Wayland City Manager Josh Eggleston said it’s “business as usual” at City Hall despite the Coronavirus scare, but added he wouldn’t be surprised if local government was asked to shut down.
“There are a lot of unknowns at this point,” he told the City Council Monday night, adding that conditions are changing quickly. “It’s going to be messy in the next couple of weeks and it will require some creativity.”
The state earlier in the day insisted that all bars and restaurants be closed temporarily over concerns about the spread of the virus. There haven’t yet been any reports of anyone coming down with any disease, but officials want to be proactive.
Councilman Rick Mathis said he was impressed with Wayland Union Schools Monday serving up 1,600 “grab and go” meals to children in just 45 minutes. He said it was good to see teachers and administrators helping with preparation and distribution.
In other business at Monday’s meeting, the council:
- Had a teleconference with Allegan County Resource and Recovery Director Rosemary Graham about the county-wide curbside recycling proposal that will appear on the Aug. 4 primary election ballot.
The City of Wayland is one of many municipalities being asked to place a request for an surcharge increase, from $36 to $50 annually, per household for 10 years to cover rising costs of curbside recycling.
The rising costs are because China is no longer buying recycled materials from the United States, Graham explained.
When asked what would happen if curbside recycling gets too expensive before the 10 years is up. She said county residents would still receive depot services and the two special events each year.
Mayor Tim Bala said he is concerned about the program no longer allowing plastic bags, which are plentiful and available at grocery stores.
Graham said recycling processing plants do not want plastic bags because they have a knack for getting stuck in the machinery.
Councilwoman Jennifer Antel said, “The solution is reusable canvas bags. The focus is to change our behavior.”
Eggleston said he plans to prepare a resolution for council vote at the next meeting Monday, April 6.
- Was given slide a presentation from Police Chief Mark Garnsey outlining the local department’s activities for 2019.
The chief said local officers made 220 arrests, 69 for felonies, during the year, along with 102 traffic citations. He noted two-thirds of those arrested were non-residents. He also said it was surprising to learn Wednesday was the busiest day of the week for police.
- Approved the purchase of an HME rescue truck from the community of Gobles, which Councilman Joe Kramer said was being sold only because Gobles was downsizing its unit. The total price tag was $60,000.
