THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE March 3, 2007

Kurt M. Kobiljak, Grosse Ile Township Supervisor

SUPREME COURT DENIES TOWNSHIP’S MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION

On February 27, 2007, the Supreme Court of Michigan denied the Township’s motion for reconsideration of its October 13, 2006 order.

In its October 13th order, the Supreme Court acknowledged the Township’s right to claim necessity over the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge and that Judge Borman, who had initially heard the action, as well as the Michigan Court of Appeals, could not “legislate from the bench” and stand in the shoes of the Township’s elected officials. The Supreme Court, however, in its October 13th decision, denied the Township’s appeal for reasons not raised in the Wayne County Circuit Court action – in that the Township could not extraterritorially (outside the township’s boundaries) condemn property in the City of Riverview. Even though this was not the issue appealed by the Township, the Supreme Court’s October 13th decision effectively allowed the Township to condemn only half of the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge.

In light of the Supreme Court’s decision, and based upon discussions former Supervisor Doug Jones and I had with the City of Riverview prior to the initiation of the condemnation action, the City of Riverview passed a resolution which acknowledged that Riverview did not object to the Township owning the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge within its city limits. It was with this resolution, and a constitutional argument that a township, just as city, should be able to condemn extraterritorially, that the Township filed its motion for reconsideration. Unfortunately the Supreme Court, excluding Judge Kelly, denied the Township’s request.

Since the purpose of the Township initiating its condemnation action was to enhance and protect the public safety of all Island residents, as well as protect one of the two bridges which services the Island from an outside taking, over the next several weeks the Township Board will have to determine what options it wishes to pursue.

FREE BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT TO START IN MAY 2007

I will admit that I am constantly reminded that speculation will always surround a large project such as the remediation of the Wayne County Free Bridge. Just this last week I have heard that the bridge isn’t going to be repaired at all, that Wayne County has no money, that the township is paying 100% for the repairs, that the project will be starting in 2008, and the City of Trenton has already purchased the County Bridge. Let me say for the record none of these rumors are true.

Based upon the information which I have been receiving on a weekly basis – the Free Bridge project is scheduled to commence during the first few weeks of May 2007. If Wayne County modifies these plans we will bring it to the attention of all residents. Since we aided in the securing of the $3.5 million dollars of critical bridge funding I am confident that there are funds for this project while the County has acknowledged that if the funds are not “used” then they have the potential of being lost.

Bids for the project are to be returned by April 9, 2007. The Wayne County Commission will then review and consider the bids. Once Wayne County has processed the bids, and a contractor is selected, the project will commence very soon thereafter. The notion of providing incentives is surely a viable option to help the project toward completion, however I think all would agree that before a contractor is selected and a contract generated, suggesting financial incentives for a Wayne County Bridge may be premature at this specific time. I will keep you informed on a weekly basis as to the status of the commencement of the project
.

THE TOWNSHIP’S EMERGENCY PLAN IN PLACE AND READY TO BE IMPLEMENTED

Historically both the Free Bridge and the Pay Bridge have been down at one time or another. Even though there were surely contingency plans in place in the past, they were likely more reactive in nature. Consider as of late several years ago when the Pay Bridge was shut during its remediation – we had no physical plan in place but merely relied upon our very competent public safety officials.

Today, and in preparation of the remediation of the Free Bridge, we have the most extensive plan for the availability of one, or no, bridges servicing the Island. Interestingly there are those who suggest otherwise, and believe the Township and its public officials have not been focusing on its emergency plan. Unfortunately these residents haven’t taken the opportunity to listen to the plan which our public safety officials have created and are ready to implement.

Over the last year Police Chief Baron, Fire Chief Murdock, the Township and myself have devised an emergency plan which is extremely comprehensive and well defined. This plan, among others, involves the National Guard, Michigan State Police, Army Corp of Engineers and the Coast Guard. The components of the plan is so encompassing that it actually includes a pre- signed executive order from the Governor in order to dispatch the Michigan National Guard to Grosse Ile if becomes necessary, if Governor Granholm is unavailable out of state or the country.

Should you have any questions regarding the plan, or if you have heard information in the community that is difficult to understand, please call my office or either one of our chiefs so that we can provide you accurate answers to your questions.

FEBRUARY 26TH BOARD /COMMISSION STUDY SESSION - Tune to Channel 12

In an effort to keep residents informed of all of the Township projects and programs which are on going on a quarterly basis the Board conducts study sessions with its commission and committees. This last Monday the Board had presentations from its Airport Park Commerce Commission, the Public Services Commission, and the Community Recreation Commission. You have the opportunity to watch the rebroadcast of this Board/ Commission study session on GI – TV channel 12. Take the time to watch and it will surely bring you up to speed on all the activities of these very busy commissions.

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR for 2007
What makes our school district one of the finest in the state – surely its teachers! When you see Laurie Biro, Maria Martell or Glenn Eicholtz, congratulate them for recently being named Teachers of the Year for 2007. Even though I always knew Maria Martell was a great teacher from teaching me physical education in elementary school, I want to thank her and Laurie and Glen for all their diligent efforts in teaching our island students – Congratulations again!

DTE Energy Update
As many residents are aware the corner of Macomb and Meridian Roads is currently one lane traffic. This temporary change is due to the ongoing DTE Energy upgrade to the electrical system on Grosse Ile. More updates will be forthcoming on this very important project.

This Day in History
On March 2, 1899, President William McKinley signed legislation creating Mount Rainier National Park in central Washington. The nearly 400 square miles are of pristine forests and spectacular alpine scenery was the fifth national park designated by Congress.

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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