SUMMER SAFETY ALERT

On Thursday, June 5, 2008, the Lansing Emergency Planning Committee released a safety alert pertaining to propane gas tanks.

Methamphetamine cooks are buying propane tanks from the exchanges at Wal-Mart,  Kroger, and emptying them of the propane gas.  Then they fill the propane tanks with anhydrous ammonia, which they now have a recipe to cook Methamphetamine.  After they are finished with the propane tanks, they return them to the store.  The stores refill the tanks with propane gas, unknowing to them the improper substance that was inserted in the tanks and sell them to their consumers.  Anhydrous ammonia is very corrosive and weakens the structure of the tank.  It can be very dangerous when mixed with propane gas and hooked up to a grill, recreation vehicle, etc.

You should inspect the propane tank for any blue or greenish residue around the valve areas.  If there are evidences of these substances, do not purchase the propane tank and advise the vendor of your findings. The information was researched, and you should check out the following website for more details and pictures.  National Propane Gas Association. 

Governor Granholm signed legislation in April that will require the use of approved booster seats for children who are between the ages of four and eight and less than 4 feet 9 inches tall.  The bill (SB 82) takes effect July 1. Current law requires children under age four to ride in an infant or child car seat. The new law extends the requirement to include older children who also are not optimally protected by seat belts alone. The governor also urged the Legislature to take quick action on a bill that will make it possible to make free booster seats available to low-income families. The signing of Senate Bill 82 is a culmination of a multi-year effort on the part of child passenger safety advocates in the state of Michigan, including the Safe Kids and Boost MI Kids coalitions.  More information on child passenger safety can be found at www.michigansafekids.org.

The 2008 Assessment Change Notice – the annual statement of your home’s assessed value and taxable value has been mailed to homeowners and may be creating some confusion.  The taxable value is the amount used to calculate your property taxes.  The assessed value (also known as SEV) represents one-half of your home’s market value.  Depending on how long you have owned your home, there can be a big difference between these two numbers.  For many Lansing homeowners, the assessed value of their home is lower than last year.  For other home owners it increased.  Go here for a Description of changes; Poverty Information Brochure; BOR Question and Answer Booklet.  Additional information can also be found on the City Assessor's Website.

CVNA HOLIDAY LIGHTING CONTEST WINNERS 2007

Colonial Village Neighborhood Association Meetings are an excellent source of information.  Mayor Virg Bernaro attended the February 20, 2007 meeting.  Mayor Bernaro congratulated Anne Wilson, CVNA’s Immediate Past Vice president, who was recently named to the CATA board.  He thanked residents of Colonial Village and reported on the City’s projected budget deficit, status of snow/ice removal and maintenance of pot holes. 

Because there is a shortage of salt State-wide, sand is being added to salt being used on City Streets to make what salt they have go further.  The mayor explained that although some pot holes are being repaired the repair is a temporary measure due to the temperature.  A cold patch must be used in temperatures below 40°.  A more permanent repair can only be done in temperatures over 40° and will have to wait until spring. However, money currently being used to shovel snow will impact road repairs because it is money from the same budget used to repair roads in the spring, according to the Mayor.  Residents were asked to please report pot holes to Public Service Department at (517) 483-4361. 

The Mayor encouraged residents of the Colonial Village area to send him feedback on budget preferences.   He said they need to find $6 mil to balance the budget.  The proposed budget will be placed on the City’s website, cityoflansingmi.com, shortly along with a feedback form for your convenience.   

Neighborhood Watch was the topic of the February 20 CVNA meeting.  Presenters Mary Brinks, a resident of Colonial Village and Officer Sarah Nolen, South Precinct Neighborhood Watch Coordinator asked residents to consider forming a neighborhood watch on their block. Mayor Virg Bernaro, attended the meeting and said that the City of Lansing is committed to and supports the Neighborhood Watch Program. 

Neighborhood Watch is described as a “program of mutual assistance among neighbors aimed at reducing crime in the area at the grass roots level.  It involves getting to know one’s neighbors and working together alert to the potential of crime, and willing to look out for one another’s interests.  Neighbors working together through Neighborhood Watch can combat crime in our area the most effective way…before it starts!”  according to Mary Brinks.  Prior to her move to Lansing, Ms Brinks was the chair of the Neighborhood Watch in her Texas neighborhood.  Her community earned an award for being crime free.  This was due to the Neighborhood Watch program in the area. 

Lansing City Police is offering training classes and providing helpful information. If you are a resident of Colonial Village and you are interested in receiving additional information about forming a Watch or find out more about training classes contact Mary Brinks, Colonial Village Neighborhood Watch Coordinator at mary_brinks@yahoo.com or call (517) 580-7444.    

BLOCK REHAB GRANTS AVAILABLE

The City of Lansing has set aside $250,000 from their Community Development Block Grant Rehab funds, from November 2007 to June 2008, to offer up to $5,000 in grant fund to 50 homeowners. The grants are available to single-family, owner-occupying homeowners located within the Lansing city limits.  Homeowners that have already received previous weatherization grant funds from the city are not eligible for additional grant funds at this time.  Grant distribution is subject to federal regulations.

The CDBG grant funds can be used in conjunction with Lead Safe Lansing (LSL) funds, and will be considered as match. Individuals wanting more information or to participate in the city’s rehabilitation program should contact the main number at 483-4040. 

FREE ANTIBIOTICS

NEIGHBORHOOOD WATCH TRAINING OFFERED TO COMMUNITY

Safety Tips To Remember

Always remain alert of your surroundings regardless of where you are.
Remember to lock all doors and windows when leaving home, even if for a short period of time.
Remain calm if confronted by a robber.  Everything the robber asks for can be replaced, get a good description, write it down and report it to the police. 
When Shopping: 
Use charge cards instead of cash and shop with a friend, if possible.
Keep purse or valuables off the floor when using public restrooms.
Choose a parking space that is well lit. 
Lock all doors and windows of your vehicle. 
Place all packages in the trunk or cover them with a blanket.
Be alert to anyone near you in the parking lot.