VBT DDA approves more engineer services for Placemaking Project

The Van Buren Township Downtown Development Authority approved up to $18,500, plus a contingency of 10% for an unexpected expense for the Placemaking Project on Belleville Road.
At its regular meeting on Oct. 23, DDA Executive Director Susan Ireland apologized for the last-minute addition to the agenda.
She said the township’s building and planning department has informed her that it is necessary to acquire the services of a subcontractor to Wakely Associates to provide materials-testing service for the Belleville Road Placemaking Project.
“I understand that this is a standard requirement to ensure there are no site failures,” she said.
“I have received a proposal from SME who is the Geotechnical Engineer of record for our project. They are familiar with the sub-subsurface soil conditions and the recommendations for site preparation and earthwork, foundations, fill and drainage. Additionally, they will provide continuity and their familiarity with the project will reduce the risks associated with bringing a different firm on board,” she said.
Ireland said the proposed cost is based on time and materials and reflects their estimate of the project schedule and construction sequencing.
She said normally the contractor could do it, but doing it this way “saves a few bucks.” She said SME did the original soil borings on the project.
Ireland said she just got the information that day and, “We really don’t have a choice.”
Ireland also reported that a final meeting was held to review all the interior and exterior materials and colors for the project. She said the township has issued the building and mechanical permits in order for the contractor to begin on the footings and the soil erosion permit has been issued by Wayne County.
They are still working through the easements with Westlake Apartments and the easements are now with their legal department. She said once they receive these from Westlake they can get the permit from Wayne County to begin the underground work. The easements include water connection, cross access, and storm water.
“It’s kind of wet out there,” Ireland said. “I had my muck boots on today.”
In other business at the Oct. 23 meeting, the DDA:
• Approved purchase of $24,000 worth of 190 Custom Sunbrella Banners for the Belleville Road Streetscape from Old Glory. They include 76 with the Van Buren logo, 38 Winter Snowflake, 38 Spring Flowers, and 38 Summer Stars & Strips with “welcome” on the seasonal banners. DDA Assistant Director Lisa Lothringer said Old Glory has been a wonderful vendor for the DDA, taking care of seasonal installation, storage of off-season banners, and performing repair work when necessary. She said she anticipates $13,500 will be expensed in the 2018 budget and the remaining $10,500 will be expensed in 2019. She said the last round of banners was purchased in 2015 and the vinyl banners purchased then have realized their estimated lifespan and need to be phased out. Some are cracking and flaking, she said. She said the umbrella fabric lasts better than the vinyl. The banners are 76″x28″;
• Heard Ireland report that cement is being poured on the pedestrian path over I-94 and they still estimate the bridge will be open to the public in November. DTE hasn’t been out there lately, and if they don’t get out there soon, the path lighting won’t be put in until spring, she said, adding, it will be walkable this year;
• Heard Ireland report that DTE finally has the Belleville Road LED street lighting working properly. She said it appears as if the strobing has been fixed and the lights on the west side of Belleville Road between Tyler and Walgreens are now working properly;
• Heard Ireland thank DDA member Joyce Rochowiak for the decorating of the large monument area which is just outside the City of Belleville on the Belleville and Quirk Road triangle. She said they have received a number of positives comments on they appreciate her work. Rochowiak said she did it herself this year; and
• Heard Lothringer report on email outreach, social media, publicity, website design, Melissa Kalnasy’s intern project, and attendance at meetings. She said posts have been made to Facebook on the bridge construction drone videos, one shot in September and two in October.