(FLINT, Mich.) The use of hydro-vac trucks to find water pipes continues to be a lightning rod of controversy for the city of Flint.
The state wants Flint to use the trucks. The mayor refuses, saying they aren’t safe because they don’t catch spliced lines.
Caught in the middle is a Flint contractor.
Goyette Mechanical hasn’t used hydro-vac trucks since June, when the mayor banned them.
The alternative requires extra manpower. Men with shovels digging holes.
Goyette signed a contract with the city to hydro-vac. The company is owed money for the extra work.
How much money? We talking $706,000, according to Goyette.
At an investigative hearing of Flint City Council, a Goyette official had no issue with the ban on hydro-vac trucks.
Joe Parks of Goyette says “we believe the mayor’s office ban has good reasons to protect the citizens of Flint.”
But they still want their money.
Mayor Karen Weaver‘s chief of staff was blunt about the difference.
“Gilcreast has told us we’re not gonna pay you”.
One council member attempted to console Parks.
Council woman Monica Galloway says “I apologize on behalf of the city…You deserve to get paid”.
But the mayors spokesperson says the city will only pay for what was in the original contract. Nothing extra.
How much money? We talking $706,000, according to Goyette.
At an investigative hearing of Flint City Council, a Goyette official had no issue with the ban on hydro-vac trucks.
Joe Parks of Goyette says “we believe the mayor’s office ban has good reasons to protect the citizens of Flint.”
But they still want their money.
Mayor Karen Weaver‘s chief of staff was blunt about the difference.
“Gilcreast has told us we’re not gonna pay you”.
One council member attempted to console Parks.
Council woman Monica Galloway says “I apologize on behalf of the city…You deserve to get paid”.
But the mayors spokesperson says the city will only pay for what was in the original contract. Nothing extra.
Committee chairman Eric Mays predicts they’ll eventually get paid.
A state official was scheduled to testify today before the committee.
Amy Epkey of the MDEQ was subpoenaed, but she was a no-show. An assistant attorney general claimed she didn’t have to.
Santino Guerra, Flint city councilman says “it’s interesting because the attorney generals office approved our charter that said we have the right to subpoena individuals so i’m highly disappointed that they didn’t show up and the state is defending them not to.”
Mays says they’ll take Epkey to court to compel her to testify.
They’ll also subpoena other state officials including Governor Snyder’s office.