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SEMCOG launches fourth step in water quality public education program "Clean up after your pet" is the fourth of the "Seven Simple Steps to Clean Water" launched by SEMCOG and the Southeast Michigan Partners for Clean Water as part of their "Our Water. Our Future. Ours to Protect." public education campaign aimed at improving water quality in Southeast Michigan. Did you know that pet waste has bacteria that can make our lakes and rivers unsafe for swimming and other recreational activities? That can happen when pet waste left on sidewalks or in yards gets washed into storm drains or roadside ditches that lead directly to our lakes and rivers. Southeast Michigan pet owners can help keep the region's lakes and rivers clean by following these tips: Prompt and proper disposal. Whether in your yard or on a walk, promptly dispose of your pet's waste in the trash or down the toilet where it will be properly treated. When pet waste is left behind, it washes into storm drains and ditches. From there it heads straight to local lakes and streams taking harmful bacteria with it. Watch instead of feeding. Watch and enjoy the ducks and geese, but avoid feeding them. Feeding ducks and geese may seem harmless, but, in fact, can be harmful to our water. Feeding waterfowl causes them to become more dependent on humans which, in turn, creates unnaturally high populations and more animal waste. This waste contains bacteria that pollutes our parks and lakes. Spread the word. Tell others how they can help protect our lakes and rivers. Also, work cooperatively with your local government to install signs, bag dispensers, and trash cans in convenient public places to remind visitors to clean up after their pets. Over 170 communities in Southeast Michigan are required to obtain a permit to operate a separate stormwater drainage system. A component of the permit is educating the public. So, SEMCOG formed the Southeast Michigan Partners for Clean Water to engage the public on activities that protect the region's water resources. The campaign meets the local permit requirements and helps educate the public about clean water. Posters and tip cards on cleaning up after your pet have been mailed to SEMCOG member governments. Additional materials and information can be found on SEMCOG's Web site. Contact: SEMCOG Information Services
General Assembly meets on March 31 The General Assembly (GA) of SEMCOG will meet on Thursday, March 31, 2005, at the Macomb Intermediate School District (44001 Garfield Road, Clinton Township) beginning at 4:30 p.m. The GA will be requested to adopt SEMCOG's FY 200502006 Annual Operating Budget and Work Program Summary for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2005. The meeting's feature presentation will be a "Dialogue on Southeast Michigan's Infrastructure," based on the information included in the winter issue of SEMCOG's quarterly magazine, SEMscope. The GA will discuss this report that looks at the various pieces of our public infrastructure — roads, bridges, public transit, sewers, water supply, parks, and schools — as a holistic system. If we are to maintain and improve this system, it is imperative that we connect the customer, the product, and the price. We must assimilate all of the information, holistically look at the interrelated pieces, and make the best investment choices. Our economy, our health, our safety, and our quality of life depend on it. As a Detroit Free Press editorial noted on February 19, 2005 — "The sky isn't falling — yet. But the roof is leaking and needs to be fixed." The Education Bloc will meet prior to the GA, at 4 p.m., to elect their representatives to the Executive Committee. Contact: Amy Malmer, SEMCOG Legislative Affairs Coordinator.
Membership Outreach election results SEMCOG announces the new members of the Executive Committee elected at the Monroe County Membership Outreach meeting. Monroe County Re-elected as the alternate representing cities and villages is Luna Pier Administrator Thomas Treece. The delegate position for Monroe cities and villages remains vacant. Elected as the delegate representing townships is Milan Township Trustee Olga Mancik (newly elected); the alternate is Whiteford Township Supervisor Pam Dressel (re-elected). The elections are for a one-year term beginning July 1, 2005. Below are the Membership Outreach meetings remaining on the schedule: Wednesday, April 6, 2005, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. – Livingston County Membership Outreach at Genoa Woods Executive Conference and Banquet Center in Brighton; and Thursday, April 7, 2005, 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Macomb County Membership Outreach at The Cutting Board Restaurant in Warren. Invitation letters will be sent to SEMCOG members; online registration is also available at www.semcog.org. Contact: Durene Brown, SEMCOG Membership Manager.
Institute for Local Government offers classes in April The Institute for Local Government at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is a learning place for those who are serving in local government in Southeast Michigan. It provides a non-partisan environment supporting citizens to become knowledgeable in the workings of local government, campaign structure, and the intricacies of serving in public office at the local level. It works in collaboration with regional and state associations to create learning opportunities for those serving in local elected office. Curricula and material include both theory and practice with a special emphasis on the lives and issues of the people of metropolitan Detroit. The three classes (Thinking of serving; I am going to run. What now?; and How do I run a campaign?) are designed for those interested in running for local office, managing or working in campaigns, or learning about local government. Classes begin on April 7, 2005, and will be held at the Fairlane Center (19000 Hubbard Drive, Dearborn). Classes will include panels, lectures, and interactive discussion with office holders and experts in campaign management. Registration is required and there is a fee for each class. Contact: (313) 593-5140 or e-mail Institute.for.local.government@umd.umich.edu for more information.
Water quality monitoring grants available The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Water Bureau announces the availability of a grant application package (GAP) for three categories of water quality monitoring projects using Fiscal Year 2005 Clean Michigan Initiative-Clean Water Fund monies. Specifically, $100,000 is available for inland lake beach monitoring grants; $200,000 for local water quality monitoring grants, and $200,000 for emerging issues monitoring grants. Local government and nonprofit entities are eligible for funding and are encouraged to either individually or as part of a group. Applicants that receive funding will be required to share the resulting data with DEQ. The GAP is available at www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-wb-swas-05gap.pdf. The GAP contains detailed instructions on developing a proposal, the criteria by which proposals will be evaluated, and the items that should be included with the application. Applications are due April 15, 2005. Contact: Shannon Briggs with questions on inland lake beach monitoring, (517) 335-1214 or e-mail briggssl@michigan.gov; Kay Edly with questions on local water quality monitoring or emerging issues, (517) 373-4633) or e-mail edlyk@michigan.gov.
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