By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — While the initial stages of Plymouth’s change over to private trash hauling have been smooth, they haven’t been entirely trouble free.
New trash totes were distributed to area residents for use with the service and while most received theirs some did not. Street Superintendent Ed Marquardt told the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety that some residents did not receive their totes, but in total it was only 80 or 90 residents that were without them at last count.

The company delivering the totes was responsible for verifying the addresses where they were left. If an address could not be verified — for example there was no visible street address number – then a tote was not left.
Marquardt said that those still without a tote would receive one as quickly as possible.
Some totes were also delivered damaged and Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter commented that those totes would also be replaced.
Councilman Don Gardner reminded residents to record the number on their tote. In case the unit is stolen, a police report must be filed with the number for replacement.
Residents Wilson Gerard and Ryan Ripley voiced concerns about the system, Ripley questioning the need for the totes to be on Michigan Street instead of the corresponding alleyway, especially for older residents who might find it difficult to get the large totes to the street. Gerard had a similar concern for placement of the totes when street crews leave piles of snow along the roadway where the totes are placed.
Marquardt responded that the city was willing to work with residents in the ongoing process of where the totes should be left for pick up. It is only necessary that the pick up truck have clear access to the tote.
The Board of Public Works and Safety approved additional costs on the Plum and Schuyler sewer replacement project. Originally the project was to replace 300 feet of sewer pipe, but further investigation has shown that a total of 758 feet of pipe replacement will be necessary.
Additional engineering fees were necessary with a $10,000 design fee, $1,900 for bidding and $2,000 for construction engineering.
The line is the main sewer line from the east end of the city and underwent $20,000 worth of emergency repair a year ago. Superintendent Donnie Davidson said that major work was postponed until this fiscal year when funds were available.