Richmond hires new garbage removal company

The Richmond village board approved a contract with Mundelein-Jensen Disposal for garbage and recycling pickups. This move replaced Waste Management as the village’s hauler for the next three years. Village President Kevin Brusek said that the move was made to reduce the cost and that the change does not reflect on the service provided by Waste Management.

According to Brusek residents can expect to pay about $12.25 per month. The rate with Waste Management was approximately $14.50 per month. All residents will receive new waste containers. Government organizations including schools will now receive free service. Leaf collections will double to six per year.

In other business, the board approved a forced annexation on Parcel 016 which is located on the east side of Route 12 a few blocks north of Tryon Grove Rd. ‘Normally I am opposed to forced annexations,” said Brusek. According to Brusek, the village wants to control the type of business that will be on the property.

The village is waiting for more information from the developer of the northwest corner at the intersection of Route 12 and 173. The type of business that could be put at the site will soon be before the zoning board, Brusek said.

Police Chief Roger Szewczyk stated that during the four days of the Country Thunder concert the Richmond police department issued 65 written citations, 6 DUI arrests, 6 underage drinking tickets and attended 5 traffic accidents. Video systems will soon be installed in three of the village’s police cars. The cost is covered primarily by a grant from the state.

The village budgeted $15,000 for Round Up Days. “We are in good shape financially,” Brusek said. “We have almost no financial exposure for the event.” Donations from  many village businesses including State Line Graphics, Doyle’s Pub & Eatery Richmond Printing helped to defray the cost.