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FW: Useful resources and information on home energy assistance from MPSC
by Membiela, Clare (MDE) 20 Nov '24

20 Nov '24

Hello! Many Michigan residents struggle with heating and other utility bills – especially in the winter. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has some useful resources and information that may be helpful for patrons (or staff, or board members..)struggling with these issues. Please see information below! Thanks! Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC(a)michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov> 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. “the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge.” Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965). [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>. From: Michigan Public Service Commission <MPSC(a)govsubscriptions.michigan.gov> Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 9:35 AM To: Membiela, Clare (MDE) <MembielaC(a)michigan.gov> Subject: MPSC Spotlight | November, 2024 [11] ________________________________ Welcome to the November issue of the MPSC Spotlight! Temperatures are getting colder, so we’re sharing information that can help keep your family safe and warm this winter. ________________________________ Wintertime protections can prevent shutoffs for seniors, income-eligible energy customers [hu]Seniors and members of income-eligible households in Michigan have protections against having their utilities shut off during winter months. The Winter Protection Plan (WPP) protects seniors and low-income customers of electric and natural gas providers whose rates are regulated by the MPSC. WPP prevents shutoffs from Nov. 1 to March 31. Customers qualify for the protection if you: * Are 65 or older; * Receive Michigan Department of Health and Human Services cash or food assistance, or Medicaid; * Or have a household income at or below 150% of federal poverty level guidelines. Eligible seniors in the WPP aren’t required to make specific monthly payments during the heating season. The WPP allows eligible low-income customers to make monthly payments equal to 7% of their estimated annual bill, November through March, and avoid shut-off during that time even if their bills are higher. At the end of the protection period, both low-income and senior customers participating in the plan must pay off any money owed in installments between April and November. To learn more or to apply for this or other shut-off protection plans, contact your utility. You can find contact info for utilities regulated by the MPSC at our utility contacts page<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmpsc%2Fc…>. If your household is struggling with home energy bills, help is available. Learn about financial assistance and other resources at www.michigan.gov/mpsc/gethelp<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmpsc%2Fge…>. ________________________________ Take these steps to keep your home safe from carbon monoxide [CO]November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, and the MPSC urges Michiganders to be smart about the dangers of the potentially deadly gas in their homes. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas known as the invisible killer because it’s undetectable to human senses, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Carbon monoxide fumes can enter a home when a fuel-burning appliance, like a furnace or water heater, isn’t working properly or vented correctly, or if a portable generator is located outside and too close to a home’s doors and windows or is operated indoors. Hundreds of people die each year in the United States from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 20,000 per year visit emergency rooms, with more than 4,000 hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What can you do to keep your family safe? Here are tips: * Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Place them in a central location outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home. * Test carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries regularly. * Have your home heating system, hot water heater and any other appliance that burns fuel serviced annually by a qualified technician. * Never run a gas-powered generator inside a home or garage. If running one outside, make sure it is far enough away — at least 20 feet — from doors and windows so that exhaust fumes don’t enter your home. * Know the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseated. If you experience these warning signs, move outside or to a well-ventilated area immediately. ________________________________ Michigan utility customers to see $1.4B in cost savings through Michigan’s energy waste reduction efforts Energy waste reduction (EWR) programs continued to save Michiganders money in the form of more than 1.75 million megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity and nearly 7 million thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas not used in 2023, according to an annual Michigan Public Service Commission report. The MPSC’s 2023 Utility Energy Waste Reduction Programs Annual Report on the Implementation of Public Act 295 of 2016<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmpsc%2F-…> makes clear the benefits of robust EWR programs in Michigan. EWR offerings for residential customers include steps to upgrade lighting, heating, ventilation and cooling, weatherization, energy education, appliance recycling and other ways residential customers can use energy more efficiently and save money on their energy bills. Michigan’s electric and natural gas utilities spent more than $551 million on EWR programs in 2023, and that spending is expected to result in savings of $1.4 billion over the 12-year lifecycle of EWR programs and measures. For every dollar spent on EWR programs in 2023, customers see $2.54 of benefits, the report concludes. ________________________________ Recent commission meeting orders Here are details about orders the Commission approved at its Nov. 7 Commission meeting: * The Commission approved a $113,788,000 rate increase for DTE Gas Co. (Case No. U-21291<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmi-psc.my.site.com%2Fs%2Fca…>), designed to allow the company to continue needed investments in the safety modernization of its natural gas transmission and distribution system. DTE Gas had requested to raise rates by $266 million, with $106 million already reflected in rates from a previously approved infrastructure surcharge, for a net increase of $160 million. A typical residential customer using 100 ccf (hundred cubic feet) of natural gas per month will see an increase of $1.98, or 2.28%, in their monthly bill. In addition, due to the approved Infrastructure Recovery Mechanism (IRM) surcharge, customers will see an increase of 66 cents, or a 0.74% increase over past bills, starting Nov. 21, 2024. The IRM surcharge will increase annually until 2029, resulting in an additional increase of $6.28, or 7.04%, by Jan. 1, 2029, over the initial rate and IRM approval. The IRM allows DTE Gas to recover costs related to gas main, pipeline, and gas meter improvements for continued safety and reliability for customers. * The Commission approved two orders as part of efforts to implement changes to Michigan’s energy waste reduction (EWR) laws enacted as part of the state’s 2023 energy law revamp, specifically Public Act 229 of 2023 and related definitions in Public Act 235 of 2023. In Case No. U-21567<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmi-psc.my.site.com%2Fs%2Fca…>, the Commission directed MPSC Staff and the MPSC’s Energy Optimization Collaborative to establish the final format of the Michigan Energy Measures Database, including efficient electrification measures. Case No. U-21567 deals with implementation requirements for Energy Optimization Plans, which include required EWR plans for electric and natural gas providers and optional efficient electrification plans by electric providers. In Case No. U-21670<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmi-psc.my.site.com%2Fs%2Fca…>, the Commission assigned docket numbers and filing deadlines for EWR annual reports and reconciliations for Alpena Power Co.; Consumers Energy Co; DTE Electric Co. and DTE Gas Co.; Indiana Michigan Power Co.; Northern States Power Co.; Upper Peninsula Power Co.; Michigan Gas Utilities Corp.; and SEMCO Energy Inc. Meanwhile, in Case No. U-21679<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmi-psc.my.site.com%2Fs%2Fca…>, the MPSC assigned docket numbers and filing deadlines for upcoming EWR plan filings for these utilities for calendar year 2025. Tune in to our next regularly scheduled commission meeting on Nov. 21 at 1 p.m<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmpsc%2Fc…>. ________________________________ Have a utility complaint, or need help with your utility service? We’re here to help. Submit your complaint or inquiry online<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmpsc%2F0…> or call 800-292-9555.  [asdr] ________________________________ The mission of the Michigan Public Service Commission is to serve the public by ensuring safe, reliable, and accessible energy and telecommunications services at reasonable rates.  ________________________________ Michigan Public Service Commission<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmpsc/1/0…> 517-284-8100 7109 W. Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917 Stay Connected with Us! ________________________________ [X social media icon]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fmichiganpsc/1…> [fbg]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMichigan…> [Youtube]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fc%2FMichi…> [Linkedin]<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%…> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2FMichigan.gov%2FVote/1/01010…>. ________________________________ Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Fac…>. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsubscriberhelp.govdelivery.…>. This service is provided to you at no charge by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Flara/1/0…>. ________________________________ This email was sent to membielac(a)michigan.gov<mailto:membielac@michigan.gov> using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs · P.O. Box 30004 · Lansing, MI 48909

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YA books on CD
by Gillian Demeter 20 Nov '24

20 Nov '24

Hello, I have several YA books on CD that I weeded. I have attached the pictures of the Books on CDs. If anyone is interested please tell me the titles you want and your Rides code. Thank you! Gillian -- Gillian Demeter Teen Services Librarian Huntington Woods Public Library 26415 Scotia Rd. Huntington Woods, MI 48070 [ mailto:gdemeter@hwoodslib.org | gdemeter(a)hwoodslib.org ]

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FW: Coffee with MIOSHA in Grand Rapids—December 5, 2024
by Membiela, Clare (MDE) 20 Nov '24

20 Nov '24

Hello! Please see below for information on a FREE in-person MiOSHA event in Grand Rapids which may be of interest to libraries and library staff. A Kent County Sheriff's Deputy will deliver an insightful presentation on situational awareness, emphasizing personal safety and effective decision-making. See announcement below for details! Sincerely, Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC(a)michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov> 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. “the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge.” Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965). [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>. From: Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration <LEO(a)govsubscriptions.michigan.gov> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 3:51 PM To: Membiela, Clare (MDE) <MembielaC(a)michigan.gov> Subject: MIOSHA Announcement: Coffee with MIOSHA in Grand Rapids—December 5, 2024 [CWM NEW BANNER] Coffee with MIOSHA: Your Chance to Connect and Strengthen Workplace Safety! MIOSHA and the American Society of Safety Professionals, West Michigan Chapter, invites Michigan employers and employees to join us for an informal networking event focused on workplace safety and health. Coffee with MIOSHA<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flinks-1.govdelivery.com%2FC…> events are informal networking events designed for safety professionals. These events provide a chance to connect with MIOSHA administrative, enforcement and consultative staff to ask questions and learn about our programs and services<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flinks-1.govdelivery.com%2FC…> to enhance workplace safety and health. Special Presentation: Situational Awareness Training A Kent County Sheriff's Deputy will deliver an insightful presentation on situational awareness, emphasizing personal safety and effective decision-making. Don’t miss out—this event is free! 👉 Register online today<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fco…> to reserve your spot. Coffee with MIOSHA December 5, 2024, 9 – 11 a.m. Feyen Zylstra 2396 Hillside Dr. Grand Rapids, MI 49544 [Coffee with MIOSHA footer] [MIOSHA Website]<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fmiosha/1…>[MIOSHA Facebook]<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMichigan…>[MIOSHA Twitter]<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FMI_OSHA/1/010…>[MIOSHA YouTube Channel]<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fc%2FMIOSH…> "Work Safe... Be Safe!" ________________________________ Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fpublic.govdelivery.com%2Fac…>. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsubscriberhelp.govdelivery.…>. This service is provided to you at no charge by Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fleo/1/01…>. ________________________________ This email was sent to membielac(a)michigan.gov<mailto:membielac@michigan.gov> using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity ·105 West Allegan · Lansing, Michigan 48933 [GovDelivery logo]<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fsubscriberhelp.granicus.com…>

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Popcorn Maker
by Marcy Tompkins 20 Nov '24

20 Nov '24

Hello, We have a tabletop popcorn maker for sale. Works great and has only been used a couple times. $100 Pickup at Fairgrove District Library. email me if interested Thank you -- *Marcy Tompkins, Director* *Fairgrove District Library* *1959 Main St.* *Fairgrove, MI 48733* *Phone 989-693-6050Fax 989-693-6446*

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Vendor Update/Closure: PLYMOUTH ROCKET
by Jim Flury 20 Nov '24

20 Nov '24

Good Morning, If your library subscribes to one or more of the Plymouth Rocket products, it is likely you have already received a copy of the below, form email from Ric Bailey. Nevertheless, I thought I would share it with the wider MI library world, as from 2012 to June, 2023 the Michigan Activity Pass program ran on Plymouth Rocket's TixKeeper software platform. More common in libraries was EventKeeper, a Plymouth Rocket calendar/room reservation program which was discontinued October 31, 2024. Nobody would ever use the terms "cutting edge software" and "Plymouth Rocket" together in the same sentence. Plymouth Rocket software was the very definition of utilitarian/basic. But it (mostly) worked. When Macy's pulled its financial support for the 100% paper based Museum Adventure Pass (MAP) program, and I proposed to then TLN Executive Director Jim Pletz that we convert MAP to an all online program, Plymouth Rocket's TixKeeper software was our only affordable option. Ric Bailey worked diligently with TLN to make the TixKeeper software the best experience it could be for patrons and library staff. While that didn't always translate into ideal, from my perspective it is a fair statement that our current MAP program and the LocalHop software platform on which it runs, which we enjoy using and promoting to MI library patrons today, would not have been possible without the Plymouth Rocket TixKeeper software of yesteryear. Jim Jim Flury Technical Services Manager The Library Network 41365 Vincenti Court Novi, MI 48375 248-536-3100, ext 133 Note New Fax Number: 248-716-5584 Note New Email Address:jflury@tln.org From: "no reply" <no_reply(a)plymouthrocket.com> To: "Jim Flury" <jflury(a)tln.lib.mi.us> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 6:29:14 PM Subject: PLYMOUTH ROCKET UPDATE TO: Jim Flury I am very, very sorry to tell you that after almost 25 years in business, Plymouth Rocket is forced to shut down operations effective December 31, 2024. This unfortunate result is due to the unexpected difficulties recently experienced by Plymouth Rocket. The company that provided hosting of Plymouth Rocket’s servers for more than 20 years, servers that are critical to the operation of Plymouth Rocket’s software, decided to close their Baltimore location, where our servers were located. This forced us to select a new service provider. This move turned out to be unexpectedly complex and introduced significant incompatibilities with the Plymouth Rocket software that were more extensive than expected. I understand and deeply regret any disruption in your operations. I understand you will need to replace the Plymouth Rocket software in your operations and, to this end, Plymouth Rocket is making your data on our servers available for you to download. A link to instructions for downloading your data is available below. PLEASE NOTE THAT PLYMOUTH ROCKET DEEPLY REGRETS THAT IT LACKS THE FUNDS TO GRANT REFUNDS TO ITS CUSTOMERS. PLYMOUTH ROCKET’S SERVERS WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2024. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR DATA FROM THOSE SERVERS UNTIL THAT DATE. NO DOWNLOADS WILL BE POSSIBLE AFTER THAT DATE. ALL DATA ON THE SERVERS WILL BE DESTROYED AND UNAVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2024. Plymouth Rocket has retained Jeffrey D. Sternklar, Esq. in connection with its termination of operations. Mr. Sternklar’s contact information is as follows: 19th Floor 101 Federal Street Boston, MA 02110 617-207-7800 jeffrey(a)sternklarlaw.com Please feel free to have your counsel call Mr. Sternklar directly if you have any legal questions about Plymouth Rocket’s shutdown. Please do not call Mr. Sternklar about a refund - unfortunately, none will be forthcoming. You may also email Mr. Bailey directly if you have any non-legal and non-refund questions. All of us at Plymouth Rocket wish you the best going forward. Best regards, Ric Bailey President, Plymouth Rocket, Inc. rbailey(a)plymouthrocket.com [ https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.plymouthrocketxb.c… | Download Instructions ] 2024.11.19.15:05

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Re: [Michlib-l] Auditors
by Amber Alexander 19 Nov '24

19 Nov '24

With wage increases, inflation and GASB this is a thing moving forward. We went from $4,000 audits to $7-9,000. However, quality also should be looked at. These small libraries are going to have a rough time. Amber Alexander Presque Isle District Library Sent from my iPhone > On Nov 19, 2024, at 4:45 PM, EMAIL TEAM via Michlib-l <michlib-l(a)mcls.org> wrote: > > Dear Librarians, > > Are there any auditors that are priced less than $5,000 for a Class II library audit? > > Stephanie Daniels, Director > Vanderlyn Community Center & Hartford Public Library > 12 Church Street > Hartford, MI 49057 > (269)588-5103 > http://www.hartfordpl.michlibrary.org/ > _______________________________________________ > Michlib-l mailing list > Michlib-l(a)mcls.org > https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l

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Auditors
by EMAIL TEAM 19 Nov '24

19 Nov '24

Dear Librarians, Are there any auditors that are priced less than $5,000 for a Class II library audit? Stephanie Daniels, Director Vanderlyn Community Center & Hartford Public Library 12 Church Street Hartford, MI 49057(269)588-5103http://www.hartfordpl.michlibrary.org/

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Book Club in a Bag Kits Reserving & Displaying
by Andrew Susalla 19 Nov '24

19 Nov '24

Hello, We have been using KitKeeper to handle reserving our Book Club in a Bag kits (especially for reservations in the future). We are currently looking for an alternative program or other method to handle these reservations. Does anyone have a solution they would recommend? Also, if you have book club kits, how do you display and advertise them? Thank you for any input. Andrew Susalla Collection Development Specialist 231-737-6248 x114 | madl.org<http://www.madl.org> 4845 Airline Rd. Suite 5 | Muskegon, MI 49444 [cid:facebook_32x32_dedd724a-4c66-4e4c-bef6-56fb353e6bd1.png]<https://www.facebook.com/MuskegonAreaDistrictLibrary> [cid:youtube_32x32_303e5b6d-3b36-482c-9076-bb586baaec50.png] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3p73nXZ_UJBCLvmNkns5gQ> [cid:linkedin_32x32_3606df07-7193-459b-90a0-01d81d1f6ddf.png] <https://www.linkedin.com/company/muskegon-area-district-library> [cid:instagram_32x32_98913835-3927-4878-8296-2901ab43dbb9.png] <https://www.instagram.com/madl_pics/> <https://plus.google.com/+MuskegonAreaDistrictLibraryAdministrationLBPH> [cid:madllogooutline_4963ef8f-540a-4e1b-a4ee-13464ed6d8a1.png] <https://www.madl.org/>

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Archival workshops
by wagenaar＠hsmichigan.org 19 Nov '24

19 Nov '24

The Historical Society of Michigan will again be hosting an Archives 101 workshop as well as Albums, Diaries and Keepsakes: Preserving Family Archives in 2025 as part of our annual slate of Michigan Skills WorkshopsR series. While the 2025 schedule is not on our website quite yes, it will be soon. You can find them at https://www.hsmichigan.org/programs/workshops Larry Wagenaar Larry J. Wagenaar Executive Director and CEO, Historical Society of Michigan Publisher, HSM Publications Meijer Center for Michigan History 7435 Westshire Dr. Lansing, MI 48917 Phone: (517) 324-1828 Fax: (517) 324-4370 Email: wagenaar(a)hsmichigan.org Web: hsmichigan.org

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Adding Michigan Books to Collection
by Olsen, Josh 19 Nov '24

19 Nov '24

Hi Adam, It was good to see you on the tour last week. It reminded me, I have some materials to add to the Michigan collection, so are there guidelines for submission or directions on how/where to send them to the Library of Michigan? Thanks! Josh Olsen (he/him) Director of Library Services Madonna University jolsen(a)madonna.edu 734-432-5684

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