Council confirms special assessment for Coventry Woods backyard drainage after bids come in below estimate

Southfield — The City Council confirmed a special assessment on Oct. 27 for a small group of Coventry Woods property owners who petitioned for permanent backyard drainage improvements.

Engineering staff told council that the advertised project received a low bid of $112,183 from Macomb Pipeline & Utilities. The city will pass the construction cost directly to the eight impacted property owners; staff presented two payment options: a lump‑sum payment of $14,022.88 per property or a 10‑year payment plan at 6 percent interest that would be approximately $1,905.26 per year.

Resident comments: At the public hearing, resident Denari Pinata asked council to reduce the homeowners’ percentage share and requested either a lower percentage assessment or a reduction in or elimination of the interest on the financed option. Engineering and finance staff said they had reviewed cost‑sharing and determined the special‑assessment (SAD) approach was the appropriate statutory mechanism; staff also noted the finalized bids came in lower than earlier estimates.

Council action: After public comment and staff presentation, the council adopted the final assessment and authorized staff to proceed with construction and contract award to the low bidder. Councilman Hicks cast the lone recorded negative vote on the confirmation motion.

What’s next: The engineering department will prepare the construction contract for the low bidder and proceed with scheduling construction. Homeowners will receive notice of their assessed share and the payment options.

Speakers and sources: Public hearing testimony and staff presentations given at the Oct. 27 council meeting.