Hampton Charter Township Newsletter
The Hamptons
News & Updates
UPCOMING WEEK OF JUNE 21, 2021
Republic Service - Yard Waste Update
Many residents attended the Board of Trustees June 14th meeting to let the board know how unhappy the residents of Hampton Township are that their yard waste has not been picked up. The Operations Manager from Republic Services was in attendance and explained that the delays are due to the lack of drivers and that they have hired new drivers and are in the process of training them to service our Township.

We all in agreement that we should be having all of our services provided according to the contact we signed with Republic Services. Some questions asked at the meeting were:
  1. Why isn't the yard waste or bulk items being picked up? Lack of trained drivers, COVID, drivers quit
  2. How long is our contract with Republic Services? 5 years
  3. What is the increase per year? 3% per year: Year 1 - $19.08/mo Year 2 - $19.65/mo etc.
  4. Can Hampton Township get out of the contract? Our Township attorney advised that It is possible to get out of the contact due to breach of contract. Notice must be given that they are in breach of the contract and Republic Services has time to take corrective action and make changes to adhere to the schedule. If they fail to do so then the contract can be cancelled.
  5. Is Hampton Township going to notify Republic that they are in breach of contract? Yes. Our attorney has sent a letter notifying them that they are in breach of the contract. Our intention is to alert them to this breach and make changes to ensure they adhere to providing the services on the schedule they agreed to.
  6. Why can't we just reopen up the transfer station again? There are no companies that are interested in providing services for a transfer station. Every company contacted for a bid for the transfer station declined to bid. The company that serviced our transfer station demanded that we make substantial capital improvements to the compactor site to widen the opening for necessary safety measures and they raised the rates that would result in permit costs increasing to and estimated $200-$250 per year. They also informed the Township, in a letter, that if these improvements weren't made and if we didn't accept the new rates they would remove the equipment and send us a bill for the removal.
  7. Will I get a refund for the missed services? This request has been made to Republic for reimbursement for the residents for missed services. If Republic issues a credit, we will apply to your water bill.

Things to consider:
  • Other trash collection companies are experiencing lack of drivers as well.
  • Republic Services has lost some other communities beginning July 1, 2021 and this may free up drivers for Hampton Township.
  • Other trash collection companies that are picking up the Republic Services clients may not have capacity to pick up another Township should we seek to end our contract with Republic.

Hampton Township has ordered "YARD WASTE" stickers that should be available soon for pick up at our Township office. You can call 989-893-7541 between 9am and 3pm to make sure the stickers are available.

We thank you for your patience and understanding during these trying times.
Nature Trail Temporary Closure - Jones Road to Knight Road
The section of the Nature Trail between Jones Road and Knight Road will be closed Monday, June 21, while the Hampton Township DPW puts down gravel along the path. This should take a couple of days to complete.

We apologize for any inconvenience.
Gatherings & Face Masks order rescinded June 22
All COVID-19-related indoor and outdoor capacity restrictions and mask-wearing requirements will end on Tuesday, June 22, when the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) epidemic order will be rescinded. The announcement made this week accelerates the previous July 1 date to remove the restrictions, as COVID-19 case rates, percent positivity and hospitalizations have plummeted in recent weeks. According to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry, half of Michigan residents have completed their vaccination and more than 60% have gotten their first shots. It is important to remember that the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration Emergency Rules for employers—including townships—remain in place. Some emergency orders will also remain in effect to protect vulnerable populations in corrections, long-term care and agriculture. MDHHS will continue to provide recommendations to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in higher risk settings and places where vulnerable populations or populations with large numbers of individuals are not yet fully vaccinated. Public health measures will continue for reporting requirements and COVID testing. MTA will update our guidance to reflect these changes; watch www.michigantownships.org/coronavirus.asp for updated resources as they become available. 
Seeking Input: American Rescue Plan Act Spending
Hampton Township invites residents to provide input on community needs that have developed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There will be an American Rescue Plan Act overview and project discussion at the Board of Trustee meeting scheduled for 7:00 pm on Monday, June 28. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting and provide input. No decisions will be made at this meeting but we want to hear from you.

On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) into law. The $1.9 trillion package, based on President Biden's American Rescue Plan, is intended to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including public health and economic impacts. 

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the $350 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to help states, counties, cities and tribal governments cover increased expenditures, replenish lost revenue and mitigate economic harm from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Hampton Township will receive a reported $926,000 in two installments from the State, with 50% ($463,000) provided sometime in 2021 and the balance delivered approximately 12 months later. Funds may cover costs from March 3, 2021 through December 24, 2024.

The Township may use the funds to:
  • Support public health expenditures related to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency
  • Serve low-income communities and individuals, families and businesses hardest-hit by the pandemic
  • Replace public sector revenue lost due to the pandemic
  • Provide premium pay for essential workers
  • Invest in necessary improvements to water, sewer and broadband infrastructure

The Treasury Department spells out several things for which these dollars CANNOT be used. These include:
  • Paying down unfunded pension liabilities
  • Offsetting tax cuts
  • Applying as matching funds toward other federal grants
  • Paying interest or principal on outstanding debt, or for consent decrees/legal settlements
  • Contributing to rainy day funds