City Briefs

UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

April 1, May 6, June 3, July 15, August 5

City Council meetings are generally held on the first Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, first floor, City Hall, 10500 N. Military Trail, unless otherwise scheduled. Did You Know? Our City Council meetings are streamed live via the City’s website. Can’t make it to the meeting in person? Stay informed from the comfort of your own home!

LiveStream: www.pbgfl.com/LiveStream

Archives: www.youtube.com/citypbg

ON JANUARY 14TH, CITY COUNCIL unanimously passed Resolution 14, 2021 prohibiting the use of polystyrene products on public property. Polystyrene, better Goodbye, Styrofoam! known by the trademark name Styrofoam, is harmful to the environment because it does not degrade or break down over time and produces significant toxic waste during its production and destruction since it cannot be recycled. This proactive step in the City’s overall sustainability efforts will help protect wildlife and the environment while encouraging the use of reusable alternatives. Though there was previously minimal usage of polystyrene products, the City has taken our effort a step further to fully eliminate its usage in our parks and facilities by not allowing polystyrene use at any City events or programs, providing recyclable “to-go” containers in the Tennis Center Café, including “no polystyrene” provisions into all contracts, and making efforts to educate the public on sustainable alternatives. The City has committed to eliminating polystyrene on City property and providing educational information to citizens to continue our effort of promoting a sustainable City for future generations.

FIREWORKS are often used to mark special events and holidays. The only safe way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show. With many professional firework shows being canceled this year, remember that fireworks can be dangerous in the hands of consumers. Fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year. FACTS:

• More than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually.

• Burns account for 44% of the 9,100 injuries treated in emergency rooms seen in the month around July 4.

• Half of the fireworks injuries seen at emergency rooms were extremities: hand, finger, or leg. One-third were to the eye or other parts of the head.

• Children ages 10-14 had the highest rate of fireworks injury, with more than one-third (36%) of the victim of fireworks injuries under age 15.

• Sparklers account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.