Residents and officials press for dedicated generator at Grosse Ile Public Safety Building as debate continues

GROSSE ILE, Mich. — Residents and officials at the Grosse Ile Fire Commission meeting urged the township to replace the Public Safety Building’s aging generator, saying dispatch, heating/cooling and garage-door operations depend on a reliable, stationary generator. Resident Margaret Shelton told commissioners she appreciated collaboration among department leaders on the “generator situation” and emphasized community safety for the township’s more than 10,000 residents. Commission members and department leaders said some at the township board have suggested only a minor repair would be required; commissioners called that possibility “dangerous and irresponsible” for a facility that houses dispatch. Commissioner Mickey (name used in meeting) said the generator is not a revenue source but a safety system and urged support for replacement. Commissioner Bartlett said the generator funds have been earmarked for years and criticized what he called politicalizing the issue. Chief Bob Roscoe said the unit has become unreliable and that it would be “irresponsible” not to push for replacement. Roscoe and others emphasized that dispatch centers require a stationary generator, not portable or ad hoc arrangements, and that a multi‑minute delay could affect emergency response times. Officials said funds for the replacement have been set aside over multiple years, drawing on sources such as cell‑tower revenue, and that the funds were intended specifically for building systems like a generator. Police Chief Doug Carmack was identified in the meeting as an active advocate for replacing the unit. There was no formal vote at the commission meeting on the generator; commissioners said they will continue to advocate with the township board.