During a recent government meeting, officials discussed several key topics, including community engagement, substance use trends among high school students, and upcoming planning initiatives.

The meeting began with a report on the recent presentation regarding the opening of the Palisades plant, which attracted a significant turnout of approximately 50 to 60 attendees, including members of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The public hearing that followed was noted as a positive event, although details on its outcome were not provided.

Attention then shifted to the newly established materials management planning committee, which convened for the first time. The committee reviewed and approved its bylaws and set a regular meeting schedule for the third Monday of each month in Dowajak, reflecting the location of its new chair. The meeting was well-attended, with 17 to 18 members present, indicating strong interest in the committee's work.

In a notable update from the Parks department, officials celebrated the upcoming 40th anniversary of Madeline Bertrand Park, highlighting its long-standing presence in the community.

The meeting also included a report from the Brownfield committee, which discussed ongoing projects, particularly those related to modern plastics, although setbacks were acknowledged.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on substance use trends among high school students, with data showing a marked decline in various categories since 2012. Notably, the percentage of students who reported drinking alcohol dropped from 22% in 2012 to 9.7% in 2024. Binge drinking rates also fell from 12.2% to 5.7% over the same period. Prescription drug misuse decreased from 6.1% in 2018 to 3.2% in 2024, while marijuana use declined from 15.7% to 10.2%. The most striking statistic was the reduction in tobacco use, which plummeted from 14% to just 0.9%. Vaping, which was not tracked in 2012, saw a decrease from 24% in 2018 to 10% in 2024.

These trends were presented without specific explanations for the declines, but they reflect a positive shift in substance use behaviors among youth in the community. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring these issues and fostering community engagement.