Dearborn City Council will consider a notice of intent Tuesday, Oct. 20, to issue up to $70 million in bonds for water and sewer improvements connected to the city’s Road Revitalization initiative.

The proposed notice would establish a borrowing ceiling but would not authorize debt issuance, according to the council agenda packet. The infrastructure work is anticipated between 2027 and 2030.

Staff describes estimated costs of $65 million plus a $5 million cushion for higher bids. However, the packet’s preliminary project categories already total $70 million: $60 million for water infrastructure, $9.5 million for sewer work and $500,000 for fire hydrant maintenance, repair and replacement.

The city intends to repay the bonds through water and sewer revenue, with additional backing from its taxing authority within existing limits. A separate council resolution would be required before issuance.

A petition signed by at least 10% of registered city voters within 45 days after publication of the notice would require voter approval before the bonds could be issued.

The council will also consider an $8,852,625 engineering contract with Spalding DeDecker Associates covering 21 miles of roads in poor condition. The scope includes water main replacement, lead service line removal, sewer separation, traffic calming and accessible sidewalk improvements.

Funding for 12 firefighters

The Fire Department seeks approval to accept about $2.68 million in federal funding for hiring and training. Required city matches would bring the combined project funding to about $4.26 million.

A three-year FEMA grant would provide about $2.51 million toward hiring 12 firefighters, with a city match of about $1.56 million. The proposal would increase sworn staffing from 146 to 158, the department’s largest count ever, according to the Fire Department. An additional $150,000 is requested for equipment.

A separate training project would receive $175,943 in federal funding and a $17,594 city match.

Other business

The council is scheduled to consider a final reading of proposed rules for electric bicycles, scooters and skateboards.

Other items include approximately $132,109 in contracts for Wanderlights art installations at PEACE Park West and a resolution recognizing Capri Bakery’s retiring owners for 53 years of service.

The meeting takes place at Dearborn City Hall.