Solid waste board approves administrator's one-year contract

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Ironwood — After spending about 50 minutes in closed session, the Gogebic Range Solid Waste Management Authority board voted 4-1 Thursday to approve a new one-year contract for administrator Chris Ann Bressette, including a 2 percent raise.

Other than the raise, Bressette told the Daily Globe the approved contract is largely the same as her previous contract. One change Bressette noted was the new contract specifically states her benefits, rather than simply saying she received the same benefits as union members.

According to the language of the contract that was given to the board at the beginning of the meeting, the 2 percent increase means Bressette’s wage will be $55,085.

Wakefield Township representative Mandy Lake was the lone no vote. Lake made clear her vote was only in opposition to the salary increase.

Prior to the vote, chairman Jeff Randall — representing Bessemer Township — reaffirmed his support for Bressette as administrator.

“Chris, I believe, has done a wonderful job out here for the authority and I certainly approve and support her in her efforts to keep this place going,” Randall said.

In other action:

—The board approved a random drug-alcohol testing program for the authority’s drivers. According to information presented to the board, the tests will include both urine and blood testing — which is a mandated standard by the Michigan Department of Transportation, according to Bressette — and will cost $49 per test. Randall will be responsible for scheduling testing appointments so no employee, including Bressette, will have information on when tests will be conducted. The motion approving the program also included the requirement that testing automatically take place in the case of any accidents.

—The board agreed to seek bids for auditing services.

—The board voted to scrap its old compactor cylinders because of the high cost of repairing them and the fact the recent installation of new cylinders means the repaired cylinders would likely sit in storage for a lengthy period of time.

—The board agreed not to purchase a used 40-yard compactor part being sold by Ramme’s Collision. Bressette recommended not to make the purchase because, despite the excellent price, the authority didn’t have an immediate need for the part and would have to buy a 40-yard container to be able to use it.

—The board directed Bressette to investigate the possibility of using the area’s inmate community service program as a labor source in the transfer station’s recycling area. Bressette explained the increase in recycling meant the area was getting full and the current employees were unable to sort the recycled goods while also performing their other duties. The motion directing Bressette to the community service program included language giving her the authorization to hire a part-time, minimum-wage employee for 89 days if the community service option was unavailable.

—The board also passed a resolution in support of the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region’s application for funding under the state’s regional prosperity initiative.

—Bressette reported that a recent Michigan Department of Environmental Quality inspection found the authority to be in compliance with regulations.