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Wixom OKs $15,500 to DTE for design of Pontiac Trail power‑line burial
Summary
Council approved $15,500 to DTE Energy for design of burying overhead lines along Pontiac Trail between Chambers and Wixom Road as part of a sidewalk project; DTE estimates total burial costs of $200,000–$300,000.
The Wixom City Council approved spending $15,500 to DTE Energy for design work to bury power lines along Pontiac Trail between Chambers Street and Wixom Road, a step staff said is needed to finalize the design for a wider sidewalk in that corridor.
City staff said DTE originally estimated design costs at about $50,000 but later provided a reduced design quote of $15,500. Staff warned council the total cost to bury the poles could be in the $200,000–$300,000 range and that the work may require easements and coordination with other utilities, including lines on the south side of Pontiac Trail that run through the Wixom Station parking lot and in front of a private business.
Assistant City Manager Drew Benson and public works staff said DTE’s scope includes several nearby poles and that the city cannot finalize sidewalk plans until DTE confirms easement needs and final construction estimates. Council members asked for clarity on why the design estimate dropped and were told DTE initially included design plus construction engineering in its first estimate and then later separated design-only costs.
Council member O'Dea asked whether DTE explained the reduction; staff said the company originally priced design plus construction engineering, then provided a design‑only quote. Deputy Mayor Resnick and Council member Sharp raised questions about potential costs from other utilities attached to the poles.
The council approved the $15,500 expenditure from the DDA special studies account (248‑729‑956.481) and authorized the city manager to sign the agreement.
