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Trenton council approves Turf Concepts extension, MDOT bridge application, mower purchases and 911 dispatch agreement
Summary
The council unanimously approved a package of routine public-works and public-safety contracts and authorizations: a one-year $74,131.38 extension with Turf Concepts for park maintenance; $15,000 to prepare an MDOT local bridge grant application; purchase of three mowers for $29,757; a five-year Downriver Mutual Aid DMA 911 dispatch agreement at $220,000 per year; and a police storage fencing contract for $8,580.
At its March 2 meeting the Trenton City Council approved a series of routine contracts and authorizations covering parks, bridges, equipment and dispatch.
DPS director Kevin Sargent told the council that city crews handle roughly 70% of city-owned park mowing while Turf Concepts has maintained the remaining 30% since 2020. He asked the council to extend Turf Concepts' contract for one year in the amount of $74,131.38; the motion was moved, supported and Mayor Rezappa said it was unanimously approved. Council members asked whether the 30% share is expected to change if the city hires additional staff; Sargent said staffing shortages and seasonal college hires (about six students) limit full in-house coverage and that any additional Turf work would be an upcharge under contract.
Sargent also requested authorization to hire Fishback bridge engineers to prepare an application to MDOT's local bridge funding program for fiscal year 2029, at a cost of $15,000 charged to the major streets fund. He said the city owns two aging bridges (Harrison Avenue and Marion Drive over the Frank and Poe Drain) built in 1959 and 1964 that are weight restricted. Council members noted the restrictions and discussed that an award would fund full replacements to restore normal weight capacity. The motion to authorize Fishback to prepare the application was approved unanimously.
On equipment, Sargent requested authorization to purchase three 60-inch Exmark zero-turn mowers from Kurz Equipment for $29,757 and to auction the replaced mowers at a future public sale. He told council members the mowers being replaced had about 1,700 hours of use and were breaking down frequently; the motion to buy the new mowers was moved, supported and approved unanimously.
Chief Hawkins presented several police-related items that the council also approved. The council authorized a new interlocal agreement with Downriver Mutual Aid (DMA 911) to consolidate emergency police and fire dispatch services; Hawkins said the contract was reviewed by the city attorney and estimated the cost-sharing schedule at about $220,000 per year for five years. The council also approved a contract with Owens Fence Inc. for $8,580 to build a secure chain-link fenced area inside the police storage garage to secure vehicle evidence.
All motions recorded in the transcript were moved, supported and described by the mayor as "unanimously so ordered." The council also approved the authorized disbursements for the period (03/02/2026) totaling $6,184,503.83 and received minutes from several boards and commissions.
Next steps: The Fishback application would be submitted for FY2029 MDOT local bridge funding and equipment orders will proceed according to departmental procurement and budget schedules. Council did not record any dissenting votes on these items.
