City has full crews picking up roadside twigs, brush

Wayland City Manager Joshua Eggleston Monday evening told council members he didn’t have to furlough city workers as they began picking up twigs, branches and brush on city roadsides.

He said he was able to enlist full crews, with proper distancing and masks, to do the work starting Monday because Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lightened up on strict regulations as a result of the Coronavirus.

“So we’re seeing some progress,” he said.

Councilman Joe Kramer said he has noticed of many homeowners and residents, “It’s pretty obvious that people have been busy with their twigs and brush.”

Eggleston asked council members whether they would like to open up enough at their May 18 meeting to meet in person, but it was agreed generally that at least one more meeting should be held on-line.

In other business Monday night, the council:

• Adopted a resolution to place a proposal for recycling on the Aug. 4 primary election ballot. The proposal will seek an increase, from $36 to $50 per household per year, to help fund the curbside recycling program.
• Was told by Councilman Rick Mathis that the local school system has served about 80,000 meals to students idled by the COVID-19 pandemic since March 16.
• Noted the Rabbit River Trail now has a sign with an arrow to encourage one-way traffic on the path.

Councilman Gary Smith said the sign “helps maintain social distancing.”

• Was told by Police Chief Mark Garnsey that one of the officers in the department has been quarantined because of fears he was exposed to the Coronavirus, but he is confident the officer will be back on the job soon.