Annual trash pickup right around the corner

While the blanket of fresh snow that covered the region Tuesday morning may have many people thinking otherwise, spring is coming, sooner rather than later.

Arriving with the warmer weather is Dowagiac’s annual Spring Cleanup program, which will begin on April 21 and run through the 25th. Residents will be able place unwanted furniture and knick-knacks cluttering their homes in their lawns to be removed by waste management teams hired by the city.

The Dowagiac City Council selected the vendor that will conduct the cleanup during their regular meeting Monday night, choosing Battle Creek-based Waste Management. The company submitted a bid to the city for $10,493 to complete the estimated 45-hours worth of work.

“Every year, it’s amazing how much trash gets recycled or thrown out,” said City Manager Kevin Anderson. “It’s been a great service, and for approximately $10,493 we should be able to get the program done.”

Waste Management was the lowest of the four companies that submitted bids for the project. Other companies who competed for the contract were Michiana Recycling and Disposal Services, of Niles; Best Way Disposal, of Watervliet; and Reliable Disposal, of Stevensville.

Last year, the council awarded the contract to Reliable, whose $9,460 bid came under the $10,000 the city had budgeted for the project. This year,

“The price has gone up this year, but we did get competitive bids,” Anderson said. “Ultimately, [the cost] will be based what volume we use, and the number we used this year was the highest number we’ve ever had. There’s a good chance it could come in less than that.”

“This is just another example of the sorts of quality programs this city offers its residents, which makes a big difference in the quality of life,” said Mayor Don Lyons.

Also approved by the council Monday:

• A resolution approving of the Easter Eggstravaganza on April 12.

• A resolution to negotiate an op-out clause to the city’s agreement with AEP for wholesale power purchases.

• A resolution approving the purchase of additional MERS credited service.

•A resolution to pay $752,417.79 worth of bills and payroll.