The County Press

Elba Twp. approved future scrap metal recycling benefit event




ELBA TWP. — Residents of Elba Township will have the opportunity to unload some of their scrap metal — and help out their local parks in the process.

During their regular meeting on Monday, the Elba Township Board of Trustees approved a request to move forward with a 1800RollOff scrap metal recycling benefit event. The date, yet to be determined, will allow residents to donate scrap with monetary value with the proceeds going toward support of the park behind the township hall.

According to township clerk Rena Fountain, the idea for the event was proposed by the owner of Elba Township-based Dumpster rental company 1800RollOff, Brian Cummings. “The park workgroup will meet and work with Brian to iron out the details and bring it back to the general board,” said Fountain. “I hope the benefit takes place and is successful, Brian would like to make it a yearly event.”

In other board business:

• Trustees approved an expense to replace missing street signs in various locations throughout the township, including at the intersection of Washburn and Lippincott roads. Replacement of the signs will be performed by the Lapeer County Road Commission, at a cost not to exceed $200.

• Lapeer Community Schools Superintendent Matt Wandrie presented information on the district’s upcoming bond proposal vote, a plan that includes the construction of a new high school at the Lapeer West High School site as well as the closure of three elementary school buildings. Wandrie provided the Board and members of the public with “Key Takeaways” related to the bond proposal, and said that while the district “peaked” in the 1980s with more than 8,000 students enrolled, projections indicate the district will likely plateau around 4,000. “We’re not interested in putting millions of dollars into facilities that we’ll ultimately close in 8-10 years,” said Wandrie. “Irrespective of the public support of this bond, we will continue to close schools — when you have fewer students, you have less revenue.”

Wandrie plans to attend as many area municipal and organizational meetings as possible in the coming months leading to the November vote to share information and answer questions.