THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE December 22,2006
SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE December 8, 2006
Kurt M. Kobiljak, Grosse Ile Township Supervisor
The Township’s Emergency/Evacuation Plan
The Grosse Ile Township Emergency/Evacuation Plan was presented at the Township Board meeting on Monday, December 11 by Fire Chief Duncan Murdock, Police Chief Bill Barron and Lt. Joe Porcarelli. Chiefs Murdock, Barron, Lt. Porcarelli and myself presented a comprehensive plan that deals with the emergency evacuation plan update as well as talking about in great detail the day to day operations of the Township from a traffic control situation during the closing of the free bridge. This plan has many components to it and many different agencies are involved. The Township has worked cooperatively with the National Guard, Grosse Ile Bridge Company, Michigan State Police and Wayne County Emergency Management. Just recently Chiefs Murdock, Barron and myself met with Congressman Conyers to discuss the flow of commercial and recreational watercraft traffic on the Trenton Channel due to the Wayne County bridge closure next spring. We will be working with the Michigan Federal Delegation to make sure there is easy passage on and travel over the Trenton Channel during the bridge closure. This effort will address both commercial and recreational water traffic during both peak (rush hour) and non-peak hours. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 676.4422 ext 215.
This board meeting, and a special overview of the plan via my Supervisor’s Cable Update, will be rebroadcast over the next few weeks so if you didn’t get a chance to see the presentation live, please tune in to GITV channel 12.
Township Board Meeting Update
At Monday’s December 11th board meeting, the West River Road ramp was again discussed. A traffic study is being prepared to review this very important intersection for a report to the DPS Commission / Roads Sub Committee and then eventually to the Township Board as to what we need to do with the ramp. The Township Board recognizes that this is a very important intersection on Grosse Ile. The hope would be that if any work were done on this intersection it would be conducted during the free bridge remediation project.
A plan was approved for the Macomb Street district as recommended to the Township Board by the DDA. An enhanced district for resident and businesses is planned with the project commencing in Spring 2007.
Supervisor’s Island Update
Currently being shown on GITV is the latest edition of The Supervisor’s Island Update featuring Township Auditor Tom Monteleon.
Wayne County Meeting with County Executive
This last Monday, December 18th , I and Township Manager Dale Reaume met with the Wayne County Executive’s office to discuss present projects which are pending on the Island as well as to address and put to bed the “reported” sale of the Wayne County Free Bridge. The meeting was productive in that it gave all involved a good focus as to how both the Township and the County will need to work together in 2007 on both pending and proposed joint projects.
What is up with all that construction north of the Toll Bridge?
Wondering what is going on next to the toll bridge – it’s a BASF Michigan Department of Environmental Quality remediation project. Watch the rebroadcast of the December Board meeting during the holiday season – BASF officials put together a very instructive power point presentation as to what, why and how they are remediating the site.
Wayne County Bridge Meeting
Township representatives attended a meeting with Wayne County and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials regarding the status of the reconstruction of the Wayne County Free Bridge. Final Engineering changes will be made to the plans as well as obtaining the necessary State and Federal permits over the next few months. The project is expected to be advertised to solicit bids in March 2007 and awarded in the beginning of April by the use of the MDOT expedited award process. Construction is anticipated to begin shortly after award, and is estimated to take six to eight months. In preparation for this project, the Police and Fire Departments have been making preparations to address the emergency response needs to ensure the safety of our residents. Be sure to watch the December 11, 2006 Township Board meeting on GI-TV to view the presentation of the Township Emergency Management Plan.
DTE Cable replacement
Detroit Edison is scheduled to attend the January 22, 2007 Township Board meeting and will be giving a presentation of the upcoming replacement of one of the underwater main power lines to Grosse Ile. DTE is in the process of selecting a specialty contractor to perform the work. Traffic impact will occur for a period of approximately two weeks at the intersection of Ferry Road and West River. The work is anticipated to take place in February. Once a contractor has been chosen the detailed scheduled will be determined. It is expected that DTE will reveal specifics at the January 22, 2007 presentation.
New Water Rates
Grosse Ile residents will face an 8.3% increase in water rates if the rate increases are approved by the City of Detroit water board and the Detroit City Council
Senate Cable Franchise Vote Passes!
Over the past several months, there has been much talk about HB 6456 dealing with cable franchise issues.
HB 6456 (H-2) will allow:
The ability of cable companies to terminate local franchise contracts at their discretion.
An annual $47-$57 million revenue reduction to local communities due to loss of in-kind services.
Cherry-picking in local neighborhoods because there is no meaningful build out requirement
Significant loss of right-of-way controls
Significantly reduced consumer and local resident protections.
Even though the Township’s Senator, Bruce Patterson, voted against the bill – the bill still passed in the Senate. We will oversee the next step of this bill and how it will likely affect the Township’s cable operation.
Custom House Holiday Boutique – Buy your last minute items for Christmas!
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 and Saturday, December 22 and 23. Stay on Grosse Ile and do your shopping – the Historical Society would appreciate your business and your family or friends would most definitely enjoy the gifts available at the boutique.
Township Offices Holiday Schedule
Grosse Ile Township Offices will be closed on the following days for the Christmas and New Years Holiday:
Monday, December 25 Tuesday, December 26
Monday, January 1 Tuesday, January 2
The offices will be open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the following days:
Wednesday, December 27 through Friday, December 29.
Township Hall will re-open on Wednesday, January 3, 2007.
The Treasurer’s Office Drop Box will be available for water and tax bill payments; checks only, no cash please!!
Township Board of Trustees
And
Management and Staff of Grosse Ile Township
Wish all residents
A Happy and Safe Holiday Season
A Dad Christmas Saying
You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernatural beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
Francis P. Church
This Day in History
1900 : Mercedes is born
A new 35hp car built by Daimler from a design by Emil Jellinke was completed. The car was named for Jellinek's daughter, Mercedes.
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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