitment to continue to deliver our traditional services. We collaborate with SOCRRA (recycling), SOCWA (water), mutual aid programs for police, fire and building, Madision Heights Parks & Recreation, city of Troy for dispatch and jail, the Library Network, Rochester Road Access Management (sponsored by Oakland County)."