Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Brighton to Buy Six Wastewater Motors with EGLE Nexus Grant; City Council Approves Purchase
Summary
Council approved purchase and installation of six electric motors for the wastewater plant’s oxidation ditch; the project is funded by an EGLE Nexus Program grant that staff said will fully reimburse costs under $44,000.
The Brighton City Council on Oct. 14 approved the purchase of six electric motors for the wastewater treatment plant’s oxidation ditches after staff told council the project was chosen for a Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Nexus Program grant.
Why it matters: The six 60-horsepower motors run 24/7 on aging equipment and are a high-energy portion of plant operations. Staff said new motors typically run 5%–10% more efficiently, and that replacing older motors before failure is preventive maintenance that can yield energy savings.
What the council approved: Deputy DPS Director (wastewater) Martin Brooks reported that staff solicited pricing from four vendors and selected Marshall Campbell Company as the low bidder. The agenda packet listed motor purchase and vendor costs not to exceed $22,023.12, with Seer Electric providing installation and reconnection support. Brooks told council the project will be submitted for reimbursement under the EGLE Nexus grant and that projects under about $44,000 are 100% reimbursable under the award rules discussed with EGLE.
Staff and council comments: “We were chosen,” Brooks said of the EGLE award. He noted the motors are expected to be delivered and installed well before the grant’s Nov. 30 completion requirement. Councilmembers asked about reuse or retention of the old motors; Brooks said staff intends to retain one or two as spares. No amendments were made to the procurement request during the meeting.
Vote and procedural details: Councilmember Pettengill moved to approve the motor purchase and Councilmember Schmank seconded. The motion passed on a voice roll call with all members present voting yes; Councilmember Gibson was excused. Mayor Toby instructed staff to proceed with ordering the motors.
Background and next steps: Brooks said the city applied for the Nexus funding earlier in the year and participated in a kickoff meeting with EGLE in September. If installation proceeds as planned, the city will recoup the cost through the grant reimbursement process and install the motors before the grant deadline.
