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White Cloud Council hires Wade Trim for $55,000 Phase One scoping study of White Cloud Dam
Summary
The White Cloud City Council voted to hire engineering firm Wade Trim to perform a Phase One scoping study for the White Cloud Dam, including alternatives analysis and funding options, at a contract cost of $55,000. Two members abstained from the roll-call vote.
The White Cloud City Council voted on Sept. 2, 2025, to hire Wade Trim to perform a Phase One scoping study for the White Cloud Dam, approving a contract in the amount of $55,000.
Councilmember Candice Dault moved to retain Wade Trim; Damon Anuci seconded the motion. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with five ayes (Dault, Anuci, Murchison, Becker, Barnhard) and two abstentions (Shears, Mayor Brian J. Miller). Mayor Miller requested the motion after a firm representative presented the scope.
James Ensign of Wade Trim presented the proposed Phase One scope, which the minutes summarize as including a comprehensive schedule tied to EGLE submittal dates, an alternatives analysis described in the presentation as “dam rehabilitation / dam deregulation / dam removal,” identification of outside funding opportunities, and probable cost estimates. Ensign’s presentation also noted that removing or replacing a nearby bridge would apply to each alternative and estimated construction costs for bridge work at about $2 million.
According to the minutes, the alternatives analysis will examine options ranging from rehabilitation to active removal with riverbank and floodplain restoration. The contract approved by the council covers scoping tasks only; the council did not adopt any decision about which alternative to pursue or commit project construction funds.
Public comment was recorded as received from Pam Miller, Steve Smith and Herman Sutherland; the minutes do not include details of their remarks.
Next steps in the minutes indicate Wade Trim will proceed with Phase One tasks described in the firm’s proposal. The minutes do not specify a completion date for the scoping study, the source of funds that will pay the $55,000, or a timeline for subsequent council action on any recommended alternative.
