County Board: Recycling Efforts And Meijer Moving Forward

By Ken DeLaat

County Administrator Chris Wren spoke to efforts being made to develop a sustainable plan for recycling in Newaygo County at the regular meeting of the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners held Wednesday November 8th.
The county assumed responsibility for recycling efforts  last Spring when Recycling for Newaygo County discontinued operations at the sites. Since that time supported by a partnership with the Fremont Area Community Foundation the county has continued to offer the services while searching for a long term solution to the expense involved in this environmentally friendly initiative.
Wren and NC Drain Commissioner Dale Twing will be meeting with representatives of the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC), a state and federal designated  planning and development agency, and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to develop a strategic plan.
“We want a picture of what Recycling looks like now and a plan for what it will look like in the future,” said Wren. “ A plan that includes long term funding solutions.”
“We’re going to look at everything. What other counties are doing, what other options are out there. We want this to be sustainable and not find ourselves in the position to have to chase down money every year to fund it.”

Administrator Wren also announced that Jason Woolford has been named Interim Director of Newaygo County Central Dispatch and spoke to the increased usage of the county’s Welcome Center.

Commissioner Bryan Kolk stated he had attended the recent Fremont City Council meeting and reported they are in the  final stages of Meijer’s much awaited arrival in Fremont. Kolk said groundbreaking would likely be happening soon after the process becomes complete.

Commissioner Chuck Trapp who serves on the County Parks Board praised the work of Parks Director Nick Smith for the improvements in the parks and his efforts in fostering a positive environment for  employees in the department.

In other business the board approved a grant application for scrap tire cleanup and approved health insurance plans for employees and retirees.

he next Board of Commissioners meeting will be Wednesday November 22 at 9:30am. Meetings are held at the County Administration building in White Cloud.