|
General Assembly meets on October 25 The General Assembly (GA) of SEMCOG will meet on Thursday, October 25, 2007, at the Inn at St. Johns (44045 Five Mile Rd, Plymouth) beginning at 3:30 p.m. (registration begins at 3). SEMCOG is pleased to have Governor Jennifer Granholm address the General Assembly on the future of local governments. Her remarks will be followed by "What is the future of local government?" an interactive discussion on the future of Southeast Michigan and how local governments play a key role in its success. SEMCOG Executive Director, Paul Tait will moderate a panel of local government experts:
The GA will also be requested to adopt amendments to the 2030 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and designate non-voting delegates to the Executive Committee. Contact: Kathleen Lomako, SEMCOG Deputy Executive Director.
SEMCOG offers municipal training for clean water Local governments have the opportunity to protect the region's water resources while cleaning and maintaining streets and parking lots. SEMCOG will offer Municipal Operations for Clean Water: Streets and parking lots on the following days and at the following locations:
Training on maintaining municipally owned property is another requirement of the federal Phase II Stormwater Regulations. Over 160 communities in Southeast Michigan, including most SEMCOG members, that operate a separate stormwater drainage system, are required to obtain a stormwater permit. This municipal training will address the many issues of keeping our streets and parking lots clean, including catch-basin practices and regulations, road-salt storage and application, and best management practices. There is no cost for this workshop, but registration is required. You can also register online. Contact: Ken Bishop, Administrative Assistant, Environmental Programs, to RSVP.
SEMCOG releases statistics on deer crashes in Southeast Michigan There were 6,353 vehicle-deer crashes in Southeast Michigan in 2006 (up from 6,097 in 2005 and 6,196 in 2004), according to figures released by SEMCOG. That figure represents 4.6 percent of all crashes in 2006 (138,165 total).
Rochester Hills and Scio Township experienced the most deer crashes in Southeast Michigan in 2006 (and for the past nine years). Those SEMCOG member communities in the top 10 list — Rochester Hills, Scio Township, Oakland Township, Brighton Township, Auburn Hills, and Genoa Township, along with Livingston and Oakland Counties — have each received, from SEMCOG, a special informational display customized for their community on the dangers of deer crashes, along with "take with" materials for residents. SEMCOG is a member of the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition, working to decrease vehicle-deer crashes. The coalition notes that deer crashes occur most frequently during October-December, mostly on two-lane roads between dusk and dawn. In 2006, there were 12 fatalities involving deer in the state. The coalition cautions drivers not to swerve out of a lane to avoid a deer. It's generally safer to hit the deer than run off the road or risk injuring another motorist. October has been designated Deer Crash Awareness Month by the governor. Contact: Tom Bruff, SEMCOG Transportation Coordinator.
2035 forecast member outreach meetings complete; local comments due now SEMCOG has just completed a round of meetings in each of our seven counties on the topic of the 2035 forecast. Communities were asked to comment on the initial draft numbers for 2005-2010 and on future development projects in their community. This local knowledge will make the forecast more accurate. This is reminder to all communities to send this additional information as soon as possible, no later than October 31, 2007. There is a form and a return envelope in the folder given to each community. Contact: Jim Rogers, SEMCOG Data Center Manager.
Shining Light Awards Honor Outstanding Regional Leaders The Detroit Free Press and Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC) announce the inaugural Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards ceremony, to be held on Thursday, November 8, 2007, at the Max M. Fisher Music Center (3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit) beginning at 8 a.m. (registration begins at 7:30 a.m.). The award is named in honor of the late Neal Shine, long-time Free Press publisher who promoted his love for Detroit and his vision for stronger ties among all metro communities. The first awards will honor him and four of Metro Detroit’s finest regional heroes — Marian and Michael Illitch, Elenor Josaitis, and Dave Bing. Each of these individuals has made and continues to make important contributions to region cooperation, progress, and understanding in the region. For more information please visit www.shininglightawards.com or call 248-336-8399.
Safe Routes to School National Conference The first Safe Routes to School National Conference will be held November 5-7, 2007, at the Dearborn Inn. Safe Routes to School is an international movement whose goal is to make it safe, convenient, and fun for children to bicycle and walk to school everyday. The conference will offer a number of interactive and mobile workshop topics.
SEMPeople Congratulations to former SEMCOG Chair, Donald E. Shelton, currently a judge at the 22nd Circuit Court in Ann Arbor, on receiving the Distinguished Public Service Award from the State Bar of Michigan. Congratulations also to Robin Beltramini, Troy City Councilwoman, on her election as vice president and president-elect of the Michigan Municipal League. At SEMCOG, she serves on the Executive Committee and the Community and Economic Development Advisory Council.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
