A local grassroots group fighting the pipeline set to pass through Livingston County says the community needs to be vigilant, following citations the company received in Ohio.
Wendy Zielen, a concerned resident and member of Michigan Residents Against the ET Rover Pipeline, says the company was cited for 18 errors while constructing the natural gas pipeline in Ohio. That includes harm done to historic properties and a spill of two million-plus gallons of drilling clay into pristine wetlands.
Construction of local pipeline segments, which will pass through Marion, Iosco, Putnam and Handy townships, are set to begin in June. The Residents Against the ET Rover Pipeline group held a protest in Downtown Pinckney Friday urging citizens to be observant during the projectâs construction. Zielen says while that obviously includes spills, residents should be aware of company trucksâ size as road constraints have been set in place, if workers are cutting down trees because the deadline to do so was at the end of March, and if they are burning brush because some local ordinances prohibits doing so. Zielen says the group has provided contact information on their website for community members looking to report anything out of the ordinary.
The activist group is also calling into question the pipelineâs route, specifically its relation to Silver Lake in Putnam Township. Zielen says the certified segment will circle the road that hugs the lake, but claims the company originally proposed a route much further east. Maps on the groupâs website depict what they say shows the two different routes. Zielen says Residents Against Rover will continue to educate the community as she believes the company cannot be trusted to â⦠do what they should be doingâ. (DK)
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Pipeline Protest Group Urges Community to be "Vigilant"Pipeline Protest Group Urges Community to be "Vigilant"
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Fatal Fire Caused By Woman Reheating French Fries Fatal Fire Caused By Woman Reheating French Fries
A Lyon Township man was killed in a fire early Thursday morning.
Deputies from the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Lyon Township substation and the Lyon Township Fire Department responded to the 100 block of Manistee for a residential structure fire around 2:46am. A female resident was able to escape but reported a man was trapped inside the structure. The fire department says on duty crews arrived on scene to find a fully involved mobile home with un-survivable conditions. There was also partial collapse of the structure. The department says crews quickly pulled two attack lines and saved the next door home from catching on fire. Once the fire was knocked down, crews were able to enter the home and finish extinguishing the fire. A 68-year-old Lyon Township man was found deceased inside the structure.
The 53-year-old woman told deputies that she was reheating fast food French fires in a frying pan with oil and left the stove unattended. When she returned to the kitchen, the frying pan was on fire and the flames had already reached the upper cabinets. Those became engulfed in flames. The female said she ran outside as the man tried to put out the fire but he became trapped inside the residence.
Police say the initial investigation reveals the fire to be accidental in nature. An autopsy is pending. Photo: Lyon Township Fire Department. (JM)
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Substitute Bus Driver Punishes Kids On Hot Day By Turning On Heat Substitute Bus Driver Punishes Kids On Hot Day By Turning On Heat
The Fowlerville district says a substitute bus driver used âextremely poor judgementâ during an incident on a hot day last week in which he punished students by making them roll up the windows and then turned on the heat.
The incident happened Wednesday, when highs were in the 80âs. Fowlerville Community Schools Superintendent Wayne Roedel confirmed children were not meeting expectations for behavior so the substitute bus driver, using incredibly poor judgement, turned on the heat in the bus and ordered the windows closed. The incident lasted approximately 10 to 15 minutes in an effort to improve student behavior. Once transportation officials were informed, administration immediately instructed the driver to turn off the heat and the driver complied immediately. The bus run was completed with all students being taken home without further incident.
Roedel said he is not at liberty to discuss the disciplinary action taken due to privacy concerns but is confident that this type of decision will not be made in the future. He says it is their goal to run a transportation department that keeps the best interest and safety of all students in mind.
Roedel said the incident, which is not defensible, should not reflect on the hard work and character of other drivers who take great pride in the work they do every day and are âwonderful people who make a very difficult job look easy most daysâ. He stressed the incident doesn't reflect the overall quality transportation department they have, adding they are in need of additional drivers for their fleet as well as the Livingston County Transportation Consortium. Photo: FCS. (JM)
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Livingston County Red Cross Celebrates 100 Years of Serving CommunityLivingston County Red Cross Celebrates 100 Years of Serving Community
The Livingston County Red Cross celebrated a century of service to the community at an event Saturday.
An open house at the organizationâs office in Howell welcomed the community and local leaders with several historic displays. Rooms in the building were dedicated to each of the American Red Crossâs four main sectors in which they provide service- to armed forces, disaster relief, preparedness health and safety, and bio-med. The displays featured the history of each area of service and its volunteers.
Livingston County Red Cross Disaster Coordinator Shirley Jackson says when America entered World War I in 1917, everyone wanted to do something to help the war effort. Red Cross Chapters began to pop up all over, and one of those was in Livingston County. Jackson says within a couple of months, the chapter already had hundreds of volunteers. She tells WHMI the Livingston County Red Cross is not only celebrating its 100th anniversary, but also what makes it special and unique to the area.
Jackson says the local chapter has hospital volunteers who worked at what used to be McPherson Hospital and is now St. Joseph Livingston. They have a 95-year-old volunteer, Phyllis, who began working with the Red Cross during World War II and continues to be actively involved. Lastly, the local chapter also has a group of volunteers that makes quilts for individuals who receive Red Cross services. As quilting is a hobby that is not as popular as it once was, Jackson says it is unique that their chapter still has several people dedicated to that specific effort. Just because it is becoming a lost art, does not make it a lost cause. Jackson says wrapping one of those handmade quilts around someone who has just lost their home to a fire, can provide a world of comfort in their time of need.
The chapter received a proclamation from State Representatives Hank Vaupel and Lana Theis to recognize the many years of service and volunteerism. Disaster Services Volunteer and 100th Anniversary Celebration Chair Kathy Alward says activities throughout the year are planned as part of the celebration, and some of the historic displays will be made available to the public as well. Even after a century, Alward says the Red Cross âis still a very active and viable group.â (DK)
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Pinckney Man Re-Appointed To Michigan Veterans' Facilities Board of Managers.Pinckney Man Re-Appointed To Michigan Veterans' Facilities Board of Managers.
A Pinckney man has been reappointed to represent the interests of Veterans on a state volunteer board.
Governor Rick Snyder announced the reappointment of James Ausdemore of Pinckney to the Michigan Veterans' Facilities Board of Managers. The seven-member volunteer board oversees admissions and member affairs at the stateâs veterans' homes in Marquette and Grand Rapids. Members represent the interest of veterans in advisory and advocacy roles and are nominated for board service by fellow veterans and peers in veteranâs organizations across the state.
Ausdemore was first appointed to the board in 2012. He retired from General Motors after nearly 30 years of service where he held many position. Ausdemore served with the Michigan Army National Guard and the U.S. Army, completing tours of duty in Korea, Vietnam and Europe.
Snyder thanked Ausdemore for his commitment to serving on the board and is confident heâll take the necessary steps to ensure Michigan veterans are properly cared for. Members serve three-year terms expiring February 28th, 2020. Appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. (JM)
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Brighton City Manager Receives Salary Increase, Police Contract Approved Brighton City Manager Receives Salary Increase, Police Contract Approved
Brighton City Manager Nate Geinzer has been given a 3% salary raise by the City Council a meeting Thursday night, based on the recommendation of the City Manager Compensation Committee.
After a favorable performance evaluation earlier, council voted to approve the pay increase, retroactive to March 6th. Geinzerâs old base salary was $91,125, and his new base compensation is $93,878 with the increase. Geinzerâs compensation package is open-ended, and, as such, he does not have a specific number of years attached to his contract.
Geinzer tells WHMI, in his words, âI have enjoyed every minute of my job as City Manager of Brighton, where there is a lot of opportunity and a lot of people working to make the community better.â Geinzer will also get an increase in his car allowance, from $200 per month to $500, and the cityâs 401-K contribution will go from 10% to 15%. At the same time, in order to help the cityâs finances he agreed to waive his right to a pension.
In other action Thursday night, the Brighton City Council ratified a new contract with the Brighton Police Patrol unit. The contract goes into effect on July 1st, after the expiration of the current agreement on June 30th. Under the new agreement, the patrol unit will receive a 2% salary increase and elimination of retiree health care for new hires. The city has historically given retiree health care to staff, but has now gone to a retirement health savings account due to the high cost of providing retirement benefits for its retired employees.. The patrol unit has 11 members, and a new officer is expected to be hired in the near future. The command unit, with 5 officers, is under a separate contract approved last year. (TT)
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Local Motorcycle Chapter Recognizes Fallen Soldiers at Annual EventLocal Motorcycle Chapter Recognizes Fallen Soldiers at Annual Event
Fallen Michigan soldiers, veterans, prisoners of war, and those missing in action were remembered at an annual event yesterday.
The names of fallen or missing heroes were called at a ceremony held on the lawn of the Livingston County Courthouse as part of Rolling Thunder Chapter 5 Michiganâs yearly Ride to Remember. The motorcycle rally begins with a gathering at Striking Lanes in Hartland. Riders then make their way to Downtown Howell for the ceremony, which happened to fall on Armed Forces Day this year.
Duane Oparka, President of Rolling Thunder Chapter 5 Michigan, says the event began years ago and served to recognize local veterans. Now in its 16th year, Oparka says it has grown to acknowledge active service members and fallen soldiers from other areas in the state as well. The local Rolling Thunder Chapter is part of the national nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness about POW-MIA soldiers and their families. Oparka says really, they just try to serve in any way they can.
Oparka feels the cluster of bikes, some of which are outfitted with large flags, draw the communityâs attention as they travel from Hartland to Howell. Thatâs the goal, he says. By attracting attention with the bikes and flags, participants aim to remind the public about those who have paid the ultimate price while serving our country, those who never came home, and those who have come home but continue to suffer or struggle. (DK)
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9th Annual Kite Festival In Lyon Township This June9th Annual Kite Festival In Lyon Township This June
A festival will be flying high over Lyon Township in June.
Various kite teams will showcase their award-winning skills and techniques, choreographed to music during the 9th Annual Lyon Township Kite Festival. It will be held at James Atchison Park off Grand River on Saturday and Sunday, June 3rd and 4th. At 3pm that Saturday, a mass ascension is planned where an exciting countdown leads to hundreds of kites in the air, taking flight together. Kids get a free kite while supplies last to customize with their own decorations.
In addition to professional kite flyers shows, Other activities include quadcopter racing, festival food, live entertainment, a magician, kids games and crafts, live animal presentations, vendors and cars on display. Non-perishable foods will be accepted for charity.
Festival organizer Jim Chuck says the event is about providing the community with a wonderful outdoor venue for families to enjoy, noting they are now the largest Kite Festival Event in Southeastern Michigan. Volunteers are being sought and are encouraged to sign up through the non-profit Lyon Township Events Organization. A link is provided. Facebook photo. (JM)
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Vacant Building in Downtown Howell Set To Reopen As New Auto Repair ShopVacant Building in Downtown Howell Set To Reopen As New Auto Repair Shop
A now vacant building, which was formerly a gas station and auto repair shop in Howell, will be renovated and reopened as a new auto repair shop.
The building, which was once the Bay Gas Station and then an auto repair shop before abruptly closing, sits at the corner of Grand River and West Street. A company under a lease with the propertyâs owner, the Masonic Temple Association, plans to open a new auto repair shop on the site. The only changes currently outlined are interior fixes for the building and re-facing an existing sign.
A request came before the cityâs Planning Commission Wednesday seeking Special Land Use approval for the site. Community Development Director Tim Schmitt says the property has been used for automotive purposes for so long, that it pre-dates some of the cityâs ordinances. Approval under modern requirements of the B-2 zoning district was granted, despite mixed feelings from commissioners and community members during a public hearing.
Some adjacent property owners questioned whether another auto repair shop would be the best fit in a mostly residential area. Mayor Nick Proctor and Commissioner Jan Lobur echoed that notion. Proctor says while he does want the property developed, heâs concerned about the image âcoming in the best side of Howellâ. Schmitt says in the long run, itâs probably not an ideal use for the space. He feels at some point buildings can become functionally obsolete or cost too much to fix up. Schmitt says thatâs when it's time to start thinking about different uses or buildings down the road. Ultimately, Schmitt says it's the city's job to work with what theyâve got and whatâs brought forward, and get the best they can out of it.
Other neighboring residents were supportive of the proposed plan, or just glad to see the site being put to use. Schmitt says the property has been vacant for over a year and has degraded, though it hasnât gotten to the point of being declared blighted. Now that applicants have received Special Land Use approval, they will move forward obtaining building permits. (DK)
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Group Protests Vote To Repeal ACA With March and Candlelight Vigil in BrightonGroup Protests Vote To Repeal ACA With March and Candlelight Vigil in Brighton
A group of about 60 constituents of the 8th Congressional District voiced their frustration and sadness regarding Congressman Mike Bishopâs vote in favor of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act at a gathering in Brighton last night.
The evening began with a meeting of the group Indivisible 8 and others outside of Congressman Bishopâs office in Brighton. Bearing picket signs, the group marched from his office to the Mill Pond where they met to hear from guest speakers before a candlelight vigil. According to event organizers, the âTogether in Darknessâ candlelight vigil was held for individuals with pre-existing conditions and others who they say will be affected by the repeal of the ACA.
Emily Duthinh, an active member of the North Oakland Indivisible 8 Team, spoke at the vigil and shared the story of her son who suffered seizures at birth and now has autism. Duthinh says before the ACA, insurers would not cover her son because of his pre-existing condition. After its implementation, Duthinh says her son was able to be covered under his parentsâ insurance, is doing well, getting ready to graduate from college, and is able to hold down a job. However he turns 26 soon and will be required to find his own coverage.
Duthinh questions what life will be like for him if the ACA is repealed and he is unable to find affordable insurance. Duthinh accused the GOP of trying to make the healthcare exchanges collapse by not enforcing mandates or funding subsidies. Without subsidies, Duthinh says healthcare will be unaffordable, specifically for someone with a disability. She says a disabled person may not be able to have the same earning power in the workforce, and therefore options like healthcare savings accounts are not going to work for them.
Guest speaker Christopher Smith, a man who says he may run against Bishop in the 2018 election, says he has been monitoring the congressman very closely. Smith claims Bishop provides reassurances to his constituents, but that his actions donât fit those reassurances. Smith, who calls Bishop an âenabler of the Trump administrationâ, says constituents cannot listen to what the congressman says, but must instead watch what he does. Smith and Duthinh both share the belief that healthcare should be available to all U.S. citizens.
Prior to the vigil, Congressman Bishop told WHMI that the effort to scare people by saying they will lose coverage âis extremely disingenuousâ and insists Congress has made it a priority to strengthen protections for those patients with this bill. He also insisted that the Republican replacement plan, known as the American Health Care Act, does not âeliminate protections for people with pre-existing conditionsâ and provides $8 billion specifically to lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs for high-risk patients. (DK/JK)
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Police Chase Ends In Crash That Kills One, Seriously Injures Two OthersPolice Chase Ends In Crash That Kills One, Seriously Injures Two Others
One person was killed and two others seriously injured after a police chase that started in Milford ended with a crash on I-96.
State Police say Milford Police began chasing a car reported stolen near South Milford Road and East Huron Parkway around 4am Sunday. Speeds reached in excess of 100 mph before the car crashed near I-96 and Kensington Road. The Lyon Township Fire Department says two people were thrown from the vehicle in the crash, while another was pinned underneath. The men, described as being in their mid-20âs to early 30âs, were taken to the hospital, where one died of his injuries.
Police say a DNA sample from the airbag may need to be taken to determine who was driving at the time of the crash. Milford Police are expected to release more information later today. (JK)
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Local Libraries Set To Kick Off Summer Reading ProgramLocal Libraries Set To Kick Off Summer Reading Program
The six public libraries of Livingston County are inviting you to join them for their free Summer Reading Program.
The program was created to encourage students to continue reading during the summer months of June through August at all the library locations of Livingston County. The summer long event doesnât just include books but music, movies, special events, and activities for all ages, at no cost.
Carla Sharp, head of the youth services at the Brighton District Library explained that those who read during the summer months move ahead with their skills and children tend to read more when they choose their own reading material. The Howell Carnegie District Library kicks off the program for the summer starting June 1st and the Brighton District Library starting June 11th.
For more dates and times visit the link below.
(AS)
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Crane & Gregory Streets To Be Reconstructed In City Of Howell Crane & Gregory Streets To Be Reconstructed In City Of Howell
The City of Howell will be embarking on two street projects this summer.
The Howell City Council met earlier this month and approved the 2017 Street Improvement Program that will include Crane and Gregory Streets. The project recommendation was based on identifying something that fit within the budget and would provide the biggest impact to the community.
Howell City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI they originally budgeted to rehabilitate five streets but costs came in differently than expected so they will be scaling back the program. He says two streets have been identified for reconstruction â Crane and Gregory. Those projects will be put out to bid with construction anticipated in mid-to-late summer. It will be done in coordination with various events in the City.
Charles says the work involves reconstructing the roads and updating water and sewer. Both Crane and Gregory Streets were identified as having very poor surface conditions and significant utility and drainage needs. The two streets intersect at the mid-point of the project. (JM)
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Various Road Funding Agreements Approved By Brighton Township Board Various Road Funding Agreements Approved By Brighton Township Board
A number of road improvement projects will be taking place this summer throughout the municipality.
Funding has been allocated to resurface portions of Jacoby, Kensington, Stobart (from Pleasant Valley Road to the County line) and Hyne Road from Hacker to Old US-23. The township board budgeted $1.1 (m) million for all of the project areas to be resurfaced. The Road Commission is participating in the cost via engineering services and construction administration.
The township also budgeted $100,000 to improve Hacker Road through a preservation program in which participation funds from Genoa, Brighton and Livingston County will be leveraged. Additionally, road maintenance agreements were also approved by the board last Monday. Those involve applications of chloride or limestone on public dirt roads.
Spencer and Corlett Roads were said to be the prime candidates for limestone, which will help with the firmness and structure of the road. (JM)
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New Pedestrian Crosswalk Signs To Be Installed In Downtown Brighton New Pedestrian Crosswalk Signs To Be Installed In Downtown Brighton
The Brighton Downtown Development Authority will pay for 20 new pedestrian crosswalk signs to be installed in the near future.
In a presentation at this weekâs DDA meeting, Assistant DPW Director Patty Thomas told the board that the current lighted pedestrian crosswalks â located at Main and First, Hyne and Main, Main St. at the Mill Pond and the Main and St. Paul/West St. intersection â are not functioning as intended. At those locations, the lighting is embedded into the roadway, but due to Michiganâs regular freeze-thaw cycles and road salt, they have a tendency to stop working after a while. Thomas said the cost of maintenance, in continually having to replace embedded lights, is high. She added that itâs a safety factor for pedestrians if the lights are not working properly.
The DDA voted to approve up to $30,000 for new crosswalk signs at those locations. Thomas says the DPW will be removing the embedded lights and installing new crosswalk signs on both sides of the streets at the crosswalks. These diamond-shaped signals will have bright LED lights around their perimeters, as opposed to the old flashing lights. The raised crosswalks will remain raised, but will no longer have lights embedded in the pavement. Meanwhile, the âcountdownâ pedestrian crosswalks at Grand River and Main will remain.
The city will embark on a public education campaign in the near future on the cityâs website and on Facebook to inform drivers about the coming changes. (TT)
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One Dead, Two Injured After High Speed Chase In Milford One Dead, Two Injured After High Speed Chase In Milford
A police chase involving a stolen vehicle left one person dead and two others hospitalized.
Milford Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop around 4:20am Sunday but the driver sped away on Milford Road, south of Huron River Parkway. The chase continued until the officer terminated efforts to stop the suspect at Kensington Metropark. Not long after, the officer learned the same vehicle had been reported stolen from the City of Warren.
The officer re-located the stolen vehicle inside the park and again attempted a traffic stop but the vehicle took off, exited the park via Kent Lake Road and got on westbound I-96. While approaching the area of Kensington Road, the driver lost control of the vehicle which left the roadway, rolled down an embankment and flipped numerous times. Two people were reportedly thrown from the vehicle, while another was pinned underneath.
Police say all three occupants in the stolen vehicle were transported to area hospitals. One was pronounced dead shortly after arrival while the other two remain hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. Police have only identified the suspects as two Detroit residents and one Highland Park resident. Milford Police say it appears the suspects were in the area possibly to conduct other criminal activities due to items found in the vehicle.
Michigan State Police are handling the crash investigation while Milford Police are conducting the criminal investigation, which remains ongoing. (JM)
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Jail Officials Seek To Extend Contract With Inmate Calling Services Company Jail Officials Seek To Extend Contract With Inmate Calling Services Company
A contract extension with the company that provides communication services for the Livingston County Jailâs inmates has received preliminary approval.
The countyâs Public Safety & Infrastructure and Development Committee approved a resolution Monday authorizing the Sheriffâs Office to a sign a three-year contract extension with Keefe Commissary and Inmate Calling Solutions. The Keefe Group of Companies partnered with VizVox, the company that provides kiosk units for the jail that allow for commissary ordering, phone services, and video visitation.
The jail has implemented the video visitation option for its inmates as a means of security, efficiency improvement, and convenience, according to a letter addressed to the countyâs Board of Commissioners from Lt. Dan Adas. The video visitation works in the jailâs kiosks with a touch screen panel and video camera, operating similarly to Skype.
The county currently receives 46% in commissions on all inmate calls based on true gross revenue and an annual bonus of $45,000. However the Federal Communications Commission recently implemented changes that would lower rates or eliminate fees for inmate calls, as well as placed caps on fees effective June 20th of 2016. By extending the contract, Inmate Calling Solutions has agreed to keep the countyâs commission rates and bonus the same. Part of the agreement also offers new technology from the company that includes phonetic word search and the latest software for video visitation.
The contract between Inmate Calling Solutions and the jail is set to expire this August. Approval to extend the contract from the countyâs Public Safety Commission sends the resolution forward to its Financing board, who must also give it a thumbs-up before it can be sent to the Board of Commissioners for final approval. (DK)
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Warrants Authorized for Ohio Women Sought In Local Credit Card TheftsWarrants Authorized for Ohio Women Sought In Local Credit Card Thefts
Two Ohio women said to be responsible for credit card thefts from adult care and rehab facilities in Livingston County are wanted by authorities.
30-year-old Kyiona Renee Coley and 25-year-old Ieasha Jate Williams, both of Toledo, Ohio, are wanted for the thefts that affected three healthcare facilities in Livingston County within a 10-day period in February. Coley, who is charged as a habitual offender, faces one count of larceny from a building and five counts of stealing/retaining a stolen financial transaction device. Williams is charged with four counts of illegal use of a stolen financial transaction device.
A previously-released surveillance photo from The Willows assisted living center in Howell depicts one of the suspects entering the facility on the afternoon of February 10th. The suspect, wearing a scrub-style shirt similar to what healthcare workers typically wear, is said to have entered the office of staff and stole numerous credit cards. The other suspect waited in a vehicle outside. The stolen cards were used shortly after in Howell and at the Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor.
After releasing the surveillance photo, one of the women was reportedly identified by a witness to a theft that occurred in Monroe County. Warrants for both women were authorized last week. Authorities say the two have been seen on surveillance video in other parts of the state and in Indiana and Ohio, also targeting similar facilities. (DK)
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Brighton Senior Survivor Raises Funds To Build SchoolBrighton Senior Survivor Raises Funds To Build School
A group of Brighton High School seniors has raised over $46,000 for charity as part of Senior Survival Week.
All last week, 10 teams of hand-picked students held fund-raising activities during the week, and stayed at the high school overnight â with teacher chaperones â as part of Senior Survivor Week. $35,000 of the money will be used for Pencils of Promise to build a school in a third-world country. The remaining money would be used to fund teachers and students and perhaps install a water purification system in that community. The student co-chairs of the event were Emma Shinsky and Katie Bishop, and Bishop is also the student representative on the Brighton Board of Education. Bishop tells WHMI that it was the most successful Senior Survivor Week yet held, after three years of the event.
The co-chairs say the purpose of the week-long event is to âgive back to the community," one of the avowed tenets of the National Honor Society,which sponsored Senior Survivor Week. Shinsky says the students have the privilege of choosing the country to receive the donation among three countries: Ghana, Laos and Guatemala. Bishop says that of the other schools in the district which took part in the special week, Hawkins Elementary donated the most money, with a $1,500 gift.
Shinsky has been awarded an athletic scholarship to play soccer at Colorado State University and Bishop will enter James Madison College at Michigan State University in the fall. The staff facilitators for Senior Survivor Week were Mr. Christianson and Mr. Carney. (TT)
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Pinckney Council Discusses Banning Coal Tar SealantsPinckney Council Discusses Banning Coal Tar Sealants
The danger of coal tar-based sealants continues to be an issue for discussion among multiple communities in Livingston County.
The latest community to address the issue has been the Village of Pinckney. At Mondayâs village council meeting, the possibility of banning the use of coal tar-based sealants used on asphalt was discussed. Coal tar contains a carcinogen known as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, which can be hazardous to water, animals, and humans. Hamburg Township banned the use of coal tar last July and the council discussed the positive impact it has had so far. Village Trustee, Rebecca Foster, would like to see the ban pass for the safety of the Village of Pinckney. "The Huron River Watershed Council, they have been sort of spearheading this effort in communities. They would like to see a statewide ban...that's not happening yet, so they're the ones who are providing a lot of the scientific information and all the data for communities to make their own decisions."
The potential ban on coal tar-based sealants for the Village of Pinckney was tabled after Mondayâs meeting. The issue will be discussed once again at the next meeting, after a few revisions are made to the ordinance and as to how it will affect commercial pavement companies. (DF/JK)
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