THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE March 22, 2007

Kurt M. Kobiljak, Grosse Ile Township Supervisor

Wayne County Bridge Maintenance Closure – The Next Step

A pre-bid meeting was recently held at the Township regarding the upcoming Wayne County Bridge remediation work. The township has requested a write-up from Wayne County regarding the meeting along with a copy of the bid specifications and updated plans. Wayne County and the contractors first met at the free bridge before arriving at Township Hall for further information and specifications.

Wayne County Engineers went over some of the major points in the project specifications. The toll bridge weight limits were reviewed. The guidelines for opening and closing the bridge for water traffic were discussed. Should the bridge be opened during the construction and if it will remain open for more than just a swing for watercraft, the bridge must be supported on its ends. The bridge cannot also be moved in any way if it is not in balance. A six-day construction workweek will be required. Wayne County made the contractors aware of the highway construction in this area and that all hauling or trucking must comply with the regulations.

This project will be following an expedited award process. A temporary fence on each end of the project is required around the work areas. Painting the new structural steel and the connecting areas of the bridge shall be required. No painting of the remainder of the bridge is required.

Bids are to be returned to the county no later than April 6, 2007.

I still receive inquiries as to whether the bridge will actually be closing this spring. Based upon this pre bid meeting, and discussions with Wayne County officials, I feel certain that this project, contingent upon final Wayne County Commission approval, will commence late April or early May 2007. Should you have any questions please contact me at 734.676.4422 ext 215.

BIKE PATH – When is the Path going to be Fixed? Early Spring!

Over the last year our bike path has been beat up from all the construction which has occurred within its route. The most recent DTE project along Meridian Road has heavily damaged portions of the path. I, Township Manager Dale Reaume, Police Chief Bill Barron and DPS Manager Barry Sedlock recently met with DTE officials to discuss remediation of the bike path on Macomb Road from Macomb Road to Bellevue Road. DTE plans on working with the Township during their overhaul of a major upgrade of the bike path. This project will commence early spring after the asphalt plants reopen.

The portion of the bike path over the Thorofare Canal has also been scheduled for repair. With permits in hand, contractors have been retained to commence work on the bridge as early as next week. The bridge will be repaired by using a majority of the pre-existing bridge. Again asphalt is needed for the repair so the final portion of the bridge will have to wait until the asphalt plants reopen, but per my discussions with the contractors, it will be able to be used again very early in the Spring.

DTE Energy Update

DTE Energy has informed the Township that the next stage of the cable transmission repair work will begin next Wednesday, March 28, 2007. This work will require the eastbound lane closure of Ferry Road between West River Road and Chicory. There will be signage to guide drivers during the closure. It should also be noted that in later April there will be a very short period of time where the Township will have no electrical power service from DTE. I will provide you an exact date and time upon confirmation from DTE. Our Township staff and public safety officials have been in several meetings with DTE regarding this planned outage and will be able to provide you some planning ideas /notification methods in the very near future.

2007 Assessment Notices

As many residents are aware, the 2007 assessment notices have been delivered. My office has received many inquires as to what the notices mean, where did the increase come from and how can I fight it. By way of background, in March of 1994, the voters in the State of Michigan passed Proposal A. Proposal A was designed to keep a “cap” on property taxes. Starting in 1995, two values appear on the assessment notices; the assessed value and the taxable value. The assessment value on property reflects an estimate of 50% of your property value. Taxable value is the amount on which property taxes are based on. The increase in the taxable value for 2007 is 3.7% as set by the State of Michigan. There was no increase on the assessed values on Grosse Ile. The percentage that is used to increase the taxable value each year is based on data released through October 16, 2006 by the US Department of Labor. The inflation rate ratio for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, as measured by the US CPI for all urban customers, is 1.037 (as adjusted – see attached PDF file). The taxable value increase is applied to ALL properties within the State of Michigan that have not experienced a transfer of ownership.

For more information on this very important topic, please contact Carol Knopp at 676.4422, ext. 210.
Making a Difference

Congratulations to Grosse Ile resident Wendy Kearney! She will be receiving the “Making a Difference Award” on behalf of the Soroptimist International Club of Trenton/Grosse Ile for her work at Vista Maria in Dearborn (a shelter and school for girls who have been neglected and/or abused) – Great job Wendy.

Beautification Council of Southeastern Michigan - Open Space Program Highlighted

The Island Beautification Committee was proud to host the Spring Quarterly Meeting of the Beautification Council of Southeastern Michigan on Thursday, March 15 at the Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club. Representatives from all over southeast Michigan and myself were in attendance to hear Township Manager Dale Reaume’s presentation on the Grosse Ile Open Space Program and how it has evolved over the years. It was nice to see properties which I and many others helped negotiate to acquire back in the 1990s highlighted as special attributes for what makes Grosse Ile a great community to live in. The IBC hosted a wonderful and informative meeting for all attending. Thank you to Art Koester and his committee for a job well done.

Easter Fun at Centennial Farm –the Easter Bunny is Coming the Easter Bunny is Coming!

Community Recreation will hold their 9th Annual Easter Event at Centennial Farm on Saturday, March 31, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Events will include an Easter Egg Hunt, Prizes, visit and photo with the Easter Bunny, children’s crafts, wagon and pony rides. Tickets are $6 per child and can only be purchased in advance at the Recreation Office. Call 675-2364 for more information. Collectively we all need to hope for a warm, sunny day.

Water’s Edge 2007 – Have you seen Water’s Edge recently? Stay to Play!

It is not too late to sign up for a Water’s Edge membership for 2007. Water’s Edge is ready to begin a new year and we are waiting for you to sign up today. With the upcoming Wayne County Parkway Bridge closure be sure to enjoy the golf course and swimming pool at Water’s Edge for your recreational needs and avoid going off the island. The nine-hole course, public swimming pool, driving range and great restaurant on site make this a simple choice – odds are if you visit and experience the benefits – you will stay and play. Call the Recreation Department today at 675.2364 for more information on membership rates and values.

Annual Meeting – Hear What Makes Your Community Great!

The Annual Meeting of Grosse Ile Township will be held on Monday, March 26, 2007 starting with a reception at 5:45 p.m. The Annual Meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees to begin at 7:45 p.m.

A Good Dad Saying

“A man of words and not of deeds is like a garden full of weeds.”

This Day in History

In 1894, Hockey’s first Stanley Cup Championship was played as the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association defeated the Ottawa Capitals 3-1 in Montreal.

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 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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