Council approves resolution to support $1 million community-project request for wastewater generators

The Brighton City Council voted on April 8 to approve Resolution No. 2025-09 authorizing the city to submit a community project funding application to Congressman Tom Barrett for a $1,000,000 request to replace generators at the Brighton Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Director Liz Gaines told council the application mirrors a prior request submitted under Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and that the city would re-submit the request now that the application cycle has reopened. “This, as I mentioned during the budget presentation, is a submission... for the same project at the wastewater treatment plant for the replacement of generators that, have previously been selected for submission,” Gaines said.

Motion and vote

Council member Gardner moved to approve Resolution 2025-09 to authorize the application; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote with all members recorded as voting yes. Clerk Brown called the roll: Mayor Pro Tem Bone — yes; Council member Gardner — yes; Council member Gibson — yes; Council member Pettengill — yes; Mayor Tobe — yes; Council member Schmank — yes; Council member Albert — yes.

Why it matters

Gaines said the city views the replacement generators as part of ongoing capital needs at the wastewater plant; the $1,000,000 community project funding request would cover a portion of the equipment replacement costs if selected. The application package will include a council-signed resolution and a letter of support to accompany the submission.

Next steps

Staff said they would notify council when the application is submitted and that members of council who wish to contact Congressman Barrett may do so after the submission.