COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Only one audience member spoke during a public hearing to close out a $12.5 million Community Development Block Grant from the State of Michigan for the Clemens Food Group Development Project at Monday night’s Coldwater City Council meeting but she had some strong accusations after hearing from workers there.
Alexia Rish said Clemens was providing poor working conditions for employees.
She disputed the number of workers that have been hired. Rish also accused the company of lying to prospective employees about salaries and that no benefits have been provided. Clemens was also accused of using foreign workers.
Clemens employee Linda Moore said near the end of the meeting that workers are afraid to speak for themselves and fear losing their jobs. She claims the situation at Clemens has led to a lot of homeless people.
On the other hand, Mayor Tom Kramer said all the feedback he has gotten about Clemens has been very positive.
Rish was an unsuccessful candidate for a seat on the Coldwater City Council in the November 7, 2017 election, and had also attempted a write-in campaign against Kramer for Mayor.
No action was required by the Council following the hearing.
In other business, the Council elected Maureen Petzko as Mayor Pro Tem through 2019.
They also approved a $2,000 bid from Richard Galinis for the sale of a vacant lot at 43 Race Street. The lot was acquired last year by the city through the state’s tax foreclosure program. A residential structure on the lot was torn down last year.
