CALUMET – The Calumet Village Council has been operating with only six of its normal seven seats since the beginning of the year. Members discussed the pros and cons of reducing the number of seats on the council as recently as the work session held June 10, as they have been able to operate at the reduced number efficiently. However, the motion was tabled at that meeting with the option to revisit in the future if needed.

One of the reasons the Council decided not to take action on reducing their numbers was Ariele Pizzo. Interested in filling the vacant seat, Pizzo introduced herself and gave background on her professional experience to the current Council members. They were Impressed with what they heard and enjoyed some ideas Pizzo had to get community members more engaged with the Council.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Village President Rob Tarvis nominated Pizzo to fill the vacant seat for the remainder of the term (the seat is up for election in 2028). With unanimous approval from the Council, Pizzo will be sworn in to her new position and be able to participate fully in July meetings.

Village Manager Megan Haselden updated the Council on the start of a new public offering to help combat blight, one of the larger problems the village faces. “We’re utilizing a community dumpster in the hopes of being more proactive instead of reactive to the blight issues in the village,” Haselden said. The Village arranged for a 40-yard dumpster for community members to bring unwanted materials, particularly larger items which are difficult to have collected on trash days like furniture or mattresses.

Village residents wishing to use the community dumpster need to stop by the Village Office to get a ticket for each haul. A suggested minimum donation of $10 can be paid at that time. “We’re already seeing people very interested in this program,” said Haselden in her update. “The dumpster is actually already full, so we’ll need to get that one hauled away and have another delivered.”

Between donations from the public and the suggested minimum donation per haul, the Village hopes this program will be self-sustaining and help reduce blight throughout the community. President Pro Tempore Pamela Que said several residents have stopped her to thank the Village for this program, labeling it as, “awesome.”

Ryan Patrick, project manager for the Greenspace Park in Calumet, updated the Council on the completion date, currently scheduled for July 19. The only potential delays are inclement weather and working on concrete slabs for the Calumet Theatre. Because the slabs for the Theatre are directly next to a sidewalk on the side of the new park, that work will be completed first.

In other action, the council:

• Unanimously passed Resolution No. 25.04 adopting the Upper Michigan Water Company’s Cross Connection Control Plan, which is accepted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), thereby meeting EGLE’s requirements for the Village of Calumet

• Approved paying bills totaling $44,467.39

• Reminded everyone there is a joint meeting of the Downtown Development Authority, the Calumet Village Council, and Main Street Calumet to discuss the future of the relationship between these organizations. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Ballroom.