THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE November 17, 2006
Kurt M. Kobiljak, Grosse Ile Township Supervisor
KWayne County Bridge Construction Update
Our township engineers, manager and myself had the opportunity of meeting with Wayne County officials this last Monday to discuss the spring closure of the County Bridge. With the reallocation of funds, it appears that the County is still proposing an April 2007 construction commencement. A February or March construction bidding will occur. The County indicated a willingness to act on our DPS’s request to address multiple issues related to Grosse Ile Parkway in Trenton – i.e. signage, tree trimming, and potentially some road repair. I will bring you another bridge update at our December 11th meeting.
Macomb Business District and the DDA - the Street is coming alive.
There is a lot of activity on Macomb and it will only become more active as we head into 2007. Consider the following:
New/Updated Businesses on Macomb:
• The Dollar Store – located next to Curves – plans to open January 2, 2007;
• Island Coney – paving is completed – to open this December;
• Kroger’s – construction should be completed in February 2007 and yes, there is a planned Starbucks;
• Mochavation – under new ownership, but still has the same great menu;
• Farm Insurance Company – Dan Conrado has opened up this new business next to Grosse Ile Floral;
A new sidewalk was constructed on the west side of Parke Lane to tie Parkway into Macomb Street.
A landscaping and pocket park master program recently approved by the DDA will come before the Township Board at its December 11th meeting. This plan will clean up the corners at the Macomb/Meridian intersection, propose an entryway sign to the business district, and investigate the landscaping of the intersections of Lyons/Parke Lane and Macomb Street. Additionally, the initial stages of development of Macomb’s first pocket park will take form. Residents will see these projects commencing Spring 2007.
Emergency Evacuation Plan Update
Chief Murdock and Chief Baron have been working on updating our program both short and long term with regards to our emergency/evacuation plan. Not only did I have the pleasure of attending an evacuation seminar last month, but we have also reviewed every aspect which we can think about with regards to not only during the bridge closure but also long term. Next month you will see on our agenda, under the discussion portion of the agenda, the emergency evacuation discussion item. Those who are interested, please come with questions or comments. Both chiefs will make the presentation and will answer any questions. In addition, this past week, the township met with the National Guard and Michigan State Police to conduct a field study of our Island. This meeting was not only instructive but also useful in any proposed emergency plan.
DTE
DTE will be at our December 11th Meeting to give island residents an update in relation to their remediation of underwater cables which provide electrical service to Grosse Ile.
Township Board of Trustees Meeting
Action was taken on the following items at Monday’s Board of Trustees meeting:
a. Brooke MacNee, Susan Harrison and Eric Anderson were reappointed to the DDA.
b. 2007 Water’s Edges rates were approved.
c. Coast Guard Waterway Regulation was approved and will be forwarded to local, state and federal officials. This resolution will help towards limiting the toll bridge closures during the remediation of the Wayne County Bridge in April 2007
d. Fire Department has permission to seek bids on Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Equipment as part of their ongoing capital replacement of aging fire equipment.
e. Fire Department will receive computer hardware and software updates for the upgrading of both ambulances with laptop computers.
f. An amendment to the Township Zoning Ordinance: Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. The MZEA changes the notice requirements for public hearings on zoning ordinance amendments, rezoning, special land uses, variances and appeals. In addition, it provides for an emergency appointment to the ZBA if needed in the absence of a member or conflict of interest. This action is the township continued effort in making sure that all of its zoning regulations are current with present law.
g. Design and Engineering for Rehab of Lift Station Control Panels. Updates are needed to the lift stations, located at Swan Island, Hickory Island and 2 stations on Elba Island. The stations were installed in the late 1970’s.
h. The DPS Commission will review the request for funding of the preparation and the design of plans for the rehabilitation of the Commerce Park Roads.
i. Tim Thompson was hired as the Contractual Part-time Building Inspector. He replaces Richard Sligay who retired in September. When you have the opportunity please welcome him to the island in his new capacity.
j. Wayne County Snow Removal Agreement for the 2006-2007 season.
k. Appointment of Jody Charlson to the Planning Commission. With this appointment a full compliment of commissions (9) will sit for the first time in December.
Road Closure Schedule and Contacts
The Michigan Department of Transportation has put together an anticipated schedule for the upcoming 1-75 Reconstruction Project to help local motorists plan alternative routes for the remainder of 2006 through the end of the project on November 15, 2007. The anticipated scheduled dates are considered to be approximate dates and should be verified by checking the following MDOT website for the most recent updated road closure information: www.michigan.gov/mdot (under “Quick Links” choose “Lane Closures”).
Copies of the schedule are available at the administration office at Township Hall.
HGTV Haulin House – The moving of the Ballard/Stryker House
The Grosse Ile Historical Society is proud to announce the airing of the Ballard/Stryker House moving day. The program will be on HGTV’s “Haulin House” episode scheduled to be aired on Sunday, November 19th at 8:00 p.m.
The Glory of Christmas
St. Paul Lutheran Church in Trenton is presenting “The Glory of Christmas” on Friday, Saturday and Sunday December 8, 9 and 10. Tickets are complimentary but must be ordered in advance of the concert. Tickets may be ordered by calling the Music Line 734.676.2942 or by email at www.SPLConline.com.
Grosse Ile Historical Society News
The annual Holiday Boutique will be open for business Thanksgiving weekend at the Customs House. This holiday store will certainly have that one of a kind item for the special person on your list or even for yourself. Contact the Historical Society for more information.
Upcoming meetings
Planning Commission - Monday, December 4 at 7: 30 p.m.
Board of Trustees – Monday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Department of Public Services - Tuesday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Dance Grosse Ile - Nutcracker Ballet– November 25 and 26 – Trenton High School
Boar’s Head Festival – December 14, 15, 16, 17 – Sacred Heart Church
Island Glow – December 1
Metro Shores Ballet – Nutcracker Ballet – December 2 and 3 – Grosse Ile High School
Township Offices Closure
Grosse Ile Township Offices will be closed in honor of the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24. The offices will re-open on Monday, November 27 at 8:00 a.m. The Treasurer’s Office Drop Box will be available for water and tax bill payments; checks only, no cash please!!
A Dad Saying
“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”
Benjamin Franklin
This Day in History
In 1558, Elizabeth I ascended to the English throne upon the death of Queen Mary.
In 1869, The Suez Canal opened in Egypt, linking the Mediterranean and the Red seas.
Anyone wishing to receive the monthly Supervisor’s E Updates, please send an email address to: KurtK@grosseile.com
Watch for E ALERTS for Breaking E News and on the township website or tune to AM 1700 Grosse Ile Community Information Radio.
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
|
