QUINNESEC — Breitung Township has amended its compost collection policy to help residents dispose of branches felled by a March 23 ice storm.

The township might also help gather tree damage after “qualifying weather events” in the future.

“It allows us to go outside our normal policy,” said Superintendent Steve Mulka.

Residents are asked to call the Department of Public Works and request a special collection. DPW will assess the situation and the need for extra equipment, he said.

While there’s no charge, the service isn’t guaranteed and DPW won’t be responsible for damage to property.

Jason Davis, DPW superintendent, explained during a township board meeting Monday that the ice storm left heavy clutter beyond what crews can pick up during the township’s normal collection schedule. Also, the rules require that limbs be bundled and cut into 4-foot lengths under 3 inches in diameter.

Recognizing this, many people “have hauled on their own,” Davis said. If residents want a special collection “they’ll need to request it,” he added.

The township board approved the amended policy, despite some reservations.

Supervisor Denny Olson said the township doesn’t want to compete with private contractors, although there’s a need for the service.

Treasurer Carol Taylor, who voted no, suggested the policy go further, or be better-defined.

Regular compost collections are scheduled this year on June 6, July 11, Aug. 1, Sept. 6, Oct. 3 and Nov. 1. Compost and brush collection is for regular yard maintenance only.

Residents who want to dispose of brush themselves may check out a key from the township hall for access to a site on Second Street in Quinnesec.

In other action, the board:

— Extended the deadline for sealed bids for Elizabeth Street water line replacements to 4 p.m. May 23. A bid from Morin Excavating of Niagara, Wis., was received prior to the initial May 9 deadline, but left unopened. Other contractors have expressed interest, resulting in the extension. Trustee Aaron Rochon said Morin’s effort to meet the bid deadline should be kept in mind when a final decision is reached.

— Continues to review possible uses for $593,575 in American Rescue Plan funds. The township has until the end of 2024 to obligate the federal funds and until the end of 2026 to fully expend them. The highest priority is the Quinnesec and East Kingsford water systems.

— Will expect delivery of a new fire truck ordered in March from Pomasl Equipment to be delayed possibly into early 2023. The cost is $355,670 for the 400-horsepower, 3,000-gallon pumper with a Freightliner chassis. A dedicated fund will cover most of the cost.

— Approved the hiring of Ben Pickett and Jonathan Lanthier as DPW summer help at a wage of $15 per hour, without benefits.

— Heard Davis thank area baseball coaches, players and the DPW crew for field prep work in both Quinnesec and East Kingsford. Bacco Construction Co. of Iron Mountain rolled the infield edges.

— Adopted a resolution in recognition of National Bicycle Month, promoting bicycling as a leisure activity and an environmentally-friendly alternative to the automobile.

Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-3500 ext. 226 or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.