THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE November 21, 2007
Kurt Kobiljak, Grosse Ile Township Supervisor
Township Board Meeting Updates
The following is an overview of the events of the November 13th Board Meeting:
DTE Energy gave a presentation of the new meters that will be installed to Island residents starting in late 2007 and early 2008. The Township, in its continuing effort to work with DTE to upgrade the electrical service on the Island, is pleased to see this $1.5 million dollar project moving forward. The meter program will provide “smart” meters for both gas and electrical and will allow DTE to better monitor the electrical and gas service which we all receive as residents of Grosse Ile. As the program moves forward, I will provide all with the time parameters governing this project. It should be noted that since DTE’s work began on the Island, approximately $8 million dollars have been invested in our community to improve service reliability and production.
FY 2006-2007 Audit Presentation was given by our Township Auditor and Finance Director. I was pleased to hear that all departments have lived within their budgets, our Township millage rate has continued to be reduced, just as last year, and that the financial situation of our Township is in the best shape that it has been in many years. I appreciate all the hard work of our Township managers and staffs working within their respective budgets during a very tough economical time.
West River Road/Grosse Ile Parkway Landscape Bid Award – Schutt Landscaping was awarded the bid to re-landscape the East side of the Wayne County Free Bridge. This will be an amazing improvement for those entering or leaving the Island. With the implementation of the reconstructed West River Road ramp, and the reconstructed “Four Corners” at Meridian and Parkway, all these projects will be completed prior to the County Bridge reopening.
Drainage Grant Program was formally adopted by the Township Board. This program is truly the first of its kind. It will allow residents to seek a “grant” from the Township to cure their yard drainage - a grant that could be as great as $5,000. This program will be initiated during the last few months of the Township’s current fiscal year and commencing in the 2008-2009 fiscal year. $100,000 will be allocated towards this program.
After I conducted an inspection of the County Bridge, some very insightful pictures were taken and presented at the Board Meeting. Those same pictures are being shown in a special edition of the Supervisor’s Island Update on GITV Channel 12.
Island Coney’s Thanksgiving Event
The Island Coney is saying “Thank you” to the Township Community. As one of the new businesses on Macomb Street, tomorrow, November 21st, the Island Coney is providing FREE TURKEY DINNERS from noon to 5pm. This offer has a few restrictions (excludes drinks and carry out orders) and is only good while supplies last. As a special treat I have the pleasure of working in the kitchen as a guest cook on that day. The Island Coney looks forward to seeing you on November 21st!
GIYRA Football and Cheer Programs secure
Season Ending Success!
A lot of hard teamwork and persistence paid off for the Grosse Ile Youth and Recreation program’s football players and cheerleaders as they were given the opportunity to be top ranked among their peers in the Downriver Junior Football League.
The GIYRA Freshman Junior Devils went into the championship game undefeated and untied, and were ready to take on the Riverview Pirates in a fight for the Peanut Bowl Championship on November 10th. This focused team of 3rd and 4th graders is the proud recipients of the winning trophy. For some of the players, this was their second consecutive championship, as they have won their last 20 games over two seasons.
On Sunday, November 11th, it was time for the GIYRA Football Cheerleaders to “take the field” and compete. All three of the Grosse Ile cheerleading squads had great routines, and practiced very hard for a chance to be judged the best among the other Downriver Football League squads.
The Junior Varsity Cheer Team performed flawlessly for a first place win. The Varsity squad also excelled with their routine, and took 3rd place among the many competing squads, missing second place by only one point.
Coming home with the Peanut Bowl trophy, as well as a First and Third place cheer trophy was a great end to what has proved to be an amazing season for the GIYRA Football Program.
Grosse Ile Historical Society Gift Boutique
Once again, all Island residents can look forward to the Grosse Ile Historical Society’s Annual Holiday Gift Boutique at the Customs House, located behind the Historical Museum on the corner of East River Road and Parkway. Find many wonderful and unique gifts for the special people in your life or for yourself. Kathy Walker and Roberta Holl have been busy planning this special shopping experience for some time and are very excited about the offerings at the boutique. The boutique will be open starting on Friday, November 23 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with hours each Friday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., also on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm through December 23.
Grand Re-Opening of the DIA
The Detroit Institute of Arts has been closed the last few months finalizing the renovations of the museum. But the DIA is ready to greet people once again. The DIA will re-open to the public on Friday, November 23. Admission to the museum is free all weekend long as the DIA will stay open for 32 hours straight—from 10 a.m., November 23rd to 6 p.m., November 24th. Many people may shop until they drop, but how about Art until you drop! Visit the DIA this weekend!
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES
Due to the number of requests we have received from our residents, Yard Waste Pick Up has been extended until December 14, 2007. Please contact the department at 676.5959 with any questions.
Upcoming Meetings
Planning Commission – Monday, December 3, 2007 @ 7:30 p.m.
Board of Trustees Meeting – Monday, December 10, 2007 @ 7:30 p.m.
NEXT WEEK’S SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE WILL FEATURE ALL THE EVENTS SURROUNDING THE 19TH ANNUAL TOWNSHIP TREE LIGHTING AND ISLAND GLOW ON NOVEMBER 30, 2007
TOWNSHIP OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 AND 23, 2007
IN HONOR OF THE THANKSGIVING DAY HOLIDAY
A Good Dad Saying
“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.”
This Week in History
On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a short speech at the
close of ceremonies dedicating the battlefield cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Requested to offer a few remarks, Lincoln memorialized the Union dead and highlighted the redemptive power of their sacrifice. Placing the common soldier at the center of the struggle for equality, Lincoln reminded his listeners of the higher purpose for which blood was shed.
The Supervisor will hold office hours to meet with residents each Wednesday and Friday afternoon, and any Monday that a Board Meeting is scheduled. To make an appointment with the Supervisor, please contact Administrative Assistant Carol Knopp at 734.676.4422, ext. 210.
Anyone wishing to receive the monthly Supervisors 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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