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Politics & Government

Huntington Woods Celebrates Recycling, Awards, Utility Repairs Coverage

State Sen. Vincent Gregory gives government update at Tuesday's City Commissione meeting; residents honored for their outstanding recycling efforts as city looks forward to new all-in-one bins.

There was good cheer, a special guest and some more trash talk at the Huntington Woods City Commission meeting Tuesday night at .

Joining the discussion was state Sen. Vincent Gregory, who gave a brief report of the goings-on in state government during the last six months.

Gregory said he is concerned with a lack of transparency on the budget and opposed shifting the school aid fund. "The $370 a student cut is a massive amount to take out of our schools," he said. "It's devastating."

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But before talk started, awards needed to be handed out and congratulations made to Financial Director Tony Lehmann. Huntington Woods earned a certificate of achievement for financial excellence from the Government Financial Officers Association. Lehmann was quick to credit staff for work on the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and expressed pride in the city, which he said has continued to "stay ahead of the curve" even in tough economic times.

City Manager Alex Allie added, “In today's climate, it's even more remarkable for the city,” calling Huntington Woods a “well-oiled machine.”

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Some residents were busy working like well-oiled machines themselves, earning recognition for being Recyclers of the Month.

Mayor Ronald Gillham commended the city's efforts to make Huntington Woods “one of the most active recycling cities in Michigan.”

Once a month, Huntington Woods Environmental Advisory Board members search the city for full bins with a variety of recyclables properly prepared. They also compare recyclables to the amount of trash. The winners received a red recycling bin and a cash award from the Huntington Woods Men's Club. Claire Galed, a manager at the , said the winners also will get a red lid on their new single stream recycling carts in the fall.

Recyclers of the month were:

  • the Sandler Household for March
  • the McVeigh household for April
  • the Kim household for May
  • the Spradley household for June (not present)

“When we get the big boxes, it will help make recycling even better,” Gillham said.

The commission passed a purchase approval from Cascade Engineering of Grand Rapids for single stream recycling carts during the meeting. The special containers allow residents to skip sorting and put all their recyclables out together.

Galed said she was pleased with Cascade's bins and in a trial run there was no breakage or problems with the 64-gallon containers.

“Cascade is a Michigan firm,” she said. “Every part of the cart is made in Michigan.”

The , which drew a sell-out crowd and 850 registered bidders, helped raised funds for the purchase of single-stream recycling bins. The club's grant of $60,000 will pay for 61 percent of the cost. The total cost of the bins was $99,112.50, and the remaining $39,112.50 will appropriated from the Sanitation Fund.

Water, sewer line warranty

Coverage for water and sewer line repairs will be made available through the National League of Cities in partnership with Utility Service Protectors, the commission decided after some discussion. The program would cover $4,000 for repairs to broken water lines ($4,500 with curb cut) and $4,000 to sewer lines ($8,000 with curb cut) and cost homeowners less than $10 a month.

“For a nominal cost, it's a good protection to have,” Allie said, stating that the program is voluntary and that the city would not be involved in claims.

Lehmann agreed it was a good value to homeowners who are suddenly stuck with the burdon of a $7,000-$9,000 repair because tree roots have broken their pipes. He said he sees 12-15 cases a year.

“Most insurance companies exclude such coverage from their policies, and Huntington Woods residents are required in the majority of cases to pick up the tab,” he said.

County Commissioner offers resources

Oakland County Commissioner Helaine Zack talked briefly on some resources Huntington Woods residents could utilize, including a discounted dental program and weatherization program.

The dental program is available for all Oakland County residents with no age, income or health restrictions. For $69 a year, she said, participants can save up to $800 a year if their dentist participates in the plan. Fliers available at City Hall.

Weatherization Works is a free program to lower utility bills by servicing low-income families with home energy audits, attic insulation and other energy saving measures. Visit www.olhsa.org or call 248-209-2760 for more information.

Talking more trash

The commission continued discussion on an ordinance regarding trash and recycling collection.

Commissioner Jules Olsman introduced a motion to amend city Ordinance 30-25 in June, which covers homeowners' responsibilities related to garbage, rubbish, recyclables and compostables. The motion also recommended sending a letter to every household in Huntington Woods to educate and remind residents about their duties.

“I see fewer incidents of trash being left out,” he said. “I commend people for reading the letter and acting.”

Some concerns were raised to Allie, including elderly residents who needed a caretaker to put the trash on the curb earlier. The ordinance will continue to be discussed at the next meeting, Allie said.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate and will have the opportunity to speak before and after the commission's action items.

Correction: Financial Director Tony Lehmann's name was incorrect in a previous version of this article.

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