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Council approves flexible bollards at Wixom Road and Pioneer Trail despite maintenance concerns
Summary
After debate over material durability, snow/maintenance impacts and whether the proposed devices would protect trail users, the council approved installation of flexible bollards at the Wixom Road/Pioneer Trail intersection for up to $13,600 using safety path construction funds; some council members and a resident said the product may be insufficient.
Wixom City Council voted to approve installation of flexible bollards at the northwest corner of Wixom Road and Pioneer Trail along the Michigan Airline Trail for up to $13,600 from the city's safety path construction account, concluding a debate over whether the plastic, flexible bollards chosen would adequately protect trail users.
Assistant City Manager Benson presented the recommendation on behalf of the Wixom Downtown Development Authority. The request called for the city to pay a not-to-exceed amount of $13,600 from safety-path construction funds to install flexible delineators at the mid northwest corner of the intersection to better protect trail users from vehicles that cross onto the Airline Trail.
Multiple council members expressed reservations about the bollards' material and longevity. Council member Berman said plastic bollards likely would not prevent injuries and noted snow piles and spring damage could quickly render them ineffective. "I just don't see how a piece of plastic is going to create pedestrian safety," Berman said. Council member Gwin Fox and Council member Simmons echoed concerns that the bollards could become maintenance burdens and not achieve the desired protection.
Deputy Mayor Gota and other members cited previous crash history and argued for action to protect trail users. Tom Resnik, who earlier circulated crash photos, returned during the second public comment period to thank the council for sending earlier items back for further review and to reiterate his concern that nearby development will increase crossings.
After motions to table or deny were discussed and procedural options debated, council voted to approve the installation; the motion passed unanimously among voting members present. Staff and council members said the city will revisit longer-term, more durable options as part of future budgeting and coordination with the Oakland County Road Commission.
Financial details: the installation was authorized for an amount not to exceed $13,600 from safety path construction account number 223-55-971-390, as recommended by the Wixom Downtown Development Authority. No multi-year maintenance fund was established at this vote; staff said routine maintenance would fall to DPW with DDA contributions where applicable.
Next steps: staff will schedule installation per standard procurement procedures and continue conversations about more durable, lower-maintenance alternatives for future capital planning.
