Grosse Ile fire commission recommends engineer for joint generator project; chief reports busy EMS runs and new apparatus orders

The Grosse Ile Fire Commission voted to recommend that the township board retain Rains to provide project engineering, design and construction management services for a joint Department of Public Safety generator replacement project, the commission said during its meeting on Feb. 12, 2025.

The recommendation, moved by Commissioner Murdock and seconded by Commissioner Bartlett, passed on a voice vote. Commission members then continued a round of routine business and public comment.

The recommendation matters because the commission and police department share responsibility for the Public Safety Building’s backup power: Chief Carmack said the existing generator is past its engineered life and could leave the building without power for critical services if it fails. “A 33-year-old generator is not reliable. If it didn't start tomorrow, we shouldn't be surprised,” Chief Carmack said, adding the unit is a 1991 Kohler, rated at 80 kilowatts, with a 1992 Ford V‑8 motor. He said the police and fire departments expect to split replacement costs roughly 50/50.

Chief Carmack told commissioners the police department is coordinating quotes and that, once a contractor is selected, the township will issue an RFP for work. He asked that the quote process examine whether additional building circuits and plugs could be placed on backup power so an extended outage would not disable essential systems such as dispatch, vehicle bay doors, air compressors and heated sprinkler lines. The chief noted a portable generator would cost about $900 per day to rent and that sourcing a temporary unit could take almost a week.

In other items reported during the chief’s report, Chief Carmack said the department has been busy this year: “To date, we've had 80 EMS calls, 20 fire calls,” and the department logged 11 calls in one weekend recently. He said mutual aid is available but not a reliable substitute for on‑island capability.

Staffing and recruitment: the commission was told a volunteer hiring event is scheduled for Feb. 15 from noon to 3 p.m. at the department. Chief Carmack said the department has doubled in size over the past two years and continues active recruitment.

Apparatus and capital plan: the commission was briefed on two large apparatus orders already placed. An aerial ladder from KME was ordered in May 2024 with an expected delivery in fall 2025; Chief Carmack said the new ladder will offer greater reach to serve larger, newer homes. A new Braun ambulance ordered in October 2023 is expected to arrive in August or September 2025. The chief said the department has set aside funds through a capital replacement plan and has not asked taxpayers for additional money to cover these purchases. He said the department expects to sell the older aerial and estimated an asking price near $350,000.

Community partnerships and training: the commission heard that the fire department participates in a work‑based learning internship with Grosse Ile High School. Three students currently attend for approximately 90 minutes a day; Chief Carmack said two interns are 18 and that past interns have moved on to cadet positions at other departments.

Public comment: resident and small business owner Julian John of 8800 Middleton Court spoke in support of an applicant for fire chief, saying the applicant had provided CPR and first‑aid training to his staff and had supported the community during a series of alarm activations at his childcare business.

What’s next: the commission’s recommendation will go to the township board for final action. Police and fire staff said they expect to receive quotes from Rains, refine scope and then issue an RFP for the generator replacement and related electrical work.

Votes at a glance: the commission recorded voice votes carrying the following motions: accepting the meeting agenda; approving the January 2025 minutes; recommending the township board retain Rains for project engineering, design and construction management for the joint generator replacement project; and adjourning the meeting. Each motion passed on a voice vote with the chair declaring the motion carried.