The Sturgis City Commission voted Monday, September 9 to approve a Community Clean-Up Day. Coordinated by the Sturgis Neighborhood Program (SNP), Community Clean-Up Day will take place from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, October 19 at the Sturgis Department of Public Services, 805 N. Centreville Rd.
Community Clean-Up Day is expected to allow 80-100 households to get rid of large trash items free of charge, according to information presented to the commission.
“Our intention is to fulfill SNP’s mission of improving living conditions within the Sturgis community,” SNP Executive Director Kathryn Myers wrote.
SNP will coordinate with a local waste removal company to deliver and retrieve five 40-yard dumpsters for waste containment and hauling, Myers wrote. SNP will also coordinate volunteers to help with traffic flow, eligibility verification, and disposal item sorting.
In order to participate in Community Clean-Up Day, one must be a Sturgis resident able to provide a proof of address.
The following items will not be permitted:
- toxic/hazardous chemicals
- batteries
- freezers, refrigerators and air conditioning units
- paint or paint cans
- used motor oil and filters
- tires
- construction materials
- yard waste
The five dumpsters will be removed by 12 p.m. Monday, October 21. Commissioners also learned that Community Clean-Up Day would be funded by SNP and area donors.
Sturgis’ contribution to the project would providing the use of the public services site and having two public services employees run city front-end loaders to help load items into the dumpsters. The approximate cost for staff and the use of the loaders for a four-hour time frame is $1,121.60, City Manager Andrew Kuk said.
“As always, SNP looks forward to working with you and the City of Sturgis as we continue our partnership and combined efforts to improve living conditions within the Sturgis community,” Myers wrote.
Frank Stanko is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.