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Standish approves $15,000 replacement for damaged VFD at water plant; seeks surge protection funding
Summary
The city approved buying a replacement variable-frequency drive estimated at $15,000 after a suspected power surge damaged equipment at the Standish water-treatment plant; council will seek Tribal 2% grant funding for a broader surge‑protection system.
Standish City Council voted Feb. 10 to buy a replacement variable-frequency drive (VFD) after a power surge damaged one of the plant's units, and discussed applying for Tribal 2% grant funds to install surge protection for the facility.
Council heard that one of five VFDs at the water‑treatment plant was damaged by what staff described as a power surge. Replacing a single VFD was estimated at about $15,000. Meeting materials and council remarks noted that Consumers reported no widespread issues in the area, which staff said points to a local surge as the likely cause; insurance previously refused coverage on a similar incident two years ago without a pinpointed cause.
Councilmember Link moved, and Councilmember Fleszar supported, purchasing a replacement VFD for $15,000. The motion passed on a roll call vote with Yeas: Spencer, Link, Fleszar, Lincoln, Niernberg, King; Nays: none.
Staff recommended the city apply for a Tribal 2% grant to help fund a surge‑protection system; application deadline is mid‑March, with awards announced in mid‑May. Staff estimated installing surge protection could cost approximately $30,000. Council approved the immediate purchase of the VFD and instructed staff to pursue grant funding for surge protection.
