Residents raise repeated ash deposits and decade-old roadside barrel; officials say Morton Salt may be source

During public comment residents told council they repeatedly find whitish-gray ash or jelly-like residues on cars and property and asked the village to investigate health and safety risks. One resident said the deposits appear weekly and leave streaks on vehicles, and another asked whether the substance could be acid rain. Council and staff said the village has an open case and has contacted neighboring Grand River officials; the mayor noted Grand River and Morton Salt have had recent issues, and village staff said Morton Salt had been working on something when the mayor or staff checked previously. The police department and public works were identified as resources to document and investigate occurrences when residents call. Separately a resident flagged a 55-gallon orange drum sitting on the sidewalk next to the boat graveyard by Nursery Road and the VFW, stating it has been in place about a decade and replaced an earlier cone used to mark a hole in the sidewalk. Council asked staff to investigate and report back. Officials advised residents to call the village when they observe the ash or deposits so police or code officers can document the incidents and investigate potential health or nuisance concerns. No regulatory or testing outcome was reported at the meeting.