The Cross Hill Township Public Service Commission voted to recommend that the township board accept an extension of the 2023 cooperative crack-and-joint sealing contract with Al's Asphalt for the 2025 construction season.

Why it matters: The recommendation preserves the low 2023 prices for a cooperative bid that covers multiple municipalities, allowing the township to use the budgeted $70,000 more efficiently than running a new local procurement.

What the commission heard: Derek, the township manager, explained that the cooperative bid package originally included multiple communities (Flat Rock, Riverview, Gibraltar, Allen Park and Grosse Hill) and that six bids were received in 2023. The low bidder from 2023 — Al's Asphalt — offered to extend its 2023 pricing for the participating communities. Raines Engineering prepared a memo recommending the extension based on current market conditions and likely savings.

Commission discussion focused on whether each participating community would be required to accept the extension. Commissioners were told each community had the option to accept the extended pricing; not every community was forced to accept it. The commission also noted that engineers and the contractor will jointly inspect candidate roads to confirm crack sealing is an appropriate treatment (some roads may need replacement rather than sealing).

The commission approved the motion to recommend the extension by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Staff will forward the recommendation to the township board for final approval.

Next steps: Staff will submit the recommendation package to the township board and, after the board decision, coordinate with the engineer and Al's Asphalt to set work locations based on site inspections.