By: Dean Vaglia | Macomb Chronicle | Published January 6, 2025
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Before its last meeting of 2024 got into stride, the Macomb Township Board of Trustees gave time to honor outgoing part-time firefighter Michael Wiedbusch at its meeting on Dec. 18, 2024.
Wiedbusch served the department for 26 years and officially retired on Dec. 26.
“Firefighter Wiedbusch started on Nov. 2, 1998, as a paid-on-call firefighter,” Macomb Township Fire Chief Robert Phillips said. “In July of this year, he transitioned to a new part-time firefighter position … He served the township and the Fire Department for the past 26 years, missing countless hours of family holidays and responding to thousands upon thousands of calls throughout his time, helping residents in their time of need.”
Phillips presented Wiedbusch with his helmet as a token of appreciation for his service.
Phillips later returned to the podium to discuss the nearly $12,700 emergency repairs being performed on fire engine No. 1. The work includes the engine’s radiator and hydraulic pump.
Water project
Trustees awarded Paymar Enterprises, Inc. a $4.2 million contract for work on the MA-01 water main, which connects the township to the Great Lakes Water Authority. Work on the main includes bringing the meter for the main above ground.
Paymar’s $4.2 million proposal was higher than the nearly $4 million proposal by L. D’Agostini and Sons, Inc. Kevin Johnson, director of the department of public works, explained the decision to go with the more expensive bidder due to time constraints on the project.
“One of the biggest components of this project is the timeline,” Johnson said. “(The date of) Feb. 1, 2025, is a key date because we need to make sure this connection (is restored by this date) to make sure we have adequate pressure to the township residents for springtime when we start irrigating in early April. We really can’t deviate from this time because it could potentially negatively affect residents, mainly residents north of 24 Mile Road.”
Johnson says Paymar beat out L. D’Agostini and Sons due to its team’s experience on similar projects, successful and timely recent work being completed in Shelby Township, experience with GLWA, a comprehensive plan and schedule for the project, and a good working history with the township.
Basement buildout
Trustees also awarded contracts for the second phase of its buildout of the Township Hall’s basement to Orlins Construction and Office Express for about $200,300 and $50,000, respectively.
Orlins is constructing the basement offices while Office Express is supplying furniture.