City of Three Rivers’ selection of a Kalamazoo contractor draws criticism from Three Rivers firm

The City of Three Rivers awarded a contract for its Wellfield Generator Replacement project to an out-of-town contractor this week, drawing sharp criticism from a local construction firm that submitted the lowest bid.

Brussee/Brady Construction, based in Three Rivers, submitted a bid of $1.285 million — $111,100 lower than the selected bid from LD Docsa Associates of Kalamazoo. But city staff said they recommended the higher bid due to LD Docsa’s experience with similar infrastructure projects and familiarity with public utility systems. The city commission ultimately voted to approve the recommendation, including an additional $109,900 for construction oversight by Jones and Henry Engineers.

Tom Brady, president of Brussee/Brady Construction, spoke during the commission meeting to voice his frustration over the decision, saying his company was never contacted or given the opportunity to discuss its bid.

“This is a slap in the face to all local businesses,” Brady said. “All three bidders used the same electrical subcontractor, who makes up about 60 percent of the project. If oversight was the issue, the city could have increased monitoring and still saved money.”

Public Works Director Amy Roth defended the recommendation, citing LV Dosa’s track record. “They already had extensive data and background knowledge from ongoing work with the city, making them the most efficient choice,” Roth said.

City staff estimated that accepting the lower bid would have resulted in $89,000 in net savings after accounting for the cost of additional engineering oversight.

The generator project was part of a broader infrastructure discussion during the meeting. Superintendent Taylor Davis presented an update on the city’s wastewater upgrades over the past three years, including improvements to pump stations at Constantine Street, Broadway, Union, 4th Street, Adams Street, and the American Axle site. Davis said the upgrades have improved grit and trash removal, increased energy efficiency, and enhanced system reliability with upgraded alarms and communication systems.

The city also approved a two-year, $153,030 contract with JC & Sons for tree and stump removal. The project will target 53 trees and 133 stumps in fiscal year 2026, focusing on priority removals based on resident reports and city inspections.

Earlier in the meeting, the commission recognized three firefighters for their service and accomplishments. Josef Balog, formerly of the Fabius Park Fire Department, was promoted to full-time status. Haleigh Cupp, who completed the Fire Academy while working part-time, also earned a full-time position. Michael Solis was recognized for completing both Fire Academy and EMT training since joining the department in January.

In another infrastructure-related move, the city approved a $58,500 contract with Jones and Henry Engineers to conduct a PFAS local limits study. The study is required by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) before new wastewater discharge limits take effect in September.

Davis explained that although city staff hoped to postpone the study until the Village of Constantine disconnects from the wastewater system later this year, EGLE insisted it be completed immediately.

“EGLE was not very respectful in their response,” Davis said, adding that the main concern stems from PFAS entering the system through the landfill. “The limit is 12 parts per trillion come September, and our plant usually operates between five and eight. But EGLE wants a proactive approach.”

The commission also approved an MDOT agreement and associated street fund transfer, and authorized a separate bid process for lead service line replacements.

A public hearing to amend the city’s sewer use ordinance — adding language to prohibit PFAS discharges into the wastewater system — was scheduled for August 5.

Najifa Farhat is a staff reporter with Watershed Voice.