Grosse Pointe Woods Council Approves Transformer, Vacuum Repair

A custom-built transformer will be installed in the Torrey Road Pump Station in about a month to replace one that burned out and left one of three pumps without power. 

The council unanimously approved the purchase of the pump at a cost that is not to exceed $8,000 Monday at the request of City Administrator Al Fincham. 

Employees recently discovered a problem with one of the three pumps at the station and upon further investigation found it to be the fault of the burned-out transformer rather than the pump itself, according to a memo submitted to council. 

The transformer must be custom built due to the city's power switches used on the pumps, which are described as obsolete in the memo. While the transformer is being built by Northern Electrical Testing at a cost of $6,500, the remaining two pumps will suffice to remove storm water. 

Installation is expected to cost about $1,200, but the council gave Fincham some wiggle room to account for any additional, unexpected cost.

The money is coming out of an account specifically budgeted to cover expenses related to the Torrey Road Pump Station for the 2011-12 fiscal budget year. 

The council also approved a repair for the city's 2002 Vac-All, which is used in fall leaf collection, because it had recently lost its suction power. While reviewing the needs to restore suction, employees discovered some damage to the floor of the vacuum as well. 

Council approved the repairs at a cost not to exceed $7,536.04. The funds will come from a vehicle maintenance fund from the 2011-12 budget, according to a memo submitted to council by Fincham.