Redford Union approves DTE easement for electric-bus chargers; names Christman construction manager

The Redford Union Schools Board of Education voted to approve an easement with DTE Electric Company that will allow the utility to install transformers and charging infrastructure at the transportation building to support five electric school buses the district was awarded.

Superintendent Jason Witt told the board the district received an award for five electric buses and that the grant covers the charging stations but the district must grant DTE an easement to install and maintain transformers and related equipment. "The district was awarded 5 EV buses, and those buses are on their way," Witt said, noting the charging-station costs are covered by the award but the utility needs legal access to operate and service transformers.

Facilities Director Miles Thomasitis described the planned placement: "These charging stations are being placed on the east side of the parking lot, on the south side of the parking lot just west of the building," and said work will include wiring and installation pads adjacent to the parking lot. He said permitting is underway and that construction could start about three weeks after the easement is executed. Thomasitis said the district expects bus delivery in December or early January and driver training in January, with buses in service at the start of the next semester.

On the consent and action side, trustees also approved Christman Company as the construction manager for the 2025 capital bond project. The Christman motion was moved and seconded and carried on a roll-call vote.

Votes at a glance

- Easement with DTE Electric Company (transportation building, 15111 Garfield Ave.): Motion moved by Mr. Osowski, seconded by Mrs. Martin. Roll call recorded; motion carries. The easement grants DTE access to install and maintain transformers and charging infrastructure to support five electric buses awarded to the district. Construction start estimated ~3 weeks after easement execution; buses expected Dec'Jan with operator training in January.

- 2025 capital bond project — construction-manager services (Christman Company): Motion moved by Mr. Rosowski, seconded by Mrs. Dean. Roll call recorded; motion carries.

Why it matters

The easement enables the physical power infrastructure necessary for the district to place and operate electric buses it has been awarded. Administrators said the charging equipment and most installation costs are covered by the award; the easement is necessary to provide DTE legal access to transformers and routine maintenance. Selecting a construction manager advances planning and delivery for the district's capital bond projects.

Board and staff said they do not expect the easement to require the district to pay DTE; Thomasitis said access will be coordinated and DTE will be given combo-lock access to the gate for service. A board member asked whether additional transformers would draw from neighborhood service; staff replied the new transformers are standalone to avoid overloading local circuits.

Implementation notes

Administration said permitting is progressing and that work will "return the landscaping probably to better shape than it is right now" after installation. Staff estimated construction would begin about three weeks after the executed easement is returned and that bus deliveries were targeted for December'January with driver training to follow.

Provenance (selected transcript excerpts)

- Topic intro: Thomasitis presentation on transformer and charger location (tc 00:06:35). - Topic finish: Roll call and recorded vote approving the easement (tc 01:30:14).