West Bloomfield Township Board to Evaluate Waste Management Performance
West Bloomfield is gearing up for a crucial meeting as the Township Board of Trustees gathers on Monday, December 16, to take a closer look at the performance of Priority Waste, its new waste collection contractor. This special meeting kicks off at 5 p.m. at Township Hall, located at 4550 Walnut Lake Road. Following that, the board will hold a regular meeting at 6 p.m. The agenda also includes a closed session where board members will consult with their attorney about ongoing issues related to township waste collection, adhering to the guidelines of the Michigan Open Meetings Act.
From GFL to Priority Waste: A Rocky Transition
To give a bit of context, Priority Waste took over the waste collection responsibilities in West Bloomfield on July 1, following the acquisition of GFL Environmental. Residents experienced a tumultuous transition as they voiced their concerns about the service quality prior to the handover, describing it as “abominable” in the final month of GFL’s service. Former township Supervisor Steve Kaplan noted that Priority Waste faced numerous challenges as it stepped into the role, particularly in the first two weeks while trying to catch up on missed pickups.
Challenges and Improvements
During the initial weeks of July, residents reported complications such as missed pickups and delayed service, leading to mounting frustrations. Kaplan mentioned back in August that while the services started off “struggling,” there were signs of improvement as the crews adjusted. Nevertheless, complaints continued to trickle in from residents, highlighting the ongoing challenges the new management faced.
Leadership Changes Amidst the Crisis
In an unexpected turn of events, Kaplan announced his resignation as supervisor effective December 5. Following this decision, the board convened on December 9 to appoint Trustee Jonathan Warshay as the new supervisor. With leadership shifting and concerns over waste management bubbling under the surface, the upcoming meeting could be pivotal in deciding the future of waste collection in the township.
Priority Waste’s Defense
The officials at Priority Waste have stepped forward to defend their performance, claiming that GFL had not accurately represented the condition of the trucks involved in the transition. As they’ve taken over, they have been busy either repairing those trucks or sourcing new ones to meet the demands of the community. This effort to bolster their fleet comes amid growing scrutiny and the potential loss of trust from local residents.
Community Concerns and Future Considerations
Adding to the tension, several communities within Oakland County are beginning to explore alternative waste management options. As their contracts with Priority Waste approach expiration, these discussions could lead to significant changes in service providers. Residents are watching closely, as the outcome of the special meeting could not only impact West Bloomfield but also resonate across nearby neighborhoods experiencing similar struggles.
A Call for Better Service
As West Bloomfield prepares for this meeting, residents are hoping to see genuine improvements in their waste collection service. The community’s patience is wearing thin, and it’s clear that there’s a strong desire for effective, reliable waste management solutions. Whether the board’s discussions will lead to concrete actions and better service remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – the future of waste management in West Bloomfield is on the line.
