Council approves tree-planting contract, DPW equipment purchases and several water-related contract amendments

The Dearborn Heights City Council approved multiple public-works and equipment items during its May 26 meeting, including a tree-planting bid, purchases for water and sewer operations, and routine contract renewals.

Council awarded the city tree-planting contract to Crumboli Nursery as the lowest qualified bidder for a not-to-exceed amount of $22,000 and authorized necessary budget transfers and signatures. DPW Director Dansancy reported the award and the related budget amendment.

On capital equipment, the council approved purchasing a CAT backhoe (Cat 420) from McAllister Construction Equipment for a total not to exceed $154,771.33 plus a 5% contingency to be funded from the water fund balance and transferred to the capital outlay account. The DPW explained the purchase is to maintain the fleet and support water operations.

The council also approved purchase of three Stalker radar units for the police department at a cost of $8,421, to be paid from the traffic immobilization account.

DPW presented two contract items: a modification to the lead-service-line replacement program to add a verification line item after finding fewer lead lines than expected (no change to contract monetary value), and a periodic renewal and amendment of the Great Lakes Water Authority contract; council approved both items.

Council approved raising the DPW director department credit-card limit to $5,000 to ease delays for urgent parts and supplies.

Next steps: DPW will proceed with procurement actions and implement the approved purchases; finance will complete necessary transfers and warrants.