By Susan Bromley

Staff Writer

Ortonville– The village is working on two new ordinances that will impact all residents, as well as enforcing an existing ordinance to address blight.

Draft versions of a solid waste hauling ordinance, as well as a septic system certification program will be discussed by the village planning commission at their next meeting, planned for 7 p.m., July 12, at the village offices, 476 Mill St.

Village officials have been considering for months ways to alleviate issues caused by having multiple waste haulers serving village residents.

“We have trash hauling trucks in the village everyday and we are looking to restrict that to one day a week,” said Village Manager Mike Lee, noting it would improve wear and tear on the roads, as well as aesthetics in the village by limiting trash at the curb to one day instead of everyday. “It also cuts down on noise and increases safety in the village.”

A septic system certification program began taking shape after village voters overwhelmingly defeated a bond proposal for a wastewater treatment system last November. The sewer system would have remedied failing septic systems in the village that have caused environmental concerns, including alleged pollution of Kearsley Creek.

A septic system ordinance would allow village officials oversight of the maintenance, inspection, and service of septic systems here, said Lee, “preventing leeching from one home to another and that septics are serviceable.”

He declined further comment on the rough draft of the septic ordinance until it is brought before the planning commission.

While these ordinances are not yet approved, and won’t be until a planning commission recommendation is made, brought to, and approved by the council, Lee is enforcing a code ordinance that addresses blight, particularly accumulation of junk, machinery, equipment and non-working automobiles.

He began sending warning letters to about seven to ten village residences in

particular, where there are junk cars that are unlicensed or inoperable, with flat tires, etc.

“So far, people have been responsive,” Lee said. “They seem to be taking action. We just want to remind residents, keep your lawns mowed, be respectful of your neighbors and other property owners, because blight affects property values and affects the perception of the village. You can’t park vehicles in your driveway that are not licensed for the road and not serviceable. They have to be road ready and you should keep your property neat, clean, and orderly.”