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Pontiac Council approves $1.25M for LED streetlight conversion and a package of budget and contracting measures
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Summary
The council approved a $1.25 million MDOT budget amendment to convert city and DTE streetlights to LED (6–1) and passed multiple grants, contracts and procurement actions including grant rollovers, SEMCOG planning support, demolition contract for Galloway Lake Park, engineering services agreements, and senior snow‑removal contracts.
Pontiac’s City Council on Nov. 25 approved a suite of budget, grant and contracting actions intended to advance infrastructure, planning and city operations.
Key votes at a glance
- LED streetlight conversion: Council approved a $1,250,000 budget amendment tied to Michigan Department of Transportation contract no. 25‑5404 to convert remaining city‑ and DTE‑owned fixtures to LED. The motion passed 6–1; Councilman Rutherford cast the lone “no.” DPW Director Larry Searls told council that parts are ordered and the work is not weather‑dependent.
- Grant rollover into FY25/26: Council approved rolling unspent grant funds into the 25/26 fiscal year so active projects can be completed (7–0). Grants director Lisa Campbell said the rollover keeps projects moving and lets the city continue to expend awarded funds.
- SEMCOG planning assistance: Council accepted a $40,000 SEMCOG planning grant for the West Alley (resolution adopted).
- Recreation center bonds: Council authorized the clerk to publish notice of a proposed budget amendment related to recreation center bonds; the matter will return for final action in two weeks.
- Brownfield review (28 N. Saginaw): Council voted 7–0 to request county review and adopted an amendment requiring a community benefits agreement (separate article covers this discussion).
- Building inspections: Council approved using McKenna as a backup contractor for building and trade inspections and plan review to cover staffing gaps (resolution adopted).
- Galloway Lake Park demolition: Council awarded a demolition contract for the former David E. Walt Community Center to BlueStar for $278,600 under a SPARKS grant. Staff explained the original grant was larger (~$750,000) and that state grant rules may require returning unused funds; administration said it will pursue allowable uses for any remaining balance but must first obligate the demolition contract.
- Engineering and project services: Council approved multiple professional services agreements, including SOP development by DLZ Michigan (engineering SOPs), project management services by DLC Michigan, acting city engineer services with DLZ, and consultant/plan‑review services with Nowak & Fraus. Votes carried (majorities recorded per item; two acting‑engineer items recorded with single nay votes where noted).
- Senior chore snow removal: Contracts with First Choice Landscape and Lakeview Lawn Service were approved to provide seasonal snow removal for seniors; staff said the program has grown from about 43 households to more than 100 applicants and that contractors will submit before/after photos with invoices.
- Rental ordinance first reading: Council approved first reading of a new rental‑property ordinance that would require written leases, prorated rent where applicable, receipts for cash rent within three business days and upfront disclosure of routine fees; the ordinance will return for a second reading.
Votes and next steps: Most items passed unanimously; notable split votes included the LED budget amendment (6–1) and two engineering‑services related items (6–1). Several measures are procedural (publication of notice, first readings) and will return for final action on future agendas. Staff said they will supply more detailed timelines and inventories for the LED conversion and follow up with the parks department and grantors on remaining SPARKS grant uses.
