UPDATE — Additional events & info
TUESDAY, FEB. 26, 6:00 pm – AUBURN SKATE PARK COMMITTEE: SKATE PARK / BMX BIKE PARK
Held in the Auburn City meeting room, 144 Tichenor Ave. (located behind Cheeburger, Cheeburger, next to the city hall / old post office). All are welcome.  More info: Tom Spicer 821-1645.
Everyone interested in seeing a Skate Park/ BMX Park built in this area is encouraged to come to tonight’s meeting and bring others who are interested in exploring issues related to the development of a safe place for skaters, skateboarders, and BMX bikers in the Auburn area.
Upcoming meetings — March 11 and March 25; same time & place.

TUESDAY, FEB. 26, 6:00 pm – LEE COUNTY REPUBLICAN CLUB
Held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Auburn.
6:00 pm — Dutch treat meal
7:00 pm — Keynote Speaker: Senator Gerald Dial

TUESDAY, FEB. 26, 6:00 pm – NANNETTE CHADWICK: ADVENTURES IN THE POLITICS OF MARINE CONSERVATION
Held in AU’s Rouse Life Sciences Bldg, room 112.  Free & open to all.
The Society for Conservation Biology will be hosting this presentation by Nannette Chadwick. The meeting will also include a short information session about summer internship opportunities with the Student Conservation Association. For more information on the event or the Society for Conservation Biology, contact Anne-Marie Hodge at hodgeac@auburn.edu.

NEW AGENDA DETAILS: AUBURN BIKE COMMITTEE  www.auburnalabama.org/cycle/
Held Tuesday, Feb. 26 7:00 pm, conf. room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda includes:
Public Works Report – Brandy Ezelle
Parks & Rec Report — Alison Hall, Dee Watson • Bike Bash
Public Safety Report — Jim Dorman
Bicycle Racks — Vicky van Santen
Bike Challenge — Peter Wolf
New Business
Next Meeting March 25, 2008

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27, 12:30 pm – WEBCAST: CAMPUS CLIMATE NEUTRALITY
Held I AU’s Foy Student Union, room 202. Free & open to all.
The webcast “Commit to Change – Leading Your Campus Towards Climate Neutrality” will be presented by the National Association of College and University Business Officers. Join three CFOs and a facilities director to learn about the strategies they have employed to lead their campus team toward climate neutrality by adopting the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). Topics that will be addressed include: an overview and understanding of the ACUPCC; the benefits of implementing the ACUPCC; how to deal with institutional and financial challenges around the ACUPCC; issues that CFOs and presidents face in joining and implementing the ACUPCC; and strategies for financing implementation of the ACUPCC. For a full description of the webcast, click here ( http://www.auburn.edu/projects/sustainability/nacubo_webcast.pdf ).

THURSDAY, FEB. 28, 2:00 pm – STORIES THAT HEAL, STICHES THAT BIND: THE SYPHILIS STUDY AND THE TUSKEGEE BIOETHICS COMMUNITY QUILT PROJECT
Held in AU’s Haley Center, room 2224. Free & open to all.
Professor Muhjah Shakir of Tuskegee University will present this talk, which is part of the College of Education Diversity Committee’s Diversity and Social Justice Lecture Series. Shakir is an assistant professor of occupational therapy at Tuskegee University and is also an affiliate of the Tuskegee University National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care. She is working on a Ph.D. in transformative studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. Her dissertation is an oral history project that deals with understanding the impact of the U.S. Public Health Service syphilis study on the lives of contemporary women living in Tuskegee and Macon County. Professor Shakir is the founder and project director of Women’s Narratives Transforming the Legacy: The Syphilis Study, and the Tuskegee Bioethics Community Quilt Project. The Bioethics Community Quilt Project has stimulated community dialogue and helped to heal old wounds by making it possible to speak the unspeakable. Professor Shakir is a diversity trainer and group facilitator and has worked with community groups for many years on social justice issues.

THURSDAY, FEB. 28, 6:00 pm – SHELTON PARK & SHELTON WOODS AREA COMMUNITY MEETING
Held in the City of Auburn meeting room, 144 Tichenor Ave. 
Agenda: meet with city staff and others concerning a large apartment complex proposed adjacent to Shelton Park & Shelton Woods neighborhoods.

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Web:    http://placeforum.org/blog/

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WEEK OF FEB. 25, 2008 — MEETINGS, EVENTS & UPDATES 

NEWS FROM SWaMP / SAUGAHATCHEE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN
A new SWaMP website is in progress at www.swamp.auburn.edu. In addition, SWaMP is pleased to announce funding of their first restoration project. For details see:  http://www.aces.edu/dept/fisheries/aww/swamp/swamp-blog/?p=5

ENVIRONMENTAL BILLS IN THE ALABAMA STATEHOUSE: compiled by Bama Environmental News (BEN) www.BamaNews.com.
Energy, solid waste and quarries are the primary issues the Alabama Legislature have tackled during the first couple of weeks in the Alabama Legislature. Below are brief descriptions of the bills that have been filed.
HB 234 and SB 305 – Energy  -  Alternative and Renewable Energy Act – Tax credit for solar power, capital credit for certain facilities
HB 235 and SB 306 – Energy -  Alternative Motor Fuels Security Act – State tax credit for certain expenses for qualified facilities producing alternative fuels.
HB 237 and SB 308 – Energy – Green Fleets Program – Establish fuel efficiency goals and Green Fleets Review Committee
HB 242 and SB 309 – Energy - Building Commission to adopt 2006 International Conservation Code
HB 313 – Solid Waste – Solid waste disposal management plan review by local governing body, considered denied if inacted upon within 90 days.
HB 354 – Rock Quarries – Madison County rock quarries, location near schools, regulated outside limits of municipality
HB 372 and SB 190 – Limestone County rock quarries to be regulated outside municipalities
SB 131 – Rock Quarries – ADEM cannot issue permits for rock quarry without approval from the county commission.
SB 229 – Clean Indoor Air  – Smoking is prohibited in public places and work places

LEGISLATIVE NOTE: To research bills, use the ALISON (Alabama Legistative Information System Online) at http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/ACASLoginFire.asp.


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================================SPECIAL ARBOR DAY EVENT
SATURDAY, FEB. 23 – MAGNOLIA PLANTING TO MEMORIALIZE GEORGE FOLKERTS
9:00 am – Arbor Day tree giveaway & Arboretum work day
11:00 am – memorial tree planting
Held at AU’s Donald Davis Arboretum. Drinks & light refreshments will be provided.
The public is invited to attend and to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the memorial planting ceremony.
A bigleaf magnolia will be planted at AU’s Donald Davis Arboretum in memory of George Folkerts, a faculty member in the College of Sciences and Mathematics who died suddenly in December. Folkerts, who was well known and admired across campus, was a longtime champion of the arboretum and advocate for the preservation of Alabama’s natural habitats. The tree planting will be part of a day of activities at the arboretum, including a State Arbor Day tree giveaway, and a work day for master gardeners and student members of the Society for Conservation Biology. More info: Dee Smith at 844-5770 or drs0001@auburn.edu.

SPECIAL ARBOR DAY EVENT
SATURDAY, FEB. 23, 9:00 am – Noon — AUBURN ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION
Held at four locations: Boykin Community Center, AU Arboretum, Auburn Kroger, and Auburn Wal-Mart.
The City of Auburn Tree Commission, in conjunction with its annual Arbor Day Celebration, will give away free tree seedlings (overcup oak, live oak and dogwood). More info: 501-2930.

MONDAY, FEB. 25 through FRIDAY, FEB. 29 – ATLANTA NEIGHBORWORKS TRAINING INSTITUTE & GREEN SYMPOSIUM
This NeighborWorks Training Institute in Atlanta will offer more than 100 courses in green building, affordable housing, home ownership education, community building, neighborhood revitalization, management and leadership, and much more.  View complete online course grid for course offerings and details. Sign up for the Feb. 27 Green Symposium at: Go Green Now: Embracing Energy Efficiency, Healthy Housing and Green Building. The symposium will offer a comprehensive introduction to the green building movement, which is quickly going mainstream in the affordable housing and community development industry. Participants will explore a wide range of topics related to sustainability and discuss how they apply to housing rehabilitation, rental housing development and management, community and economic development, and home ownership. Learn more or register for the NeighborWorks Training Institute in Atlanta, Georgia online at www.nw.org/training.

MONDAY, FEB. 25 through FRIDAY, FEB. 29 – ART EXHIBIT / ADAM PARKER SMITH
Held in AU’s Biggin Hall. Free & open to the public. Info: Barb Bondy at 844-3483 or bondybj@auburn.edu.

MONDAY, FEB. 25 through SATURDAY, MARCH 1 – ART EXHIBIT: RECYCLED FLOORS
Held in the CADC gallery, Dudley Hall.  Open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Free & open to the public.
The College of Architecture, Design and Construction gallery will exhibit Recycled Floors features the work of the Fall 2007 material and methods of construction class. The project was to create a floor tile using recycled materials like ceramic tile, bicycle tire inner tubes, old tire tread, old gym shoes, tennis balls, blue jeans, scrap metal and wood. Twenty-four of 60 student designs will be featured to demonstrate the use of the ordinary to create a floor finish that is both practical and beautiful. More info: Paul Zorr at zorrpau@auburn.edu.

MONDAY, FEB. 25 — AUBURN BIKE BASH REGISTRATION OPENS 
Join the City of Auburn and the Auburn Bicycle Committee for Bike Bash 2008 on Saturday, April 12!  Bike Bash is an event to encourage biking activities, endorse bicycle safety, promote the health benefits of this great leisure sport and emphasize local bike-friendly trails and areas. Registration information will be available on Monday, Feb. 25 at the Dean Road Recreation Center, as well as on the Bicycle Committee’s website www.auburnalabama.org/cycle.  (Also, don’t forget to register for the free Auburn Bike Challenge!  For more information, please visit auburnalabama.org/cycle.)

MONDAY, FEB. 25, NOON – 2:00 pm – FORUM: YOUTH – THE REAL FUTURE OF THE SOUTH
Held in AU’s Foy Student Union, Room 208. Free and open to all students, staff and faculty, but reservations are appreciated. Please RSVP to lam0009@auburn.edu.
Developing the potential of youth, listening to their views and inspiring them to take action in our communities are vital steps for the economic future of the region. Forum participants will be joining thousands of others who are holding similar conversations across the region to develop strategies for capturing the spirit and imagination of our youth. A report on what the campus is thinking and doing will be used in developing a policy report to be presented at the 2008 Southern Growth Policies Board regional meeting scheduled for June 1-3 in Little Rock. The AU forum will be moderated by graduate outreach interns Lauren Mobley, Department of Communication and Journalism, and Christopher McCauley, Department of Political Science. Cookies and drinks will be provided. Hosted by AU’s Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities.

MONDAY, FEB. 25, 3:30 – 5:00 pm — GHANAIAN KENTE CLOTH WEAVING DEMONSTRATION
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free admission for all faculty & students. http://jcsm.auburn.edu/
Using a traditional loom, Asare will engage Ghanaian kente cloth weaver Kwasi Asare will be at the area students with a demonstration and stories of Ghana. AU students and professors are invited to hear the presentation, learn about the weaving techniques, and view the current exhibitions including “Behind the Mask” on display in the galleries.

MONDAY, FEB. 25 — LEE COUNTY COMMISSION    Agenda: 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.

TUESDAY, FEB. 26, 8:00 am — ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD
Held at 445 Herron Street, Mont. Ph: 334-242-2230
The Board will meet to approve minutes from the previous month’s meeting, to approve applications for licensure, and to conduct the general business of the Board.

TUESDAY, FEB. 25, 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, FEB. 26, 11:00 – 12:15 – CLIMATE MODELS, CLIMATE FORCING AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Held in AU’s Foy Union, room 213. Free & open to the public.
Speaker:  Gavin Schmidt, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
Part of the AU College of Engineering’s Colloquium on Future Energy Sources, the Environment and the Economics. Colloqium info: http://eng.auburn.edu//files/file1157.pdf
Note: For those wanting more information on climate change, AU’s Sustainability Initiative has compiled information and web site links at www.auburn.edu/projects/sustainability/AUClimate.php.

TUESDAY, FEB. 26, 3:00 pm — OPELIKA PLANNING COMMISSION
Held at the Public Works Facility, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika. Open to all.  www.opelika.org
Agenda includes:
A.PLATS (preliminary and prel. & final) – PUBLIC HEARING
1.Marvin Lisle-Charles Riddle S/D, 1st Revision & Addition, 2 lots, 610 Old Columbus Road, Wayne Lisle, P/F approval
2.Pinecrest S/D, Redivision of Parcel B & Lots 18, 19, 4 lots, Veterans Parkway, Pinecrest S/D LLC, P/F approval
3.Fourth Street Station S/D, 2 lots, Columbus Parkway, Thrash Investments, P/F approval
B.CONDITIONAL USE
4.Jeff Thornton, 3605 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, GC-2, Laundromat
5.Gregory Mims, 1903 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, Produce market, Restaurant, Recycling Center
6.Sonam Consulting Inc, Gateway Drive, C-2, GC2, Extended Stay Hotel
7.Goodwill Industries, 2900 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, GC-2, Donation center in the Wal-Mart parking lot 8.Garrett Recycling Inc, 1 Williamson Avenue, M1, GC-2, Wholesale Recycling Center
9.Gulf South Development Group LLC, Academy Estates, C-2, 10 unit condominium complex
C.REZONING – Public Hearing
10.Planning Commission, Westpoint Parkway at Exit 64 on Interstate 85, from C-3 & C-3,GC-2 to C-2, C-2, GC-2
11.Mayberry LLC, 2100 block Westpoint Pkwy, 37 acres, from R-1 to PUD (TABLED at the 02 22-08 meeting)

TUESDAY, FEB. 26, 4:00 pm —PUBLIC LECTURE: ELECTION ADMINISTRATION’S ROLE IN PRESERVING AND PROMOTING DEMOCRACY
Held at AU’s Hotel & Dixon Conference Center, Ballroom B. Reception & light refreshments follow lecture.
Featured speaker R. Doug Lewis is the Executive Director of the Election Center in Houston, TX. Lews has been referred to as the “voice of election administration” in America and is a very engaging speaker.  He’s appeared on CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC (including the Today Show) and was a regular on C-SPAN representing election administrators in the aftermath of Election 2000. Sponsored by the family of Charles Wesley Edwards, Sr. and the AU Election Administration program. Charles Wesley Edwards, Sr. was the AU Registrar for many years and is responsible for the admission of the first African-American students.  His family has established an endowment in his name for use by the Election Administration program in educating the public about the democratic process

TUESDAY, FEB 26, 4:00 pm – NEW PERSPECTIVES SPEAKER: GEORGINE CLARK / ROAD TRIP: TOURING PUBLIC ART OF ALABAMA
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.  Free & open to all.  www.jcsm.auburn.edu
Clarke will speak on the history, creation and placement of public art throughout the state as well as its role, purposes and value. An expert on community arts, Clarke has spoken extensively on Alabama art. She is the visual arts program manager and gallery director for the Alabama State Council on the Arts, was the founding director of the Kentuck Festival, Art Center and Museum in Northport, and is the recipient of the Alabama Governor’s Arts Award. Clarke holds degrees from the University of New Mexico and the Ohio State University. New Perspectives is sponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts and the Alabama Humanities Foundation, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is co-sponsored by the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, the AU Art Department and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University. For more information, please call 844-4946.

TUESDAY, FEB. 26, 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.

WEDNESDAY FEB. 27 – THURSDAY, FEB. 28 – STREAM RESTORATION WORKSHOP / VEGETATION
Details:  http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/towncreek.htm#veg  More info: Eve Brantley at brantef@aces.edu
Location: AU School of FOrestray & Wildlife Sciences, Conference Room East.
This workshop will be conducted immediately following construction of an urban stream restoration project in a town park. Participants will learn about riparian plant selection, planting techniques for wetland and streambank vegetation, bioengineering techniques including brush mattresses, and monitoring of riparian vegetation.The workshop will be split between classroom and extensive field work, including project / data summaries evening work sessions.
– Class limited to first 30 registrants. Cost is $250 for general registration $75 for government / nonprofit. Checks payable to Alabama Cooperative Extension System. CEUs from AU will be available for this workshop.

WEDNESDAY, FEB 27, 7:30 – 9:00 pm – PERFORMANCE: AIN’T I A WOMAN?
Held at AU’s Telfair Peet Theatre. Tickets: 334-844-4154. Admission: Free for AU students w/a valid ID; General Admission $20.00; Senior Citizens $15.00; AU Faculty and Staff $15.00. Visa and MasterCard accepted.
The renowned Core Ensemble will present a performance of its nationally acclaimed touring production of “Ain’t I A Woman!” which celebrates the life and times of four powerful African American women: renowned novelist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, ex- slave and fiery abolitionist Sojourner Truth, exuberant folk artist Clementine Hunter, and fervent civil rights worker Fannie Lou Hamer. The musical score is drawn from the heartfelt spirituals and blues of the Deep South, the urban vitality of the Jazz Age, and contemporary concert music by African Americans.The production is being jointly sponsored by the AU Departments of Africana Studies, Women’s Studies, Music, Theatre, Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, Women’s Initiatives, and the A.U. Vice President for Outreach.

THURSDAY, FEB. 28, 11:00 – 12:15 – DoD AND NAVY PERSPECTIVES ON FUEL ASSURITY AND POWER GENERATION IN THE FUTURE
Held in the Davis Aerospance Engineering Hall, AERO 355, AU.  Free & open to the public.
Speaker: John Heinzel, Office of Naval Research
Part of the AU College of Engineering’s Colloquium on Future Energy Sources, the Environment and the Economics. Colloqium info: http://eng.auburn.edu//files/file1157.pdf

THURSDAY, FEB. 28, noon – LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / BROWN BAG MEETING
Held in Bruno’s community room. Open to all. Bring your lunch and join the discussion.
Topic: Youth:  the Real Future of the South

THURSDAY, FEB. 28 3:30 – 4:30 pm  – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE WINTER DISCOVERY HIKE
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, FEB. 28, 4:00 pm – PANEL DISCUSSION: REMEMBERING MOSE T
Held in Gallery C, AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.  Free & open to all.  http://jcsm.auburn.edu
An informal panel discussion in the gallery featuring the current exhibition Pure Paint: A Grand Retrospective of Montgomery’s Mose T. Panelists include Lee Kogan (Director of the Folk Art Institute and Curator of Special Projects for the Contemporary Center at the American Folks Museum, New York City) and Micki Beth Stiller (Montgomery attorney and avid collector of outsider art for nearly three decades).

THURSDAY, FEB. 28, 6:30 pm – SAVE OUR SAUGAHATCHEE (SOS)
Held in AU’s Swingle Hall, room 303. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Agenda includes: Update on SWaMP (Saugahatchee Watershed Management Plan) activities by Eric Reutebuch; discussion of the Spring creek clean-up.

THURSDAY, FEB 28 and FRIDAY, FEB. 29 – ALABAMA BOARD OF LICENSURE FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS
Held at 100 N Union St, Suite 382, Montgomery; ph: 334-242-5568
Click here for Full Agenda. Agenda includes: Formal hearings, Committee Reports (including Complaint Investigations, Pending Investigative Files, Board Actions 2007 – 2008, Monitored Closed and Non-Compliant files & Files Presented for Board Action), Other reports, and an OPEN FORUM (during which anyone who may be attending meeting as a member of the public can ask questions or make comments.)

SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 8:30 am – 4:45 pm – LOCAL POTTERS SELL WARES
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free admission to the museum; open to all.  www.jcsm.auburn.edu.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 9:00 am – noon — AUBURN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Held at the Auburn Alumni Center.

===========================================

Thanks for your interest and support.

Email: placeforum@gmail.org

Web:  http://placeforum.org/blog/

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UPDATE

NEW ITEMS
TUESDAY, FEB. 19 through SATURDAY, MARCH 1 – ART EXHIBIT: RECYCLED FLOORS
Held in the CADC gallery, Dudley Hall. Open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Free & open to the public.
The College of Architecture, Design and Construction gallery will exhibit Recycled Floors features the work of the Fall 2007 material and methods of construction class. The project was to create a floor tile using recycled materials like ceramic tile, bicycle tire inner tubes, old tire tread, old gym shoes, tennis balls, blue jeans, scrap metal and wood. Twenty-four of 60 student designs will be featured to demonstrate the use of the ordinary to create a floor finish that is both practical and beautiful. More info: Paul Zorr at zorrpau@auburn.edu.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20, 8:30 am – AUBURN UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Held in the RSA Plaza Building, 770 Washington Ave, Mont. Ph: 334-844-4866. Open to the public.
Note: Limited parking available in the deck behind & adjacent to the building, with entrance to the deck off of Adams Ave.
8:30 a.m. – held on the 6th floor – Joint meeting of the Executive Committee Meeting of the AU Board of Trustees and the Univ of Alabama Board of Trustees, to discuss impact of House Bill 319 on AU & UA campuses
10:00 a.m. (or when Jt Exec Comm meeting ends)– held in the 5th floor conference room (the elevators open facing the conference room) — Property and Facilities Committee Meeting of the AU Board of Trustees, to review a dining facility in the new campus housing area

UPCOMING EVENT:
MONDAY, MAR. 17 & TUESDAY, MAR. 18 – VISION 13 / GRANT WRITING 101 WORKSHOPS
March 17: Held at the Community Arts Center, Heflin
March 18: Held at the Dept of Health Resources, Lafayette
Workshops begin at 9:00 am. Seating is limited. Registration $50 (includes lunch), payable to EARPDC. Mail registration and check to: Vision 13, PO Box 2186, Anniston, AL 36202.
Info & registration form: http://placeforum.org/blog/2008/02/16/grant-writing-101-workshops-march-17-18-2008/
These six-hour workshops each will provide an overview of the components of a grant application. Sections of a grant proposal will be defined and described in detail. Information will be provided on writing a grant application to maximize reviewer points. In addition, the workshop will focus on what is “collaboration” and how to establish community partnerships. Participants will learn what makes for successful partnerships and collaborations. The workshop presenter is Joani Sarkiss, Corpus Christi, TX, president of J. Sarkiss & Associates, who has over 11 years of experience in writing successful grant applications to Federal, state and local agencies and foundations, with more than $80 million secured for community programs. J. Sarkiss & Associates provides comprehensive organization and grant development services to nonprofits and government agencies across the United States.

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COLUMN BY LISA BROUILLETTE / FEB. 15, 2008 / INDIAN HILLS RESIDENTS FIGHT FOR NORMALCY

CITY OF AUBURN / CONSTRUCTION PROJECT STATUS REPORTS (updated weekly)
PUBLIC WORKS: www.auburnalabama.org/pw/status.asp
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: www.auburnalabama.org/wrm/status.asp

AUBURN DAY CARE CENTERS / FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
A fundraising campaign to build a new and independent Auburn Day Care Centers facility is kicking off soon. Contact Melissa Blackburn if you want to support this effort. blackburnhollow@bellsouth.net or 332-7773.

================================================

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Email: placeforum@gmail.com

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

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By Lisa Brouillette — Friday, Feb. 15, 2008

First published in the Opelika-Auburn News,

Indian Hills residents fight for normalcy

It’s déjà-vu, all over again.

After being hit with the construction of Sam’s Club and other commercial parcels right next door, the Indian Hills neighborhood is again fighting to preserve its residential life. Now it’s threatened by Scott Land’s attempt to shove traffic from an Opelika commercial park onto the small street which bisects their neighborhood.

One option, currently on hold, is for Auburn to vacate (release to adjacent property owners) its right-of-way at the end of Indian Hills Road. That could effectively block any road connection to the adjacent commercial park. But first, Auburn officials are said to be looking for a voluntary compromise with Scott Land to reroute its access road.

Of course, as is no surprise, business and personal relationships color the situation. Scott Land owns multiple large tracts of land locally, and the Scott companies have held local government construction contracts.

Additionally, Scott Land is working with Auburn and AU to facilitate access for a new entrance road to the upgraded airport terminal.

For this, Scott Land is requesting a subdivision of one of its parcels adjacent to the airport and AU property. Confirming the deal’s importance to the city, Scott is being represented at this week’s Auburn planning commission meeting not by one of its own staff, as one would expect, but by Auburn’s city engineer.

Tangled relationships, indeed. No wonder regular citizens often feel at a disadvantage in such situations.

Indian Hills isn’t the only neighborhood fighting to preserve its residential nature and avoid traffic problems from nearby development. Shelton Park neighbors are facing similar issues.  Also, neighborhoods on the south side of Auburn will be affected by the proposed creation of a new tax district covering Tom Hayley’s West Pace commercial development.

The most recent version of that tax district provided little buffering for the adjacent residential neighborhoods or protection for the adjacent state park land (aka Shell Toomer Parkway).

Area residents and the Citizens for the Preservation of Shell Toomer Parkway (CPSTP; www.chewacla.net) have worked for years to protect the Parkway, which is part of Chewacla State Park, from encroachment by development and traffic. Now Hayley has filed suit against the state agency which controls the Parkway, because it denied his request to cut into the Parkway for access to his West Pace development.

Protection of our residential neighborhoods shouldn’t be too much to expect, and it shouldn’t rest on the shoulders of those who live there. Yet Auburn residents keep being forced to grapple with problems such as encroachment from commercial development, traffic routed through their quiet streets, not to mention frequent and incompatible rezoning of nearby property.

It’s a fact of growth, we’re told; the city is changing.

Duh. Of course it’s changing.  But we shouldn’t sacrifice our neighborhoods to that change.

Protecting our neighborhoods — in other words, protecting our daily quality of life, our homes and our citizens’ primary investments –  should be as important as facilitating development, should have as high a priority as capturing those elusive sales tax dollars.

For more information on these and other local issues, contact me or visit my website: http://placeforum.org.

                                                        #       #     #

 

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Meeting & events — Week of Feb. 18, 2008
THROUGH FRIDAY, FEB. 29 – STUDIO 222 ART SHOW / Fabrications: Images of Structure
Held at the Art Gallery, Dempsey Community Arts Center. Free & open to all.
Fabrications: Images of Structure presents new works by members of Studio 222.

THROUGH FRIDAY, FEB. 29 – ART EXHIBIT / ADAM PARKER SMITH
Held in AU’s Biggin Hall. Free & open to the public. Info: Barb Bondy at 844-3483 or bondybj@auburn.edu.

SPRING EXHIBITS NOW OPEN / AU’S JULE COLLINS SMITH MUSEUM OF FINE ART
Exhibits of African Masks, Southern Pottery, Folk Art of Mose Tolliver, Photography by Jerry Siegal, etc. Info: www.jcsm.auburn.edu
NOTE: The Museum Cafe has free Wi-Fi and Tiger Transit is available to/from campus. Lunch is served Tuesday thru Friday. Also, the “Coffee Cafe” is open mornings & afternoons, Monday thru Friday, serving coffees, biscotti, muffins, cookies, hot tea & soft drinks.

FREE TURKISH LANGUAGE CLASSES
Held in Foy Union, AU. Free & open to all.
The AU Diversity and Tolerance Organization is offering free Turkish language classes to all interested students, faculty and staff, and to the public. Classes are for all levels of proficiency: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Classes meet once a week and class schedules are. E-mail karaama@auburn.edu or visit www.auburn.edu/dto for more information.

MONDAY, FEB. 18, 11:45 am – DR. DAVID CARTER / PCM’s Ministry of Compassion and the Persistence of Poverty in Lee County & Beyond
Held in Baird Hall, Auburn First Presbyterian Church, 143 E.Thach Ave. Open to all.
Presentation by Dr. David Carter of AU’s Dept of History, at the annual meeting & luncheon of the ecumenical charity group PCM — the Presbyterian Community Ministry. Info: 877-3777.

MONDAY, FEB. 18, 7:00 pm – LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Held at the East Alabama Health Research Center, Opelika. All are invited to attend.
Speaker/topic:  Dr. Rene McEldowney / Analysis of the Health Care Positions of the Two Parties
Dr. McEldowney will discuss the current system of health care and analyze the proposals that each party’s candidates have offered.

TUESDAY, FEB. 19 through SATURDAY, FEB. 23 – AU THEATRE: A SHAYNA MADEL
Held in the upstairs performance area of Telfair Peet Theatre, AU.
Performances: 7:30 pm.Tickets & info: 844-4154.
Seating is extremely limited. Admission is free for Auburn University students with a valid identification card.
General admission is $15, senior citizens $10, and AU faculty and staff $10.
A Shayna Maidel is a powerful and deeply affecting portrait of a family caught in the aftermath of the Holocaust. Playwright Barbara Lebrow has created a stirring examination of assimilation and conviction to beliefs.  This haunting tale, set in 1946 Manhattan, explores the intricacies of the old and new ways, the indomitable spirit of hope and renewal, and the sustaining power of family in an ever-changing world. The Department of Theatre will also host a body of Jewish American Life Visuals in the Telfair Peet Theatre art gallery during the run of the production.

TUESDAY, FEB. 19, 9:00 am – ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD  / SPECIAL CALLED MEETING – INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE
Held at 445 Herron Street, Mont.; 334-242-2230

TUESDAY, FEB. 19, 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, FEB. 19, 11:00 – 12:15 pm – PROTECTING CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION & LICENSING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Held in AU’s Davis Aerospace Engineering Hall (AERO), room 355. Free & open to the public.
Speakers:  George Konstant, Associate Director, Technology Transfer and Brian Wright, Associate Director, Commercialization; AU Office of Technology Transfer.
Part of the AU College of Engineering’s Colloquium on Future Energy Sources, the Environment and the Economics. Colloqium info: http://eng.auburn.edu//files/file1157.pdf

TUESDAY, FEB. 19, 3:00 – 5:00 pm – FILM SERIES: MY TWO CENTS
Held in AU’s Foy Union, Room 246. Free & open to all.
This bi-monthly multicultural film viewing and dialogue is sponsored by AU’s Multicultural Center.
www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/odma/multicultural.html

TUESDAY, FEB. 19, 3:00 pm – THE ARTS OF CITIZENSHIP IN A DIVERSE DEMOCRACY: THE PUBLIC WORK OF THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Held in AU’s Foy Union, room 202. Open to all.  Info: 844-4946.
David Scobey, chairman of the National Advisory Board of Imagining America: Artists and Scholars in Public Life will present The Arts of Citizenship in a Diverse Democracy: The Public Work of the Arts and
Humanities, in which he will discuss two crises facing higher education: the public’s understanding of universities as ivory towers and the lack of civic participation and education of college students. He will address the emphasis on civic engagement in higher education and what universities are doing to bring themselves back into the community. Scobey is the Donald W. and Ann M. Harward Professor of Community Partnerships at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Yale University, a diploma in social anthropology from Oxford University and a doctorate from Yale’s program in American studies. He is the author of “Empire City: The Making and Meaning of the New York City Landscape” and numerous articles on 19th century U.S. cultural and urban history. He is a Rhodes Scholar and has held a senior research fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. Sponsored by AU’s Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the
Arts and Humanities and the dean’s office in the College of Liberal Arts.

TUESDAY, FEB. 19, 3:00 – 5:00 pm – FILM: BOOKER T. WASHINGTON
Held in AU’s Foy Union, room 246.  Open to all.

TUESDAY, FEB 19, 4:00 pm – NEW PERSPECTIVES SPEAKER: JUDITH MCWILLIE / DOING THINGS RIGHT: TRADITIONAL SIGNS IN AFRICAN AMERICAN CEMETERIES, HOMES AND CHURCHES
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.  Free & open to all.  www.julecollinssmithmuseum.com/
Judith McWillie, professor of art in the Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia, will discuss the cultural traditions of decorated yards as part of the New Perspectives: Alabama Art in the Open lecture series. “‘Doing Things Right’: Traditional Signs in African American Cemeteries, Homes, and Churches” will explore the intersections of personal and cultural values in domestic landscapes. McWillie will show that yard decorations found in the American South can be understood in the cultural context of work from West Africa and the Caribbean. She will discuss the ways in which these displays convey moral and spiritual meaning. Sponsored by AU’s Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities, College of Liberal Arts, and the Alabama Humanities Foundation, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. It is co-sponsored by the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, the AU Art Department and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at AU. More info: 844-4946.

TUESDAY, FEB. 19, 6:30 pm – LEE COUNTY PALS (PEOPLE AGAINST A LITTERED STATE)
Held at Southern Union State Community College, Opelika. Info:Paul Brickner 749-6067 or 706-366-3531.

TUESDAY, FEB. 19 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
6:30 pm – work session / 7:00 PM – regular meeting
Held in the council chambers, 204 South 7^th Street, Opelika.  Open to all.
Agenda: www.opelika.org/

TUESDAY, FEB. 19 – AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
Committee of the Whole:  6:45 pm / Regular meeting: 7:00 pm 
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St.. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet materials: www.auburnalabama.org/agenda/
Agenda includes:
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Duggan.
a. Alcoholic Beverage Licenses. Consideration.
(1) Bogies of Auburn, Inc. dba/Bogies. 1651 South College Street.Restaurant Retail Liquor License.
(2) TDP Enterprises, LLC dba/Tiger Den Package. 1791-A Shug Jordan Parkway. Lounge Retail Liquor – Class II – (Package) License.
b. Taxpayer Waiver. Belk Inc. #289. 1627 Opelika Road. In Excess of $500. $1,930.50.
9. ORDINANCES. None.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Contracts and Agreements. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) Office of the City Manager. Lakeside Business Park. 3365 Skyway Drive. Agreement for City of Opelika to provide Water and Sewer Service to Auburn lots in Lakeside Business Park.
(2) $43,131.25. Information Technology Department. Cisco SmartNet Maintenance Contract. TekLinks.
(3) Auburn Public Library. Furniture for Library Expansion. Contract.Burroughs-$74,230.83 and Alabama Contract Sales-$14,244.40, $35,255.35, and $13,113.10.
(4) Water Resource Management Department. H. C. Morgan Pollution Control Facility (WPCF). Contracts.
(a) $10,404.70. Rotary Lobe Pump. Vogelsang USA.
(b) $84,780. Monitoring Study. ADS Environmental Services.
b. Drainage and Utility Easements and Quit Claim Deed. Acceptance and Vacation.
(1) Cleveland Real Estate Investments. Property Located East of East Glenn Avenue, West of Bent Creek Road, and North of Interstate 85. Drainage and Utility Easements.
(a) A Redivision of Lot 1-B, First Revision of Bent Creek Commercial Park. Vacation.
(b) 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. Acceptance.
(2) Cleveland Brothers, Inc. Sewer Line Across Lot 53, Moore’s Mill Golf Club Subdivision, Fourth Addition, Phase A. Drainage and Utility Easement. Stinson Court Sewer Project. Acceptance.
(3) Dudley Lumber Company. Sewer Line Across Property on Wire Road. Acceptance of Drainage and Utility Easement for Two (2) 30-Foot Wide Sanitary Sewer Easements, one (1) 60-Foot Wide Temporary Construction Easement, and One (1) 15-Foot Wide Temporary Construction Easement. Choctafaula Gravity Sewer Phase II Project.
11. OTHER BUSINESS.
12. ADJOURNMENT.
[Editor's note: A number of items on this agenda pertain to operation of the city's Wastewater Treatment Plants and construction of the S-5 sewer line, which will deliver effluent/sludge from the Northside Plant (on Richland Road, discharging into Saugahatchee Creek) to the Southside Plant (on Sandhill Road, discharging into Parkerson Mill Creek).]

TUESDAY, FEB. 19, 7:00 – 9:30 pm – TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
Held at AU’s Multicultural Center Lounge. Co-sponsored by Spectrum and Auburn Gay Straight Alliance (AGSA; www.auburn.edu/student_info/agsa/).

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20 – THURSDAY, FEB. 21 – 51st ANNUAL TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE
Held at AU’s Hotel and Dixon Conference Center. Info: http://gwcal.auburn.edu/calendar/
The conference presents technical presentations to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas within the highway engineering and construction professions. All persons attending the conference must register.
To register, call (800) 446-0382, (334) 844-4370, or FAX (334) 844-5715. On-line registration is available at www.engce.auburn.edu.  The registration fee of $115 includes all sessions, program materials, refreshment breaks, and luncheons. Additional luncheon tickets are available at the registration desk. Student and ALDOT RETIREES registration will be $25.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20, 1:00 – 5:00 pm – 2008 INTEGRATED PRACTICE AND ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM
Held in AU’s Dudley Commons B-6 (Parker Auditorium). Open to the public.
AU’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction will host this symposium featuring Marty Doscher from the Los Angeles-based design firm, Morphosis Architects; Tom Hysell, Beth Scarano and Derek Cunz of Mortenson Construction; and Renee Cheng, head of the School of Architecture at the University of Minnesota. The speakers will discuss the impact of close collaboration between design and construction professionals on project design and construction, and the new technologies driving the evolution of a unified team approach in the industry system. The symposium will also examine how this paradigm of project delivery will influence design and construction education. More info: David Hinson at hinsodw@auburn.edu.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20, 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 — Speaker: Josh Segall, candidate for U.S. Congress, 3rd District. More info: 826-9713.
Josh Segall, a lawyer from Montgomery and a young, energetic, rising star in Alabama politics, has announced plans to run against Mike Rogers in Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District.  Josh graduated from Brown University and Alabama School of Law.  He has worked on campaigns in Virginia, Texas, and Washington.  While in law school, he started an organization called “Homegrown Alabama” to get the University to buy its food from Alabama farmers. He and students from a class he taught started a farmer’s market on campus, which helped the University community come together to support Alabama’s farmers while creating an economic benefit for Alabama.

THURSDAY, FEB. 21, 11:00 – 12:15 pm – SOLAR ENERGY – ITS ABUNDANCE, CONVERSION AND ECONOMICS
Held in AU’s Davis Aerospece Engineering Hall, room 355 (AERO 355). Free & open to the public.
Speaker:  Henry Brandhorst, Director, AU Space Research Institute
Part of the AU College of Engineering’s Colloquium on Future Energy Sources, the Environment and the Economics. Colloqium info: http://eng.auburn.edu//files/file1157.pdf

THURSDAY, FEB. 21, 3:30 – 4:30 pm  – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE WINTER DISCOVERY HIKE
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, FEB. 21, 4:00 pm — OPELIKA PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING WORK SESSION
Held at the Public Works Facility, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika. Open to all.  www.opelika.org
Agenda includes:
A.PLATS (preliminary and prel. & final) – PUBLIC HEARING
1.Marvin Lisle-Charles Riddle S/D, 1st Revision & Addition, 2 lots, 610 Old Columbus Road, Wayne Lisle, P/F approval
2.Pinecrest S/D, Redivision of Parcel B & Lots 18, 19, 4 lots, Veterans Parkway, Pinecrest S/D LLC, P/F approval
3.Fourth Street Station S/D, 2 lots, Columbus Parkway, Thrash Investments, P/F approval
B.CONDITIONAL USE
4.Jeff Thornton, 3605 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, GC-2, Laundromat
5.Gregory Mims, 1903 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, Produce market, Restaurant, Recycling Center
6.Sonam Consulting Inc, Gateway Drive, C-2, GC2, Extended Stay Hotel
7.Goodwill Industries, 2900 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, GC-2, Donation center in the Wal-Mart parking lot 8.Garrett Recycling Inc, 1 Williamson Avenue, M1, GC-2, Wholesale Recycling Center
9.Gulf South Development Group LLC, Academy Estates, C-2, 10 unit condominium complex
C.REZONING – Public Hearing
10.Planning Commission, Westpoint Parkway at Exit 64 on Interstate 85, from C-3 & C-3,GC-2 to C-2, C-2, GC-2
11.Mayberry LLC, 2100 block Westpoint Pkwy, 37 acres, from R-1 to PUD (TABLED at the 02 22-08 meeting)

THURSDAY, FEB 21, 4:00 pm – ART LECTURE: ALICE M. BOWSHER / COMMUNITY IN ALABAMA: ARCHITECTURE FOR LIVING TOGETHER
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.  Free & open to all.  Reception follows, with cash bar. www.julecollinssmithmuseum.com/

THURSDAY, FEB. 21, 8:00 pm – GREEN LIVING WORKSHOP
Held in AU’s Foy Union, room 189 (SOS office on ground floor). Open to all. No reservations necessary.
The AU Environmental Awareness Organization (EAO) will present a workshop on Green Living – what it is and how to achieve it. Students, faculty, and anyone interested are welcome to attend this free workshop. No reservations are necessary and there will be free canvas bags for everyone who shows up. Visit the EAO website http://auburn.edu/eao for more information.

FRIDAY, FEB. 22, 11:00 am – ALABAMA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSIONS (EMC)
Held in the Alabama Room (main hearing room), Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Building, 1400 Coliseum Boulevard, Mont. Ph: 334-271-7706.  Open to all.
Agenda includes:
1. Consideration of Minutes of Meeting Held on December 14, 2007**
2. Report from the Director
3. Report from the Commission Chair
4. Consideration of motion and discussion on proposed Final Director’s 2007 Performance Evaluation – The Commission’s Personnel Committee will recommend and the Commission will discuss and consider a motion on a proposed Final Director’s Performance Evaluation for the 2007 annual review period for adoption by the Commission along with a recommendation that the Commission delegate to the Commission Chair the authority to sign the final evaluation on behalf of the Commission and present it to the Director for signature.
5. Consideration of Adoption of Proposed Amendments to the Division 6 – Underground Storage Tank Regulations - The Commission will consider proposed amendments to the Division 6 – Underground Storage Tank Regulations.  The Department proposes to amend Chapter 335-6-15 to provide updated regulations to meet the requirements of the Secondary Containment Provisions of the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 and other necessary updates.  The Department held a public hearing on the proposed amendments on January 4, 2008.
6. Discussion of ADEM Admin. Code Chapter 335-6-10, Appendix A, (Reference Doses) and consideration of possible future rulemaking to amend said rule (NPDES-Related Matter) – The Commission will discuss which EPA sources to use to set reference dose values for toxic substances in ADEM Admin. Code Chapter 335-6-10, Appendix A, including those for Acrolein and Phenol, and consider a motion on possible future rulemaking to amend said rule.
7. Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Inc. v. ADEM, and Birmingham Airport Authority, Intervenor, EMC Consolidated Docket Nos. 07-08, 07-09, and 07-10 (NPDES-Related Matter) – The Commission will acknowledge the Petitioner’s withdrawal of the requests for hearing in the matters of the issuance of Consent Order 07-155-CMNPS to Dunn Construction Company, Inc., Consent Order 07-156-CMNPS to Birmingham Airport Authority, and Consent Order 07-157-CMNPS to APAC-Southeast, Inc., Alabama Division, for the Birmingham Airport Runway Extension, Jefferson County.
8. John Jordan, Sr. and John Jordan, Jr., d/b/a Alabama Recycling v. ADEM, EMC Docket No. 08-03 - The Commission will consider the Administrative Law Judge’s recommendation to dismiss the Petitioners’ appeal of the issuance of ADEM Administrative Order 08-047-AP to John Jordan, Sr. and John Jordan, Jr., d/b/a Alabama Recycling, Montgomery, Montgomery County, Air Facility ID No. 209-0094.
9. Other business
10. Future business session
*The Agenda for this meeting will be available on the ADEM website, www.adem.alabama.gov, under EMC Information and Calendar of Events.
**The Minutes for this meeting will be available on the ADEM website under EMC Information.

SATURDAY, FEB. 23, 7:00 pm – 4th ANNUAL UNITY BALL
Held at Best Western Hotel. Hosted by the NAACP.

===================================================

Thanks for your interest and support.

Email: placeforum@gmail.com

Web:  http://placeforum.org/blog/

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Vision 13

Grant Writing 101 

March 17, 2008: Community Arts Center, Heflin

March 18, 2008: Department of Human Resources, Lafayette

Fee: $50  (includes lunch)

Start time: 9 a.m.

This six-hour workshop will provide an overview of the components of a grant application.  Each section of a grant proposal will be defined and described in detail. Information will be provided on writing a grant application to maximize reviewer points. In addition, the workshop will focus on what is “collaboration” and how to establish community partnerships.  Participants will learn tips on what makes for successful partnerships and collaborations.

The workshop will:

1.      Identify each section of a grant proposal

2.      Provide guidance on how to “read between the lines” of a request for proposal

3.      Provide an overview of the grant review process

4.      Provide specific tips to write a grant to be “reviewer friendly”.

 

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: The participant will:

1.     Understand what is required to completely provide information for each component

2.     Present information in an organized manner

3.     Be able to understand the components of a Request For Proposal for grant applications

4.     Learn how to conduct grants research on the internet

5.     Understand the grant review process, including how grant panels are selected and the process is followed to review an application

6.     Understand how to format proposals to maximize reviewer points.

Participation will be limited to 50 for Heflin location and 40 for Lafayette location.  Registrations will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis.

Presenter: Joani Sarkiss, Corpus Christi, TX

Joani Sarkiss, president of J. Sarkiss & Associates, has over 11 years of experience in writing successful grant applications to Federal, state and local agencies and foundations, with more than $80 million secured for community programs. J. Sarkiss & Associates provides comprehensive organization and grant development services to nonprofits and government agencies across the United States.

Joani has developed education and fitness, workforce and job training, small business assistance, transportation and health access programs. She serves as a Federal grant panel chair and reviewer for the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families, and Family and Youth Services Bureau.  She also serves as a Federal grant reviewer for the US Department of Education’s Office of Post Secondary Education and Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. She has also served as a

Federal grant reviewer for the US Department of Commerce, Corporation of National and Community Service, and the Beaumont Foundation.  Ms. Sarkiss frequently conducts seminars on all aspects of grant writing.

Ms. Sarkiss earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Economics, Ph.D. candidate, from Texas A&M University.  She has also been awarded a graduate certificate in Heritage Preservation from Georgia State University.  Joani serves as Treasurer on the national Board of Directors of the American Association of Grant Professionals. 

 =============================================================

 

Vision 13 Grant Workshop

 

Registration

 

_________________________________________

   (name)

 

_________________________________________

  (address)

 

________________________       ______________

  (city)                                                 (zip)

 

__________________________________________

  (representing)

 

_____________________________

  (phone number)

 

__________________________________________

  (email address)

 

 

(check one)

 _______      I will attend the March 17 workshop in Heflin

_______      I will attend the March 18 workshop in Lafayette

Mail registration and check for $50 to:

Vision 13

P. O. Box  2186

Anniston, AL 36202

Make check payable: EARPDC

 

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NEW EVENT:  TODAY, MONDAY, FEB. 11, 5:00 pm – CLIMATE CHANGE WEBCAST: 2% SOLUTION
Held in AU’s Architecture auditorium, Dudley B-6 (basement).  Free & open to all.
The Auburn Sustainability Initiative and the Auburn Sustainability Action Program are hosting this webcast of the “2% Solution”. Scientists have concluded that to bring climate change under control we need to cut roughly 2% of current carbon emission levels a year for the next forty years.This webcast features actor Edward Norton, Stanford University climate scientist Stephen Schneider, sustainability expert Hunter Lovins, green jobs pioneer Van Jones, and a number of youth climate leaders to discuss proposed solutions to climate change. Discussion will revolve around the question: can we as a nation get on to this path, and cut global warming pollution 2% a year for the next decade? If so, what would it take? The webcast was part of the original Focus the Nation program that occurred at more than 1800 campuses across the country.

LOCATION CHANGE:
TUESDAY, FEB. 12, 11:30 am — AUBURN GREENSPACE ADVISORY BOARD  –meeting location has been changed to Town Creek Park, S. Gay St., Auburn.

AGENDA ITEM CHANGE:
AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION / THURSDAY, FEB. 14, 5:00 PM
– The first item on the agenda, “Bruno’s In-Line Shops” will be continued to the March 13, 2008, Planning Commission meeting pending additional traffic study data.

DATE CORRECTION & AGENDA DETAILS:
THURSDAY, FEB. 21, 4:00 pm — OPELIKA PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION
Held at the Public Works Facility, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika. Open to all.  www.opelika.org
Agenda includes:
A.PLATS (preliminary and prel. & final) – PUBLIC HEARING
1.Marvin Lisle-Charles Riddle S/D, 1st Revision & Addition, 2 lots, 610 Old Columbus Road, Wayne Lisle, P/F approval
2.Pinecrest S/D, Redivision of Parcel B & Lots 18, 19, 4 lots, Veterans Parkway, Pinecrest S/D LLC, P/F approval
3.Fourth Street Station S/D, 2 lots, Columbus Parkway, Thrash Investments, P/F approval
B.CONDITIONAL USE
4.Jeff Thornton, 3605 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, GC-2, Laundromat
5.Gregory Mims, 1903 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, Produce market, Restaurant, Recycling Center
6.Sonam Consulting Inc, Gateway Drive, C-2, GC2, Extended Stay Hotel
7.Goodwill Industries, 2900 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, GC-2, Donation center in the Wal-Mart parking lot 8.Garrett Recycling Inc, 1 Williamson Avenue, M1, GC-2, Wholesale Recycling Center
9.Gulf South Development Group LLC, Academy Estates, C-2, 10 unit condominium complex
C.REZONING – Public Hearing
10.Planning Commission, Westpoint Parkway at Exit 64 on Interstate 85, from C-3 & C-3,GC-2 to C-2, C-2, GC-2
11.Mayberry LLC, 2100 block Westpoint Pkwy, 37 acres, from R-1 to PUD (TABLED at the 02 22-08 meeting)
Note: The regular Opelika Planning Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 3:00 pm; same location as above.

==========================

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Email:  placeforum@gmail.com
Web:    http://placeforum.org/blog/

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Week of Feb. 10, 2008

AUBURN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS AVAILABLE
Deadline for delivery of completed grant applications: Feb. 15, 5:00 pm.
Delivery by deadline 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.

AUBURN BOARD & COMMISSION VACANCIES
• Library Board — One vacancy will be announced at the March 4 City Council meeting and filled at the April 1 meeting.
• Cemeteries Advisory Board – One vacancy will be announced at the March 4 City Council meeting and filled at the April 1 meeting.
• Historic Preservation Commission – Three vacancies will be announced at the March 18 City Council meeting and filled at the April 15 meeting.
Citizens interested in serving should contact the City Council or the City Manager’s Office.

GREEN RESOURCE CENTER OF ALABAMA — Check out this new website about Green construction and sustainable living. http://www.greenalabama.org

CITY OF AUBURN / CONSTRUCTION PROJECT STATUS REPORTS (updated weekly)
PUBLIC WORKS: www.auburnalabama.org/pw/status.asp
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: www.auburnalabama.org/wrm/status.asp

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SPRING EXHIBITS NOW OPEN / AU’S JULE COLLINS SMITH MUSEUM OF FINE ART
Exhibits of African Masks, Southern Pottery, Folk Art of Mose Tolliver, Photography by Jerry Siegal, etc. Info: www.jcsm.auburn.edu
NOTE: The Museum Cafe has free Wi-Fi and Tiger Transit is available to/from campus. Lunch is served Tuesday thru Friday. Also, the Cafe is open Monday thru Friday mornings, serving coffees, biscotti, muffins, cookies, hot tea & soft drinks.

Through FRIDAY, FEB. 29 – ART EXHIBIT / ADAM PARKER SMITH
Held in AU’s Biggin Hall. Free & open to the public. Info: Barb Bondy at 844-3483 or bondybj@auburn.edu.

Through SATURDAY, FEB. 15 – ART EXHIBIT: WORKS BY AU’S INDUSTRIAL AND GRAPHIC DESIGN FACULTY
Held in AU’s Dudley Hall gallery. Free & open to all.
AU’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction gallery will feature the works of Industrial Design and Graphic Design faculty. The exhibit will include drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and Web design. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.,Monday through Friday. More info: Carlton Nell at nellcar@auburn.edu.

SUNDAY, FEB. 10, 2:00 to 4:00 pm – ART SHOW RECEPTION
Held at the Art Gallery, Dempsey Community Arts Center. Free & open to all.
Sunday’s reception is for the art show Fabrications: Images of Structure, which presents new works by members of Studio 222. The exhibit will be on view from Feb. 4 – 29.

MONDAY, FEB. 11, noon– AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION PACKET MEETING (AGENDA DISCUSSION)
Held in the conference room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/pc/agenda.asp
Agenda includes:
OLD BUSINESS
1. Bruno’s In Line Shops PUBLIC HEARING Tabled at Dec. 13th meeting PL-2007-00947
Applicant: Dennis Korinke for DDK In Line, L.L.C and KGCG In Line, L.L.C.
General Location: 1530 East Glenn Avenue
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a road service use
(fast food restaurant with drive-through)
CONSENT AGENDA
2. Keel Annexation PL-2008-00026
Applicant: Rayford and Brenda Keel
General Location: 5100 range of Highway 147 North (Lots 2B1, 2B2, AND 2B3)
Zoning District: Outside of the City limits
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for annexation of approximately 3.01 acres.
3. Jones Annexation PL-2008-00030
Applicant: Eric Jones
General Location: 3800 range of Cotton Valley Lane (Lot 3 of Tole Estates Subdivision)
Zoning District: Outside of the City limits
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for annexation of approximately 3.77 acres
4. Auburn Technology Park West PL-2008-00025
Applicant: Industrial Development Board of the City of Auburn
General Location: Beehive Road, west of Cox Road
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Final plat approval for a 6-lot conventional industrial subdivision
5. Ross Park, First Revision PL-2008-00029
Applicant: Dunlop Development, Inc.
General Location: Off of Jack Hampton Drive
Zoning District: Planned Development District (PDD) with Redevelopment District (RDD) underlying
Action Requested: Revised final plat approval for a 60-lot subdivision
NEW BUSINESS
6. Mathan Holt Rezoning PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-01098
Applicant: City of Auburn
General Location: Portion of 3160 Martin Luther King Drive
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: Corrective Rezoning – Rural to CDD (approximately 5.07 acres)
7. Madison Park PDD Amendment PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00015
Applicant: Tuscany Hills, L.L.C.
General Location: 1957 Wire Road
Zoning District: Planned Development District (PDD) w/ Comprehensive Development District
(CDD) underlying
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for an amendment to Ordinance 2529 that placed the Planned Development District (PDD) designation on 49.28 acres
8. Scott Industrial Park, Second Revision PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00032
Applicant: City of Auburn
General Location: East Glenn Avenue at Twin City Court
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Preliminary plat approval for a 3-lot conventional industrial subdivision. Includes a waiver of 1.41 feet to the minimum lot width on a cul-de-sac requirement of 25 feet.
9. Scott Industrial Park, Second Revision PL-2008-00033
Applicant: City of Auburn
General Location: East Glenn Avenue at Twin City Court
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Final plat approval for a 3-lot conventional industrial subdivision
10. Group Daycare Home PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00013
Applicant: Vickie Andrews
General Location: 1248 Dunford Avenue
Zoning District: Redevelopment District (RDD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval of an institutional use (group day care home)
11. Renaming Twin City Court to Bent Creek Road PUBLIC HEARING MS-2008-00003
Applicant: City of Auburn
General Location: Twin City Court (North of the intersection of East Glenn Avenue and Bent Creek Road)
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council to rename Twin City Court to Bent Creek Road
OTHER BUSINESS
12. Sonic Drive In PL-2008-00009
Applicant: Michael A. Ratliff
General Location: 1703 South College Street
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: Request for interpretation of Section 433 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance
pertaining to cladding materials. The applicant is requesting to use a siding product (Nichiha) for a cladding material.
13. Sonic Drive In PL-2008-00010
Applicant: Michael A. Ratliff
General Location: 322 North Dean Road
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: Request for interpretation of Section 433 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance
pertaining to cladding materials. The applicant is requesting to use a siding product (Nichiha) for a cladding material.
CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION. STAFF COMMUNICATION. ADJOURNMENT.

MONDAY, FEB.11, 4:00 pm – AUBURN WATER WORKS BOARD
Held in the Water Resource Management Conference Room, 1501 West Samford Avenue (Shug Jordan and West Samford). Info: 501-3060.
Agenda includes:
IV. Old Business
1. Request from customer -Not to be Charged for Water Loss / Jill Holland and Kyle Hildreth
2. Dam Evaluation Study -Information (Presentation) / Eric Carson; Andy Moore, CH2MHill
V. New Business
1. Financial Report -December 2007 / Andrea Jackson
2. Election of New Vice Chairman/Officers / Homer H. Turner
3. Sodium Hypochlorite Equipment for James Estes Water Plant / Matt Dunn
4. Draft 2007 Audit / Penny Smith
5. Sandhill Rd.lMill Creek Rd. Waterline-Phase I / Eric Carson
6. Task Order No. 10 -CH2MHILL -Lake Ogletree Dam Stability Evaluation / Eric Carson
VI. Staff Reports
1. Activity Report (Verbal Report) / Eric Carson
2. Water Supply Update / Eric Carson
VII. Additional Information
1. Rainfall Data / Eric Carson
2. Project Status Report / Eric Carson
3. Mandatory Restrictions Resolution Update / Eric Carson
4. Village Conservation Club Lease Renewal Letter / Laura Koon
5. Loachapoka Water Agreement Update / Eric Carson
6. Presentation of Resolution (Member Emeritus) to Mr. Felton / Homer H. Turner

MONDAY, FEB. 11 – 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:
6. Reports from Staff:
a. 2007 Financial Report – Roger Rendleman
7. CONSENT AGENDA:
a. Minutes of Commission Meeting January 28, 2008
b. Ratify and Approve Claims
8. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Mattie Hinkle Property – Neal Hall
b. In-county Mileage Reimbursement – Commissioner Lawrence
c. Resolutions for Legislative Consideration – Wendy Swann
9. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Report on Credit Rating – Bob Young
b. LWCF for Smiths Station Ballfield/Intergovernmental Agreement and Resolution-Barbara Scott
c. Mobile Mortuary Unit – Bill Harris
d. Red Cross Fundraiser – Oline Price
e. Update on ACCMA Conference – Commissioner Lawrence
f. Chambers County / Lee County Road Agreement/County Road 1025- Neal Hall
g. Voice Over IP System – Roger Rendleman
h. Annual Levy ofTaxes and Fees 2008 – Judge English
i. Annual Levy ofAlcoholic Beverage Fees FY2008-2009 – Judge English
10. Discussion Items
11. Adjourn

TUESDAY, FEB. 12, 9:00 am — OPELIKA ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Held at the Opelika Public Works Facility, 700 Fox Trail.
A. VARIANCES 1. Mark Hicks, 300F Columbus Parkway, sideyard setback variance

TUESDAY, FEB. 12, 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, FEB. 12, 11:30 am – AUBURN GREENSPACE ADVISORY BOARD
Held in the city meeting room, 122 Tichenor, Auburn. Open to all.

TUESDAY, FEB. 12, 3:00 pm – Discover Auburn series: ANGELA LAKWETE / ELI WHITNEY’S COTTON GIN
Held in AU’s RBD library, Special Collections & Archives Dept. Free & open to all; reception follows talk.
Angela Lakwete, associate professor of history at AU and author of “Inventing the Cotton Gin: Machine and Myth in Antebellum America,” will explore the myths surrounding Eli Whitney’s cotton gin and shows that gins existed for centuries before his 1794 invention. Lakwete’s compelling and revisionist book on the cotton gin is a major contribution to the history of Southern technology, notes Pete Daniel of the National Museum of American History. “Inventing the Cotton Gin” won
the prestigious Edelstein Prize from the Society of the History of Technology in 2004. The Discover Auburn series is cosponsored by the Auburn University Libraries, the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts and the Auburn University Bookstore. A reception will follow the program, with copies of the book available for purchase and signing. More info: Caroline Marshall Draughon Center at 844-4946.

TUESDAY, FEB 12, 4:00 pm – NEW PERSPECTIVES SPEAKER: JOEY BRACKNER / SOUTHERN FOLK POTTERY
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free & open to all. www.jcsm.auburn.edu

TUESDAY, FEB. 12, 4:00 pm – AUBURN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Held in the Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.

TUESDAY, FEB. 12, 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.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13, 12:00 -1:30 pm – AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY LECTURE
Held in AU’s Foy Union, Room 217. Sponsored by AU’s Multicultural Center.

WEDNESDAY, 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 / pinetucket@bellsouth.net or 334-332-7911 / kitconner@mindspring.com.
Cost: $25, prepaid. 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.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 13, 4:00 pm – LECTURE: CAFFEINE, CONNECTIVITY, AND REVOLUTION: COFFEE HOUSES FROM THE ENLIGHTENMENT TO THE INTERNET
Held in room 213, Foy Union, AU. Free & open to all, but seating is limited; first-come, first-served.
Scott Haine of the University of Maryland will discuss the historical importance of coffee houses. From its appearance in the East to its popularity in London, Boston or Paris, cafes have always shaken up existing conventions and institutions. The English, American, French and scientific revolutions, among others, were in part shaped in these informal and sociable spots. This is still occurring in the age of the cyber cafe. This lecture will explore the long and exciting evolution of coffee houses in terms of politics, business, art, literature and science, and will conclude as to why the cafe continues to be such an important venue in the Internet age. Haine received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, and teaches at the University of Maryland, University College. He has published “The World of the Parisian Cafe: Sociability Among the French Working Class, 1789-1914,” and two other books on French history. He is currently working on a book concerning the cafes of Paris during World War II. Complimentary snacks, in addition to complimentary coffee courtesy of Starbucks of Opelika, will be served following the program. This lecture is sponsored by AU’s Dept of Foreign Languages and Literatures.

THURSDAY, FEB. 14, 3:30 – 4:30 pm – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE WINTER DISCOVERY HIKE
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, FEB. 14, 4:30 pm – OPELIKA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Held in the Planning Chambers, Opelika Public Works Bldg, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika. Open to all.

THURSDAY, FEB. 14, 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, Monday, Feb. 11, noon, PC packet meeting)

FRIDAY, FEB. 15, 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). Join thousands nationwide wearing black armbands or ribbons on the 3rd Friday of each month. See www.iraqmoratorium.org and www.peaceeagle.org.

FRIDAY, FEB. 15, 7:30 pm – SUNDILLA CONCERT FEATURING Johnsmith
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 Johnsmith, go to www.sundilla.org.

SUNDAY, FEB. 17, 3:30 pm – HATE CRIMES VIGIL
Held on the Capitol steps, Mont. All are invited to participate.
Participants include Unitarian Universalist fellowship groups. A reception follows at the Civil Rights Memorial (finger food provided). Wear black pants/skirts and white shirts/blouses.

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Thanks for your interest and support.

Email: placeforum@gmail.com

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

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WEST PACE TAX DISTRICT AGREEMENT POSTPONED – Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008

A proposed agreement between West Pace LLC (Tom Hayley; Redd Family Partnership) and the city of Auburn’s Commercial Development Authority (CDA), for the creation of a tax improvement district on part of the former Pace property, was withdrawn from Feb. 5th, 2008 city council agenda.

The contract was to have been discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting prior to the regular council session.  City officials said the agreement likely would be placed on a future council agenda.

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ACTION ALERTS
TODAY, MONDAY, FEB. 4 / DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD RE: ADEM DRAFT TMDLs FOR SAUGAHATCHEE CREEK
ADEM is accepting comments on the proposed new requirements for pollutants in Saugahatchee Creek. See ADEM webpages listed below for details. [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.]
Two points to consider: (1) The new TMDLs do not set a maximum standard for sediment in the creek, although sediment is an issue. (2) Reducing the maximum TMDLs for Saugahatchee Creek will encourage the City of Auburn to divert more treated wastewater from its Northside Plant, which discharges into the Saugahatchee, to its Southside Plant, which discharges into Chewacla Creek, a smaller and already impaired creek.
Comment guidelines & info: http://adem.state.al.us/PublicNotice/Jan/1TMDL.pdf
Draft TMDLs: http://adem.state.al.us/PublicNotice/Jan/SougahatcheeCreekWatershedTMDL122107.pdf
In addition to mailing a printed copy of your comments to ADEM, you may email comments to Daphne Smart at DDY@adem.state.al.us.

BEFORE MARCH 19 — SEND COMMENTS TO ADEM RE: REDUCTION OF CANCER CAUSING CHEMICALS IN WATERWAYS

Encourage ADEM to adopt proposed rules designed to reduce pollution and keep our waterways more free of substances known to cause cancer. Current ADEM rules allow pollutants in waterways in amounts expected to cause one case of cancer per 100,000 people. The proposed rules would change that to an expected one case per 1 million people.

1. Attend ADEM’s public hearing March 19 at the ADEM offices in Montgomery, and/or

2. Submit written comments to ADEM by March 19, via email (hearing.officer@adem.state.al.us) or regular mail(ADEM hearing officer, Outreach Branch, Permits and Services Division, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, P.O. Box 301463, Montgomery, AL 36130-1463.)

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MEETINGS, INFO & EVENTS — WEEK OF FEB. 4, 2008

THROUGH TUESDAY, FEB. 5 — RAILROAD CROSSING REPAIRS
Stage Road and Donahue Drive will be closed Sunday through Tuesday for railroad crossing repairs. For more information, go to www.auburnalabama.org or contact Curtis Bray with CSX Railroad at 334-546-2695.

MONDAY, FEB. 4 to SATURDAY, FEB. 15 –EXHIBIT: WORKS BY AU’S INDUSTRIAL AND GRAPHIC DESIGN FACULTY
Held in AU’s Dudley Hall gallery. Free & open to all.
AU’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction gallery will feature the works of Industrial Design and Graphic Design faculty. The exhibit will include drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and Web design. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. More info: Carlton Nell at nellcar@auburn.edu.

MONDAY, FEB. 4 through FRIDAY, FEB. 29 – ART EXHIBIT / ADAM PARKER SMITH
Held in AU’s Biggin Hall. Free & open to the public. Info: Barb Bondy at 844-3483 or bondybj@auburn.edu.

MONDAY, FEB. 4, 11:00 am – AUBURN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PUBLIC HEARING
Held in the City of Auburn meeting room, 122 Tichenor Ave. Open to all.
Public hearing on allocations of HUD Community Developent Block Grant (CDBG) funds for FY2008 and comments on the FY08 Action Plan. All funding recommendations must conform to the 2005-2009 CDBG Consolidated Plan, which is available for review at City Hall & the Public Library. Also included is an amendment to the FY07 Action Plan, deleting funding to His Place ($2,250) and reallocating it the Housing Professional Services activity. (His Place did not receive its required matching grant from Opelika, hence the reallocation.)

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

MONDAY, FEB. 4, 6:30 pm– PROFESSOR VORRIS NUNLEY: BLACK MALE WISDOM, BARBERSHOPS, AND AFRICAN AMERICAN HUSH HARBOR RHETORIC
Held in in the Gordon Bond Auditorium, 2370 Haley Center, AU. Free & open to all.
NOTE: At 6:00 pm, there will be a light reception and informal dialogue with Professor Nunley.
Professor Nunley, of the Univ of California-Riverside, is the author of the forthcoming “Keepin’ It Hushed: African American Hush Harbor, Barbershops, and African American Rhetoric” and co-editor of “Rhetoric and Ethnicity.” He will discuss how traditions of organizing speech from within secret or hidden locales, referred to as “hush harbors,” continues to influence the production of African American rhetoric, the shape of oral discourse, and the communal structuring of knowledge and ethnic identity. Historically, hush harbors existed in woods, cane breaks, and cabins during the time of slavery due to the dangerousness of the mainstream public sphere. Today, these locations include African American barbershops which function as a venue for communicating black male wisdom.
Additional appearances by Nunley:
Feb. 4:
10:00 a.m.– AU Department of English; 8009 Haley Center
3:00 p.m.– 2213 Haley Center for AFRI 2000 “Introduction to Political Economy.”
Feb. 5:
9:00 a.m. — AU Department of History; 317 Thach Hall.
Sponsored by the AU Dept of History, AU Dept of English, and The AU Presidential Symposium on War, Peace and Justice.

TUESDAY, FEB. 5 — PRIMARY ELECTION / VOTE TODAY!

TUESDAY, FEB. 5, 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, FEB. 5, 1:00 pm – ALABAMA BOARD OF LICENSURE FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS & SURVEYORS
Held at 100 N Union Street Suite 382, Montgomery. Ph: 334-242-5568. Open to all.
Agenda includes:
Review Agenda and Approval of Minutes
Review Meeting Agenda
Approve Meeting Minutes
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Applications – Without personal appearance; With personal appearance
NEW BUSINESS
OPEN FORUM – Time during which anyone who may be attending meeting as a member of the public can ask questions or make comments.)
CLOSING REMARKS — Review of Calendar

TUESDAY, FEB. 5, 3:00 – 5:00 pm — FILM: MY TWO CENTS
Held at AU’s Foy Union, Room 246. Free & open to all.
This bi-monthly multicultural film viewing and dialogue is sponsored by AU’s Multicultural Center.

TUESDAY, FEB. 5, 4:00 pm – AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION
Held in the conference room,Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda: Finalize sign ordinance amendments, etc.

TUESDAY, FEB 5, 4:00 pm – NEW PERSPECTIVES SPEAKER: JULIAN COX / BEARING WITNESS: PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT, 1956-1968.
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free & open to all. www.jcsm.auburn.edu
Julian Cox, curator and head of the Photography Department at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta will focus on the role of photography in the media culture during the 1960s.

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

TUESDAY, FEB. 5 — AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
6:00 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 HILL ROAD UPDATE. City Manager Duggan.
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY GRANT AGREEMENT (WEST PACE). Presentation by Economic Development Director Phillip Dunlap.
Regular meeting agenda includes:
CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
[Ed. note: this Ordinance, re: West Pace, was withdrawn from the Council agenda.]
ORDINANCES.
a. Commercial Development Authority Grant Agreement. West Pace (Tom Hayley & Redd Family Partnership). Unanimous Consent Necessary.
Note: This agreement involves creation of an “Improvement District” (as per Chapter 99A of Title 11 of the Code of Alabama 1975), on 165 acres of the former Pace property bordered by S. College St & Shell Toomer Parkway. This would include issuance of bonds for infrastructure construction and repayment via derived taxes from the District.
RESOLUTIONS.
a. Auburn City Schools. Teacher of the Year Honorees. Recognition.
b. City of Clemson, SC. Recognition of Sportsmanship and Video Presentation.Chick Fil-A Bowl Football Contest.
c. Seohan Auto USA Corporation and Seohan-NTN Driveshaft USA Corporation. Lots 3 and 4, Auburn Industrial Park. Tax Abatement Extensions (2). Modify Expiration Date of February 1, 2009. Excludes Education, Hospital, and Children’s Home Ad Valorem and Sales and Use Taxes.
d. Development Agreement and Contracts. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) Dilworth Development, Inc., for Tutton Hill (f.k.a. Moore Property). Property Located on Hamilton Road. 28.03 Acres. Amend Resolution No. 07-251. Development Agreement.
(2) Contracts.
(a) Not to Exceed $157,500. Barge, Waggoner, Sumner, and Cannon, Inc. Engineering and Design Contract. Auburn Technology Park West. Amendment #2.
(b) $221,520. State Contract.Chuck Steven’s Automotive, Inc. 2008 Ford Crown Victoria Sedans (10).
(c) $35,000/year. ESRI, Inc. Enterprise License Agreement. GIS Software. Three-Year Contract.
e. Drainage and Utility Easements and Temporary Construction Easement. Acceptance.
(1) Dilworth Development, Inc. Moore’s Mill Subdivision, 5th Addition, Redivision of Lot 540. Property Located off Covington Ridge and Riverwood Drive. Drainage and Utility Easements.
(2) Sherman International Corporation. Property Located at 214 Twin City Court. Drainage and Utility Easement and Temporary Construction Easement. Twin City Court Extension Project.
OTHER BUSINESS. ADJOURNMENT.

TUESDAY, FEB. 5 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
6:15 pm – work session / 7:00 pm – regular meeting
Held at 204 South 7th St, Opelika. Open to all. Agenda: www.opelika.org
Work session agenda includes::
(1) a. Amend salaries for the Mayor and City Council members that take office on the first Monday in November, 2008 — Council
(2) a. Annexation of zoning, 5.1 acres Old Columbus Rd. (Request for Advertising)
b. Vacating Right-O-Way, 3rd Ave ( at Staley & 13th) (fyi and discussion at this time) — Jerry K.
(3) a. Resolution/inducement agreement – P&R and Board of Education; to build a block building at West Ridge — Bill H., Sam B.
(4) a. Res/contract for traffic study – 2nd Ave.
b. Res/contract for Phase 2 SRR Streetscape.
c. Res/contract for storm water detention facility.
d. Res/Contract for new sewer lift station at NEIP — Doc D.
(5) a. General updates — Mayor Fuller, John Seymour
(6) Discuss/review CM agenda items of 2/05/08 — Mayor Fuller, John Seymour, Dept. Heads
a. Remarks by Mayor
b. General business
c. Bids
d. Resolutions
e. Ordinances
f. Board Appointments
(7) Discussion: New / Old Business — City Council
a. Board appointments.
b. Other City business.
Regular session agenda includes:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS – (Limit comments to five minutes or less)
REMARKS BY THE MAYOR - Gary Fuller
REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
COMMITTEE REPORTS
GENERAL BUSINESS – Bob Shuman (None)
1. Notice of Public Hearing, rezoning, R4 and R5 to C2, 139 acres.
2. Notice of Public Hearing, resolution and industrial grant agreement with APR, LLC.
AWARDING OF BIDS – (By Resolution) - Shirley Washington — None.
RESOLUTIONS - Guy Gunter
1. Contract, provide accounting/admin. to the Library – Admin.
2. Industrial grant agreement with APR, LLC to construct an acceleration/deceleration lane.
ORDINANCES – Guy Gunter
1. Amend zoning ordinance, Lot 32 Plantation Place to C-2 district. – Planning – 2nd Reading.
2. Annexation of parcels 28 and 29 of Plantation Place, Part 3. – Planning – 1st Reading.
3. Amend zoning, R4 and R5 to C2, 139 acres.
4. To set date for the City Municipal Election and the voting locations – Legislative – 1st Reading.
5. To establish the salaries of the Mayor and Council members (For the elected officials that take office the first Monday of November, 2008.) – Legislative – 1st Reading.
APPOINTMENTS. ADJOURN.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6, 9:30 am – ALABAMA ETHICS COMMISSION
Held in the 9th Floor Hearing Room, RSA Union Building, 100 N. Union St, Mont; 334-242-2997. Open to the public.
Agenda: In Open Session, to render Advisory Opinions requested by public officials/public employees. An Executive Session will be held to discuss matters relating to complaints filed with the Ethics Commission and the results of those investigations. These matters are covered by the Grand Jury Secrecy Act. No matters will be discussed which are outside the scope of the State guidelines for the holding of Executive Sessions. Matters discussed in Executive Session will be voted on in public.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6, 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
NEW BUSINESS
Variance to Section 605.01 (A) of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2008-00005
Applicant: Bryan Ray for Cleveland Real Estate Investments Partnership
General Location: 2607 Hilton Garden Drive
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: A variance of 150 feet to the maximum square footage requirement of 130 square feet for a freestanding sign (interstate sign) to allow a sign area of 280 square feet
Variance to Section 436.01 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2008-00006
Applicant: Bryan Ray for Cleveland Real Estate Investments Partnership
General Location: 2607 Hilton Garden Drive
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: A variance of 78.28-feet from the required 100-feet between curb cuts and street corner property lines to allow a curb cut that is 21.72-feet from a street corner property line (the intersection of East Glenn Avenue and Hilton Garden Drive)
[Editorial note: This variance request, if approved, would change a specific condition placed on the parcel by the Planning Commission when it approved a road service (fast food restaurant) use at that location.]
OTHER BUSINESS: Annual Meeting of the Board to Elect New Officers
CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION. ADJOURNMENT.

THURSDAY, FEB. 7 – RESERVATION DEADLINE / AUBURN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
To RSVP or for more info: 334-826-0390 / pinetucket@bellsouth.net or 334-332-7911 / kitconner@mindspring.com.
Held at the Saugahatchee Country Club. The public is invited.
Cost: $25, prepaid. 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.

THURSDAY, FEB. 7, 3:30 – 4:30 pm – FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE WINTER DISCOVERY HIKE
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. 8 to SUNDAY, FEB. 10 – 5TH SE Student Renewable Energy Conference
Held in Valdosta, GA. Join the group from Auburn that is planning to attend.
Cost: $25 (includes registration, food from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch, and camping lodging).
This is a great chance for Auburn students to interact with their counterparts from other campuses in the region to work towards energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions on campuses and around throughout the southeast. If interested, or for more information, email miwilliams@auburn.edu.

FRIDAY, FEB. 8, 10:00 am – ALABAMA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION / Personnel Committee
Held in the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Building, 1400 Coliseum Boulevard, Mont. Ph: 334-271-7706.
Agenda includes:
1. Consideration of minutes of meeting held on September 21, 2007**
2. Consideration of motion and discussion on proposed Final Director’s 2007 Performance Evaluation – The Committee will discuss the 2007 Director’s Performance Evaluations provided by the members of the Commission, prepare a proposed final evaluation, and consider a motion to recommend said evaluation to the full Commission for adoption with the recommendation that the Commission delegate to the Commission Chair the authority to sign the final evaluation on behalf of the Commission and present it to the Director for signature.
3. Other business
*The Agenda for this meeting will be available on the ADEM website, www.adem.alabama.gov, under EMC Information and Calendar of Events.
**The Minutes for this meeting will be available on the ADEM website under EMC Information.

FRIDAY, FEB. 8 & SATURDAY, FEB. 9, 7:00 pm – BENEFIT FOR RAPE CRISIS COUNSELORS OF EAST ALABAMA (RCEA) / VIDEO: Vagina Monologues
Held at the Auburn Ale House. Tickets: $15, with 100% of money to benefit the RCEA. Tickets available from Barry Burkhart, 334-844-6476 or burkhbr@auburn.edu.
The RCEA is sponsoring showings of the video Vagina Monologues as a fundraiser. The RCEA provides valuable community services, including meeting with victims at the ER, providing follow up counseling, training emergency personnel, and conducting sexual assault prevention workshops with local school and agencies.

FRIDAY, FEB. 8, 7:30 pm – SUNDILLA CONCERT FEATURING PETE KENNEDY
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF Hall), 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).

SATURDAY, FEB. 9, 9:00 am – ALABAMA DEPT OF CONSERVATION & NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD
Held in the State Capitol Auditorium, Mont. 334-242-3486. Open to all. Regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Board.

SATURDAY, FEB. 9 – 19th ANNUAL LOVE YOUR HEART RUN & INAUGURAL CRANK YOUR HEART RIDE
Held at Chewacla State Park. Registration & details for the run and the bike ride are online at www.loveyourheartrun.com .

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AUBURN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS AVAILABLE
Deadline for delivery of completed grant applications: Feb. 15, 5:00 pm.
Delivery by deadline 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.

AU STRATEGIC PLAN / DRAFT AVAILABLE ONLINE
www.auburn.edu/administration/strategic_planning/020108draft.pdf
AU President Jay Gogue presented the first draft of the Strategic Directions for Auburn University to the Board of Trustees. The planning process was initiated in October 2007 when members of the Auburn family were encouraged to participate in a Web-based survey. Since then, face-to-face sessions were conducted in Auburn and around the state with individuals representing each of Auburn’s core constituencies: alumni, students, faculty, staff, administrators, community officials, business and agricultural leaders and others. The president plans to present a final version to the AU Board of Trusteesfor approval at their April 25 meeting.AUBURN BOARD & COMMISSION VACANCIES
• Library Board – one vacancy will be announced at the March 4 City Council meeting and will be filled at the April 1 meeting.
• Cemeteries Advisory Board - one vacancy will be announced at the March 4 City Council meeting and will be filled at the April 1 meeting.
• Historic Preservation Commission – three vacancies will be announced at the March 18 City Council meeting and will be filled at the April 15 meeting.
Citizens interested in serving are encouraged to contact a City Council member or the City Manager’s Office.

CITY OF AUBURN / CONSTRUCTION PROJECT STATUS REPORTS
PUBLIC WORKS: www.auburnalabama.org/pw/status.asp
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: www.auburnalabama.org/wrm/status.asp

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