Warren trash talks stir recall threat

Standard Disposal, which hauls trash from Dearborn and other communities, is one of four companies seeking the contract to haul Warren's trash.

Neighbors of the disposal company claim the plant stinks, but city officials said inspections have not revealed a stench problem.

Brenda Houle of Packard Street can't believe that.

"Everybody in the south end of Warren thinks this stinks," Houle said.

She said she and about 100 others in South Warren are ready to start a petition drive to recall any official who votes for Standard Disposal.

"Nobody down here cares who gets the contract as long as it's not Standard Disposal," Houle said. "People who don't do their job on the council should lose theirs."

To recall a council member, petitioners would have to gather 13,000 signatures of voters in Warren within 90 days, said Bill Nixon, chief elections clerk for Macomb County. Everyone who signs a petition must have voted in the last gubernatorial election.

Homeowner Wayne Weamer is counting on Mayor Mark Steenbergh to sway the council.

"But if he doesn't, we have to do something about a council that talks out of both sides of its mouth to pacify everybody," Weamer said.

Retired Mayor Ron Bonkowski thinks Steenbergh is indecisive. "I don't understand what Mark is waiting for," he said.

Council critic Henry Krzystowczyk dismisses the recall talk.

"The taxpayer wins no matter what because we save millions of dollars over the last contract no matter who's picked," he said.

The old contract with City Management Corp. expires Sunday. The council could consider the issue tonight if Steenbergh wants to put it on the agenda.

Standard Disposal and Pine Tree Acres, the City Management subsidiary, both say they would do the work for $7.3 million -- less than half the current rate. Browning Ferris Industrial and Waste Management have higher prices. Standard was originally the sole low bidder, but Pine Tree is now $60,000 cheaper after face-to-face negotiations.

Council members were taken aback by the recall talk.

"I don't know if a recall is fair," said Councilwoman Gloria Sankuer.

Standard Disposal Executive Vice-President Dominic Campo said the company is a good neighbor and will sue if it doesn't get the Warren job.

Campo said his offer to install a free central air-conditioning system at Thompson Elementary School, across the street from his waste disposal plant, proves it.