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Board OKs Perry Lake dam recertification inspection after resident raises operational concerns
Summary
The Oscoda County Board authorized a Perry Lake dam re-certification inspection, approving a $1,500 quote with a $1,650 backup and empowered the county drain commissioner to act on the county’s behalf after a Perry Lake Association leader asked for a meeting about dam operation and timeliness of inspection.
The Oscoda County Board of Commissioners authorized a Perry Lake dam re-certification inspection on Sept. 23, approving a motion to accept a $1,500 quote from James T. Pawloski, PE, LLC with Wade Trim’s $1,650 quote as a backup if needed. The board also authorized Oscoda County Drain Commissioner Steve Defour to act on the county’s behalf and amended the related budget line.
The decision, made by a unanimous vote on motion 2025-273, follows public comment from Douglas McDermaid, president of the Perry Lake Association, who raised concerns about the timeliness and overall operation of the dam and requested a meeting with a commissioner and the drain commissioner to discuss those issues. The board’s motion includes a Dec. 31, 2025 deadline for the inspection firm to meet certification requirements, with Wade Trim approved as the second option if the primary firm cannot meet the deadline.
Why it matters: Dam recertification and inspections affect public safety and local infrastructure oversight. Authorizing a timely inspection begins a technical review that can identify maintenance or operational needs and guide any required county or contractor actions.
What the board did: The motion (2025-273) earmarked payment from the county’s Gov Admin Drain Commission budget line 101-115-806.00 and explicitly authorized Mr. Defour to represent Oscoda County during the inspection contracting and scheduling process. No construction or repair contract was approved; the action approves only the inspection and related administrative authority.
Next steps: County staff and the drain commissioner are expected to coordinate scheduling with the selected engineering firm and meet with Mr. McDermaid per his request. The board did not set a public hearing or require immediate repair work as part of the action; any subsequent recommendations from the inspection will return to the board for consideration.
Provenance: The board’s authorization and price terms are recorded in the motion text (SEG 075). Public comments from Douglas McDermaid raising dam concerns are recorded during the public-comment period (SEG 099).
