THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE April 18, 2008

Kurt M. Kobiljak, Township Supervisor

DDA Landscaping Project Update
Captured DDA Funds at Work

As indicated in my recent State of the Township Address our Spring and Summer months will see many projects put into action. One of our first spring construction projects is underway and moving quickly at the corner of Macomb and Meridian. This is a Down Town Development (DDA) project to enhance the entranceway of Macomb by landscaping all three corners of the intersection to give the corner a better use and definition.

The project will make the corner much more of a pocket park so that residents can take a breather while walking or running or listen to music under the expanded gazebo. The project will also address the northern corner of the intersection as well as the western side of the street. The project is funded by “captured funds” which are generated by assessed improvements allocated to the district. As an example the taxes generated by the new Krogers addition, instead of going to the County or the State are allowed to be “captured” by the Macomb Down Town Business district and used to benefit the street. Why is this good to you and I as taxpayers? None of our tax dollars are being used to fund the project but we and the district receive the benefit of the project!

Per my meeting with the contractors on Wednesday most of the hard construction will be done by May 1st and then we will see the corners landscaped. If you have questions regarding the project or would like to see a finished rendering please contact me at 676-4422 ext 215.

Township Board Highlights

At the recent April 14th Township Board meeting the Board initiating the process of finalizing a settlement with the contractors involved in the construction of the retention basin, pump station and a portion of the new interceptor sewer pipe. This dispute was initiated in early 2004. The contractors include Walbridge Aldinger, Barton Malow and Grosse Ile’s DeAngelis Landscaping.

The claims that have been asserted against the Township work are based on alleged additional project work, unanticipated ground and water conditions, initial project delay due to the Corps of Engineers’ delay in issuing a necessary permit, and related construction issues. The total amount of the claims was approximately $3.4 million plus interest of approximately $650,000 for a total dollar amount over $4 million dollars. With recent credits from other portions of the project, the net cost of this settlement to the Township is approximately $897,000.

Given the cost and risks associated with the litigation, the Township believes that this resolution is in its best interest. In total, the settlement is approximately 25% of the amount claimed. In addition, even with this resolution and some remedial work which needs to be accomplished on some piping, this segment of the project stands at being under budget by approximately $685,000.00. Even though I had wished that this matter had been resolved much sooner, I am pleased that during the litigation the Township had the benefit of the use of the retention basin thereby reducing the number of basement floodings, while still finishing this major segment under budget. Any time a municipality can complete a project as large as the retention basin and pump station under budget is a positive outcome. I am glad all parties can move forward to final resolution within the next several days.

BASF Riverview Site Update

Work continues on the new fish habitat area in the water adjacent to the BASF Riverview Site property. BASF worked with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, the US Geological Survey and local environmental organizations to develop the habitat. The habitat is expected to attract Walleye, Whitefish and other native fish species. Soils excavation activities on the northeast corner of the property are complete. All dredged materials from the river are being kept on the property where they will be covered and contained by a multi-layered containment cap. The groundwater collection system surrounding the property is in place. The treatment system includes pipes and sump pumps that will collect groundwater that can be reused to irrigate vegetation on the property during the summer months. Plans are in place to plant 600 new trees on the site next spring. The overall remediation work is expected to be completed by the fall of 2008. My office thanks Ed Nurernberg of BASF for his updates on this very important project. $25 million will be spend on environmental remediation and protect measures at the 30-acre site.

2008 Juvenile Diabetes Fundraiser Charity Event

Vegas Casino Night will be held on Saturday, April 26 from 4 pm to 11 pm at the Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club. Proceeds will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International. This is a very special fundraiser and needs your support. Tickets will be available at the door b at advance purchase is recommended. Please contact Joe Caruso at 313.805.2440 or Joe Filipovich at 313.805.2452 for ticket information.

Teacher Appreciation Week

The week of May 4th –10th is designated as Teacher Appreciation Week. Please take the time to thank the many individuals who made a difference in your child’s life or your own for their dedication in the classroom. The Grosse Ile school district has many many amazing teachers – take the time during this special week to acknowledge their efforts.

Earth Day Celebration

The Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy is hosting their annual “Earth Day Celebration” on Sunday, April 20 at Centennial Farm from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Many activities are planned that include nature games and trail walks through the woods. Take the time to listen, learn and participate in some very interesting programs planned by the Conservancy – I think you and your family will truly enjoy the experience .

Kiwanis Island Cleanup!

I know that I am late getting this out but The Kiwanis Club Annual Island Cleanup will be held today Saturday, April 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required by contacting Art Koester at 671.6269. Area assignments will be given out on that Saturday and after the clean up is over, a pizza lunch will be held at Riverpointe Christian Church to thank all of the volunteers. Each year, more and more residents participate in this important event. Nearly 200 residents helped out last year so let’s try to break that record this year. Contact Art to let him know you want to help cleanup the Island!

A Good Dad Saying

Will springs from the two elements - moral sense and self interest!
[President Abe Lincoln]

The Community Question Results

If the Township had the opportunity of purchasing property for a public boat ramp would you support the project?

"Absolutely Yes. Many of our own residents do not have dockage and must trailer their boats . It would be wonderful for us to have access to the beautiful waters that surround Grosse Ile through our own public boat launch" - Parkway Resident

"Yes, it would be wonderful if Grosse Ile had a boat ramp!" - Thorntree Resident

"Yes, I would support an island boat ramp if it was to be utilized only by island residents." - West River Road Resident

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.

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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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