Title
The Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit, Water and Sewerage Department authorizes the Director to approve Amendment No. 2 to DWSD Contract 6005968 with Debra Pospiech, PLLC, for Legal and Consultant Services, by adding $75,000.00 in funding, for a total amended contract not-to-exceed amount of $475,000.00. No changes to the scope of work, terms & conditions, or contract expiring term 6/30/26. The BOWC also authorizes the Director to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
Body
Agenda of January 21, 2026
Item No. 2026-4
Proposed Amendment No. 2
Contract Number: 6005968
Contractor: Debra Pospiech, PLLC, 18331 Laraugh Dr., Northville, MI 48168
Current Contract Amount: $400,000.00
Proposed Amendment No. 2 Amount: $75,000.00
Proposed New Total Contract Amount: $475,000.00
Current Contract Term: 1/1/24 - 6/30/26
TO: The Honorable
Board of Water Commissioners
City of Detroit, Michigan
FROM: Gary Brown, Director
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department
RE: Proposed Amendment No. 2 for 6005968
To add funds for Legal and Consultant Services for Miscellaneous Special Projects
Debra Pospiech, PLLC
MOTION
Upon recommendation of Marqaicha Welch, Procurement Manager, The Board of Water Commissioners for the City of Detroit, Water and Sewerage Department authorizes the Director to approve Amendment No. 2 to DWSD Contract 6005968 with Debra Pospiech, PLLC, for Legal and Consultant Services, by adding $75,000.00 in funding, for a total amended contract not-to-exceed amount of $475,000.00. No changes to the scope of work, terms & conditions, or contract expiring term 6/30/26. The BOWC also authorizes the Director to take such other action as may be necessary to accomplish the intent of this vote.
BACKGROUND / JUSTIFICATION
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) Legal Division requested a Contract for Legal and Consulting Services for Miscellaneous Special Projects through attorney Debra Pospiech, PLLC. The Attorney provides representation, consultation and advice to the City of Detroit and its Water and Sewerage Department in connection with:
• government affairs at federal, state and local levels;
• special projects and public policy matters, as assigned by Director Gary Brown;
• litigation or arbitrations related to the Water, Sewerage or Drainage Charges and Rain events on or about June 25 and 26, 2021, and/or July 16, 2021, and/or August 2023; and
• other related matters or proceedings as may be directed by the DWSD Director or General Counsel.
PROCUREMENT METHOD
Competitive solicitation is not required under Section 7.5 DWSD Procurement Policy, Section 7.5, does not require legal contracts to be competitively solicited.
DWSD’s Legal Division submitted requisition #514672 which was approved by Budget on 12/6/23. DWSD Contract No. 6005968, with Debra Pospiech, PLLC, for legal and consulting services, was approved via executive letter by Director Brown on 12/26/23 for a contract not to exceed amount of $250,000.00 and a term of 1.5 years.
Amendment No. 1 was submitted through requisition #531946, which was approved by Budget on 3/7/25. The Amendment requested to add $150,000.00 in funding and extend the term by one year, to help retain the Attorney’s representation, consultation, and legal services. Amendment No. 1 was approved by BOWC on 4/16/25.
Proposed Amendment 2 was submitted through requisition #542999, which was approved by Budget on 12/19/25. Amendment No. 2 requests adding $75,000.00 in funding to help retain the Attorney’s representation, consultation, and legal services.
Debra Pospiech’s clearances expire 8/21/26. A formal amended contract has been sent to the vendor for signature.
SUMMARY
A. Contract No.: 6005968
B. Initial Term: 1/01/2024 - 6/30/2025
C. Amendment 1 Term: 7/01/2025 - 6/30/2026
D. Initial Contract Amount: $250,000.00
E. Amendment 1 Amount: $150,000.00
F. Proposed Amendment 2 Amount: $75,000.00
G. Proposed New Total Contract Amount: $475,000.00
H. Funding Source: O & M Funds
I. GL Strings(s):
5720-20168-483101-613100-000204-10790-0000-000000 - 47% Water
5820-20179-493101-613100-000225-15805-0000-000000 - 53% Sewer
J. Anticipated Fiscal Year Spend:
FY 25-26: $225,000.00
This proposed amendment was presented to the BOWC Finance Committee January 13, 2026. Per the DWSD Procurement Policy, no additional approvals are required.