Vaping on the rise among teens

MT. PLEASANT, MI – Over the past several months the Mt. Pleasant Police Department has been closely monitoring the use and accessibility of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), e-juice (vaping liquids) and other nicotine products among middle and high school students. After conducting compliance checks at several tobacco retailers within the City of Mt. Pleasant, three local businesses were cited for Selling Tobacco Products to a Minor (anyone under the age of 18.)

What are e-cigarettes/vape pens?

E-cigarettes or vape pens, have become very popular among middle and high school aged students. They are sold in many different shapes and sizes and resemble a thumb drive, cell phone battery charger or make-up containers, which makes it difficult for parents to identify.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes e-cigarettes as: A product which allows a user to inhale aerosol containing nicotine and other substances, and at times, marihuana. E-cigarettes are composed of a rechargeable, battery-operated heat element, a cartridge that contains nicotine, and other flavored chemicals (e-juice/vape juice), and an atomizer. When heated, the device converts the contents of the cartridge into an aerosol which is often flavored. The fruity and candy-flavored vape juice is most popular among adolescents.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a 78 percent increase in vaping by high school students, with 3.6 million high school and middle school students now using e-cigarettes.

Vaping misconceptions and health warnings

There are misconceptions that vaping is not dangerous or addictive. The Surgeon General has reported that the use of vape pens, which are nicotine products, do pose a danger.

In youth, vaping can disrupt the growth of brain circuits that control attention, learning and susceptibility to addiction. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and other tobacco products can prime young brains for addiction to other drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

Nicotine exposure during pregnancy can affect fetal and postnatal development as well as contribute to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Nicotine poisoning and symptoms

Ingestion of e-cigarette liquids containing nicotine can cause acute toxicity and possible death if the contents of the refill cartridges or bottles are consumed.

One conventional cigarette contains approximately 1 mg of nicotine. Those smoking conventional cigarettes only absorb about 1/10^th of the 1 mg of nicotine. Some manufacturers are producing e-juice/vaping juice with 30-40 + mg of nicotine in a cartridge, which is considered lethal to adults. Nicotine poisoning tends to be more critical in children and adults who are first time users.

Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, dehydration, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, dizziness, headache, gas, anxiety, and hearing and vision changes. Nausea and vomiting are the most notable symptoms in youth.

For a summary of common vaping myths and FAQ’s visit: https://www.fda.gov/downloads/TobaccoProducts/AboutCTP/UCM624891.pdf

Electronic Cigarettes, E-Cigs, Vape Pens

E-Juice, Vape Juice

Vape Juice

###

Mission Creek Park Restroom Project Completed

The City of Mt. Pleasant was recently granted a Regional Prosperity Initiative 2018 Mini-Grant from the East Michigan Council of Governments to construct a year-round restroom facility at Mission Creek Park. This park is home to Hannah’s Dog Park, the Mission Creek Sled Hill, and various nature and hiking trails.

The new restroom facility is open seven days a week, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. during the winter months, and 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. from May to October. The heated, well-lit facility features a universally accessible modern design which includes baby changing stations and an exterior security camera system. A concession stand and winter warming station will open at a later date.

Chris Bundy, Director of Parks and Public Spaces for the City of Mt. Pleasant shared, “This project is a perfect example of how our community comes together, pools its resources and provides valuable amenities for all of its residents.” He continued, “We are grateful to the community partners who, in addition to the mini-grant funding, made this project a reality.” Funding partners include: The City of Mt. Pleasant Capital Improvement Fund, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe 2% distribution, Charter Township of Union and Mercantile Bank.

Refuse and Recycling Reminders

During the holiday season, we all tend to generate more trash. Here are some trash/recycling tips to make this a hassle-free holiday season.

Remember the 34-gallon rule. Trash cans may not exceed 34-gallons in size.
Did I use enough tags or bags? Extra trash that exceeds the top of the can must be individually tagged with a City refuse tag or placed in a City refuse bag.
Remember the 50 lb. weight limit. Cans or bags that are deemed too heavy will not be picked up.
Split it up. If you have a large number of trash bags, put a few bags out each week.
Be on time. Trash and recycling must be at the collection site (curb or alley) by 7:00 a.m. If you set it out later, you risk not having it collected.
Prepare properly. Rinse out plastic bottles and cans. Flatten all cardboard boxes. Large boxes must be cut down to 2’ x 3’ sections for curbside recycling. Flattened large boxes may also be taken to the Materials Recovery Facility (4208 E. River Road) as well as large pieces of Styrofoam. Bubble wrap and Styrofoam packing peanuts can be included with your trash.
Using extra bins for recycling. If you have more recycling that can fit inside your City bin, you can use another container such as an old laundry basket, or plastic container, do not use cardboard boxes.
Wrapping paper is not recyclable. Wrapping paper is not recyclable at the MRF. Please do not place it in your recycling bins, it will not be collected.
OOPS! What happened? If you receive an OOPS card from the refuse or recycling collection crews, it will state a reason why your refuse/recycling was not collected.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, December 10, 2018

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, December 10, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Mayor Lents presented the newly created Collins Drive street sign to Bill and Doug Collins as representatives of the Collins family.

Approved motion to add Item #22: “Consider elimination of the Citizen Advisory Board and mandate that instead the Public Safety Director meet monthly with the Mt. Pleasant Area Diversity Group, Isabella County Human Rights Committee and City/CMU Liaison Committee.”; to the agenda.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held November 26, 2018.

2) Minutes of the closed session of the City Commission held November 26, 2018.

3) Contract with Ferguson Waterworks of Grand Rapids, MI, for 2019 water meter purchase.

4) Resolution for Final Amended 2018 Operating Budget.

5) Contract with Space, Inc. of Midland, MI for the design, purchase and installation of walls/furniture at the Borden Building.

6) Set first meeting of 2019 for Monday, January 7, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room.

7) Warrants and Payrolls.

Approved Resolution for the 2019 Annual Operating Budget and setting of millage rate.

Authorized the Mayor to sign the EPA consent order as recommended by the City Attorney.

Approved a 2% wage adjustment for City Manager.

Appointments to various City Boards and Commissions as recommended by the Appointments Committee and correction for Board of Review appointment.

Cancelled the December 17, 2018 regularly scheduled City Commission meeting.

Authorized Finance Director Mary Ann Kornexl to approve the issuance of payrolls and warrants from December 11, 2018 through January 4, 2019.

Rescind the creation of the Citizen Advisory Board and mandated that instead the Public Safety Director meet monthly with the Mt. Pleasant Area Diversity Group, Isabella County Human Rights Committee and City/CMU Liaison Committee and at the end of the year a report would be prepared for the Commission.

Adjourned the meeting at 9:16 p.m.

Newly Constructed Grid Street Named In Memory and Honor of Former City Manager and Dedicated Volunteer, Larry Collins

MT. PLEASANT, MI – The family of Larry Collins, former Mt. Pleasant City Manager from 1961-68, was in attendance at the December 10, 2018 City Commission meeting for the Collins Drive Street name presentation. Collins Drive is a recently constructed grid street located north of Preston Street, between Pizza Hut and Blaze Pizza. It is one of seven new streets constructed to help alleviate traffic congestion concerns on Mission Street.

Larry resided in Mt. Pleasant for 56 years before he passed away in August 2017. A dedicated volunteer, Larry was still giving back to his community well into his 80’s and 90’s. Organizations which benefited from Larry’s talents include, but are not limited to, the Michigan Story Festival, Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, First United Methodist Church, Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis Club, Isabella Community Soup Kitchen and the Isabella County Restoration House. Larry was instrumental in the establishment of the sister city relationship with Okaya, Japan in 1965 which also included the annual student exchange.

Topics to Watch at the December 10 City Commission Meeting

To see the full City Commission agenda and packet for the December 10, 2018 meeting click here.

-Presentation of Collins Drive street sign to Doug Collins as representative of the Collins family.

-Consider resolution approving the final 2019 Operating Budget and set the millage rate for 2019.

-Consider resolution approving the final amended 2018 Operating Budget.

-Consider setting the first meeting of 2019 for Monday, January 7, 2019.

-Thank you to Mayor Allison Quast-Lents and Vice Mayor Nicholas Madaj for their service the past three years.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings take place at 7 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway Street.

Mt. Pleasant City Commission meetings are also streamed live at the City’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/MtPleasantMi/ and aired on Channel 188, or viewed online at a later date on the MACTV website.

Middle School PEAK Program Fee Increase

In previous years the Mt. Pleasant Middle School (MPMS) PEAK program has received grant funding allowing participation fees to be drastically lower than the K-5 programs. Since grant funding has diminished, it has become necessary to increase the MPMS fees to match the K-5 programs fee schedule.

This increase will go into effect on September 1, 2019 and is reflected below:

2019-2020 FEE SCHEDULE	2018	2019
MPMS Weekly Rate	$15	$45
MPMS Weekly Rate (Scholarship)		$30
MPMS Daily Rate		$11
MPMS Daily Rate (Scholarship)		$7

Scholarship assistance will still be available to those who qualify.

PEAK is a vital component to the development, safety and enrichment of our community’s youth, and the City of Mt. Pleasant Parks and Recreation department is looking forward to future programming.

If you have questions regarding the PEAK program, please contact Ryan Longoria, Recreation and Sports Director at (989) 779-5329.

UM-Dearborn’s iLabs’ eCities research recognizes City of Mt. Pleasant for supporting business in their community

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – The City of Mt. Pleasant has been recognized for its successes and efforts in contributing to Michigan’s entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research. Mt. Pleasant was honored as a four-star community along with 180 other communities across the state.

Michelle Sponseller, Downtown Development Director shared, “Mt. Pleasant receiving this honor is evidence that our community continually strives to make comprehensive improvements in all facets. Every decision we make is geared towards growing our local economy. The increased level of investment to our commercial corridors is a reminder of this commitment by both our public and private leaders, alike.”

The eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities from 54 counties in Michigan. Researchers focused on the five-year changes in property values, community assets, and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments and cost of doing business within the community. For example, over the five-year period of 2013-2017, these communities increased their capital assets by an average of 2 percent per year by investments such as street and building improvements, technology, and emergency vehicles and equipment.

“While accounting for only about 15 percent of the cities and townships in Michigan, the 277 communities analyzed are home to 70 percent of the population and 85 percent of the state’s commercial property,” said Tim Davis, director, iLabs. “By analyzing these high-performing communities, our goal is to showcase what cities and townships are doing to spur growth and how we can continue to support their efforts in developing business and encouraging entrepreneurs.”

Mt. Pleasant will be acknowledged Thursday, Nov. 29, during the Executive Speaker Series panel discussion, which will discuss Michigan’s economic growth, including key areas such as capital, infrastructure, industry, and the ecosystem. The panel, moderated by Dr. Brian Patrick Green, Czarnecki Collegiate Professor, UM-Dearborn College of Business, will feature William Adams, Senior International Economist, PNC Financial Services Group; Maureen Miller Brosnan, Executive Director, Michigan Venture Capital Association; Kristina Kolbas, SVP Enterprise Services, Quicken Loans; and Jeff Marston, V.P. of Business Services, Comcast Business, Heartland Region. The event, hosted by WWJ Newsradio 950’s Murray Feldman of the Feldman Report, is free, but registration is required.

PFAS Water Test Results Released for City of Mt. Pleasant Water Supply within Isabella County

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has been testing drinking water from all community water supplies across the state. This test is looking for a group of manmade chemicals called per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). MDEQ is taking this precautionary step of testing these drinking water sources to determine if public health actions are needed. Below is information provided by the MDEQ.

What is PFAS?

It is not uncommon to find low levels of PFAS in drinking water supplies, as PFAS can be found in fire-fighting foams, stain repellants, nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food wrappers, and many other household products. They do not break down in the environment and move easily into water.

Who paid for the initial testing?

Funding for the initial testing was provided by legislation signed by Governor Rick Snyder as a supplemental appropriation for the current fiscal year.

Who conducted the initial testing?

The MDEQ contracted with AECOM, a private environmental firm to conduct the statewide sampling.

Municipal Sample Testing Dates

As reported on October 10, 2018, The City of Mt. Pleasant, Charter Township of Union and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe were scheduled to be tested separately during the week of October 15, 2018. These tests were all conducted on October 18, 2018. If you are unsure of who your water system/provider is, please refer to your water bill.

Lifetime Health Advisory levels set by Environment Protection Agency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a lifetime health advisory (LHA) level for two PFAS in drinking water, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). The LHA level is 70 parts per trillion (ppt, which is the equivalent of one drop of water in 20 Olympic-size swimming pools) for PFOA and PFOS combined, or individually if only one is present. The State of Michigan is using 70 ppt for decision making purposes.

Test Results

The following test results were provided by the MDEQ and can be found on the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team website, www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse.

City of Mt. Pleasant Test Results: The City of Mt. Pleasant’s results show that of the PFOA and PFOS tested, a non-detect level was found in the water. This level is below the EPA’s lifetime health advisory of 70 ppt.

Can I drink the water?

With the information available at this time, and the test results received from MDEQ, there is no reason to believe the water is unsafe to drink. If you have individual concerns, please refer to the Updated Water Information section provided below.

Charter Township of Union test results have not yet been received from the MDEQ.

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe test results have not yet been received from the MDEQ.

Updated Water Information

Updated water information can be found on the Central Michigan Health Department website at https://www.cmdhd.org/ or by calling the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-648-6942 or the MDEQ Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278.

For information on PFAS including possible health outcomes, visit these websites:

State of Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) website serving as the main resource for public information on PFAS contamination in Michigan michigan.gov/pfasresponse
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ASTDR) website including health information, exposure, and links to additional resources atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas
United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) website including basic information, U.S. EPA actions, and links to informational resources epa.gov/pfas.

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, November 12, 2018

Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday,November 12, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room.

Received petitions and communications.

Approved bringing the matter of establishing a Citizen Advisory Board to the next City Commission meeting for discussion.

Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:

1) Minutes of the special meeting of the City Commission and CMU Student Government Association held October 29, 2018.

2) Bids for 2019 Water Treatment Plant treatment (bulk) chemicals.

3) Accepted PSD recommendation to utilize the Parks and Public Spaces Department for the downtown grounds care and flower basket watering;

4) Purchase of an unmarked 2018-19 Chevrolet Tahoe to be used by the Youth Services Officer from Berger Chevrolet of Grand Rapids, MI.

5) Authorized Finance Director Mary Ann Kornexl to sign a contract with Tokio Marine HCC for health insurance stop loss coverage.

6) Warrants and Payrolls.

Held a public hearing on proposed 2019 Annual Operating Budget. No action required by the Commission at this time.

Postponed action on changes to Section 98.37 of the City Code until after the presentation of the proposed 5-year Capital Improvement Plan in the Spring of 2019 with amendment.

Approved the recommendation from the LOCC to increase the pay for both the City Commissioners and Mayor effective January 1, 2019 as presented.

Agreed to sell the GumBuster machine and place funds from the sale into the PSD fund.

Postponed action on downtown restructuring until the next City Commission meeting on November 26, 2018.

Approved a $5,000 contribution as a local match toward the Phase II Economic Impact Study for the Ann Arbor to Traverse City passenger rail service from the Economic Initiatives Fund.

Approved closed session pursuant to subsection 8(e) of the Open Meetings Act to consult with attorney regarding litigation strategy and settlement negotiations in the case of Western Islands, LLC v. City of Mt Pleasant.

Approved closed session pursuant to subsection 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act to consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute.

Agreed to accept advice of counsel regarding settlement negotiations in the case of Western Islands, LLC v. City of Mt. Pleasant.

Postponed work session on 2019 Operating Budget until a future meeting.

Held a work session discussion on establishing a Citizen Advisory Board.

Adjourned the meeting at 10:10 p.m.