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Grosse Ile commission backs new wastewater macerator after warranty and downtime concerns
Summary
The Grosse Ile Public Services Commission recommended buying a new wastewater macerator for $74,221.43 after staff said rebuilding the existing unit offered no core credit, had similar warranty limits (about one year) and would leave the plant without a macerator during a 10–12 week rebuild window.
The Grosse Ile Public Services Commission on Nov. 11 recommended that the township board approve the purchase of a new macerator (wastewater grinder) for the wastewater treatment plant at a base price of $74,221.43.
Derek, township manager and director of public services, said the commission had previously seen a repair estimate of about $59,174 to rebuild the existing unit but that a new unit would cost roughly $15,000 more and include a modern hydraulic motor and reducer. “For $15,000 we essentially get a complete new unit and retain the old unit as a spare,” Derek said during the meeting. He told commissioners staff would clarify installation labor and warranty language before final board action.
Ryan, wastewater plant staff, answered questions about warranty and lead time. Staff read the vendor’s warranty as roughly one year after commissioning (or up to 18 months after delivery) and said the manufacturer would not offer credit for the old unit. Ryan also said a rebuild would require the plant to be without the macerator while technicians dismantled and reassembled components, which some commissioners viewed as an operational risk.
Commission discussion focused on the uncertainty of motor replacement cost for the existing machine, labor inclusion in the purchase price, and the operational benefit of having the old unit available as a spare if a new unit were purchased. Commissioners also noted a guideline that if a repair costs more than half of replacement value, replacement is preferred.
A motion to recommend the purchase of the new unit was made, supported and approved by voice vote; the recommendation will go to the township board for final authorization. Staff said they will confirm installation assistance and warranty terms in writing before the board award.
Next steps: the commission will forward the recommendation to the township board and ask the vendor to clarify warranty duration and any installation assistance that is included.
