Council reviews Albayes County solid-waste plan update; new vendor and $12,000 study discussed

The St. Marys City Council read Resolution 2025-14, approving the Albayes County Solid Waste Management Plan update for review. Council was told the plan is a 15-year framework that is revised every five years, includes outreach and educational programs to encourage recycling and proper disposal, and that the district solicited public comment during a 30-day comment period.

Council members said an executive summary was circulated to council in advance (an email dated Sept. 9 was referenced). The city has representation on the planning committee. No council member recommended rejecting the plan; the measure was presented for subsequent readings rather than final adoption.

Separately, members discussed concerns with the prior consultant's work and agreed to engage a different vendor to rework the study. Staff estimated the cost of the new vendor—ngagement at about $12,000 and noted the new firm (described in the meeting as being out of Ann Arbor) may be able to use much of the prior consultant ata to reduce time and cost. Council postponed setting a definitive schedule while staff coordinates transfer of materials and the new vendor consolidates the work.