Refuse Authority Board names new chair, officers

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — The Grosse Pointes-Clinton Refuse Disposal Authority has new leaders.

The GPCRDA Board selected new officers during a meeting March 12 in Grosse Pointe Farms.

“I’m going to step back from the chair (position),” said Board Chair Terry Brennan, expressing a desire for others to have an opportunity to become officers.

The board is small, consisting of only one representative apiece from each of the six member communities — the five Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods. Brennan is the representative for Grosse Pointe Farms and has served as chair for roughly the last four years. He succeeded previous chair Brett Smith, who retired about four years ago from his position as the Department of Public Works Director in Grosse Pointe Shores.

“Thank you for your service, Mr. Chairman,” GPCRDA Attorney John Gillooly said. “Well done.”

The board unanimously elected Pete Randazzo as the new chair. Randazzo is Grosse Pointe City’s Department of Public Services director.

“It seems like a perfect fit,” GPCRDA Board member Mike Way said of Randazzo succeeding Brennan.

Randazzo has been in Grosse Pointe City’s Department of Public Works for 29 years. He said he has always worked closely with Brennan, as well as former GPCRDA Board member Donald Parthum Jr. Randazzo was the alternate City board representative for Parthum, who was a member of the Grosse Pointe City Council.

“I’ve learned a lot through the years,” Randazzo said. “(Brennan has) coached me on the process. He’ll still be with us (on the board).”

The board unanimously named Tom Jenny — the Grosse Pointe Park representative — as the new vice chair. Way, who represents Grosse Pointe Shores, was unanimously elected treasurer and Harper Woods representative Heather Toutant was elected secretary.

“Congratulations everyone,” Brennan told the new officers.

Their terms will take effect as of the next GPCRDA Board meeting in May.

“It’s a good experience,” Brennan said after the meeting of holding an officer position. “I love this board. … Everyone has the best interests of our member communities in mind.”