Mount Clemens approves MDOT-backed resurfacing of Dickinson Street with $256,000 city share

The Mount Clemens City Commission on July 20 approved a Michigan Department of Transportation service transportation program contract to resurface Dickinson Street between Northbound Gratiot and Avery.

Public Services Director Jeffrey D. Wood told commissioners the project carries an approximately $1,200,000 grant portion and an estimated total cost of about $1,400,000, leaving the city responsible for roughly $256,000, which Wood said would be drawn from the city's major street fund. "The city's balance, which would be funded by the city's major street fund, is about $256,000," Wood said.

City Manager Donald D. Johnson and Director Wood also advised the commission that the contract requires a certified resolution be attached. Commissioners amended the motion on the floor to explicitly authorize the city manager and public services director to execute the contract and to attach a certified resolution approving the contract.

A motion to approve the MDOT contract and authorize execution was made, seconded and approved by roll call. The approved motion authorizes City Manager Donald D. Johnson and Public Services Director Jeffrey D. Wood to sign the contract and directs that a certified copy of the resolution be attached as required by contract terms.

Commissioners asked for clarification on why Dickinson was selected over other streets such as Grand Street; Wood said eligibility rules limit which streets qualify for federal or MDOT funding and some major local streets are nonetheless considered local streets and therefore ineligible for this funding stream. "There are only certain streets that are eligible for federal funding," Wood said, adding he has pursued other funding avenues for local streets but none were available.

The contract number read into the record was 20-5270. The commission's approval authorizes staff to proceed with execution and with the administrative steps necessary to submit the certified resolution to MDOT.

Next steps: staff will finalize the certified resolution, attach it to the contract package and execute the agreement so work can proceed under MDOT's program timetable.