How will Dorr Twp. residents now get rid of leaves?

The leaf pickup site on 140^th Avenue and 18^th Street that Dorr Township sold two years ago will no longer be used as a dropoff site for leaves, grass clippings and small twigs.

The Township Board took note of the development at Thursday night’s meeting and held a discussion on what to do next.

Susie Selvig, a nearby resident, bought the parcel from the township in 2014 for $85,000 for the parcel and agreed to a three-year lease so that township residents could continue to dispose of leaves and grass clippings on a small part, a lot of 440×266 feet.

The township was responsible for fencing off the lot, maintaining it and putting up a sign.

Dorr Township years ago bought the site with an eye toward using it for recreational development, but in October 2012 reached a deal with the Graczyk family for 25 acres on 142^nd Avenue for the same purpose.

Supervisor Jeff Miling told his board colleagues that somehow stumps, a deck and a wishing well also were dumped at the site, violating terms of the agreement. So the site was shuttered because of misuse.

Miling said the township tried to burn the debris, but it smoldered and made things worse.

“The owner closed it down and I don’t blame him,” he said.

So the question remains about what local residents should do with yard waste and leaves. The township already has a ban on burning leves by ordinance.

Miling said the unpleasant development may not be the result of local residents’ misconduct.

“People may be bringing that stuff in from outside the township… it may even be a commercial dumping.”

Residents in the past had used dumpsters to the accept leaves, but that option turned out to be costly and messy.

Newly-elected Township Clerk Debbie Sewers suggested Dorr Township launch a recycling program for leaves and grass clippings, just like curbside recycling through Allegan County Resource and Recovery. Miling said he’d check with coordinator Ben Williams.

However, he reminded everyone, it would cost money.

“I’m shopping for ideas… I’m open for (establishing) a committee,” he said. “Maybe if Patty (Senneker, a township trustee and Realtor) could donate three to five acres to the township…”

“I just donated four years of my time to the township,” Senneker replied, noting she is stepping down from the board next month after serving a four-year term.

“What we need is a place for it,” said Clerk Brian Boot, who also is stepping down next month.

Miling added, “Without policing our residents and non-residents, we can’t control what’s brought to the site.”

Other options now used by neighboring townships and cities also have been examined, but no decision has been made as yet.

“We’re working on this,” Miling said. “I put this on the agenda tonight so we could discuss it.”

PHOTO: The flashing electronic sign in front of the township hall flashes the announcement that local residents no longer can use the leaf dropoff site.