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Commissioners weigh Waste Management contract, explore recycling options and a $10,000 EGLE grant
Summary
The board reviewed legal opinion on the county's Waste Management contract due March 31 and directed Commissioners Janssen and Keranen to work with Administrator Bjorn on next steps; the board also approved a $10,000 EGLE Recycling Micros Grant for signage, mailings and MTU research.
At the Feb. 14, 2023 meeting, Houghton County commissioners discussed the Waste Management Service Agreement that expires March 31 and considered next steps for solid-waste services and recycling.
Commissioner Gretchen Janssen read an opinion from Attorney Zappa and said she did not like the current contract, recommending the county negotiate different terms. Chairman Tom Tikkanen asked whether the county should put out a request for proposals; Commissioners Janssen and Joel Keranen agreed to work with Administrator Bjorn on potential negotiations or a competitive solicitation. Commissioner Glenn Anderson raised the possibility of moving to a one-year contract for solid-waste services while the county evaluates options.
Separately, Administrator Bjorn reported that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) approved a $10,000 Recycling Micros Grant. Commissioner Janssen said the grant will fund signage, a mailing about recycling and research conducted by the Michigan Tech University Sustainability House. The board approved the grant by vote.
Commissioner Keranen also mentioned exploring tire‑recycling options at the transfer station. No formal procurement decision for the Waste Management contract was recorded at the meeting; the board directed staff and the named commissioners to pursue next steps.
