Michael Zynewicz Made Full-time Paramedic
Village of Mackinaw City
By Paul Gingras

The Mackinaw City Village Council appointed a new paramedic, was informed of problems at the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum, honored resident Jane Magers for her service to the community, approved a trolley application, and added Rosada Mann to the planning commission at its Thursday, February 7, meeting.

After several years as an emergency medical technician (EMT), and taking an additional 1.5 years of training, Michael Zynewicz was made a full-time paramedic for the Mackinaw City Emergency Medical Service by a vote of Village Council.

To serve more than 800 yeararound residents, the village has two full-time paramedics and one paramedic operating under a temporary village contract. When the contract expires this June, the village will determine if it can afford three full-time paramedics, Village Manager Jeff Lawson said.

Mr. Zynewicz is paid $226 per 24-hour shift. Rotating with other paramedics, he will work three shifts in one week and two the following week, Mr. Lawson said. Mr. Zynewicz receives medical benefits and a retirement plan.

"I would like to thank Mike for his willingness to do this," said trustee James Alford.

Maintaining medical personnel has been difficult in the village, noted a member of the public.

In addition to paramedics, the department has five or six EMTs who, instead of working regular shifts, are paid for each run, Mr. Lawson said.

In response to questions from the public, Mr. Zynewicz explained that paramedics have more training than EMTs. Paramedics are able to administer medications, even intravenously. To maintain Advanced Life Support status, an ambulance must have at least one paramedic and one EMT, Mr. Zynewicz said.

On ambulance runs, paramedics are team leaders and EMTs assist them, Mr. Lawson added.

No action was taken on a pigeon problem brought to Council's attention by Dick Moehl of the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum." The pigeon population in Mackinaw City has found a nifty roost," Mr. Moehl said. Pigeons are roosting in areas of the Mackinaw that no one can reach, and bird feces coats the deck.

Concerned about maintenance of the vessel and diseases that could result from bird excrement, Mr. Moehl asked that residents stop feeding pigeons.

"The village could pass an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of animals that could promote health problems in the community," he said.

"They are multiplying nicely because of the friendliness of the community," he said of the pigeons.

Pigeons can spread histoplasmosis, and, while most infections are mild, the disease can cause symptoms similar to influenza. In some circumstances, it can cause fevers, blood problems, pneumonia, and death. Pigeon feces can also promote cryptococcosis, which can cause lung infections that spread throughout the body, notably the central nervous system. In extreme cases, it can be fatal.

The council voted unanimously to appoint Rosada Mann to the planning commission. One open position remains on the commission.

She is known for her willingness to delve into controversial issues, noted Village President Ronald Wallin. "She has certainly expressed a lot of interest over the years on what has been going on."

"I am disappointed once again, although not surprised, that [the council] was not privy to the nominee," said trustee Jeff Hingston in the discussion preceding the vote.

Mr. Wallin noted that city attor- ney Tom Evashevski had addressed that issue at a December 20 village council meeting.

The village president is empowered to make nominations, Mr. Evashevski told the board December 20.

This can only be done at a public meeting. Although Mr. Wallin can discuss the issue with the council before a meeting, to a limited extent, the proper time to review such information should begin when a nomination is made, he said.

In light of the attorney's advice, Mr. Wallin objected to the continuing questioning of his appointments.

Noting the ongoing tension regarding planning commission membership, the commission's chairman, Robert Most, told Council, "I am very pleased with who is on the planning commission. It is a new group. Obviously, it takes time to get us in sync. Don't feel rushed to fill these spots just to get a name in a slot. I would rather wait longer and get someone who really wants the spot, or feels comfortable taking it.

"I would be glad to chat with them about it, to give them an idea of what is involved and the commitment that they need to make. Let's move at the right pace and pick the right person," he added, "because we are all going to be working [together] for a long time."

Council passed a resolution honoring Jane Magers for more than 40 years of service to the community. She has served as a Downtown Development Authority board member, a long-time organizer of the Miss Michilimackinac pageant, and a volunteer at many other community events.

Now general manager, she is in her 49th year at the Pancake Chef Restaurant in Mackinaw City.

The village document honoring her was presented at a surprise birthday party Sunday, February 10.

The council approved an application by Mackinaw Old Time Trolley to continue its operations in the village.

Trolleys are to pass along designated commercial routes, except for other routes required for weddings.