PLACE Forum

Meetings,events & info – week of Jan. 28, 2008

LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT/ PRIMARY ELECTION — THURSDAY, JAN. 31
Absentee ballot requests may be made:
(1) in person or by mail to the Lee County Justice Center, 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika.(Open 8:30 – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday), or
(2) by phone to Corinne Hurst at 334-737-3526.
If you apply in person, you can fill out the application and vote at the same time.

AUBURN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS AVAILABLE
Deadline for delivery of completed grant applications: Feb. 15, 5:00 pm.
Deliver applications to: City of Auburn, Community Development Division, CDBG FY08 Funding Application, 144 Tichenor Ave, Suite 3, Auburn, AL 36830.
Applications accepted to fund projects/programs to benefit low- to moderate-income citizens of Auburn. Community service agencies and non-profit organizations may pick up applications at City Hall, Community Development Division, 144 Tichenor Ave, Suite 3.

THROUGH FEB. 4 — ADEM PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD RE: DRAFT TMDLs FOR SAUGAHATCHEE CREEK
See ADEM webpages listed below for details re: comments on draft TMDLs for Saugahatchee Creek. (TMDL = total maximum daily load, a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards, and an allocation of that amount to the pollutant’s sources.)
Comment guidelines & info: http://adem.state.al.us/PublicNotice/Jan/1TMDL.pdf
Draft TMDLs: http://adem.state.al.us/PublicNotice/Jan/SougahatcheeCreekWatershedTMDL122107.pdf

RAILROAD CROSSING REPAIRS THIS WEEK
Jan 27 — COLLEGE STREET
Check the updated list of closings posted as the top story on the City’s website at www.auburnalabama.org. More info: contact Auburn City Hall at 501-7260 or Curtis Bray with CSX Railroad at 334-546-2695.

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MONDAY, JAN. 28 — LEE COUNTY COMMISSION www.leeco.us
4:00 pm — work session / 6:00 pm — regular session
Held in the commission chambers, Opelika Courthouse, 215 S. 9th Ave, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda includes:
6. Reports from Staff:
7. CONSENT AGENDA:
a. Minutes of Commission Meeting January 14, 2008
b. Ratify and Approve Claims
c. Bid #10 Batwing Rotary Cutters – Neal Hall
d. Announcement of County Industrial Development Authority Vacancy – Judge English
8. OLD BUSINESS:
9. NEW BUSINESS:
a. In-county Mileage Reimbursement – Commissioner Lawrence
b. Draft Subdivision Regulations – Neal Hall
c. Remodel South-end of Justice Center – Roger Rendleman
d. Resolutions for Legislative Consideration – Wendy Swann
10. Discussion Items
11. Adjourn

TUESDAY, JAN. 29, 9:30 am – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE WINTER WALKS
Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, North College Street just north of the AU fish ponds.
Cancelled only for rain or snow. More info: Jennifer Lolley, ph: 707-6512.

TUESDAY, JAN. 29, 4:00 pm – NEW PERSPECTIVES SPEAKER: LEE KOGAN / MOSE TOLLIVER, ARTIST
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, auditorium. Free & open to all. Seating is limited; reservations required: 844-3085. http://.jcsm.auburn.edu/.
Pure Paint: A Grand Retrospective of Montgomery’s Mose T is on exhibition at Auburn University’s Jule Collins Smith Museum through March 25. The exhibition features the paintings and assemblages of the late folk artist and Alabama native Mose Tolliver. Lee Kogan, director of the Museum of American Folk Art’s Folk Art Institute and an authority on 20th century self-taught artists, will present this lecture on Tolliver.

TUESDAY, JAN. 29, 7:00 pm – AUBURN BIKE COMMITTEE www.auburnalabama.org/cycle/
Held in the conference room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.

TUESDAY, JAN. 29, 7:00 pm – AUUF / Environmental movie: Darwin’s Nightmare (2007)
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, 450 E. Thach. Free & open to all. (106 min)
(Not new date – previously scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 30.)
From an editorial review: Forty years ago, a voracious predator was introduced into the waters of Tanzania’s Lake Victoria where it quickly extinguished the entire stock of native fish. Its ecological impact aside, the Nile Perch became highly prized for its tender, plump fillets, hardly meeting the demand at elegant 4-star European restaurants. Huge, empty foreign cargo planes land to export the lake’s gourmet bounty, taking out 55 tons of processed fish daily. In their wake, they leave starving villagers to scrounge a meal out of the discarded fish heads and rotting carcasses. With massive epidemics, raging civil wars, crime, homelessness, and drug-addicted children, the question becomes: what do the reportedly “empty” planes deliver to this destitute community? The answer is as shocking as it is devastating, and “Darwin’s Nightmare” becomes a nightmare for all mankind. The movie is tough and shocking, but highly recommended.

WEDNESDAY, JAN 30 , 8:00 – 4:30 — 19^TH ANNUAL NONPOINT SOURCE CONFERENCE
Held at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conf Center, Mont.
Registration deadline: Jan 25. To register, go to http://www.adem.alabama.gov.
The conference format consists of presentations on projects, topics, efforts associated with nonpoint source pollution and its impact on water quality. Call Patti Hurley at (334) 394-4350.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30– FOCUS THE NATION SYMPOSIUM
9:00 am – 4:30 pm / presentations & panel discussions
6:00 pm / AU President Jay Gogue: AU & Climate Change
6:30 pm / panel of local & state politicians: Q&A with AU students
Held at AU’s Hotel & Dixon Conference center auditorium. Info & schedule: www.auburn.edu/sustainability.
Auburn University is participating in the national Focus the Nation on Climate Change project. The panel of
politicians includes Pebblin Warren, Greg Wren and Joe Turnham will respond to student questions about what the state can do about climate change.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30, 4:00 – 6:00 pm — ART RECEPTION / 35.4 MILES SE
Held in room 101, AU’s Biggin Hall. Free & open to the public.
AU’s College of Liberal Arts’ Department of Art is holding a closing reception for the art exhibition, “35.4 Miles SE.” The exhibition title references the location of the 11 featured artists in the exhibition who are faculty members at Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga. The closing reception will commence with remarks by three of the artists: Orion Wertz, Michael McFalls and Hannah Israel. More info: Barb Bondy at 844-3483 or bondybj@auburn.edu. (Note: The next exhibition in Biggin Gallery is Feb. 4-29 and will feature recent works by Adam Parker Smith.)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm – AU BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Held at 223 Taylor Center, Auburn University at Montgomery. Open to the public.
I. Committee Meetings (223 Taylor Center, AUM)
**Committee Meetings will begin at 9:30 a.m.– all other meetings are subject to change in starting time, depending upon the length of individual meetings.
A. Joint Committee Meeting/AUM and Property and Facilities/Chairpersons Rane and Blackwell/9:30 a.m.
1. AU Comprehensive Master Plan 2008 (John Mouton)
2. Track and Soccer Building, Design Consultant Selection (John Mouton)
3. Plant Sciences Center – Soil and Plant Samples Building Selection of Design Consultant (John Mouton)
4. The Hotel at Auburn University: Guest Rooms & Suites, Revised Renovations Plan, Approval of Revised Plan, Program Requirements & Budget (John Mouton)
5. Lease Extension with Theta Xi (Johnny Green)
6. Events Management Facility Easement (John Mouton)
7. Status Reports (John Mouton)
8. AUM Comprehensive Master Plan 2008 (Joint Item) (John Veres)
B. Finance Committee/Chairperson Lowder/11:00 a.m.
1. Proposed Selection of Financial Institution (Don Large)
2. Proposed New Debt Policy (Don Large)
3. Proposed Housing Rate Increase, Auburn University Main Campus (Don Large)
4. Proposed Housing Rate Increase, Auburn University Montgomery (John Veres)
C. Investment Committee/Chairperson Carlisle/11:30 p.m.
1. Proposed Revision of Auburn University Endowment Fund Investment Policy (Don Large)
II. REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – 11:45 A.M.
A. Proposed Executive Session (214 Taylor Center)
12:00 NOON – LUNCHEON – 230 TAYLOR CENTER
D. Audit Committee Meeting/Chairperson Thompson/1:00 p.m.
1. Review of Audited Financial Statements (Don Large)
E. Academic Affairs Committee/ Chairperson Miller/1:30 p.m.
1. Writing Initiative (For Information Only) (John Heilman)
2. Alteration/Extension of An Existing Program of Instruction, College of Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Biological Sciences (John Heilman)
3. Alteration/Extension of An Existing Program of Instruction, College of Liberal Arts, Department of Art (John Heilman)
F. Executive Committee/Chairperson Spina/2:00 p.m.
1. Proposed Revision to the By-Laws of the Staff Council (Don Large)
2. Proposed Awards and Namings
III. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – 2:30 P.M. (223 Taylor Center, AUM)
(Agenda items are determined primarily based upon committee actions.)

THURSDAY, JAN. 31, 3:30 – 4:30 pm – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE WINTER DISCOVERY HIKES
Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, North College Street just north of the AU fish ponds. Open to kids ages 6-12 and their parents. Free (no admission fee charged).
A different part of the Preserve will be explored each week during a hike for the first half-hour, then discovery time that might include a campfire, teepee building, examining skulls and furs, filling wildlife feeders or exploring ravines. Parents are welcome to attend with their child or to enjoy a nice walk during this hour. More info: Jennifer Lolley, ph: 707-6512.

FRIDAY, FEB. 1, 11:30 am – AUBURN TREE COMMISSION
Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. Open to all.

FRIDAY, FEB. 1, 7:00 – 9:00 pm – A NIGHT WITH NIKKI GIOVANNI
Held in AU’s Foy Union Ballroom. Sponsored by the AU Black Student Union (359 Foy Student Union, AU; Phone: (334) 844-1389).

FRIDAY, FEB. 1, 7:30 pm – SUNDILLA CONCERT FEATURING SMALL POTATOES
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF), 450 E. Thach. www.sundilla.org
Admission: $10; with student ID $8; children under 12 free (and welcomed; play area provided). Light refreshments provided free of charge; you may also bring your own food or beverage (beer/wine allowed). For more info, and to hear music clips of Small Potatoes, go to www.sundilla.org.

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UPCOMING EVENT:

SATURDAY, FEB. 13, NOON – AUBURN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
Held at the Saugahatchee Country Club. The public is invited.
RSVP by Friday, Feb. 7. To RSVP or for more info: 334-826-0390.
Cost: $25. Send check payable to Auburn Heritage Association, PO Box 2248, Auburn, AL, 36830.
Guest speakers: Dr. Ann Pearson & Dr. Ralph Draughon. Topic: The Vanishing Loveliest Village, A Photographic Survey. Featured will be historic houses & buildings, some still here, but others gone.

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PLANNING LOOPHOLE MUST BE CLOSED — column by Lisa Brouillette
http://placeforum.org/blog/wp-admin/post-new.php?posted=36

Auburn Residents Urged to Turn Off Irrigation Systems During Cold Weather – As cold temperatures continue to prevail, the City of Auburn is again asking residents and businesses to turn off their irrigation systems. Irrigation systems often leak water into the streets, wasting water and creating dangerous road conditions. City officials request that residents check their systems to make certain there is no water leaking into the public right of way and creating dangerous driving, walking, or riding conditions. For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 501-3000.

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MEETINGS & EVENTS THIS WEEK:

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER — SATURDAY, JAN. 19, 5:30 pm — EMPTY BOWLS BANQUET
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Admission: $19 donation per person.
Auburn will host its third annual Empty Bowls Banquet on Saturday to call attention to the plight of 850 million people around the world who face hunger and the threat of starvation on a daily basis. The Empty Bowls Banquet is an activity of the War on Hunger Initiative, a partnership between AU and the World Food Programme of the United Nations. Saturday’s fundraising event for the initiative start at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction of bowls crafted by artists from across the Southeast. At 6:30 p.m., participants will receive a light meal of soup and bread and take part in a live auction of handcrafted bowls. The cost is a $19 donation per person, and each participant will receive a bowl designed by artist Gary Wagoner. More information is available by phone at 844-3790 or by e-mail at jkucera@auburn.edu

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. VIGIL (SUNDAY, JAN 20, 4:45 – 5:45 pm)
Hosted by the Alliance for Peace and Justice.  www.peaceeagle.org.
In case of rain, the vigil will be held at the AUUF Hall, 450 E. Thach, instead of at Toomer’s Corner.

BEGINNING JAN. 21 — CSX Railroad to Perform Work at Auburn Crossings
CSX Railroad officials have scheduled the replacement of crossties and portions of rail at several Auburn railroad crossings beginning Monday, January 21. Work will begin at the Saugahatchee Road crossing on Monday, January 21 and continue westward until all tracks and crossings have been repaired. During construction, each crossing is expected to remain closed for 24 hours. Traffic will not be permitted to cross the tracks while repairs are being made.
Additional crossings are scheduled for repairs, with closing dates TBA, are: Dean Road, Ross St, Gay St, College St, Donahue Dr, Byrd St, Webster Rd, Lee Street, Lee Road. CSX is expected to provide the City with frequent updates regarding the closings. A list of updated closings will be posted as the top story on the City’s website at www.auburnalabama.org. Citizens are encouraged to check the website frequently for updates. More info: contact Auburn City Hall at 501-7260.

REGISTER NOW — FREE CHINESE LANGUAGE CLASSES OFFERED AT AU STARTING JAN. 24
Free. Space is limited. To register: contact Nejla Orgen at orgenny@auburn.edu.
The Office of International Student Life and the Chinese Student Organization is offering free Chinese language classes this semester. The classes will be taught by graduate students from the Chinese Student Organization. Classes will meet on Thursdays at 5 p.m. starting Jan. 24. Space is limited. Upon registering, students will receive a confirmation e-mail including the location and room number for the class.

MONDAY, JAN. 21 — MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
Holiday observed by Lee County, City of Auburn, City of Opelika, Auburn University, etc.

MONDAY, JAN. 21, 7:00 pm – LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Held at the East Alabama Health Resource Center, Opelika. Open to all.
Topic: consensus on Initiative and Referendum.

TUESDAY, JAN. 22, 9:30 am – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE WINTER WALK
Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, North College Street just north of the AU fish ponds.
Cancelled only for rain or snow. More info: Jennifer Lolley, ph: 707-6512.

TUESDAY, JAN. 22, 10:00 am – LOWER TALLAPOOSA RIVER BASIN CLEAN WATER PARTNERSHIP / STAKEHOLDER COMMITTEE MEETING
Held in the Auburn Water Resource Management Conference Room, 1501 West Samford Avenue (Shug Jordan and West Samford). Open to all. Meeting will be followed by lunch (on your own) and then a tour of the Town Creek Restoration Project (led by Eve Brantley).

TUESDAY, JAN. 22, NOON – PRESS CONFERENCE / SEN. HANK SANDERS: PROPOSED MORATORIUM ON EXECUTIONS & OTHER DEATH PENALTY ISSUES
Held on the steps of the State House, 11 Union St, Mont. All are invited to attend.
Sen. Hank Sanders is holding a press conference to introduce the legislation he has pre-filed for a moratorium on executions and other death penalty issues. Attorney Bryan Stevenson with the Equal Justice Initiative based in Montgomery, renowned nationwide as an expert on the topic, will be among the speakers. Join in on the 22nd; also contact your legislators, urging them to support the moratorium legislation which Alabama Arise has adopted as one of its priority issues.
— In addition to those for whom this is a moral issue, including families who have lost members to murder but insist on a moratorium, and those police officials who do not consider the death penalty a deterrent, there are many throughout our state who, during the past year when DNA was denied to inmates for whom it could have indicated innocence, have been outraged by blatant injustices in our capital punishment system.
— Others, concerned about fiscal irresponsibility, strongly criticize the state for vigorously pursuing two executions at a time other states halted theirs because of the current U.S. Supreme Court hearings about lethal injection issues. How much money was spent only to be told by a federal judge that the state could not execute under that circumstance?
— Last year there were many articles in newspapers throughout the state criticizing various aspects of our death penalty system. While executions in most states diminished greatly and New Jersey totally abolished it, AL tied with OK for second place in the whole nation for number of executions (TX remained 1st).

TUESDAY, JAN 22, 3:00 pm — OPELIKA PLANNING COMMISSION
Held at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika Public Works bldg. Open to all. www.opelika.org
Agenda includes:
I. Elect Officers to Planning Commission (Chairman, Vice Chairman)
A. PLATS (preliminary and prel. & final) – PUBLIC HEARING
1. Northtowne S/D, 79 lots, Anderson Road, Jim Henry Development LLC, P/F approval
2. Wyndham Gates S/D, Phase 1, 158 lots, Gateway Drive, McDowell & Associates, P/F approval
3. Teel S/D, 2nd Revision, 3 lots, Lee Road 265, Charles Teel, P/F approval
B. FINAL PLAT APPROVAL
4. Wyndham Industrial Park S/D, 2 lots, Society Hill Road, Cleveland Brothers, Final
C. CONDITIONAL USE
5. Samuel Dickerson, 3810 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, GC-2, Game room, billiards, snack bar business
D. REZONING – Public Hearing
6. Mayberry LLC, 2100 block Westpoint Pkwy, 37 acres, from R-1 to PUD (TABLED at 12-18-07 meeting)
E. VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY
7. Vacate portion of North 13th Street, Petitioners-Capps & Baldwin
F. ANNEXATION
8. Roy Riddle, Old Columbus Road, 5 acres, zoning request R-1
G. OTHER BUSINESS
9. Greg Mims, 3300 Pepperell Pkwy, C-3, GC-2, Discuss existing recycling collection business
TUESDAY, JAN. 22 – AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
Committee of the Whole: 6:00 pm / Regular meeting: 7:00 pm
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St.. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/agenda/
INDIAN HILLS ROAD UPDATE . City Manager Duggan.
AUBURN TRAFFIC STUDY. Presentation. Public Works Director Jeff Ramsey.
AUBURN CEMETERIES ADVISORY BOARD. Nominations. Two Positions. Four Year Terms Begin February 5, 2008.
Incumbents: Tana Branch (has served one full term) and Linda Silvern (has served a partial term).
FUTURE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE PRESENTATIONS. City Manager Duggan.
Regular meeting agenda includes:
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Duggan.
a. Alcoholic Beverage Licenses. Consideration.
(1) Retail Beer (On or Off Premises) and Retail Table Wine (On or Off Premises) Licenses.
(a) Shakey’s East, LLC dba/Shakey’s Pizza Parlor.2487 East Glenn Avenue.
(b) BP Alliance, LLC dba/Johnny Brusco’s. 2408 East University Drive, Suite 100.
(2) Young Oil, Inc. dba/Grub Mart #22. 186 North Gay Street. Retail Beer (Off Premises Only) and Retail Table Wine (Off Premises Only).
9. ORDINANCES.
a. Annexation. Chris and Dianna Reese. 5037 Highway 147 North. Property Located North of Birmingham Highway (US 280) and West of Heath Road (Highway 147 North). 2.5 Acres. Planning Commission Recommendation. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
b. 2006 International Fire Code. Amend City Code. Section 5-150.5. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Conditional Use Approvals. Planning Commission Recommendations. Public Hearings Required.
(1) Thomas M. Hayley. Commercial and Entertainment Use (motel) in the Comprehensive Development District (CDD) Zoning District. Property Located at 1650 South College Street.
(2) Auburn Industrial Development Board. Industrial Use (Project AB Phase II) in the Industrial District (I) Zoning District.
Property Located at 358 Enterprise Drive.
(3) East Glenn Investment Properties, L.L.C. Agricultural Support Use (farm equipment sales/rental/repair). Sun South Tractor Company. Property Located at 1780 East Glenn Avenue.
b. Street Name. Rename Portion of Lee Road 395 Within City Limits. Cecil Ward Road.
c. Contracts and Agreements. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) Economic Development Department.
(a) Marelda Retail Development, LLC dba/Marelda University Village Mall, LLC. Ground Lease Estoppel.
(b) CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. Group Eight. Lynn Construction (Houses 1 and 3) $13,810 and $16,893.
Tri-Star Contracting (House 2) $14,843.14.
(2) Public Works Department.
(a) $258,400. Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). Improvements to Beehive Road. Preliminary Engineering, Right of Way Acquisition, and Construction. Provide Industrial Access to Auburn Technology Park West.
(b) $140,396. Neel-Schaffer. Engineering Design and Construction Manual for Public Works Department.
(3) $163,000. Water Resource Management Department. CH2M HILL, Inc. Task Order 13: General Professional Engineering Services for the H. C. Morgan Water Pollution Control Facility Evaluation and Facility Planning.
d. The Preserve, L.L.C. Stonehaven at The Preserve Subdivision. Property Located Off Conservation Drive, Adjacent to The Preserve, Phases 1A and 1D. Drainage and Utility Easements and Rights of Way. Acceptance
e. Auburn Cemeteries Advisory Board. Two Positions. Four Year Terms Expire February 4, 2012. Appointments.
11. OTHER BUSINESS.
12. ADJOURNMENT.

TUESDAY, JAN. 22 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
Work session – time TBA / regular meeting – 7:00 pm
Held at 204 S. 7th St, Opelika. Open to all. Agenda: www.opelika.org

WEDNESDAY, JAN 23, 8 – 5 / NATL SYMPOSIUM & LECTURE ON AUTHOR ALBERT MURRAY & the Aesthetic Imagination of a Nation
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: 7:00 PM
Held at the AU Hotel & Dixon Conference Center. Free & open to the public, but registration requested at www.auburn.edu/cah. Sponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts, in cooperation with Tuskegee University. Celebrating the life and works of Alabama native and Tuskegee graduate Albert Murray will be scholars of Murray’s work. John F. Callahan of Lewis and Clark College, a nationally acclaimed Ralph Ellison scholar and editor of “Trading Twelves: The Selected Letters of Ralph Ellison and Albert Murray,” will give the keynote address. Murray is considered by many to be a pivotal figure in American literature and culture. His works include “The Omni-Americans: New Perspectives on Black Experience and American Culture,” “South to a Very Old Place,” “The Hero and the Blues” and “Train Whistle Guitar.” A leading light in jazz and the blues, Murray was cofounder with Wynton Marsalis of Jazz at Lincoln Center. He received the Distinguished Artist Award from the Alabama State Council on the Arts in 2003. For more information, go to www.auburn.edu/cah or call 844-4946.

WEDNESDAY, JAN 23, NOON – CLIMATE MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS
Held in AU’s Dudley Hall, room B-6 (architecture auditorium). Free & open to the public.
The AU Sustainability Initiative is hosting a presentation, Climate Myths and Misconceptions, that addresses many of the myths and misconceptions about global climate change. Actor and educator Jens Rasmussen (www.jensrasmussen.info) is one of nearly 1,000 citizens who has been trained by The Climate Project to deliver this science-based presentation that was seen by more than a million audience members in 2007. Learn what is known about this important topic based on data from: U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. DoD, NOAA, NASA, Goddard Space Institute, Scripps Institute for Oceanography, MIT, Princeton University, and many others. More info: www.auburn.edu/sustainability or 844-7777.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23, 6:00 – 7:30 pm — HUNGER BANQUET / AUBURN UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP / OXFAM
Held at AUUF Hall, 450 East Thach Street.
Admission: suggested donation of $5 and a can of food to benefit our local East Alabama Food Bank and Oxfam America.
Following the dinner, there will be a brief program describing Oxfam projects throughout the world. Martha Faupel, director of EAFB, will also offer remarks about hunger issues close to home. The event will last about an hour and a half, and families are encouraged to attend. More info: http://www.auuf.net/drupal/?q=node/295

WEDNESDAY, JAN 23, 7:00 PM – KEYNOTE ADDRESS / NATL SYMPOSIUM & LECTURE ON AUTHOR ALBERT MURRAY
Held at the AU Hotel & Dixon Conference Center. Free & open to the public, but registration requested at www.auburn.edu/cah. John F. Callahan of Lewis and Clark College, a nationally acclaimed Ralph Ellison scholar and editor of “Trading Twelves: The Selected Letters of Ralph Ellison and Albert Murray,” will give the keynote address.
THURSDAY, JAN. 24, 10:00 am — AUBURN LIBRARY BOARD
Held in the Library Board Room. Open to all.

THURSDAY, JAN. 24, 4:00 pm – SYMPOSIUM: WORD & IMAGE EKPHRASIS
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free & open to the public. Seating is limited. For reservations, call 844-3085. www.julecollinssmithmuseum.com
Reception & book signing follows the readings. More info: http://www.ocm.auburn.edu/au_report/011408aur.pdf.
Pulitzer Prize winning poet Nathasha Trethewey, a former AU faculty member who won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for poetry, will join two other published poets with Auburn ties. In the public symposium, “Ekphrasis: Word and Image,” Trethewey will join Dan Albergotti, who is a former Auburn instructor, and Jake Adam York, a 1994 Auburn graduate.

FRIDAY, JAN. 25 — REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR 19th ANNUAL NONPOINT SOURCE CONFERENCE
Conference held next week, onWednesday, Jan 30 , 8:00 – 4:30, at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conf Center, Mont.
Registration deadline: Jan 25. To register, go to http://www.adem.alabama.gov .
The conference format consists of presentations on projects, topics, efforts associated with nonpoint source pollution and its impact on water quality. Call Patti Hurley at (334) 394-4350.

FRIDAY, JAN. 25, 11:45 am – DUTCH-TREAT LUNCH ROUNDTABLE: FINANCIAL FACTS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW
Held in the private dining room, Ariccia Restaurant, AU Hotel & Conf Center. Seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations: contact Sidney James Nakhjavan at 844-9199 or wpbchs1@auburn.edu.
The College of Human Sciences’ Women’s Philanthropy Board will host this Dutch treat luncheon roundtable featuring Katye Delashaw, financial advisor with Citi Smith Barney. As women’s financial success continues to grow, so do their financial responsibilities, including navigating a career, family issues and retirement. Take advantage of this informative session to help you gain a better understanding of a woman’s unique financial needs. During the session, Delashaw will focus on financial planning strategies for women, calculating retirement income, long-term care needs and 10 steps to financial fitness. Delashaw serves as a financial advisor/financial planning specialist with Smith Barney investment firm in Montgomery. For the past eight years, she has been a contributing writer for the Montgomery Advertiser’s Tuesday Focus. Delashaw has also been active in speaking to various civic clubs and client seminars. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Auburn Montgomery in secondary education. More info: www.humsci.auburn.edu/wpb/files/delashaw_flyer.pdf.

FRIDAY, JAN. 25, 7:00 – 8:30 pm — FREE DEMONSTRATION OF CHI KUNG & T’AI CHI FORMS
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 450 Thach (corner of Thach and Auburn Dr). Free & open to all.

SATURDAY, JAN. 26, 9:00 – 4:00 – CHI KUNG WORKSHOP WITH SIFU SHEILA RAE
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 450 Thach (corner of Thach and Auburn Dr).
Cost: $75. Pre-registration required: Outreach Program Office, 301 O.D. Smith Hall, AU; 334-844-5165.
Note: There is a one hour lunch break, on your own.
Primordial Chi Kung — This rare 800 year old lineage chi kung opens your inner heart with powerful yet graceful movements and resembles tai chi but is easier to learn. We learn to gather “chi” (life force) from the 5 directions in spiraling movement. Participants will gain the knowledge and ability to incorporate this healthful practice into their everyday lives. It is true inner Feng Shui.

SATURDAY, JAN 26, 9:30 – 3:00 — READY TO RUN / Training women for leadership roles in government
Held in at Grand National, Auburn. Details & registration info: www.aauw-alabama.org.
Dates of workshops: Jan 26, Feb. 9, March 1, April 19 (location to be determined), May 17.
Ready to Run, a project developed by the American Association of University Women of Alabama, to train qualified Alabama women for leadership roles in government. Ready to Run is funded in part by a grant from the AAUW Educational Foundation. The first round of 5 Saturday training sessions, one per month, will be held in three locations – Auburn, Birmingham and Huntsville. The Ready to Run curriculum covers: -Qualifying and filing appropriate documents, -Developing a campaign team, -Fundraising. -Preparing and marketing a campaign message, -Networking. For more info, contact Mildred Lanier, Ready to Run Co-Director: mlanier38@bellsouth.net, or go to www.aauw-alabama.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 26, 4:00 pm – ALABAMA SENATOR VIVIAN DAVIS FIGURES / KEYNOTE SPEAKER: ALABAMA NEW SOUTH COALITION ‘MAKING A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER’ BANQUET
Held in Lanett. Admission: $15. Reservation deadline: Jan 22 via 334-499-2380 or judysi@knology.net. (After making reservations, checks must be mailed to ANSC, PO BOX 1362, Lanett 36863 no later than Jan. 22.)
Senator Figures is running against Jeff Sessions for the U.S. Senate. Check out Senator Figures’ website http://figures2008.com/ and come hear her in person at the AL New South Coalition’s banquet.

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PLANNING LOOPHOLE MUST BE CLOSED

by Lisa Brouillette

Have you ever heard of a relatively obscure planning process called administrative subdivision? Probably not, but it’s important that you do. In Auburn, it occurs when a parcel is divided into no more than four lots. Rather than going before the planning commission, and therefore the public, as is done with most subdivision of land, the administrative subdivision process, as its name indicates, is handled administratively, solely by planning department staff.

The process itself, and its original intent, may be benign. However its recent use is circumventing long-term planning and effectively keeping important land-use changes from public scrutiny. Simply put, it’s become a loophole for developers.

To understand this, one must realize that it’s not easy to keep track of the frequent subdivisions and rezonings in Auburn. One important mechanism for doing so is through the planning commission process – it’s consistent (monthly), publicly available (agenda is on the web, at the library, etc) and allows public review (meetings, public notices, etc).

However administrative subdivisions skip all those steps and go directly to staff review. The public and the planning commission are notified of the staff decisions, but not until well after the fact, when it’s too late to comment.

If these administrative subdivisions dealt only with uncomplicated parcel splitting resulting in little public impact, that’d be okay. For example, it’s fine if a family wants to split its land to give parcels to their children with no development planned or expected, other than family residential use. Similarly, if a developer needs to jiggle a few parcel lines to accommodate minor site difficulties, that wouldn’t present a problem.

But take just one recent example, the former Pace property, a huge parcel bordered by S. College and Shell Toomer Parkway. You may remember it as the land which has been under consideration for a new tax district.

Developer Tom Hayley divided that property through administrative subdivision, into large parcels that will be further subdivided and developed. Subdivision of that property has enormous public consequences; it’s at a major interstate interchange, borders a state parkway, and is clearly planned for intensive commercial development. It should be reviewed in a public process.

I want to be clear. Administrative subdivisions are permitted by Auburn’s zoning ordinance. The staff is doing nothing wrong processing them. But the process needs serious adjustment to avoid unintended consequences such as shown by the example above.

One solution is already at hand – the planning director has the discretion to require any subdivision to be submitted to and reviewed by the planning commission. Sometimes the director so chooses, sometimes not. There need to be clear and consistent standards applied to that decision, especially as regards commercial parcels near neighborhoods.

Another remedy would be to publish the administrative subdivision applications, similar to what is done with planning commission submittals. That way the information is publicly available ahead of decision making.

The planning commission currently is reviewing this process. The ideas presented here have been raised in their discussions, have in fact been raised many times over the years. This time we need not just talk, but action.

[This column was first published in the Opelika Auburn News on Friday, January 18, 2008.]

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Week of January 13, 2008
SATURDAY, JAN 12 through FRIDAY, JAN 18 – CITY OF AUBURN / AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Every three years, the City of Auburn updates the aerial photography used by City departments and through the City of Auburn website at www.auburnalabama.org/gis. Beginning Saturday, January 12 through Friday, January 18, survey crews will be in Auburn identifying the control target points for the City’s GIS Aerial Project. Crews will be marking some areas in the public rights of way with a large white X. Paint used for this project is not permanent and will fade with time. These control points are needed to ensure the quality of the aerial photos and to provide a geographic reference point that allows the photos to be tied into the national Global Positioning System (GPS) grid. Survey crew members will carry a letter identifying them as working on behalf of the City of Auburn. Crews will confine their work to the public rights of way and will not need to enter private property. Citizens with any concerns or questions about the crews may contact the City of Auburn Information Technology Department at 501-7200 or call the 24-hour Public Safety, non-emergency phone number at 501-3100.

SUNDAY, JAN 13, 2:00 – 4:00 pm – MARTIN LUTHER KING WEEK OPENING RECEPTION/CHILDREN’S ART EXHIBIT
Held in AU’s Foy Student Union gallery. Free & open to all.
The theme is “Living The Dream” for this event sponsored by the AU Access and Community Initiatives. The Auburn Ballet will perform twice during the event as well. For a complete listing of King Week activities, see www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/odma/aci-mlk.html.

NOTE: ONLY SOME OF AU’S MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WEEK EVENTS ARE LISTED HERE; FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS, GO TO www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/odma/aci-mlk.html.

MONDAY, JAN. 14, 11:45 am - 1:00 pm –– AUBURN WOMEN’S STUDIES AWARDS LUNCHEON / RECOGNIZING AUBURN WOMEN
Held at AU’s Hotel and Dixon Conference Center, Ballroom B. Lunch: $14, payable at the door. Seating is limited; make reservations at www.auburn.edu/academic/other/womens_studies/ [click on "Awards Luncheon] or call 844-1974.
This inaugural event will feature keynote speaker Carrie N. Baker, J.D., of Berry College & Smith College. More info: www.auburn.edu/academic/other/womens_studies/index.html . Sponsored by AU’s Women’s Studies Program.

MONDAY, JAN. 14, 3:00 pm – DR. DAVID CARTER /OH MY GOD . . . I WISH HE WAS THERE NOW: LYNDON JOHNSON AND CIVIL RIGHTS
Held in AU’s RBD library, Spec Collections & Archives. Free & open to all; refreshments follow lecture.
Dr. David Carter, Assoc Prof, AU Dept of History. Sponsored by the AU Libraries & Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities. More info: 334-844-4946 or http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/258.

MONDAY, JAN 14 – LEE COUNTY COMMISSION www.leeco.us
4:00 pm – work session / 6:00 pm – regular session
Held in the commission chambers, historic courthouse building, 215 S. Ninth St, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda includes:
Reports from Staff:
Consent Agenda:
a. Minutes of Commission Meeting December 10, 2007
b. Ratify and Approve Claims
c. Bid #3 New Highway Bldg. Re-roofing & HVAC System – Roger Rendleman
d. Bid #9 Bulldozer – Neal Hall
e. Lounge Retail Liquor License/”Outta Bounds Sports Bar” – District 4
f. Retail Beer License/”Grigg’s 109″ – District 3
Old Business:
a. 2nd Reading Cemetery Preservation Committee-Judge English
b. Set Meeting Date with Legislative Delegation – Wendy Swann
c. Right-of-way Policy – Neal Hall
d. Mattie Hinkle Property – Jack Marshall
New Business:
a. Lee Road 124/One-Way Signs – Bud Hopson & Howard Hopson
b. Lee Road 14/Land taken to Build County Road in 1960’s – Vessie Felton
c. Travel Approval NACo Conference – Commissioner Lawrence
d. County Guardian/Conservator – Judge English & Sheriff Jones
e. LPN Entry Level Salary Variance Request – Sheriff Jones
f. Real Property Appraiser Entry Level Salary Variance Request – Bobby Armstrong
g. Accept Subdivisions for Maintenance/Rolling Hills & The Woodlands – Neal Hall
h. Sales and Use Tax Resolution – Roger Rendleman
i. Lee County Humane Society Agreement – Roger Rendleman
j. General Obligation Warrants for Vehicle Financing – Roger Rendleman
k. Educational Reimbursement Request – Roger Rendleman
Discussion Items. Adjourn.

TUESDAY, JAN 15, 9:30 am – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE WINTER WALK
Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, North College Street just north of the AU fish ponds.
Cancelled only for rain or snow. More info: Jennifer Lolley, ph: 707-6512.

TUESDAY, JAN 15, NOON –LECTURE / DR. CARRIE N. BAKER: SEX TRAFFICKING IN AMERICA: NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN LAW & SOCIETY
Held in AU’s Foy Union, room 208. Free & open to all.
Dr. Baker, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology at Berry College, Georgia, and currently visiting professor at Smith, is involved in research on sex trafficking and the effects of globalization on women. She writes, “Sex trafficking is a new area of research for me that grew out of learning about Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin’s campaign against child prostitution in Atlanta. My particular area of interest is domestic trafficking of women and girls in the United States, although I have studied this phenomenon within the broader context of international sex trafficking. I will address how globalization and decreased government support for the poor, which have resulted in growing economic inequality and feminization of poverty, contribute to trafficking of women. I will also discuss recent laws and funding initiatives to address this issue and examine the social movements growing up around the trafficking of women, particularly divisions among activists working on the issue.” More info: 844-1974.

TUESDAY, JAN. 15, 4:00 pm — AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION
Held in the conference room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Topic: Sign Task Force, Sign Ordinance.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16, 11:00 am – U.S. SEN. RICHARD SHELBY VISIT TO LEE COUNTY
Held at Smiths Station City Hall. Open to all.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16, 11:30 am – AUBURN BEAUTIFICATION COUNCIL
Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. Open to all.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16, 11:45 am – BROWN BAG FORUM: SHEROES IN ACTION
Held in AU’s Foy Union, room 203. Open to all.
A Panel Discussion about Campus and Community Women Activists. Join a dynamic conversation celebrating local women activists who have contributed to the Civil Rights Movement by breaking barriers in higher education and in our communities. Sponsored by Access and Community Initiatives and The Multicultural Center at Auburn University.

WEDNESDAY, JAN 16, 6:00 pm – LEE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CLUB
Held at the Elks Club, 1944 Opelika Road.
6:00 pm — buffet dinner ($9.00, tax and tip included)
6:50 pm – Program: – Dr. Rène McEldowney, Health Administration, Political Science, AU.
Dr. McEldowney is an AU Associate Professor and past Director of the Health Administration Internship program. An internationally recognized expert on health care, she holds a PhD from Virginia Tech University and completed a post-doctorate at Oxford University. After an eight-year career in the healthcare field, she joined the faculty at Auburn University in 1993. She has published numerous articles and presented papers at a number of international and regional meetings. Dr. McEldowney is an award winning teacher and researcher who has been an invited lecturer internationally in Great Britain, The Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. Her research interests include health care policy, comparative health care systems, and health care economics.

THURSDAY, JAN. 17, 11:45 am – HE WAS A POEM / An hour of poetry and readings inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Held in room 203, AU’s Foy Union. Free & open to all.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Film Festival: “The Boy King”. Bring your lunch and reflect on Dr. King’s life and legacy. Sponsored by the Access and Community Initiatives and the Multicultural Center at Auburn University.

THURSDAY, JAN. 17, noon – LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / BROWN BAG
Held in Bruno’s community room. Open to all.
Topic: State LWV consensus on Initiative and Referendum.

THURSDAY, JAN 17, 3:00 pm – DISCOVER AUBURN SERIES / DR LARRY GERBER: U.S. INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
Held in AU’s RDB library, Special Collections & Archives Dept. Free & open to all. Reception follows lecture.
Dr. Larry Gerber, professor of history at AU, will speak about his book “The Irony of State Intervention: American Industrial Relations Policy in Comparative Perspective, 1914-1939″.His book is an important and unduplicated contribution to the historical literature on U.S. industrial relations. In it he compares the labor histories of Great Britain and the United States between World War I and the Great Depression and argues that in the development of industrial relations policies, ideology was secondary to economic realities. Gerber’s lecture is the first spring semester lecture in the Discover Auburn lecture series cosponsored by the AU libraries, Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts and the AU Bookstore. Other Discover Auburn programs scheduled for the semester include Angela Lakwete on “Inventing the Cotton Gin: Alabama Perspectives” on Feb. 12 and Tim Dodge on “The Influence of Gospel Music on Early Rock ‘n’ Roll” on April 16. More info: 844-4946.

THURSDAY, JAN 17, 4:00 pm — OPELIKA PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION
Held at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika Public Works bldg. Open to all. www.opelika.org
Agenda includes:
I. Elect Officers to Planning Commission (Chairman, Vice Chairman)
A. PLATS (preliminary and prel. & final) – PUBLIC HEARING
1. Northtowne S/D, 79 lots, Anderson Road, Jim Henry Development LLC, P/F approval
2. Wyndham Gates S/D, Phase 1, 158 lots, Gateway Drive, McDowell & Associates, P/F approval
3. Teel S/D, 2nd Revision, 3 lots, Lee Road 265, Charles Teel, P/F approval
B. FINAL PLAT APPROVAL
4. Wyndham Industrial Park S/D, 2 lots, Society Hill Road, Cleveland Brothers, Final
C. CONDITIONAL USE
5. Samuel Dickerson, 3810 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, GC-2, Game room, billiards, snack bar business
D. REZONING – Public Hearing
6. Mayberry LLC, 2100 block Westpoint Pkwy, 37 acres, from R-1 to PUD (TABLED at 12-18-07 meeting)
E. VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY
7. Vacate portion of North 13th Street, Petitioners-Capps & Baldwin
F. ANNEXATION
8. Roy Riddle, Old Columbus Road, 5 acres, zoning request R-1
G. OTHER BUSINESS
9. Greg Mims, 3300 Pepperell Pkwy, C-3, GC-2, Discuss existing recycling collection business

THURSDAY, JAN. 17, 5:00 pm – SLIDE PRESENTATION ON PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT / MONUMENT: IMAGES BY JERRY SIEGEL
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, corridor gallery. Free & open to all, as part of the museum’s Free Night programming. The museum and its galleries will be open until 8 p.m.
Jerry Siegel, a Selma native, will give a slide presentation on his exhibition of photography, “Monument: Images by Jerry Siegel,” which is on view through Feb. 22 at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum. While photographing the places of his past – the house where he lived as a child, the town of Selma and the Black Belt landscape – Siegel has created a monument to this Southern town where important political and personal histories unfolded. Siegel studied at the University of South Alabama and the Atlanta Institute of Art. Since the 1970s he has maintained a studio in Atlanta as a base for a wide range of photographic commissions and projects. Active as a painter, photographer and collector of work by self-taught artists, Siegel has shown his photography at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia in Atlanta, and the Alabama State Council for the Arts in Montgomery. Siegel’s commercial work is primarily portraiture, and his recent exhibition at the Ogden, “Jerry Siegel: Portraits of Southern Artists,” brought together 55 portraits of three generations of artists taken over 15 years. More info: http://jcsm.auburn.edu/ or http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/259.

FRIDAY, JAN. 18, 5:00 pm — IRAQ MORATORIUM VIGIL
Held at Toomer’s Corner. All are invited to participate.
Sponsored by Alliance for Peace and Justice. Bring candles, signs (some will be provided as well as some materials to make your own). Join thousands nationwide wearing black armbands or ribbons on the 3rd Friday of each month. See www.iraqmoratorium.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 18, 7:30 pm – SUNDILLA CONCERT FEATURING TRET FURE
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF), 450 E. Thach. www.sundilla.org
Admission: $10; with student ID $8; children under 12 free (and welcomed; play area provided). Light refreshments provided free of charge; you may also bring your own food or beverage (beer/wine allowed). For more info, and to hear music clips of Tret Fure, go to www.sundilla.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 19, 10:30 am – RACE RELATIONS IN ALABAMA TODAY
Held at St. Dunstan’s, 136 E. Magnolia. Free & open to all. Light lunch served afterwards.
A roundtable discussion with a group of local African-American pastors and community leaders as panelist, with Dr. David C. Carter of the AU History Department as Moderator.

SATURDAY, JAN. 19, 7:30 pm – BAMIDELE DANCERS & DRUMMERS
Held at AU. Tickets: 334-844-4154. Info: http://media.cla.auburn.edu/theatre/index.cfm
From Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean, these dedicated performers work to preserve African rooted cultures through dance, music and song.

SUNDAY, JAN 20, 4:45 – 6:00 pm – MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. VIGIL
Held at Toomer’s Corner. All are encouraged to participate. Additional details available soon; check www.peaceeagle.org.

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LAURA A. KOON NAMED NEW DIRECTOR, CITY OF AUBURN WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT DEPT
Details: http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2008/ocm010908.asp.

PROJECT STATUS REPORTS / WATER RESOURCES MGMT DEPT / CITY OF AUBURN
Project status reports available weekly at: www.auburnalabama.org/wrm.status.asp.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

SATURDAY, JAN 26, 9:30 – 3:00 — READY TO RUN / TRAINING WOMEN FOR LEADERSHIP ROLES IN GOVERNMENT
Held in at Grand National, Auburn. Details & registration info: www.aauw-alabama.org.
Dates of workshops: Jan 26, Feb. 9, March 1, April 19 (location to be determined), May 17.
Ready to Run, a project developed by the American Association of University Women of Alabama, to train qualified Alabama women for leadership roles in government. Ready to Run is funded in part by a grant from the AAUW Educational Foundation. The first round of 5 Saturday training sessions, one per month, will be held in three locations – Auburn, Birmingham and Huntsville. The Ready to Run curriculum covers: -Qualifying and filing appropriate documents, -Developing a campaign team, -Fundraising. -Preparing and marketing a campaign message, -Networking. For more info, contact Mildred Lanier, Ready to Run Co-Director: mlanier38@bellsouth.net, or go to www.aauw-alabama.org.

BEGINS THURSDAY, MARCH 6 — 2008 CITIZEN PUBLIC SAFETY ACADEMY / CITY OF AUBURN
The academy, open to Auburn residents ages 18 and older, will run for 10 consecutive weeks on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Participants will learn about the different areas of public safety, including Police, Fire, Communications, and Codes Enforcement services. Those interested in participating in the academy are encouraged to apply early due to limited seating. The program is free for participants. More info & application: Department of Public Safety at 501-3110 or www.auburnalabama.org/news/2008/ps010908.asp.

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ADDITIONAL EVENTS THIS WEEK:

TUESDAY, JAN. 8, 11:30 am – AUBURN GREENSPACE ADVISORY BOARD
Held in the City of Auburn Meeting Room, 144 Tichenor Ave.

SATURDAY, JAN. 12, 7:30 pm – DANCING THROUGH THE HISTORY OF JAZZ WITH BILL & ADRIENNE
Held at AU. : 334-844-4154. Info: www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org.
Dan LaRoque, narrator/Accompanied by a 6 piece jazz orchestra.
Bill Evans is an award-winning performer, teacher, choreographer, lecturer, administrator, movement analyst, writer, adjudicator and consultant with a uniquely varied and comprehensive background of experiences and accomplishments. Adrienne Wilson is a dancer and musician who has been actively pursuing a life in the arts for over twenty years. She has an MFA in choreography and performance from SUNY Brockport, and bachelors and masters degrees in piano performance from Ithaca College.

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REMINDERS:

JAN 25 – - REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR 19th ANNUAL NONPOINT SOURCE CONFERENCE
Held at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conf Center, Mont.
Registration deadline: Jan 25. To register, go to http://www.adem.alabama.gov.
The conference format consists of presentations on projects, topics, efforts associated with nonpoint source pollution and its impact on water quality. Call Patti Hurley at (334) 394-4350.

CITY OF AUBURN E-NOTIFIER SYSTEM (Email notifications of meeting packets, events, press releases, etc. )
Sign up or review your choices for the city’s e-notifier system at www.auburnalabama.org/e-notifier/. Subscription choices have changed since the system was introduced; new items are available.

CONSTRUCTION STATUS REPORTS — CITY OF AUBURN
Details and photos of current projects available online at: www.auburnalabama.org/pw/status.asp.

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Thanks for your interest and support.

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Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/

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MEETINGS, EVENTS & ITEMS OF INTEREST — WEEK OF JAN. 7, 2008:

LISA BROUILLETTE COLUMN, DEC 2007: Amendment to council agenda staggering
http://placeforum.org/blog/category/o-a-news-columns-lisa-brouillette/

STREAM RESTORATION / TOWN CREEK PARK
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, City of Auburn, Auburn University, AL Dept. of Environmental Management, EPA, and others have partnered to restore a small stream in Town Creek Park off of South Gay Street.  The project will transform a degraded ditch into a more attractive and ecologically functioning stream by creating a new stream channel that resembles healthy, stable stream systems in our area. Restoration construction on the new stream channel begins this weekend. A workshop training natural resource professionals on these techniques will be held on January 9-10.

AUBURN BOARD VACANCIES
Water Works Board – one vacancy will be filled at the January 8 City Council meeting.
Board of Zoning Adjustment – three vacancies will be filled at the January 8 City Council meeting.
Cemeteries Advisory Board –two vacancies will be filled at the January 22 meeting.
Interested in serving? Contact a City Council member or the City Manager’s Office.

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MONDAY, JAN 7, noon – AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION PACKET MEETING (AGENDA DISCUSSION)
Held in the Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/pc/agenda.asp
Agenda includes:
CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATION
OLD BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Reese Annexation PL-2007-01021
Applicant: Chris and Dianna Reese
General Location: 5037 Hwy 147 North (Heath Road)
Zoning District: Outside of the City limits
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for annexation of approximately 2.5 acres
2. Stonehaven at The Preserve PL-2007-01077
Applicant: Maxwell Engineering and Land Surveying, Inc. for Jerry Johnson
General Location: Within the Preserve PDD, adjacent to The Preserve phases 1A and 1D and east of Conservation Drive
Zoning District: Planned Development District (PDD) with Development District Housing (DDH) underlying
Action Requested: Final plat approval for a 17-lot conventional residential subdivision
NEW BUSINESS
3. Motel Site PUBLIC HEARING PL-2007-01071
Applicant: Hayley Redd, L.L.C.
General Location: 1650 South College Street
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a commercial and entertainment use (motel)
4. Project A/B, Phase II PUBLIC HEARING PL-2007-01074
Applicant: IDB City of Auburn
General Location: 358 Enterprise Drive
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for the expansion of an approved industrial use
5. New Church Building PUBLIC HEARING PL-2007-01076
Applicant: T. David Hosey for Mary Stroup-Gardiner and John W. Gardiner
General Location: 1765 Old Wright’s Mill Road
Zoning District: Limited Development District (LDD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for an institutional use (church)
6. Sun South Tractor PUBLIC HEARING PL-2007-01079
Applicant: Maxwell Engineering and Land Surveying, Inc. for East Glenn Investment Properties, L.L.C.
General Location: 1780 East Glenn Avenue
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for agricultural support use (farm equipment rental / sales / repair)
7. Village at Links Crossing PUBLIC HEARING PL-2007-01068
Applicant: Links Crossing, L.L.C.
General Location: 3260 Mill Creek Road
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: Bufferyard waiver request is to remove the required fencing (Structure type 2) from the bufferyards to the north, west and south of the development
8. Korea Flange PUBLIC HEARING PL-2007-01073
Applicant: IDB City of Auburn
General Location: 246 Teague Court
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: 15-foot waiver to the maximum driveway width
9. Lee County Courthouse – Auburn Satellite Office PUBLIC HEARING PL-2007-01075
Applicant: John Randall Wilson
General Location: 1266 Mall Parkway
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: 13-foot waiver to the north bufferyard
10. Street Naming PUBLIC HEARING MS-2008-00164
Applicant: City of Auburn
General Location: The portion of Lee Road 395 within the Auburn City limits
Zoning District: Rural (R)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council to rename Lee Road 395 to Cecil Ward Road
OTHER BUSINESS
11. Copper Beech Residential Development PL-2007-01072
Applicant: Hydro Engineering, L.L.C.
General Location: Shelton Mill Road at East University Drive
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD) / Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: No action required – Master Development Plan submittal
12. Savannah Square PL-2007-01078
Applicant: Maxwell Engineering and Land Surveying, Inc.
General Location: South College Street
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: No action required – Master Development Plan submittal
13. Annual Meeting of the Commission to Elect New Officers
CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION. STAFF COMMUNICATION. ADJOURNMENT.

MONDAY, JAN. 7, 4:00 pm – AUBURN CEMETERIES ADVISORY BOARD
Held at the Dean Road Rec Center. Open to all.

TUESDAYS, 9:30 am – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE WINTER WALKS
Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, North College Street just north of the AU fish ponds.
Cancelled only for rain or snow. More info: Jennifer Lolley, ph: 707-6512.

TUESDAY, JAN 8, 4:00 pm – AUBURN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Held in the City Manager’s Conference Room, Auburn City Hall, 144 Tichenor Ave. Open to all.

TUESDAY, JAN 8, 4:00 pm – HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Held in the Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.

TUESDAY, JAN. 8, 5:30 pm – AUBURN PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
Held at the Dean Road Rec Center. Open to all.

TUESDAY, JAN. 8, 6:00 pm – AUBURN BOARD OF EDUCATION www.auburnschools.org
Held in the Auburn High School multi-media room, 405 S. Dean Rd. Open to all.

TUESDAY, JAN. 8 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
Work session – TBD / Regular session – 7:00 pm
Held in the council chambers, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika. Open to all. Agenda: www.opelika.org/

TUESDAY, JAN. 8 — AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
6:45 pm — Committee of the Whole / 7:00 pm – Regular meeting
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all. Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/agenda
Committee of the Whole agenda includes:
INDIAN HILLS ROAD UPDATE . City Manager Duggan.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE ORDINANCE UPDATE. City Manager Duggan.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS . Nominations.
a. Water Works Board. One Position. Six Year Term Begins January 20, 2008. Incumbent:: Rufus Felton (has served
two terms).
b. Board of Zoning Adjustment. Three Positions.Three Year Terms Begin January 21, 2008. Incumbents: Regular Member- Barry Jones (has served one full term and one partial term); Supernumerary #1 – William Gwin (does not wish to be reappointed); and Supernumerary #2 – Christine Berry Bradshaw (has served one full term).
Regular meeting agenda includes:
CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS .
ORDINANCES.
a. Annexation. Saugahatchee Lands, L.L.C. Property Located on the South Side of Mrs James Road, West of Camden Ridge Subdivision and North of Saugahatchee Creek. 679.70 Acres. Planning Commission Recommendation. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
RESOLUTIONS.
a. Conditional Use Approvals. Planning Commission Recommendations. Public Hearings Required.
(1) Road Service Use in Comprehensive Development District (CDD).
(a) Cleveland Real Estate Investments. Goo Goo Car Wash. 2336 Bent Creek Road, Adjacent to Waffle House.
(b) Thomas M. Hayley. Southern Rental. 2490 South College Street.
b. Contracts and Agreements. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) Electric Mobility Vehicles (2). T3 Motion, Inc. $19,957.50. Public Safety Department – Police Division.
(2) Auburn Research Park Phase I Infrastructure Package Project. Professional Services. Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, Inc. Change Order #1. $20,400. Public Works Department.
(3) Saugahatchee Creek Interceptor CIPP Rehabilitation Project. Installation and Repair of Gravity Sewer Pipelines. Reynolds Inliner, LLC. $ 2,457,260. Water Resource Management Department.
c. Cleveland Real Estate Investments. A Redivision of Lot 1-D, First Revision of Bent Creek Commercial Park and a Redivision of Lot B-2, a Redivision of Lot B-1, First Revision of Bent Creek Commercial Park. Property Located East of East Glenn Avenue, South of Bent Creek Road, West of Interstate 85. Drainage and Utility Easement. Acceptance.
d. Industrial Development Board. CNJ Tech, Inc. Lot 2, Auburn Industrial Park. Resolution Concurring with Incentives Package.
e. Boards and Commissions. Appointments.
(1) Board of Zoning Adjustment. Three Positions. Three Year Terms Expire January 20, 2011.
(2) Water Works Board. One Position. Six Year Term Expires January 19, 2014.
OTHER BUSINESS. ADJOURNMENT.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9, 4:30 pm – AUBURN BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT / BZA
Held in the city council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda: www.auburnalabama.org/bza/agenda.asp
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Variance to Section 502.01 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2007-00990
Tabled from December 5, 2007 meeting
Applicant: Barbara Pitts Miller, Ruthie H. Pitts, and W.E. Pitts, Sr.
General Location: 1972 Saint John Court
Zoning District: Neighborhood Conservation (NC-20)
Action Requested: Variance of 18.6-feet from the required 45-foot rear yard setback on the north side of the residence for the construction of a sunroom and a ramp.
Variance to Section 436.01 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2007-01057
Applicant: Peachtree Land Development, Inc.
General Location: 214, 220, and 221-313 Solamere Lane (Phase 3)
Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: The applicant is requesting that the required 125-foot average between curb cuts on Lots 209 – 217 be allowed to be an average of 97.71 feet. The applicant is requesting that the required 125-feet between curb cuts on Lots
166 – 173 be allowed to be an average of 107.42 feet. The applicant is requesting that the required 125-foot average distance between curb cuts between Lot 106 and 107 be allowed to be 30-feet. The applicant is requesting a variance to the required 100-foot spacing between a curb cut and a street corner on a collector street be allowed to be 70-feet on Lot 107.
Variance to Sections 605(A) and 606.03(A) of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2007-01058
Applicant: M&S Holdings, L.L.C.
General Location: 113 Mitcham Avenue
Zoning District: Redevelopment District (RDD)
Action Requested: Variance to the required 10 ft setback of a sign from the property line
Variance to Section 435 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2007-01060
Applicant: James F. Lacy
General Location: 312 Kimberly Drive
Zoning District: Neighborhood Conservation (NC-15)
Action Requested: Variance of 15-feet from the required 50-foot setback for the erection of a three-foot wrought iron fence to be built within the site triangle of two local street corners
OTHER BUSINESS. CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION. ADJOURNMENT

THURSDAYS, 3:30 – 4:30 pm – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE WINTER DISCOVERY HIKES
Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, North College Street just north of the AU fish ponds. Open to kids ages 6-12 and their parents. Free (no admission fee charged).
A different part of the Preserve will be explored each week during a hike for the first half-hour, then discovery time that might include a campfire, teepee building, examining skulls and furs, filling wildlife feeders or exploring ravines. Parents are welcome to attend with their child or to enjoy a nice walk during this hour. More info: Jennifer Lolley, ph: 707-6512.

THURSDAY, JAN 10, 5:00 pm – AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/pc/agenda.asp (See details above, PC packet meeting, Monday, Jan 7, noon.)

SATURDAY, JAN. 12, 7:00 pm – STARRY NIGHTS! program
Held at AU’s Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest, Moore’s Mill Rd. (Rain date: Feb 12)
The Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve and the Auburn Astronomical Society will host “Starry Nights!” . A short program will start the evening, then Jennifer Lolley will present a star laser show. The Astronomical Society will have its high-powered telescopes set up for guests’ viewing pleasure. A warming station will be set up with a hot drink and some “out-of-this-world” treats. Children must be seven years of age and older for this program. Please dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Red cellophane will be provided. If the weather is questionable, call Jennifer at 707-6512 or call the preserve and listen to the recorded message (502-4553). Rain date will be Feb. 12.

JAN. 13 THROUGH JAN. 23 — AU’S MARTIN LUTHER KING JR EVENTS
Open to all. More info: www.auburn.edu/aukingweek.
This year’s theme is “Believe in the Dream: One Auburn One Community.” Some of the week’s highlights include
a university-wide event, announcement of the recipient of the MLK Humanitarian Awards for Community Service, keynote speaker, lectures, student performances, film screenings, community service projects and more. If your Auburn University organization would like to plan an event to include in MLK Week programming, contact Amanda Carr or telephone 844-2976. For more information about the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week, contact the Access and Community Initiatives, a division of the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, at 844-4184 or browse the King Week at Auburn Web site at www.auburn.edu/aukingweek.

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Thanks for your interest and support.

Email: placeforum@gmail.com

Web: http://placeforum.org/blog

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Lisa Brouillette: Amendment to council agenda staggering

[First published in the Opelika-Auburn News - Friday, December 21, 2007]

Have you followed the Grider brothers’ federal court lawsuit against the City of Auburn, Mayor Bill Ham and others?

It concerns the Griders’ local businesses, which are regulated by Auburn’s alcohol ordinance and related business licenses and fees.

Opelika attorney Davis Whittelsey is representing the Griders and their businesses, and has been to the last two Auburn city council meetings on their behalf.

It’s not just the lawsuit that interests me, it’s a comment of Whittelsey’s that was reported Wednesday in the Opelika-Auburn News. In reference to the ordinances passed at Tuesday’s council meeting, which were amended on-the-fly during the meeting, the paper reports, “Whittelsey contends the last-minute maneuver kept the public from commenting on the amendments.”

Whittelsey “contends?” That wasn’t a contention, it was a fact. When changes to a council item are made during a meeting, as they were to this item on Tuesday, the public is automatically precluded from comment. How can one comment on something one has never seen?

The final language of the amendments wasn’t in the council packet materials available before the meeting; a different version was included there. The amended version was posted online the morning after the meeting – i.e., the morning after the council voted on it.

Obviously council business must be conducted in a timely manner. But special meetings have been called before. Why not this time? Why couldn’t this item have been tabled for a week to allow time for public comment and council reflection? That would have given sufficient time for comment on this contentious issue, yet have finalized the vote prior to the Jan. 2 city license deadline.

These amended ordinances may not be of particular interest to you, may not affect you directly.

But this is hardly the first time the Auburn city council has pushed an item through without allowing the chance for public comment. And I’m afraid it won’t be the last. The next time it might concern an item about which you care deeply. (Remember when this happened with amendments to our erosion and sediment control ordinance? I do.)

This practice won’t change until our public officials’ attitudes change, until the opinions of citizens – all citizens – are welcomed in the process rather than mildly tolerated.

It’s the same sad situation with the lack of ethical clarity on the part of some public officials. The city has been asked multiple times to clarify the conflict of interest standards for elected and appointed officials.

The issue is raised, discussed briefly, and then … nothing. Perhaps mention is made of the state ethics laws, which are weak and vague, but nothing is done to set clear standards of behavior for those on city council or local boards, commissions and authorities.

Business and personal relationships are a fact of life, but they shouldn’t intrude on the handling of public business.

Have you seen instances where you thought a public official acted inappropriately?

Do you see possible conflicts of interest?

Do you have ideas on how to improve the situation?

Let me know.

Lisa Brouillette is a community activist, editor, and writer. Contact her at CommunityWatchForum@hotmail.com

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