On Monday, The Lake Orion Review received a faxed press release from Orion Township Supervisor JoAnn VanTassel’s office.
The one and half page fax was in regards to Orion seeking a second legal opinion on the township’s entering an April 2011 agreement with Waste Management. The agreement extended Eagle Valley landfill’s capacity and longevity in the community.
It also sparked controversy among a number of township residents — which led to the township hiring the law firm of Johnson Rosati to see if the township could wiggle out of the April 11 agreement or if the agreement was lawful and binding.
Representatives from the law firm met with the township board on Jan. 3 to explain its opinion.
‘Johnson Rosati confirmed that it appeared the township would be preempted from attempting to prohibit the expansion of the Eagle Valley Landfill in accordance with the Oakland County Solid Waste Management Plan,? the supervisor’s faxed stated.
It continued, ? . . . Legal counsel opined there were alternate challenges that could have been explored, but it was too late to do so because the amendment had been formally approved by the Township Board and entered to court.?
The fax closed, ? . . . The Township Board will explain any proposed amendments in an open meeting and accept public comment prior to making any decision. At this time, the Township is awaiting a response from Waste Management.?
Review readers, stay tuned.