Township board approves multiple administrative items; asks Coast Guard to modify bridge-opening schedule during spring repairs

GROSSE ILE, Mich. — At its Jan. 27 business meeting the Grosse Ile Township Board of Trustees approved routine and administrative items including the consent agenda, reappointments to the board of review, consultant solicitations and a formal request to the U.S. Coast Guard related to toll-bridge openings during spring repairs.

Consent agenda: The board approved agenda number 24-078, which included minutes for the Jan. 13, 2025 regular meeting and two Jan. 9, 2025 meetings (one special meeting and one closed session); check registers through Jan. 24, 2025; the 2025 Board of Review income and asset threshold guidelines; and the 2025 March Board of Review mail-in appeals for Grosse Ile 2024.

Board of Review reappointments: Trustees reappointed Susie Armerack, Amy Longton and Duncan Murdoch to the Board of Review for two-year terms from January 2025 through January 2027. A trustee requested that future reappointment packets include brief bios or qualifications for appointees; staff agreed to provide that information going forward.

Cellular consultant RFQ: The board authorized distribution of a request for proposals to find consulting services for the township’s cell-tower lease assets. The solicitation aims to help the township review existing leases and maximize returns from those assets.

Bridge operations RFPs and staffing: Trustees authorized distribution of two request-for-proposal documents for operation and maintenance of the Grosse Ile toll bridge and for bridge staffing. A friendly amendment — to make issuance contingent on review and approval by the township’s legal counsel — was proposed from the board and adopted as part of the motion.

Coast Guard resolution: The board passed a resolution requesting that the U.S. Coast Guard modify the opening/closing schedule of the Grosse Ile toll bridge during spring 2025 repair work on the Wayne County public bridge. The resolution asks for an exemption from the regular rule that gives priority to vessel openings during peak vehicle traffic periods. The board took a roll-call vote on the resolution: Supervisor Margaret (Aye); Mark (Aye); Kevin (Aye); Joe (Aye); Jamieson (Aye); Vicky (Aye). The resolution passed unanimously.

Other reports and notices: Treasurer Kevin reported that about 59% of the winter tax roll had been collected; winter taxes are due Feb. 14 and deferments remain available. Township Manager Derek briefed the board on recent water main breaks affecting the island and on bond bid timing connected to the planned bridge purchase; he also noted the passing of former DPS Director Lorenda Benito. Recreation, police and fire liaisons gave committee updates and praised recent interdepartmental emergency responses.

Why it matters: The RFQs and RFPs signal forthcoming procurement for two revenue- and operations-related functions (cell-tower leases and bridge staffing). The Coast Guard resolution seeks temporary operational relief that could reduce vehicle delays during a projected eight-week bridge repair window this spring.

What’s next: Staff will publish the solicitations, schedule required permit reviews for reappointments, and follow up on Coast Guard correspondence. A public meeting on bridge closures and delivery logistics is scheduled for Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. in township hall.