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Executive Committee meets April 27 SEMCOG's Executive Committee will meet at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 27, 2007, in SEMCOG's downtown Detroit office. Action items to be considered by the committee are as follows:
Jim Rogers, SEMCOG Data Center Manager, will provide in-depth information on our region’s increasing diversity. Also, Daniel Krichbaum, Executive Director of the National Conference for Community Justice, will provide insight into the mission of his organization and the impact of diversity on the region’s economy. Contact: Amy Malmer, SEMCOG Membership Manager.
SEMCOG announces new air quality initiative to improve air quality and reduce fuel costs While small in number, vehicles experiencing emission control problems can contribute over half of the total pollution coming from all motor vehicles. Beginning near the end of April and ending approximately May 12, sampling devices at the side of the road that measure a vehicle's pollution as it drives by will be positioned in several areas in Southeast Michigan. Drivers will know if they've passed one of these testing sites. A sign at the site will rate vehicle emissions "good, fair, or poor," giving drivers immediate feedback. Those vehicles experiencing emission control problems will be notified and drivers encouraged to take the vehicle for further evaluation and repair. SEMCOG is promoting voluntary action by owners of vehicles with higher-than-expected pollution levels, which could cost owners as much as an extra $300 a year in gasoline. This program is one more piece of Southeast Michigan's ozone attainment strategy. Being in compliance with the EPA’s ozone standards has important implications for the region's economic well-being and quality of life. Contact: Chuck Hersey, SEMCOG Environment Manager.
SEMCOG University: Blueways and Greenways SEMCOG invites elected officials, planners, and parks and recreation staff to learn how they can be better equipped to take advantage of their community’s natural resources, through a greenway or blueway project. SEMCOG University presents Blueways and Greenways: How to capitalize on your community’s natural resources on Thursday, May 24, 2007, from 9 a.m. - noon (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.) in SEMCOG’s Buhl Building office in downtown Detroit. Blueways and greenways describe corridors of land and water and the natural, cultural, and recreational resources they link together. Learn about the positive impacts that blueways and greenways have on the economy and quality of life. This SEMCOG University workshop is free-of-charge for members. Seating is limited. You are encouraged to reserve a spot by Thursday, May 17, 2007. Contact: Raymonia Dale, SEMCOG Administrative Executive Assistant, to RSVP.
Ozone Action season begins May 1 The 14th year of Southeast Michigan's voluntary program that helps keep the air clean begins on May 1. SEMCOG reminds everyone that hot, sunny days combine with existing pollution to produce elevated ground-level ozone, which is a health hazard, particularly for the elderly, the young, and those suffering from respiratory ailments such as emphysema or asthma. Southeast Michigan's air monitors show that the region is now in compliance with the national ozone standard and for the third straight year (2004-2006) has had no ozone violations. As a result, SEMCOG is working with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to submit a request to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asking that Southeast Michigan be redesignated as an ozone attainment area. Success is due, in part, to the actions that residents take on ozone action days (two of them last year) to help keep the air clean. Those actions do make a difference and we must continue to be diligent. Good habits to help keep the air clean every day include:
Ozone Action days are announced in area media and other outlets, such as freeway message signs. Additional information is also available at www.semcog.org. Contact: Sue Stetler, SEMCOG Communications Director.
Protect water quality in Southeast Michigan: Fertilize sparingly and caringly With over one million lawns being fertilized this spring, SEMCOG reminds homeowners that fertilizer should be applied sparingly and caringly, and that excess fertilizer on our driveways and sidewalks can wash directly into our lakes and streams. Pass these lawn care tips on to citizens for great looking lawns:
Please view the new SEMCOG video on how to keep our water clean. Also, we want to hear from SEMCOG members about community strategies and experiences with fertilizing. Please contact Iris Steinberg, SEMCOG Communications Specialist. Visit the Ours to Protect section of SEMCOG’s Web site for additional information and materials. Contact: SEMCOG Information Services.
SEMCOG will co-sponsor a Harvard Forum, Accidental Crisis in Local Property Taxation,focusing on the joint impact of Proposal A and the Headlee Amendment on local government finances in Southeast Michigan, on Monday, May 7, 2007, from 3-6 p.m. at the Historic Longacre House, 24705 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, MI. Other sponsors are Harvard Club of Eastern Michigan; Michigan Municipal League; Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, PLC; and Plante & Moran, LLP. SEMCOG encourages members to attend and invite your state senator and representative. For more information contact: (248) 446-8799.
New SEMCOG members SEMCOG welcomes two new members. Frenchtown Charter Township (Monroe County) and Rockwood (Wayne County) bring SEMCOG membership to 151. Contact: Amy Malmer, SEMCOG Membership Manager.
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