THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE JUNE 16, 2005

Kurt M. Kobiljak, Township Supervisor

Troop 1261 Eagle Court of Honor

This past Sunday I was fortunate to be invited and asked to speak at the Eagle Court of Honor at the Presbyterian Church. At this ceremony Scott Dexheimer, Matt LoRusso and Jonathan Smereka received the highest rank of scouting - their Eagle Scout Award. It was nice to hear about the diligence and perseverance of these three young men and how they achieved their rank of Eagle Scout. We wish them well.

Recreation / Water's Edge Update

At the June 13th Board Meeting the Board adopted an amended budget in relation to the Water's Edge site. It is the Township's intention that this budget will allow the golf course to run throughout this golf season. Most of the budget amendments are related to human resource costs, however, the board also addressed supply costs related to the maintenance of the golf course.

Those that attended this Board meeting also provided their insight and thoughts on the most recent mileage defeat, the future of the club, and the continued recreation presence at the Water's Edge site.

With the continued operation of the site this summer the Board's more serious challenge is to determine how to address the final disposition of the outstanding debt on the site, which is comprised of approximately $1.5 million dollars. This debt represents $1.2 million dollars owing on the infrastructure and $300,000 owing to the Township's General Fund.

The Board will be conducting public study sessions in June and July as to how to resolve the debt on the site. The First Board Study session on this matter has been set for June 27, 2005 at 7pm in the Township Board Room. This will be the first of several meetings, which will look for ideas as to how to proceed with the Water's Edge site. Those interested and which would like to share their ideas should attend this meeting. The Board is asking for your input.

If you are not able to attend this first study session, email me your thoughts as to how you would like the Township Board to proceed at kurtk@grosseile.com. Once all options have been explored, the Township Board will likely in early fall move to a final determination as how to resolve the outstanding debt on the site.

State Revenue Sharing Update

Last week the Senate Appropriations Committee passed an amendment to restore over $20 million dollars in cuts to State Revenue Sharing that had previously been made by the General Government subcommittee. In light of this action, as of right now SB 272 contains funding for revenue sharing at the same level for Grosse Ile as the current fiscal year. The full Senate will vote on this amendment in the coming days. Clearly this is a positive step in protecting further cuts to funding of core services of local communities.

Airport Update

The Township Municipal Airport has been a busy place over the last several months. With the heavy crowds and good weather during Islandfest many got to see the airport in a fashion that they don't experience during the year. Many of the people that I had the occasion to speak with indicated that it was the first time that they had ever been south of Groh Road and were very impressed with the site and the historical nature of the buildings.

In relation to ongoing discussions involving one of the airport's runways (04/22) and trees located on Ford Yacht Club's Round Island, a plan has been devised by both the Township Board and the Airport Commission. Presently the Airport Commission is putting together a recommendation in relation to the runway and options which it would like pursued in relation to the Round Island's trees. Upon receiving the Commission's recommendation(s) the Board will address the matter upon consultation with staff, its airport engineers, and the public. At that time formal action will be taken by the Township Board in relation to this issue.

In the interim, while we await the recommendation of the Airport Commission, there has been much discussion about the safety of the Airport and its runways. Since the Township defers safety issues to the State and the FAA the Township requested clarification of this very serious concern. Our request was answered by Juan Zapata of MDOT/MMTSB on June 13, 2005 who stated:

"The state inspects licensed airports annually for compliance with its licensing requirements. As of the last inspection of the Grosse Ile Municipal Airport the airport met the state's licensing requirements for a General Utility Airport and there is no reason to believe that runway 04/22 is unsafe as long as pilots are using the marked displaced threshold locations."

Additionally the Airport Commission is working toward a viable business plan for both the airport commerce park and the airport. It is the hope of the Board and Commission that this document will aid in making the entire site an even more economically, self sustaining enterprise not only now but for the future.

Cable Commission

The next cable commission meeting is tonight Thursday June 16th at 7:30 pm at the Township Hall Conference Room. Any questions regarding cable related issues can be addressed at this meeting. Please take the time to visit with them this Thursday - they would be more than happy to hear your comments.

Comcast recently informed me of two new digital channels - The Jewelry Channel 282 and the Tennis Channel 277.

June 13, 2005 Township Board Update

The following are some items that took place at the most recent Township Board Meeting.

• The Senior Alliance FY 2006 Annual Implementation Plan was approved
• Public hearing was held regarding proposed paving of Fifth Street
• Darrin Moore was reappointed to the Island Beautification Committee
• Amendment of Section 20-3 of Chapter 20 (Dogs Running at Large) to require dog owners to leash their dogs when off the owners premises
• Township Treasurer report shows that we presently have $11,057,443.84 invested at an average interest rate of 2.7%. With the monies invested as of April 30th the Township generated $40,443.47 in interest.

Freedom Celebration - Sunday June 26, 2005

Over the past nine years the Freedom Celebration has been a local downriver favorite. The concert will be performed by the 80 voice St. Paul Concert Choir accompanied by a full orchestra. You will likely see many Island residents sharing the voice. The Freedom Picnic will be held from 2-6:30 pm featuring kids-games and picnic grounds. The concerts, which are scheduled at 1:30, 4:00 and 6:30 pm, will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2550 Edsel, Trenton (1 block off of West Road). Tickets can be obtained by calling 734.676.2942.

Police Report Update

April Calls per shift : Midnight (111) Days (813) Afternoons (1047)
Miles Driven in April on Police Fleet Vehicles: 16,872 miles
Detective Bureau Complaint Taken in April: 76
Patrol Verbal Warnings: 228
Traffic Citations: 41
Warrant Arrests: 10
Felony Arrests: 3
Misdemeanor Arrests: 15
Total Accidents this month: 7
Animal Control Complaints this month: 83
Dead Animals Picked Up: 12

Downriver Council of the Arts

Have a little extra time this summer? I recently received information regarding the DCA's programs. The opportunities are numerous. Two interesting classes are: "Focus on Photography" - a hands on workshop focusing on the fundamental techniques of taking better pictures including composition lighting and basic tips. The second class is "Origami" - make a gift box, balloon, fox, flapping bird, an iris, and Swedish stars and Kusadamas. Call the DCA for more information at 734.287.6103 or check out www.downriverarts.org

Grosse Ile Islanders Hockey Association

Fall teams are now forming. The association is looking for all ages and skill levels for House and Travel Teams. Open registration dates are July 25-29 from 6 - 8 pm and July 30 10 am - Noon. Registration will take place at the GIYRA clubhouse and The Ice Box Arena. Coaching positions are also now available. Register online at www.grosseilehockey.com

Anyone wishing to receive the monthly Supervisor's E Updates, should send an email address to: KurtK@grosseile.com Watch for E ALERTS for Breaking E News on the township website, www.grosseile.com Any questions or comments regarding the information provided in this E-Update, or other questions related to the Township, please feel free to contact Supervisor Kobiljak at KurtK@Grosseile.com or at his Township Office 734-676-4422 Ext. 215

Good Dad Saying

"Some people march to a different drummer - and some walk on stilts"

Happy Father's Day!

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