The exception is that the project doesn’t meet the “first flush” detention that’s required for a site with more than 5,000 square feet of impervious surface. Although the city isn’t require to follow its own standards for private development, city projects must be reviewed by the planning commission before being approved by the city council.

The pump house is located on the east side of West Huron River Drive, south of Bird Road. It’s used to draw water from Barton Pond and pump it to the water treatment plant. Treated water from Barton Pond is used by residents of the city and parts of Scio and Ann Arbor townships.

According to a staff memo, the project includes interior electrical work, removal of five transformers from the east side of the pump house, and installation of one new 1,200-square-foot transformer pad supporting two new transformers on the north side. Some of the old electrical equipment dates back to the 1940s. The new transformers will be surrounded by a 12-foot-high fence. The project also involves removing an existing 1,250-square-foot storage shed on the eastern property line, and building a new 2,100-square-foot storage building.

The project is estimated to cost between $2.75 million and $3 million. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2014 and completed by the fall of 2015.

This brief was filed from the second-floor council chambers at city hall, located at 301 E. Huron. A more detailed report will follow: [link]