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Council approves amendment transferring police‑department generator to city; member questions liability language
Summary
St. Clair Shores council voted 7–0 to approve a first amendment to a generator shared‑use agreement that transfers ownership of an existing generator from the cell‑tower company to the city and obligates the city to replace and operate the unit; a council member asked for clarification on liability language before approval.
The St. Clair Shores City Council voted unanimously to approve a first amendment to a generator shared‑use agreement that transfers ownership of a police‑department generator to the city, and requires the city to replace the current unit.
Under the amendment, Southco Partnership (doing business as Verizon) transfers the current generator to the city for $1 and will retain a right to draw up to 50 kilowatts from the replacement generator to power its cell‑tower equipment at the site. City staff said the household‑scale utility cost for the generator had been roughly $31 per month when Verizon paid for operation; that ongoing operating cost will now fall to the city.
Council member Rebello moved approval and Council member Frederick seconded; the motion passed 7–0. Before the vote, Council member Karen questioned the agreement’s liability clause, asking whether the existing liability protections for the previous owner remained appropriate now that the city will own the generator. Karen asked for the point to be clarified before final sign‑off, and staff said they had not been able to negotiate a reversal of the clause prior to the meeting.
Staff said the city expects to repurpose the existing unit at the 10‑Mile water storage facility; they reported it is not suitable for some pump stations and that Fishbeck is designing any necessary generator upgrades for other sites. The amendment packet included a bill of sale and a new agreement describing hookup responsibilities and kilowatt allocations for Verizon’s equipment.
Why it matters The agreement changes who bears capital and operating responsibility for a backup power asset at the police facility and clarifies how the cell‑tower tenant may draw power during outages. Council members asked staff to resolve the outstanding liability language question in coordination with the city attorney prior to final execution of the agreement.
Outcome and next steps Council approved the amendment 7–0. Staff said they will follow up on Karen’s liability concern with Verizon and the city attorney before completing contract execution, and will proceed with plans to relocate the existing generator to the 10‑Mile water storage station.
