THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE February 14, 2007
Kurt M. Kobiljak, Grosse Ile Township Supervisor
Grosse Ile Township Offices
Will be closed on
Monday, February 19, 2007
In honor of the President’s Day Holiday
The Township Offices will reopen on
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Wayne County Bridge Closure
We have been informed that the County Bridge will be closed for maintenance repairs this coming Tuesday, February 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. weather permitting. We will keep you posted if this repair date is modified.
Wayne County Bridge Update
Per my recent discussion with Wayne County, it appears that the remediation of the County Bridge is indeed moving forward. It has been confirmed that next week the project will be put out for "bid." All bids need to be received on or before April 6, 2007. Once the bids are received, the Wayne County Commission needs to approve the final bid. Per my discussions with County officials, it appears that Island residents will conservatively see the initial phase of the construction to commence mid May (estimated date of May 15, 2007). The Township will keep you informed as the status of the project becomes more definite.
New Agenda Addresses the Business of the Township
At our February 12th Board of Trustees Meeting, the Board introduced a new Board agenda in an effort to continue the focus of the Township Board Meetings on the Action Items or Business Items which are addressed at the Board Meetings. Over the last several months it became apparent that the Board was addressing the business component of the agenda an hour to two hours after the meeting started. It is the Board's hope that this new agenda will allow those in attendance who have action items on the agenda to properly conduct their business while also enabling those residents which watch the meeting to properly gauge when the action items are resolved by the Township Board. The agenda still provides for public comment, officer and township manager reports, presentations and discussion items. The Board will be testing this new agenda over the next several Board Meetings to determine its effectiveness.
Study Session
In a continuing effort to keep the residents informed of the happenings of the commissions and committees on Grosse Ile, the Board of Trustees will hold the next Commission/Committee Study Session on Monday, February 26, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. The featured groups will be Airport Commerce Park Commission, Public Services Commission and Community Recreation Commission.
The DTE Meridian Construction Project
In an effort to provide better electrical service to the Island, DTE Energy is in the midst of a construction/installation project which residents will experience on the east side of Meridian and south of Belleview. This heavy construction that is occurring will likely run another six weeks. In order to install the new lines from Macomb to Bellevue, Parkway will be shut down periodically to allow the line to be installed. We will continue to update you on the status of this project.
DDA Macomb Business District Enhancement Project - Macomb Street is Most Definitely Moving Forward
At the recent Board Meeting, the DDA's conceptual program to enhance Macomb Street was presented. With the new buzz of activity up and down Macomb Street, the DDA is moving this project forward to bring more residents down to the district to utilize the existing and newly planned/constructed businesses on the street. Even though the plan is conceptual and since the enhancement program uses captured tax dollars generated by the local businesses, it will be a wonderful program to enable these monies to be returned to the Macomb Street. It is the hope of the DDA that the first stages of this enhancement plan will be implemented within the next six months.
Downriver Community Conference Weatherization Program
The Downriver Community Conference has received funds for the Weatherization Program which assists residents in paying their heating bill. Payments of up to $1,000 can be received towards a heating bill based on the balance owed. Income guidelines, requirements, applications and further information can be found by calling 734.362.3475 or 734.362.3473.
Spring Passport Fair
Need a new passport? Let the Township Clerk’s Office help you with the paperwork. On Saturday, February 24 from 10:00 a.m. – Noon and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., the Clerk’s Office will be having a “Passport Fair”. No walk -ins please! For an appointment, please call734.676.4422, ext. 241. Standard fees apply. Form and information available at the Clerk’s Office located at 9601 Groh Road.
Mother and Son Night.
It’s time for the annual “Mother and Son Night!” Register at the Recreation Department for this fun event. Tickets are $18 per couple and $8 for each additional child. Meet us at Woodhaven Lanes for a night of friendly competition and teamwork. Bowling time, shoe rental, hot dog and pop are included. Stefan already has his bowling shirt out and ready to go!
AARP Tax Service
AARP Annual Tax Assistance is scheduled for each Tuesday from February 6 to March 13. 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Recreation Building at Centennial Farm. An earlier cut off time is possible depending on the number of volunteers and the number of people waiting. Remember, it is first come, first served.
This Day in History
1903 : First “Teddy” bear goes on sale
On this day in 1903, toy storeowner and inventor Morris Michtom places two stuffed bears in his shop window, advertising them as “Teddy” bears. Michtom had earlier petitioned President Theodore Roosevelt for permission to use his nickname, “Teddy.” The president agreed and, before long, other toy manufacturers began turning out copies of Michtom’s stuffed bears, which soon became a national childhood institution.
One of Theodore Roosevelt’s hunting expeditions provided the inspiration for the “Teddy” bear. Ironically, though he was an avid conservationist, Roosevelt-led hunting trips often resulted in excessive slaughter, including one African trip during which his party killed more than 6,000 animals for sport and trophies. However, the idea for the teddy bear likely arose out of one of Roosevelt’s more compassionate acts.
Reports differ as to the exact details of the inspiration behind the teddy bear, but it is thought that while hunting in Mississippi in 1902, Roosevelt came upon an old injured black bear that his guides had tied to a tree. (The age, sex and state of health of the bear remain contested.) While some reports claim Roosevelt shot the bear out of pity for his suffering, others insist he set the bear free. Political cartoonists later portrayed the bear as a cub, implying that under the tough, outdoorsy and macho image of Roosevelt lay a much softer, more sensitive interior. (Source: www.history.com)
New Words for 2007
Mouse Potato: The on-line, wired generation’s answer to the couch potato.
A Good President’s Day Saying
“Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”
Abraham Lincoln
“Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”
George Washington
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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