THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE December 8,2006

SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE December 8, 2006

Kurt M. Kobiljak, Grosse Ile Township Supervisor

The “Sale” of the Wayne County Free Bridge
Over the last several weeks and especially this last Wednesday in the News Herald newspaper, an article appeared whereby Trenton officials were setting their “sights” on the purchase of the Wayne County Bridge. To nobody’s surprise this article set off a great level of discussion in and around the Township. Let me try to set the record straight.

First: Wayne County has never formally offered to “sell” the County Bridge to the Township. For years Pat Hogan, the now former county official overseeing its roads, always joked with the Township that he would be more than willing to sell the Township the bridge for $1. To date, neither past supervisors nor myself, have ever received a formal offer to take possession of the bridge. If such an occasion would present itself, the full board, with input from the residents, would discuss the issue in detail. I will suggest to you and based upon my own personal opinion, it would be cost prohibitive to even contemplate such an acquisition for the yearly maintenance along with short and long term capital improvements, which will still need to be addressed on the bridge even after the remediation program slated for Spring 2007, would be much too great without the presence of a toll or millage. To that end, neither of these options are viable funding mechanisms in my mind and something that I would oppose.

Second: In my discussion with the Trenton Mayor and several of the Trenton council members, the proposition that Trenton would take ownership of the bridge, as was referenced to me last night, was merely an “April 1st joke” that was merely conceived over a dinner and was not discussed in any serious way. Per my discussion with these officials, I believe that this issue has been blown greatly out of proportion.

Third: Many have questioned the legality of the county releasing its bridge which services our Wayne County road system to either a private or public entity. Even though I do not believe such an event can occur, for future purposes, both management and counsel are investigating the legality of such an event.

We will keep you informed with accurate information on this issue when it becomes available.

The 2007 Wayne County Bridge Closing Project
In a continuing effort to guarantee as much convenience during the closure of the county bridge, Township officials, in cooperation with the Grosse Ile Bridge Company and the county, have being working on several programs in an effort to reduce backups. One project which is significant is the flow of commercial and recreational crafts during the county bridge closure. This last week, Chiefs Baron and Murdock and myself met with US Senator Carl Levin’s representative to discuss working with the US Coast Guard to limit the flow of watercraft, at a minimum, during peak rush hour periods. All parties believe that such a regulation will aid in reducing any type of backup. I additionally asked that the GIBC follow up with the Senator’s office so that their input on this issue could also be addressed. Early next week the chiefs and myself will be meeting with Congressman Conyers to request the very same support on this issue.

Emergency / Evacuation Plan update
Over the last eight months we have been working on updating the Township’s emergency evacuation plan to address the closure of the county bridge in spring 2007 and the potential of having both bridges out of service based upon an unlikely event. At our board meeting this coming Monday December 11th, our police and fire chiefs will be presenting components of the updated plan and seeking resident comments. This discussion will also address those matters related to traffic flow and how residents enter Bridge Road in order to get on the toll bridge. If you are able to watch or attend the meeting please do so – it will be very informative to see how your Township is planning for the county bridge closure.

Final Senate Cable Franchise Vote on Tuesday, December 12, 2006!
Over the past several months, there has been much talk about HB 6456 dealing with cable franchise issues.

Until local community concerns are addressed, it is imperative that you contact our representatives in Lansing to vote no on this bill.

The most damaging element of this bill is the immediate termination of all cable franchise contracts.

Currently HB 6456 (H-2) would allow:

 The immediate termination of all local franchise contracts
 An annual $47-$57 million revenue reduction to local communities
 Cherry-picking in local neighborhoods because there is no meaningful build out requirement
 Significant loss of right-of-way controls
 Eventual loss of public access stations
 Significantly reduced consumer, local resident, protections

Custom House Holiday Boutique
The Grosse Ile Historical Society’s Annual Holiday Boutique is open for your holiday shopping at the Customs House, Parkway and East River Roads. The boutique will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 23.
The book signing events scheduled will be as follows:

 Annessa Carlisle – “Bob-Lo - An Island in Troubled Waters”

This holiday store will certainly have that one of a kind item for the special person on your list or even for yourself.

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.

Boar’s Head Festival
The Boar’s Head Festival will be presented at Sacred Heart Church on December 14, 15, 16, and 17th. Tickets must be purchased in advance by sending your order in to “The Grosse Ile Boar’s Head Ticket Order, P.O. Box 316, Grosse Ile, MI 48138. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children. A self-addressed stamped envelope must accompany the order. For more information, go to the website www.boarsheadgi.com.

Upcoming meetings
Board of Trustees – Monday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Department of Public Services - Tuesday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Township Offices Holiday Schedule
Grosse Ile Township Offices will be closed on the following days for the Christmas and New Years Holiday:

Monday, December 24 Tuesday, December 26
Monday, January 1 Tuesday, January 2

The offices will be open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the following days:

Monday December 18 through Friday, December 22 and Wednesday, December 27 through Friday, December 29.

Township Hall will re-open on Wednesday, January 7, 2007.

The Treasurer’s Office Drop Box will be available for water and tax bill payments; checks only, no cash please!!

A Dad Saying
“Be strong, We’re not here to drift. We have hard work to do. And Paddles to lift.”

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

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