Committee approves DTE easement for utility upgrades at Glen Oaks Golf Course

The Economic Development & Infrastructure Committee recommended granting an overhead and underground electric easement to DTE Energy at Glen Oaks Golf Course to permit upgrades to electrical panels and service for maintenance facilities on the county‑owned property.

Paul (presenter) said county parks staff had identified aging electrical panels in maintenance sheds and other facilities at the Glen Oaks property and worked with DTE to design a service upgrade. Legal description issues delayed the easement process earlier this year, but DTE supplied the required easement documents and parks has selected a contractor to upgrade panels once the easement is granted. The committee approved the easement recommendation by recorded vote (seven yes, zero no).

Nut graf: The easement authorizes DTE to place new overhead and underground facilities and to access a narrow easement corridor; easement language includes standard provisions restricting tall plantings and structures in the immediate utility corridor, which staff said follows customary utility easement practice but may be stricter than typical backyard landscaping language.

Commissioners asked whether all work would be underground; staff said some lines will remain overhead where existing poles remain and underground conduit will be used where appropriate. A committee member asked about a clause barring “plant life” in the easement area; staff said that is standard utility language meant to prevent tall plantings that could interfere with equipment, not to prohibit incidental ground cover.

With the easement granted, parks staff can schedule the panel replacements with the selected contractor; DTE will then perform the distribution work described in the recorded easement.