Pellston reports extensive ice-storm tree damage; council authorizes fire chief to seek collection fees

DPW Supervisor Art Massey told the council that a recent ice storm caused substantial tree damage across the village and that residents were asked to place tree debris at the curb by April 7 for pickup. Massey said Points North Tree Service and Super M Excavating have been contracted to remove larger debris and haul it to a designated staging area outside the baseball fields, but that cleanup will take time because of the volume.

Council President Jim Gillett said the village has incurred damage to Park Drive from hundreds of Consumer Energy trucks and contractors working in the area after the storm and said he hopes additional costs will be reimbursed by the state or FEMA.

On a motion by Jane Ann Rose, seconded by Kayla Schlappi, the council authorized Fire Chief Randy Bricker to engage a local attorney to assist in pursuing collection of fees from electric companies for fire-department responses tied to the ice storm. The council discussed proposed fee amounts referenced at the meeting — $1,000 per truck run and $350 per firefighter — and approved the motion by a 6-0 vote. Bricker agreed to provide additional information at the May meeting.

Emmet County Sheriff Josh Gladu asked the village to notify his office when minors repeatedly ride dirt bikes, minibikes or ORVs in the village so deputies can contact parents; he reiterated that minors must wear helmets and that ORVs may use the road shoulder at speeds of 25 mph or less.