Harrison Township trustees select Fishbeck as engineering firm, direct contract and transfer plan
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Summary
The Harrison Township Board directed the Supervisor and Township Attorney to develop a contract with Fishbeck, after interviews of six firms and discussion of project transfers from longtime engineer Wade Trim; the Board also waived irregularities in the RFQ process and asked staff to return with transfer plans.
The Charter Township of Harrison Board of Trustees on Oct. 27, 2025 voted to direct the Supervisor and Township Attorney to develop a contract with Fishbeck for township engineering services and to have staff work with both Fishbeck and Wade Trim on a plan to transfer existing projects.
Supervisor Kenneth Verkest said Wade Trim had served as the township engineering firm since 2006 and that the Board solicited proposals at its July 28, 2025 meeting. Six firms submitted responses and interviews were conducted with representation from the Public Services Director and the Building Official. After ranking qualifications and reviewing cost proposals, staff recommended Fishbeck.
Trustee Brian Batkins moved to table the item so bids could be distributed to the Board; that motion failed for lack of support. Trustee Dean Olgiati then moved and Trustee David Bratto seconded a directive for the Supervisor and Township Attorney to draft a contract with Fishbeck, require the three full-time officials to develop a cost-effective plan to transfer active projects from Wade Trim to Fishbeck, and return both firms to the Board for review and approval. The motion included waiving any irregularities in the RFQ process and the Board carried the motion.
The decision shifts the township's engineering relationship after nearly two decades with Wade Trim. The Board asked staff to prioritize cost-effective transfer of ongoing work and to bring a formal contract and transition plan back for review. No vote tally beyond "motion carried" was recorded in the minutes.