Council discusses Brighton Area Fire Authority articles, Station 31 transfer and option to appoint alternate board member

Council discussed the Brighton Area Fire Authority (BAFA) articles of incorporation and an option for the city to name an alternate board member after the authority’s updated governance documents were approved by the member jurisdictions.

During public comment earlier in the meeting, resident Susan Walters raised concerns about the articles of incorporation, statements made at BAFA meetings, and the transfer or disposition of Station 31 assets; she said Brighton Township and Genoa Township had indicated they would not transfer ownership of the Heiney Road station. Walters also told council she had heard about an $8 million to $10 million investment planned for a city station and warned that unresolved facts could surface too late for council review.

City Manager Gamolka reported the city already approved the new articles at its Nov. 26 meeting and that the other member entities approved them as well; fully executed copies are on file. He said attorneys had reviewed the incorporation language and that, under the provisions considered, upon dissolution fire stations would revert to the community in which they sit. Gamolka noted the transfer document for Station 31 remains under legal review and that staff will ensure the document aligns with the new articles before any transfer is finalized.

The updated articles also allow each member (Genoa Township, Brighton Township and the City of Brighton) to appoint an alternate BAFA board member. Council discussed the option and asked staff to return with information on duties, meeting schedules and expectations before making any appointment; Manager Gamolka said staff would provide that information and that council could consider the appointment at a future meeting.

No council action was taken on transfers or an alternate appointment at this meeting.