By Dennis Volkert
After lengthy discussion on March 25, Sturgis City Commission approved revisions to the policy for the compost site and its large-volume drop-off fee.
Changes are intended to clarify rules and situations that may have changed since the policy’s most recent update in 2013, and to address evolving use of the site, said Tom Sikorski, director of public services.
Sikorski outlined notable revisions to the policy.
Removal of language regarding Sturgis Township receiving free access to the site. That was part of the terms of a now-expired 425 agreement.
Restriction on non-residents who are allowed to purchase a compost pass. City staff proposed limiting it to residents of St. Joseph County.
Inclusion of a large volume drop-off fee for residential users. This would be a $10 fee for loads four cubic yards or greater.
Changes to the commercial user section, clarifying location in St. Joseph County and setting a standard for location identification to the business address registered with the state of Michigan. Also adjusts hours of access for the cards from 24/7 to 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. That was adjusted from a suggested 12-hour frame, due to feedback from local contractors that use the site.
It designates the “operational year” for the compost site as April 1 to Dec. 31, with residential pass time frame ending Dec. 1.
Adds a provision that clarifies activation time frame for commercial use passes.
Amends how passes are provided and funded by eligible townships, to more closely match previous policy.
Clarifies acceptable and unacceptable materials at the site. Specifically, limits logs and branches, other than those delivered by city tree crews, to 6 inches in diameter. Sikorski said it’s the largest that can be fed safely through the grinder apparatus.
In addition to the proposed policy changes, staff members are continuing to refine the layout of the site to improve operational flow and address misuse, Sikorski said.
“This is a fair beginning for addressing some of our issues, otherwise, there are alternatives,” Sikorski told commissioners.
Several commissioners brought numerous questions regarding various details of the compost service.
Feedback and points of concern also came from county business owners that use the site frequently, regarding increase in fees, limits to access and hours and dates of operation.
In separate matters at the meeting, commissioners received a quarterly financial update from city controller Sadie Griffin, and OK’d a request from Sturgis Neighborhood Program to hold a “Neighbor2Neighbor Disposal Day” on May 2.
