Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wixom council approves $467,000 DPW road repairs as members press for review of composting operator fees
Summary
The council approved a $467,000 change order for DPW parking-lot and road repairs and heard sustained concern that heavy tandem haulers tied to a nearby composting operator (referred to in the record as "Spurt") are accelerating road wear; members asked staff to monitor impacts and revisit the facility contract and fee structure.
Wixom — The city council voted to award change order No. 3 for the 2025 local road program, authorizing $467,000 for parking-lot and road repairs by TNM Asphalt Paving and an additional $40,000 for construction engineering to HRC, funded from specified facilities and wastewater capital accounts.
Council discussion focused on heavy-hauler traffic linked to a composting operation the record refers to as "Spurt." Council members said the operation’s shift to larger double haulers has increased resident complaints about speed, odor and road damage. Staff told the council the facility pays roughly $0.50 per cubic yard on inbound and outbound loads and estimated current annual net revenue or savings to the city at roughly $28,000, while citing broader annual benefits and savings they estimated at about $120,000.
"This project needs to be approved. Clearly, I'm fine approving this," said Council member Berman, who nevertheless urged a closer look at the operating contract and fees so the city is not left paying disproportionate repair costs.
Staff and council also discussed a nearby culvert under Charms Road (a Norton Creek tributary) that is expected to need replacement in about three to five years; staff said those culvert repairs would be handled under Oakland County stormwater assessments, which could alter timing for repaving work so as to avoid redundant repairs.
Council members asked staff to increase targeted patrols where possible, to monitor pavement degradation on DPW Drive and Howell Drive, and to bring back a memo on whether the composting operator’s contract should be renegotiated or adjusted to better account for long-term infrastructure costs.
The motion to approve the change order carried on voice vote after the presentation and discussion. Staff identified the scope as repaving Howell Drive, repairs at the wastewater treatment plant ring road and DPW parking areas, plus limited concrete work and related engineering.
