City of Perry Department of Public Works
Chuck Mudge
Phone: (517)625-0839
Emergency Phone: (517)625-4500
E-Mail: perrydpw@tds.net
Chuck Mudge is the Superintendent of the DPW (Department of Public Works). Mudge and his field staff, George Eaton, Harry Bradley, Duane Casler, and Eric Smith as his office staff are available to see that services to the city are maintained at the excellent level that the residents of our city have come to expect. Chuck believes service to the community is his first priority.
Perry Iron Removal Treatment Plant
Please go here to read about the ground breaking and some history about Perry obtaining a treatment plant. Further information will be posted here as it become available.
Mission
The DPW is on-call around the clock to maintain the infrastructure that supports the daily life of the city's residents. The roads, water system, and public services in our community are managed with the highest consideration for quality, convenience and efficiency.
Location and Hours
The DPW Headquaters is located at the end of Lamb St. just west of City Hall. Regular staff hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Although the staff maintains regular hours, there is always a staff member on call for emergencies. For regular hours and emergencies, call 625-4500.
City of Perry Sewer System
The City of Perry sewer system is maintained by the DPW staff. There are 7 pump stations throughout the city. The pump stations need constant monitoring and maintenance to assure a continuous operation of 24-7. The DPW staff also maintains 'the Lagoon system' on Bath Road near the railroad tracks. The Lagoon system requires constant maintenance to assure the proper operations of the sewer system. In early spring when the ice melts, the warmer water comes to the top of the pond. Because this is a natural process, there usually is an odor emitted. This is called the 'rollover,' and should only last a few days. We take all the necessary steps to assure that this process happens quickly so that the odor problem is around for the shortest amount of time possible. If you have any questions or concerns about your sewer system and how it operates, please call Chuck Mudge at 625-4500.
Water System and Water Quality
The City of Perry's water system has a 200,000 gallon storage tank and an average daily flow of about 210,000 gallons which increases higher during warmer weather. We monitor the water system daily to assure the highest quality of water possible, and to meet the standards set by the Department of Environmental Quality in the State of Michigan. Hydrants are flushed three time annually.
The DPW has also tried to update its system of meter reading by adding time saving devices to your meter. This device allows the meter to be read from the road via radio transmission to a handheld computer. This process has allowed our staff to concentrate more time on regular maintenance and less time walking from door-to-door to read meters.
Water Quality Report 2008
Other Services
Wood Chips
The City maintains a wood chip pile. Residents are welcome to have the wood chips. You can load your own chips or the City will load chips for $2.00 a bucket. Please contact the DPW to arrange times from 8am to 8:30am or 3:30pm to 4pm to pick up the wood chips.
Yard Waste
Leaves can be raked to the edge of the road and will be vacuumed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, or as needed throughout the fall. You also have the option of bagging the leaves in a clear plastic bag and placing the bag at the edge of the road. Branches that are no bigger than 6 inches in diameter and short enough in length to be physically handled by one person, can also be left by the edge of the road to be ground for wood chips.
Snow Removal
From November 1st to April 1st from 3am to 6am there is no overnight parking on city streets, public parking lots, and road right-of-ways, to facilitate snow removal by the DPW. Residents are responsible for the removal of snow on sidewalks in front of their houses.
Hydrant Flushing
Hydrant flushing is done 3 times annually. They are always flushed (if possible) during the 3rd week of the month. The scheduled months are April, July, and October.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get rid of my household trash?
The City of Perry is in contract with Granger to pick up trash for city residents. Trash pick up is every Monday morning from 7 a.m. on. Each homeowner may put out 6 bags, not to exceed 35lbs. each. NO OUT OF TOWN TRASH IS PERMITTED. Large items can be taken away at an extra cost. The large item pick-up costs can be seen here. Trash is $6.50 a month.
2. Are there any items that Granger will not accept?
There are items that will not be picked up. They are liquids such as turpentine, paint, gas or motor oil, truck tires, and gas or propane tanks. Anything that may be flammable or considered hazardous will not be picked up.
3. Will the city pick up larger items too?
Granger will pick up larger items, but only with a tag. You can get that tag at City Hall for a predetermined amount. Please call City Hall for a list of prices.
4. Is there a Spring Clean Up Week in Perry?
There is a Spring Clean Up Week in Perry and that date changes annually. It is usually around the 3rd week in May. Watch for postings in the paper, the Perry CornerPost Newsletter, and this website for more details when that time gets closer.
5. How do I report a street lighting outage or traffic signal malfunction?
Please call the Police Department at 625-3535 for traffic signal malfunction or the DPW at 625-4500 to report any City street lighting outage.
6. How do I get information about costs and permits for sewer/water hook-up fees, and meter sets?
Please call Chuck Mudge at 625-6155.
7. How does the City of Perry calculate my water/sewer bill?
Charges are calculated monthly on both usage and flat rate fees. The sewer is billed on a flat rate of $29.10 per month. There is a water flat rate of $20.00 monthly for regular upkeep and updating of city equipment. The city also charges $2.33 for every 1000 gallons of water used. Please watch your monthly bill for usage that you believe is greater than you normally use. You could have a slow leak that adds up quickly. FYI: A normal family of 4 uses between 6,000 and 10,000 gallons of water monthly.
Iron Removal Treatment Plant Opening Video
To the left is a video of the opening of the new treatment plant.
You must click on the picture and the video player will load.
The button in the lower right hand corner of the player, that has four triangles pointing outward, will expand the movie to full screen so that you can see better. Expanding to full screen will also allow you to fast forward or rewind the movie.
There is no sound at the start of the movie so please do not turn your speakers all the way up to try and hear at first.
Enjoy!