Waterford trustees approve contract extensions, sewer lining budget amendment, equipment purchases and appointments

Waterford Township trustees on Feb. 24 approved a package of contracts, budget adjustments and purchases that the board said are needed to maintain public services and advance township projects.

The board approved a one-year extension of the single residential waste-hauler contract with Priority Waste LLC through March 31, 2026; authorized a contract and budget amendment for a 2025 sewer lining program; approved purchase of a 2025 GMC Sierra for the fire department; authorized a deposit toward a 2026 Type 1 “ultra medic” ambulance; and moved several administrative items including appointment of Mary Bartolotta to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and updates to travel and mileage reimbursement rates.

The actions were taken by roll-call votes in the regular Board of Trustees meeting. Board members emphasized the operational needs behind the items: township staff said the sewer work responds to more sections found in need of lining than originally estimated; the waste-hauler said it uses a formal safety and maintenance program; and fire and public safety staff said new and replacement vehicles are needed for reliable emergency response.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: Amend single residential waste-hauler contract between Waterford Township and Priority Waste LLC for a one-year extension expiring 03/31/2026. Outcome: approved. Roll call: Bartolotta Yes; Gilbert Yes; Harris Yes; Hasworth/Hazworth Yes; Thomas Yes; Wall Yes.

- Motion: Authorize Pipeline Management to complete 2025 sewer lining work, price not to exceed $1,323,991.21, and authorize a budget adjustment to account 59055-97010 in the amount of $245,742. Outcome: approved. Roll call: Bartolotta Yes; Gilbert Yes; Harris Yes; Hasworth/Hazworth Yes; Thomas Yes; Wall Yes.

- Motion: Authorize purchase of a 2025 GMC Sierra for the Waterford Regional Fire Department from Todd Wenso? of Westland GMC (vendor line referenced) in the amount of $58,880. Outcome: approved. Roll call: Bartolotta Yes; Gilbert Yes; Harris Yes; Hasworth/Hazworth Yes; Thomas Yes; Wall Yes.

- Motion: Approve annual payment of $215,000 from the cable fund to Media Network of Waterford for PEG operations and management. Outcome: approved. Roll call: Bartolotta Yes; Gilbert Yes; Harris Yes; Hasworth/Hazworth Yes; Thomas Yes; Wall Yes.

- Motion: Approve deposit (amount recorded in the meeting transcript as $3,038,927) for one new 2026 Road Rescue Type 1 ultra medic ambulance from fire department account number 2063097136. Outcome: approved by roll call. Note: the transcript contains conflicting pricing details later in the discussion (see clarifying details). Roll call: Bartolotta Yes; Gilbert Yes; Harris Yes; Hasworth/Hazworth Yes; Thomas Yes; Wall Yes.

- Motion: Appoint Mary Bartolotta to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (after a motion to allow Supervisor Bartolotta to abstain on that item). Outcome: appointed. Roll call on appointment: Gilbert Yes; Harris Yes; Hasworth/Hazworth Yes; Thomas Yes; Wall Yes. Motion to allow Supervisor Bartolotta to abstain: approved. Roll call: Gilbert Yes; Harris Yes; Hasworth/Hazworth Yes; Thomas Yes; Wall Yes.

- Motion: Approve engagement of Dixon Wright, PLLC as bond legal counsel for the 2025 community center bond project and approve related budget transfers totaling $267,910 (Baker Tilly, Dixon Wright and six months of RealPoint expenses) to the community center construction fund with the intent to transfer back when bonds are issued. Outcome: approved. Roll call: Thomas Yes; Wall Yes; Hasworth/Hazworth Yes; Gilbert Yes; Bartolotta Yes; Harris Yes.

- Motion: Update township per diem travel reimbursement to current GSA rates for the Pontiac/Auburn Hills locality and update mileage to the 2025 IRS rate; direct staff to update employee handbook. Outcome: approved. Roll call: Thomas Yes; Wall Yes; Hasworth/Hazworth Yes; Gilbert Yes; Bartolotta Yes; Harris Yes.

Other procedural votes included approval of the consent agenda (as amended) and a procedural appointment of Marie Hosworth to act as meeting clerk for the evening.

What trustees and presenters said

Dan, a representative of Priority Waste LLC, described the company’s vehicle maintenance and safety practices, saying the firm runs a “rigorous preventative maintenance schedule” (including quarterly and monthly checks) and that trucks carry small spill-containment kits for minimal spills; larger spills are handled by a specialized response team. Dan added the company has its own safety director and training program for drivers and that vehicles are rotated where they are most needed rather than assigned permanently to a single community.

Justin, a Department of Public Works staff member, told the board the 2025 sewer lining work was approved in last year’s budget but additional sections were found during inspections, increasing this year’s scope from 59 to 67 sections. He said the recommended contract amount reflects that added work and that camera inspection is a continuing part of the program.

On the ambulance purchase, fire department staff described a shift from smaller type 3 rescues to heavier-duty type 1 chassis for longer service life and improved ride and reliability. Staff said the purchase was budgeted and that the motion before the board was for the required deposit.

Why it matters

The sewer lining authorization and associated budget amendment respond to sections of township sewer mainline identified for repair; the board’s approval funds immediate work and keeps a preventative maintenance schedule in place. The waste-hauler extension preserves continuity of residential trash service while the township continues to monitor vehicle condition and service performance. Vehicle purchases and the ambulance deposit are part of the township’s ongoing fleet replacement and emergency-services planning.

Ending

Board members asked staff for continued reporting on the sewer and construction projects and for financial transparency on community center bond-related expenses. Several items discussed at the meeting will return for follow-up or implementation steps by staff; the board scheduled regular reporting and committee oversight where applicable.