The Grosse Ile Toll Bridge Commission on Nov. 24 voted to recommend that the township board accept a proposal from Wallman Company to provide staffing services for the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge, with an objective implementation date of Jan. 1.

Derek, who presented the procurement process, told commissioners the township solicited proposals in April, interviewed three finalists and found Wallman offered the best combination of pay and benefits for current bridge employees. "They are planning on hiring all the existing employees that are currently at the bridge at the most comparable pay and benefits as to what those employees are receiving right now," Derek said.

The commission’s recommendation includes a condition that the office-coordinator position remain an employee of the township rather than be moved to the staffing firm. Reading the motion, a commissioner said the commission “hereby recommends to the township board the acceptance of a proposal from the Wallman Company to provide staffing services for the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge,” and added that the commission recommends the office-coordinator remain employed by the township.

Commissioners said financial impact has already been budgeted and that final contract details — including overtime and overhead terms — will be negotiated by staff and returned for the township board’s consideration on Dec. 8. The chair said the objective is to implement the staffing arrangement on Jan. 1 if possible.

The motion was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote. The commission directed staff to finalize outstanding items and to involve the commission in reviewing the final written agreement before it goes to the board.

Next steps: staff will complete negotiations with Wallman Company, return to the township board on Dec. 8 for formal approval, and seek to start the staffing transition on Jan. 1.