More Money Available to Land New DWSD Director

More than 9 months after starting the search process for a new DWSD Director, the Detroit City Council today approved Mayor Bing's request to increase the salary range for a new Director to a maximum of $250,000 from the previous $156,000. 

It appears that the City is looking at national candidates rather than promoting someone like Deputy Director Darryl Latimer for the Director position. If you believe that $250,000 is too much to pay a new Director, please check out the job description (here).  DWSD is one of the largest water utilities in the United States. The Director plays a huge role in the successful operation of the Department. 

Update:  The Detroit Free Press reports (here) that  the amount approved was $256,000.   

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New Detroit Water Board Takes Shape

The New City of Detroit Board of Water Commissioners is taking shape. Following the February 11, 2011 Agreement between Mayor Bing and Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties, the suburban appointees to the Water Board have now been announced:

• Oakland County - J. Bryan Williams, Esq
• Wayne County - James Fausone, Esq
• Macomb County - Fred Barnes, P.E.

Mr. Williams was selected by Oakland County on March 15, 2011. He is an attorney who practices in Bloomfield Hills with Dickinson Wright.  Among his clients, Mr. Williams represents the Oakland County Water Resources Commission. Mr. Williams replaces Marilynn Gosling, who served on the Water Board since 2003.

Mr. Fausone was selected by Wayne County on March 16, 2011. He is an attorney who practices in Northville with Fausone Bohn, LLP.  Mr. Fausone is an experienced environmental attorney. Mr. Fausone replaces Hilliard Hampton. 

Mr. Barnes was selected by Macomb County on March 17th.  He is a former public works chief engineer and West Point graduate. He worked for the Macomb County public works office from 1976 until his retirement in 2000. He has 40 years experience in the field of engineering. Mr. Barnes replaces William Westrick.

Comment: Under the terms of the Mayor's February 11, 2011 Agreement, two of the existing Board Members will be reappointed to maintain continuity.  In my view, Mayor Bing should retain Mary Blackmon and Carla Walker-Miller, both of whom have significant experience serving on the Board, and have a deep understanding of the challenges facing DWSD.

Of the two remaining positions, I would strongly encourage Mayor Bing to appoint John McGrail, P.E., who served DWSD as Head Engineer, Wastewater Construction, for more than 30 years. Mr. McGrail, a long-time resident of Detroit, has considerable experience and understanding of the engineering, procurement, and personnel issues facing DWSD, particularly at the main wastewater treatment plant.

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WW-536, Lakeshore Submits Low Bid on DWSD Water Works Park Project

Earlier this afternoon, Lakeshore Engineering was read low bidder on the project known as “Water Works Park Yard Piping Replacement," DWSD Contract No. WW-536.  There were 11 bids received. The lowest bids are as follows:
  
1. Lakeshore Engineering - - - - - - - $ 31,837,949

2. Walsh Construction - - - - - - - - - $ 31,925,000
3. Ric-Man - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $ 33,580,000
4. Tooles Construction - - - - - - - - - $ 36,228,000
5. Lawrence Clark  - - - - - - - - - - - $ 39,595,000
6. Weiss Construction - - - - - - - - - $ 40,357,000
7. L. D'Agostini & Sons  - - - - - - - -  $ 42,281,961
8. Detroit Contracting (DCI)  - - - - - $42,995,700
9. Walbridge - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $ 44,750,000
10. Colasanti Construction  - - - - - - $ 45,294,000
11. DeMaria Building Co.  - - - - - - - $ 49,108,830

Update (7/26): Dodge Reports indicates as of this morning that Contract WW-536 is on indefinite hold, pending future funding. Other sources have reported that the project has been canceled outright by DWSD.