UPDATES:

$20 MILLION GRANT AGREEMENT FOR NEW AUBURN TAX DISTRICT - VOTE SCHEDULED TUESDAY
The $20 million grant for West Pace (Hayley - Redd) tax improvement district will be discussed at this Tuesday’s Auburn City Council meeting, 141 N. Ross St.; 6:15 pm — presentation and informal Council discussion; 7:00 pm — on agenda for vote. To contact the City Council with your questions or concerns about this proposal, email the Council   (coagbemail@auburnalabama.org). Also, attend Tuesday’s Council meeting to hear further details about this proposed agreement.
Some of the questions posed by this proposal are outlined in the column below.
DEVELOPER’S DEAL LEAVES QUESTIONS UNANSWERED
http://placeforum.org/blog/2008/03/22/column-by-lisa-brouillette-march-21-2008-developers-deal-leaves-questions-unanswered/

SUPPORT HB 274 – KNIGHT TAX PLAN
Alabama should not tax people deeper into poverty. A fair tax systems will provide adequate funding for the common good, collect revenue according to ability to pay, give exemptions on the necessities of life, and collect funds in a simple, transparent way. Support Rep. John  Knight’s Tax Fairness Amendment, HB 274, by contacting your legislators. Take action today by clicking here.
(http://capwiz.com/alarise/issues/alert/?alertid=10172746&queueid=1837508476)  
Info provided by Alabama Arise -www.arisecitizens.org/.

Upcoming event: FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm – TALLAPOOSA WATERSHED CONFERENCE
Held at Central Alabama Community College, 1675 Cherokee Rd, Alexander City. No fee for conference or lunch, but registration required by April 4. Register online: www.twp.auburn.edu/ExtSOWconf08.aspx
The 4th Annual State of Our Watershed Conference - The Tallapoosa River Basin, coordinated from the Alabama Water Watch office in the AU Dept of Fisheries, is for all who are interested in learning more about the health of streams, lakes and rivers of the Tallapoosa River Basin, the development plans and visions of policy makers, watershed management strategies, and community participation in management of water resources of the basin. Agenda includes: Drought impacts, upgrading Lake Martin to Outstanding Alabama Water, Lake Martin dam relicensing, community-based watershed initiatives, and the role of the AU Water Resources Center in management of the Tallapoosa River Basin.

AU TRUSTEE SEARCH OPENED — Nominations through May 2
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley announced the search for the soon-to-be-opened, at-large seat on the AU Board of Trustees. The position is currently held by Earlon McWhorter. Interested individuals
should submit nominations and relevant information by Friday, May 2. A search committee will begin the process of interviews following the submission due date. For more information, including where to send
nominations, see Gov. Riley’s letter at www.auburn.edu/administration/trustees/auburn_bot_letter00229.pdf.

APRIL R.A.D. SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES OFFERED
Two R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense System) self-defense classes for female students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the Auburn and Opelika communities, will be offered in April.
Space is limited. Advance registration is required. $15 registration fee payable in advance at: AU Dean of Students Office in Foy Student Union, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office on Frederick Road, and the Opelika Recreation Center.
Session 1: April 7, 9, 14 and 16 from 6-9 p.m. in room 2093 at AU Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum.
Session 2: April 22, 24, 29 and May 1 from 6-9 p.m. at the Opelika Recreation Center, Denson Drive, Opelika.
The classes will be taught by certified R.A.D. instructors, including officers from the Auburn Police Division and Lee County Sheriff’s Office. The classes will cover risk reduction and risk awareness as well as hands-on physical defense techniques. More info: Andrea Bartels at bartead@auburn.edu.

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MONDAY, MARCH 31 — RSVP DEADLINE FOR EMPTY BOWLS BANQUET / BENEFIT FOR WAR ON HUNGER   See details below, Sunday, April 6.

MONDAY, MARCH 31 — LEE COUNTY COMMISSION   www.leeco.us
4:00 pm — work session / 6:00 pm — regular session
Held in the commission chambers, Opelika Courthouse, 215 S. 9th Ave, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda includes:
6. Reports from Staff:
7. CONSENT AGENDA:
a. Minutes of Commission Meeting March 10, 2008
b. Ratify and Approve Claims
c. Bids #13-#16 & #18 for Sheriff’s Department – Sheriff Jones
d. Retail Beer License/The Landing D4
e. Retail Beer, Table Wine and Lounge Liquor Licenses/Delta Foods Package D3
8. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Loachapoka Water Authority/Lee Road 10 – Commissioner Holt
b. Subdivision Regulations – Commissioner Lawrence
9. NEW BUSINESS:
a. BRAC Regional Growth Management Plan Presentation – Dan Reynolds of SAIC
b. Dirt Road Paving List Concerns – David Williams
c. Right-of-Way Policy for Utilities – Commissioner Lawrence
d. Board of Equalization Appointments – Oline Price
e. High Risk Rural Road Project Agreement – Neal Hall
f. Justice Center South-end Remodel Bid – Roger Rendleman
g. Capital Improvement Funding – Roger Rendleman
10. Discussion Items
11. Adjourn

MONDAY, MARCH 31 – FINE ART JURIED STUDENT EXHIBITION
4:30 pm – Opening reception; awards & scholarships / Biggin Gallery, 101 Biggin Hall
5:30 pm – Talk by guest juror Prof. Mara Adamitz Scrupe / 005 Biggin Hall, auditorium (lower level)
The Department of Art is hosting the 2008 Fine Art Juried Student Exhibition and the Joyce and Roger Lethander Awards. The exhibition includes 35 works featuring painting, drawing, photography,
ceramics, video and sculpture. This year’s exhibition includes the third annual “Dean’s Choice Purchase Award” selected by Dean Anne-Katrin Gramberg and a new purchase award, the “East Alabama Medical Center Creative Excellence Purchase Award,” to be selected by AU Trustee Virginia Thompson. In total, students will receive more than $3,000 in purchase and merit awards. Prof. Scrupe, professor of art and chair of the Dept of Art, Columbus State University, will select the Joyce and Roger Lethander Awards in Art this year. More info re: Prof Scrupe — http://gwcal.auburn.edu/calendar/.  More info re: exhibition –  Barb Bondy at 844-3483 or bondybj@auburn.edu.

MONDAY, MARCH 31, 5:15 pm — SHELL TOOMER PARKWAY PRESERVATION
Held at 2180 Canary Drive. Open to those interested in preserving and protecting Shell Toomer Parkway.
The Shell Toomer Parkway, a scenic roadway which is part of Chewacla State Park, is under pressure from adjacent development. If you wish to be a part of efforts to preserve and protect the Parkway, please attend this meeting and/or donate to the Citizens For the Preservation of Shell Toomer Parkway — www.chewacla.net.

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 4:00 pm – AUBURN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Held in the City Manager’s Conference Room, Auburn City Hall, 144 Tichenor Ave. Open to all.TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 5:15 pm – AUBURN PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
Held at the Dean Road Rec Center. Open to all.

TUESDAY, APRIL 1 — AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
6:15 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:
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. GRANT AGREEMENT. WEST PACE, LLC. Presentation by Economic Development Director Phillip Dunlap.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. Nominations.
a. Tree Commission. One Position. Unexpired Term Ends November 7, 2009. Incumbent: Charlie Crawford (resignation).
b. Cemeteries Advisory Board. One Position. Four Year Term Begins April 15, 2008. Incumbent: Connie
Taylor (has served one full term and one partial term).
c. Library Board. One Position. Four Year Term Begins April 15, 2008. Incumbent: Mary Belk (has served one full term).
Regular session agenda includes:
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Duggan.
a. Announcement of Board Vacancy. City Board of Education. One Position.Five Year Term Expires May 31, 2013. Appointment at the May 6, 2008 Meeting.
9. ORDINANCES.
a. J. Mathan Holt. Mathan Holt – Corrective Rezoning. Repeal Ordinance No. 2418. Property Located at 3160 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Rezone from Rural (R ) to Comprehensive Development District (CDD). 5.07 Acres. SECOND READING.
b. Commercial Development Authority. Grant Agreement. West Pace, LLC. Property Located Adjacent to I-85 at Alabama Highway 29 and Shell Toomer Parkway. SECOND READING.
c. Annexations. Planning Commission Recommendations. Property Located East of Society Hill Road and South of Moores Mill Road. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
(1) Graham and Misty Carroll. 88 Lee Road 957. 3.215 Acres.
(2) Phillip and Lynsey Neighbors. 100 Lee Road 957. 3.047 Acres.
d. 2008 Edition of the National Electrical Code. Amend Section 5-65 of City Code. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
e. Annual Renewal. Ad Valorem Property Taxes. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
(1) City Taxes – 5 Mills for General Purposes. General Fund. City Taxes – 5 Mills for Capital Projects Debt Repayment. Special Five Mill Tax Fund.
(2) School Taxes – 11 Mills for School Purposes. Special School Tax Fund.
(3) School Taxes – 5 Mills for Educational Purposes. Special Additional School Tax Fund.
[Ed. Note: These three items are not new taxes, but are annual renewal of current taxes. For more details, go to http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2008/ocm032808.asp]
f. Traffic Control Signs and Devices. Establish and Set. Amend Ordinance No. 1499. Four Way Stop Signs (4). Wrights Mill Road at Forsythia Court and Ogletree Road. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Conditional Use Approvals. Planning Commission Recommendations. Public Hearings Required.
(1) Commercial and Entertainment Use.
(a) Phillip Clowdus and Charles Lawler. Property Located at 1400 Opelika Road. Private Club (The Highlands). Commercial Conservation (CC) Zoning District.
(b) 150 Magnolia Investments, LLC/Chris Godbold. Property Located at 150 East Magnolia Avenue. Lounge (1716). Urban Core (UC) Zoning District w/Overlay of the College Edge Overlay District (CEOD).
(2) Industrial Use in Industrial (I) Zoning District.
(a) City Board of Education of Auburn, Alabama/Jim Storbeck w/New Life Properties. Property Located at 209 Alabama Street. Embroidery and Engraving Manufacturer (Initial Outfitters).
(b) BMW Properties, LLC/Greg Darden w/Donald Allen Development Company. Property Located at 350 Industry Drive. Wholesale Nursery/Lawn Maintenance Company (Cutting Edge).
(3) Reunion, LLC/Greg Darden. Property Located at 712 West Magnolia Avenue. Road Service Use in University Service (US) Zoning District. Parking Garage (North Park Parking).
b. Hoerbiger Drivetech and Hoerbiger Automotive Comfort Systems. 229 and 284 Enterprise Drive. Refinance Industrial Development Board Debt. Concurrence.
c. General Obligation Warrants (2). SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing Corporation. Ten-Year Fixed Interest Rate-3.63%. Ordinance No. 2357 ($950,134) and Ordinance No. 2358 ($777,314). Richland Road Special Capital Improvement Project. Permanent Financing. Amend Repayment Schedules.
d. Contracts and Agreements. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) $90,000 Plus Out of Pocket Expenses Not to Exceed $2,500/Year. Bradley Arant Rose & White, LLP. Professional Governmental Affairs Representation Services Contract.
(2) J. A. Lett Construction Company. Library Expansion Project. Change Order No. 2. $22,908.
(3) Allcomm Wireless, Inc. Fire and Police Voter Receiver/Transmitter Systems. Public Safety Department. $12,800. Contract.
(4) Business Interiors. Computer Carrels ($21,746.50) and Krueger International. Computer Chairs ($7,916.16). Library Expansion Project. State Contract T-390.
(5) Kilpatrick Turf & Commercial Equipment. Parks & Recreation Department Emergency Purchase. Code of Alabama Section 41-16-53. Smithco Superstar Two Wheel Drive Infield Machine. $11,053.78.
Authorize Contract.
(6) City Share: $99,489.50. Loachapoka Water Authority. Share Cost of Replacing and Relocating Water Line. Beehive Road near Auburn Technology Park West.
(7) Compliance EnviroSystems, LLC. Professional Services. Inspection, Cleaning and Root Control Application. Tullahoma Drive, Wrights Mill Road and Carter Street. $44,417.19. Contract.
(8) Public Resources Management Group, Inc. Professional Services. Wastewater Rate Study. Not to Exceed $29,200. Contract.
e. Drainage and Utility Easements and Rights of Way. Acceptance.
(1) Doug Cannon. Annalue Village. Property Located at 1007 Annalue Drive.
(2) PASS, LLC. East Lake Subdivision Phase 2. Property Located off Moores Mill Road and Adjacent to Bent Brooke Subdivision.
f. Boards and Commissions. Appointments.
(1) Tree Commission. One Position. Unexpired Term Ends November 7, 2009.
(2) Cemeteries Advisory Board. One Position. Four Year Term Expires April 14, 2012.
(3) Auburn Public Library Board. One Position. Four Year Term Expires April 14, 2012.
11. OTHER BUSINESS.
12. ADJOURNMENT.

TUESDAY,  APRIL 1, 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.
(March meeting rescheduled.)

TUESDAY, APRIL 1 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
Time TBA – work session  / 7:00 pm – regular meeting
Held at 204 S. 7th St, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda:  www.opelika.org

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 9:30 am – ALABAMA ETHICS COMMISSION
Held in the 9th Floor Hearing Room, RSA Union Building, 100 N. Union St, Mont; 334-242-2997.
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, APRIL 2, 2:00 – 3:00 pm – LECTURE: NIRMALA EREVELLES / EMBATTLED BODIES AND THE TERROR OF INVISIBILITY: UNDERSTANDING RACE, CLASS, GENDER, AND DISABILITY IN GLOBAL CONTEXTS
Held in AU’s Haley Center, room 1454. Free & open to the public.
Nirmala Erevelles, associate professor of educational leadership, policy and technology studies at the Univ of Alabama, will be the second speaker in the Diversity and Social Justice Lecture Series. Erevelles’ teaching and research interests are in the areas of disability studies, sociology of education, critical social theory, third-world feminist theory, multicultural education and qualitative research methodologies. She has published articles in numerous journals and has authored several chapters in books on disability studies. Erevelles is currently at work on a book that examines the intersection of post colonial studies, third-world feminism and disability studies in the social contexts of health and education. Sponsored by The College of Education and Women’s Studies Program.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 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
Agenda includes:
NEW BUSINESS
Variance to Section 515.02, Table 5-3 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2008-00144
Applicant: Kelly Poole on behalf of McGowin Properties; 155 North College Street
Zoning District: College Edge Overlay District (CEOD) with underlying Urban Core (UC)
Action Requested: Variance of 13.5 square feet to the maximum sign allowance of 19 square feet to allow 32.5 square feet of signage on a building in the College Edge Overlay District (CEOD)
Request for Rehearing (Solamere Subdivision Curb Cut Variance)
Applicant: Maxwell Engineering and Land Surveying, Inc. for Rod Wright; 220 Solamere Lane (Solamere Subdivision, Phase 3)
Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: Request to rehear Case PL-2007-01057
Variance to Section 436.01 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2008-00157
Applicant: Maxwell Engineering and Land Surveying, Inc. for Rod Wright; 220 Solamere Lane (Solamere Subdivision, Phase 3)
Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: Variance of 52-feet to the required 125-foot average distance between curb cuts
between Lot 106A and 107A to allow a difference of 73-feet between curb cuts
Variance to Section 436.01 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2008-00175
Applicant: Maxwell Engineering and Land Surveying, Inc. for Rod Wright; 220 Solamere Lane (Solamere Subdivision, Phase 3)
Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: Variance of 29.69-feet to the required 100-foot spacing between a curb cut and a street corner on a collector street on Lot 107A to allow a curb cut that is 70.31-feet from a street corner property line
Variance to Section 436.01 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2008-00173
Applicant: Industrial Development Board of the City of Auburn;  2732 Beehive Road
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Variance of 229-feet from the required 300-foot separation between curb cuts to allow a curb cut that is 71-feet from another proposed curb cut
OTHER BUSINESS
Request for Rehearing (North Donahue Drive / Porter Avenue Curb Cut Variance)
Applicant: Seth Stehouwer of E Marshall, Ltd. for Arjan Singh; 410 North Donahue Drive
Zoning District: Redevelopment District (RDD)
Action Requested: Request to rehear Case PL-2008-00076
CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION. ADJOURNMENT.

THURSDAY, APRIL 3 AND FRIDAY, APRIL 4 – ALABAMA BOARD OF LICENSURE FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS
Held at 100 N Union Street Ste 382, Mont., ph: 334-242-5568. Open to the public.
Agenda includes: 
I.   MINUTES
A.  Approval of Minutes and Agenda
II.  HEARINGS
B.  Public Hearings – None
C.  Formal Hearings: 1.  9 AM Thursday, April 3, 2008              
III.  COMMITTEE REPORTS   
D.  Applications – Preston L. Jackson   
E.  Law Enforcement – Preston L. Jackson
F.  Certificates of Authorization – Don T. Arkle
    1. Engineering and Land Surveying Certificates of Authorizations; 
    2. Engineering and Land Surveying Certificates of Authorization with Exceptions
G. Communications and Publications – William C. Ulrich Jr - None
H.  Legislative – Preston L. Jackson -
I.   Continuing Professional Competency – Al I. Reisz
J.  Finance/Personnel - 1. Finance – Al I. Reisz;  2. Personnel – Don T. Arkle .
K.  Land Surveying - Education & Examinations - Veston W. Bush Jr
L.  Engineering - Education & Examinations – William C. Ulrich Jr
IV. OTHER REPORTS
M.  Chair’s Report
N.  Executive Director’s Report –
V.  UNFINISHED BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE
O.  Unfinished Business – None
P.  Correspondence – action required 
Q.  Information only - no action required 
VI.  NEW BUSINESS
R.   New Business
VII. 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

FRIDAY,APRIL 4, 11:30 am – AUBURN TREE COMMISSION
Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. Open to all.

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, noon –  PANEL DISCUSSION: CHEERS AND JEERS: A SPEAK-OUT
Held in AU’s Comer Hall, room 109.  Free & open to all. Brown bag lunch. www.auburn.edu/academic/other/womens_studies/
Auburn Women’s Studies warmly invites everyone to attend a panel discussion:  ”CHEERS AND JEERS: A SPEAK –OUT.” Issues that can be addressed are campus safety; child-care; salary equity; tenure and promotion; spousal hiring and job share - and any others you might want to bring up.
Panelists so far include: Chichi Lovett, diversity officer for the College of Liberal Arts;Kimberly King-Jupiter, associate provost and vice-president for University Outreach; Dr. Donna Sollie, assistant provost for Women’s Advancement. Questions: crockrc@auburn.edu; 844-6647 or 844-1974.

FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 7:30 pm – SUNDILLA CONCERT FEATURING THE LAWS
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 The Laws, go to www.sundilla.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm  – GROW GREEN
Held at the Forest Ecology Preserve, Hwy 147 North, across the highway and just north of the AU fish ponds.
Cost: $1/person; kids 5 & under free. 10% member
Come to East Alabama outdoors enjoy a day in the woods at the same time learn about current resource issues and simple things we can all do about them. We’ll be having a native plant sale, speakers, children’s activities, booths, free drawings for environmentally-friendly prizes, food, and entertainment.
Speakers throughout the day on topics including: Landscaping with Native Plants; Our Native Ecosystems - Why Are They Important; Invasive Plants in Alabama; What is Sustainability?; Auburn’s Solar House and Car. More info: 334-826-0494; https://fp.auburn.edu/preserve/.

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 7:00 pm – GAELLE SOLAL GUITAR CONCERT
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Tickets:  $5/members;  $10/non-members; free to students. Reservations:  334-844-3085.  www.julecollinssmithmuseum.com/

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 5:30 pm – EMPTY BOWLS BANQUET / BENEFIT FOR WAR ON HUNGER
Held at the Hotel at Auburn University. Seating is limited; make reservation by March 31 to Jayne Kucera at kucerje@auburn.edu.
Cost: $19/person; each participant will receive a bowl designed by artist Gary Wagoner. Make checks payable to “Auburn University – Empty Bowls Banquet.”
Guest speakers: Lauren Bush & Ellen Gustafson, founders of FEED Projects LLC
Auburn’s third annual Empty Bowls Banquet, originally scheduled for Jan.19 but canceled due to snow and ice, is now set for Sunday, April 6. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction of bowls crafted by artists from across the Southeast. At 6:30 p.m., participants will receive a light meal of soup and bread and take part in a live auction of handcrafted bowls. The Empty Bowls Banquet raises money for AU’s War on Hunger Initiative, a partnership between AU and the World Food Programme of the United Nations to enlist colleges and universities nationwide in efforts to help feed the world’s hungry. Hosted by the College of Human Sciences Committee of 19, AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, and AU’s Women’s Philanthropy Board.

CITY OF AUBURN / CONSTRUCTION PROJECT STATUS REPORTS (updated weekly)
These two websites provide a great deal of information on current city projects.
PUBLIC WORKS: www.auburnalabama.org/pw/status.asp
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: www.auburnalabama.org/wrm/status.asp

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Web:  http://placeforum.org/blog/

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WEEK OF MARCH 24, 2008 — Meetings, events & updates

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COLUMN BY LISA BROUILLETTE:
DEVELOPER’S DEAL LEAVES QUESTIONS UNANSWERED
Column by Lisa Brouillette, published in the Opelika-Auburn News, re: the proposed West Pace LLC tax improvement district.
http://placeforum.org/blog/2008/03/22/column-by-lisa-brouillette-march-21-2008-developers-deal-leaves-questions-unanswered/

SUPPORT HB 274 – KNIGHT TAX FAIRNESS PLAN
Alabama should not tax people deeper into poverty. A fair tax systems will provide adequate funding for the common good, collect revenue according to ability to pay, give exemptions on the necessities of life, and collect funds in a simple, transparent way. Support Rep. John  Knight’s Tax Fairness Amendment, HB 274, by contacting your legislators. Take action today by clicking here.
(http://capwiz.com/alarise/issues/alert/?alertid=10172746&queueid=1837508476)  
Info provided by Alabama Arise -www.arisecitizens.org/.

UPCOMING EVENT: REGISTER NOW
FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm – TALLAPOOSA WATERSHED CONFERENCE
Held at Central Alabama Community College, 1675 Cherokee Rd, Alexander City. No fee for conference or lunch, but registration required by April 4. Register online: www.twp.auburn.edu/ExtSOWconf08.aspx
The 4th Annual State of Our Watershed Conference - The Tallapoosa River Basin, coordinated from the Alabama Water Watch office in the AU Dept of Fisheries, is for all who are interested in learning more about the health of streams, lakes and rivers of the Tallapoosa River Basin, the development plans and visions of policy makers, watershed management strategies, and community participation in management of water resources of the basin. Agenda includes: Drought impacts, upgrading Lake Martin to Outstanding Alabama Water, Lake Martin dam relicensing, community-based watershed initiatives, and the role of the AU Water Resources Center in management of the Tallapoosa River Basin.

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MONDAY, MARCH 24, 4:00 pm – AAUP FORUM ON AU STRATEGIC PLAN
Held in AU’s Thach Hall, room 202. Open to all.
The Auburn University chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AUUP) will hold a forum and panel discussion about the Auburn University Strategic. The panel will include AU President Jay Gogue; Senior Associate Provost Sharon Gaber; Blake Gerard, president-elect, AUM chapter, AAUP; and Robert Locy, chair, University Senate, Auburn University. It will be moderated by William Trimble, president, Auburn University AAUP.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm — SAVING OUR WATER: Facing tomorrow’s challenges while meeting the water needs of today
Held at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Registration: $25, lunch & snacks provided;  www.greenalabama.org.
Conference schedule/info:  http://www.greenalabama.org/index_files/savingourwater.htm
Keynote Speaker:  Mary Ann Dickinson, Executive Director, Alliance for Water Efficiency, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the efficient and sustainable use of water in the U.S. The Alliance works with water utilities, water conservation professionals in business, government, and industry, and consumers to incorporate water efficiency principles into their practices. Dickinson will bring examples from other communities of successful water conservation and efficiency programs that affordably meet growth needs and are cost-effective for water utilities. Sponsored by the Green Resource Center of Alabama.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 3:00 – 5:00 pm – FILM: MISS JANE PITTMAN
Held at AU’s Foy Union, Room 246. Open to all.
This bi-monthly multicultural film viewing and dialogue is sponsored by AU’s Multicultural Center.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 3:00 pm — OPELIKA PLANNING COMMISSION
Held at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika Public Works bldg. Open to all.  www.opelika.org
Agenda includes:
A. PLATS (preliminary and prel. & final) - PUBLIC HEARING
1.The Estates S/D, resub of Lots 60 & 61, 2 lots, Academy Drive, Jason Clark, P/F approval
2.Chewacla Baptist Church S/D, 1 lot, Chewacla Road, Chewacla Baptist Church, P/F approval
3.Hallway S/D, 6th Add, Phase 2, 17 lots, Hall Avenue, Stacy Marable, Preliminary approval
4.Waverly Park S/D, Parcel D, 42 lots, off Waverly Place, Rusty Deen, Preliminary Approval
5.Hayward Jackson S/D, 1 lot, Lee Road 175, Barrett Tyne, P/F approval
6.The Villas at Fox Run S/D, 3 lots, Fox Run Pkwy, Fox Run Seven LLC, P/F Approval
B. FINAL PLAT APPROVAL
7.National Village S/D, 26 Lots, Robert Trent Jones Pkwy, RSA of Alabama, Final Approval
C. CONDITIONAL USE
8.Fox Run Seven LLC, Fox Run Pkwy, C-2, GC-2, 324-unit Condominium Development
9.Five Plus LLC, 26th Street, C-3, GC-2, Office Warehouse
D. VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY
10.Vacate portion of Blanton Avenue, Petitioners Vance and Sprayberry
E. REZONING - Public Hearing
11.Mayberry LLC, 2100 block Westpoint Pkwy, 37 acres, from R-1 to PUD (TABLED at the (02-26-08 meeting)
F. OTHER BUSINESS
12.Discuss items concerning landscaping, stream buffers, and clear-cutting

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 5:30 – 8:00 pm – LEE COUNTY LITERACY COALITION / Tutor Orientation
More info: Debby, ph: 705-0001. Note: Tutors do NOT need experience or background in teaching. The LCLC provides training and support to all tutors. http://www.leecountyliteracy.org/

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 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: State Treasurer Kay Ivey

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 6:00 pm – SKATE PARK / BMX BIKE PARK
Held in the Auburn City meeting room, 144 Tichenor Ave. All are welcome.
Agenda: Discuss the building of a skate park/BMX bike park in Auburn. More info: Tom Spicer 821-1645.

TUESDAY,  MARCH 25, 7:00 pm – AUBURN BIKE COMMITTEE  www.auburnalabama.org/cycle/
Held in the conference room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 7:00 pm – ENVIRONMENTAL MOVIE: THE FUTURE OF FOOD
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF Hall), 450 E.Thach Ave. Open to all.
Do you know what you eat? Where it comes from? Do you ever wonder why it stays fresh so long in your fridge? There is a revolution happening in the farm fields and at the dinner tables of America, a revolution that is transforming the very nature of the food we eat. The Future of Food examines the complex structure of the market and the political forces that are changing what we eat as huge multinational corporations seek control over the world’s food. The movie also presents alternatives to large-scale industrial agriculture, showing organic and sustainable agriculture as real solutions to the farm crisis today. The movie runs for 88 min. Organic cookies will be served.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – AU CONSTRUCTION AWARENESS DAY 2008
Held at AU’s Haley Center Concourse. Open to all.
Freshman Forum is proud to present 2008 Construction Awareness Day. Construction Awareness was established a few years ago to inform students on current ongoing construction and future construction plans for Auburn. Architects from around the world who work hard to help improve our campus will be present to answer any questions or concerns about construction. More info or questions:contact Shaemun Webster at webstcs@auburn.edu.

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 10:00 am – PUBLIC HEARING / LRCOG TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE GRANT
Held in the conference room, Lee-Russell Council of Govts, 2207 Gateway Drive, Opelika. Open to all.
LRCOG is applying to ALDOT for an operating assistance grant to provide funds for public transportation service for the residents of Lee and Russell County during FY2009. The Job Access and Remote Commute (JARC) Program is to improve access to transportation services to employment and employment-related activities for welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals and to transport residents of urbanized areas and non-urbanized areas to suburban employment opportunities. Copies of the detailed service description & project budget may be obtained at the LRCOG office beginning March 27, between 8 am - 4:30 pm.

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 10:00 am – AUBURN LIBRARY BOARD
Held at the Auburn Library. Open to all.

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 10:00 am – ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD
Held at 445 Herron Street, Mont. Ph: 334-242-2230
Agenda: Regular meeting — approve minutes from the previous month’s meeting, to approve applications for licensure, and to conduct the general business of the Board.

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 11:00 am – 12:15 pm — PERSPECTIVES AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR NUCLEAR POWER
Held in Foy Union, room 217, AU. Free & open to the public.
Speaker: Oliver Kingsley, President Exelon Corporation and President & CEO Exelon Generation
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, MARCH 27, 3:00 – 4:00 pm – DR. JOHN C. HALL / ILLUSTRATED LECTURE ON WILLIAM BARTRAM
Held at AU’s Special Collections and Archives, Ralph Brown Draughon Library.
Eighteenth-century naturalist and artist William Bartram will come to life during an illustrated lecture by Dr. John C. Hall. Hall’s presentation will focus on Bartram’s 1775 journey through Alabama, where he recorded firsthand information on native inhabitants and the unspoiled natural environment. His writing and illustrations were published in 1791 in Bartram’s Travels, which Hall terms “one of the most important documents of American science and the first book of Alabama natural history.” An educator and museum professional, Hall is founding curator at the Black Belt Regional Museum at the University of West Alabama. He was associated for many years with the University of Alabama Museum of Natural History as research associate, director of interpretation and assistant director for natural history. He has served as executive director of the Alabama Museums Association. Anyone interested in Alabama colonial and frontier history, Native American history, natural history and gardening will find the presentation of real interest. The lecture is part of the Draughon Seminars in State and Local History, sponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University. Funded by the Kelly Mosley Endowment in honor of Dr. Ralph B. Draughon, president of Auburn University from 1947 to 1965. Draughon was an historian with a deep commitment to teaching and promoting state history. The Auburn program is co-sponsored by the Auburn University Libraries. For more information, contact the Draughon Center at (334)844-4946.

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 5:00 pm – DAVIS LECTURE SERIES:  CIVIL RIGHTS JOURNALIST CLARKE STALLWORTH
Held in the Dixon Auditorium at the AU Hotel and Dixon Conference Center. Open to the public.
Journalist Clarke Stallworth, this year’s speaker for the Neil O. and Henrietta Davis Lecture Series, will give a talk about what was happening in Alabama during the height of the civil rights movement and how it was portrayed in the state’s newspapers. The lecture series is sponsored by AU’s Dept of Communications and Journalism.  More info: http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/313.

CAMPUS CLUB PLANT SALE
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, noon - 5:00 pm  and SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 8:00 am - noon
Held in the parking lot, corner of Samford Ave & College Street. 
Available in this annual A-Day weekend sale will be a wide variety of shrubs, trees, houseplants and bedding plants. All proceeds will go toward an endowment that funds the club’s First Ladies Scholarships in Horticulture program, which each year awards $1,000 scholarships in the names of past AU first ladies to students majoring in horticulture. For plant sale information, contact Mary Lou Matthews at 821-2161 or m.ml@mindspring.com.

CITY OF AUBURN / CONSTRUCTION PROJECT STATUS REPORTS (updated weekly)
These two websites provide a great deal of information on current city projects.
PUBLIC WORKS: www.auburnalabama.org/pw/status.asp
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: www.auburnalabama.org/wrm/status.asp

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Thanks for your interest and support.

Email:  placeforum@gmail.com

Web:   http://placeforum.org/blog/

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developer’s deal leaves questions unanswered

BY LISA BROUILLETTE
First published March 21, 2008 in the Opelika-Auburn News.

The City of Auburn is about to channel $20 million to Tom Hayley, the local developer best known for his commercial developments along South College Street.

This transfer of funds is proposed to be done by means of bonds issued through a new tax improvement district on Hayley’s West Pace, LLC, property.

City officials argue that providing this funding will ensure creation of a high-quality commercial development on par with The Summit in Birmingham or EastChase in Montgomery.

A developer’s track record is an important consideration in such projects. What in Mr. Hayley’s history would lead us to believe he is able to accomplish this? And what will be the repercussions if he doesn’t?

How will the $20 million debt be secured? What will be the term and rate of the bonds? What happens if there’s a default? What if the taxes derived from the district are less than projected?

What types of businesses will be allowed? What if a big-box retailer wants to locate there? What upscale retailers would want to locate in the same center as car dealerships, which are said to be part of the development plan?

What’s the city’s ultimate liability as regards the tax district and its bonds? Why is it estimated to cost $5 million to issue $15 million in bonds?

What chance is there that major upscale retailers will locate at the West Pace development, taking into consideration TigerTown, the other proposed retail developments in Opelika and the current economic slowdown?

Perhaps some answers will be provided at the next city council meeting’s presentation about the proposal. Unfortunately, there is no public hearing scheduled. Why? As was noted by city officials, none is legally required.

Even more disappointing, though, the council vote is said to be scheduled for that same meeting. That timing will limit both public information and public input.

Citizens may speak to the issue during the citizens’ communications segment of the meeting, but that gives them — and the council — almost no time to digest the information, questions or comments presented.

Twenty million dollars — twenty million. Think about it.

—–

Speaking of economic development projects, you may have noticed a recent Opelika-Auburn News column on that topic by Warren McCord. It should be noted that Dr. McCord is chair of Auburn’s Commercial Development Authority, the entity proposing the West Pace tax district deal.

—–

A positive postscript to the recent Shelton Park and Shelton Woods area residents’ concerns about a large apartment complex to be built adjacent to their homes: The neighbors organized, presented a good case to the city council and worked diligently with the developer and city officials.

Happily a compromise was reached which satisfied all — DeKalb Street won’t be connected at the neighborhood’s end, avoiding undue traffic in the neighborhood and reducing the developer’s infrastructure costs, and there will still be adequate access for the project.

Kudos to all concerned. Now let’s hope for a similar positive outcome for the residents of Indian Hills.

Lisa Brouillette is a community activist, editor and writer. Contact her at placeforum@gmail.com or visit her Web site http://placeforum.org.

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WEEK OF MARCH 17, 2008 — Meetings, events & updates

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.

MONDAY, MARCH 17, 7:00 pm – LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF EAST ALABAMA
Held at the East Alabama Medical Center Resource Center. Open to all.
Public Forum on “Youth–the Real Future  of the South”

TUESDAY, MARCH 18,  9 am – Noon — AUBURN PUBLIC LIBRARY CLOSED UNTIL NOON
Due to construction work related to the Auburn Public Library expansion, the Library will be closed the morning of Tuesday, March 18. (That day the library will be open from noon - 9 p.m.) More info: Auburn Public Library at 501-3190.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18– OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
6:15 pm – work session / 7:00 PM – regular meeting
Held in the council chambers, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika.  Open to all.
Agenda: www.opelika.org/
Work session agenda:
6:15    (1) -  a.  2007 audit report –  John Boles
6:30    (2) -  a.  Maintenance contract, 800 Megahertz system – Tommy M.
6:35    (3) -  a.  Wastewater treatment agreement, Jim Parker Building Company –  Mike H.
6:40    (4) -  a.  General updates –   Mayor Fuller
6:45    (5) -  a.  Jeter Street road widening project —  Councilman Harris
6:50    (6) -  Discuss/review CM agenda items of 3/18/08
Remarks by Mayor; General business; Bids; Resolutions; Ordinances; Board Appointments
6:55    (7) -  Discussion:  New / Old Business  City Council
a. Board appointments; b. Other City business.
Regular session agenda:
6)   UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7)   REMARKS BY THE MAYOR -  Gary Fuller
a.  Building Inspection report for February 2008.
b.  Financial report for February 2008.
c.  Recognize the Opelika Police Officer of the Month  Brian Krug.
8)   CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS - (Limit comments to five minutes or less)
9)   REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
10) COMMITTEE REPORTS
11) GENERAL BUSINESS   Bob Shuman
1.  Notice of public hearing for vacating a portion of 3rd Avenue.
2.  Notice of public hearing to amend zoning ordinance for 3.084 acres to R-1.
12) AWARDING OF BIDS - (By Resolution) -   Shirley Washington    (none)
13)  RESOLUTIONS -  Guy Gunter
1.  Refund of sewer tap fees at 1113 Chandler Avenue. P/W
2.  Assenting to vacation of a portion of 3rd Avenue.
3.  Set public hearing date for adopting International Fire Code — OFD
4.  Set public hearing date for adopting Life Safety Code — OFD
5.  Special appropriation to the Greater Peace CDC youth leadership training program.–  Legis.
14)  ORDINANCES Guy Gunter
1.  Amend zoning ordinance, 16.36 acres on West margin of S. Uniroyal Rd.–  2nd Reading.
2.  Amend zoning ordinance, 3.084 acres to a R-1  –2nd Reading.
15)    APPOINTMENTS  
     1.  Opelika School Board , Patsy Parker.
2.  Park & Recreation Board, Rusty Melnick.                      
16)  ADJOURN

TUESDAY, FEB. 19 – AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
Committee of the Whole:  6:30 pm / Regular meeting: 7:00 pm 
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St.. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/agenda/
Agenda includes:
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Duggan.
a. Historic Preservation Commission: Three vacancies for 3-yr terms expiring April 20, 2011. Appointments at the April 15, 2008 Meeting.
9. ORDINANCES.
a. Tuscany Hills, LLC. Innes McIntyre and Gregory Forthofer. Property Located at 1957 Wire Road. Amend Ordinance No. 2529. Madison Park Planned Development District (PDD). Public Hearing Required. 49.28 Acres.
b. J. Mathan Holt. Mathan Holt – Corrective Rezoning. Repeal Ordinance No. 2418. Property Located at 3160 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Rezone from Rural (R ) to Comprehensive Development District (CDD). Public Hearing Required. 5.07 Acres.
c. $15 Million Grant Agreement. West Pace, LLC. Commercial Development Authority.   Property Located Adjacent to I-85 at Alabama Highway 29 and Shell Toomer Parkway.
[Ed. note: This $15 Million agreement, covering a portion of the former Pace property, is between the city of Auburn, its Commercial Development Authority and West Pace LLC (Eagle Mgmt/Tom Hayley & the Redd Family Partnership). It involves the creation of a new Tax Improvement District.]
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Conditional Use Approvals. Industrial Development Board of the City of Auburn.Phillip Dunlap. Auburn Technology Park West. Industrial (I) Zoning District. Property Located North of Beehive Road, East of Choctafaula Creek. Public Hearings Required.
(1) Project Hunter. Industrial Use at 2458 West Tech Lane. Lot 17.
(2) Project Albert. Industrial Use at 2410 West Tech Lane. Lot 16.
(3) AEC Substation. Public Service Use (electrical substation) at 2732 Beehive Road.
b. Capitol Plastic Products, LLC and Alabama industrial Development Body, LLC. Tax Abatements. Excludes Education, Hospital, and Children’s Home Ad Valorem Sales and Use Taxes.
c. Development Agreement, Contracts, and Agreements. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) The Towns at North Dean Road a.k.a. Charleston Square. Property Located at the Intersection of DeKalb Street and North Dean Road. Development Agreement.
(2) Auburn University. Provide Fire Inspection Services. Fire Inspector.Renewal Agreement.
(3) $330,135. Solid Civil Design, LLC. Moore’s Mill Road Bridge Widening at I-85 Overpass. Five Lanes. Engineering Services. ALDOT Project STPOA-9011 ( ). Agreement.
(4) Rexel Southern DOT. Mast Arm Traffic Signal Poles. South College Street and Auburn University Research Park. $33,310. Contract.
(5) Clean Harbors Environmental Services. Household Hazardous Waste Collection, Transport, and Disposal. 5-Year Period. Not to Exceed $30,000/year. Contract.
(6) $275,619.29. D & J Enterprises, Inc. Construction of Beehive Road. Industrial Access to Auburn Technology Park West. ALDOT Project IAR-041-000-012. Contract.
(7) $30,000. Development Solutions, LLC. Application to Authorize Demolition. U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Auburn Housing Authority. Moton Public Housing Development.
d. Drainage and Utility Easement, Temporary Construction Easement, Rights-of-Way, Quit Claim Deed. Vacation and Acceptance.
(1) Scott Land Company. Improvements and Extension of Twin City Court. Acceptance.
(a) Drainage and Utility Easement.
(b) Temporary Construction Easement.
(c) Right-of-Way Warranty Deed.
(2) Alabama Power Company. France Subdivision. Bottle Sewer Line Project.
(a) Quit Claim Deed. Vacation.
(b) Drainage and Utility Easement. Acceptance.
11. OTHER BUSINESS.
12. ADJOURNMENT.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 8:15 am – ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD / SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
Held at 445 Herron Street, Mont. Ph: 334-242-2230.  Agenda: Investigative Committee Meeting

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 – STAND UP AND BE HEARD: PUBLIC WITNESS & OTHER EVENTS
FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF U.S. INVASION OF IRAQ    www.peaceeagle.org
5:00 – 6:00 pm — Public Witness
Held at Toomer’s Corner, at Magnolia & College Streets. All invited to participate.
Participate in the Alliance for Peace and Justice’s public witness to:
* Support our troops by bringing them home,
* Commemorate all the direct losses of this war, both U.S and Iraqi,
* Call for converting funds for wars abroad to meeting escalating human needs at home.
Bring a friend, bring a sign, or make your own at the event!
6:00 – 7:00 pm – Free potluck at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
Held at 450 E.Thach Ave. Covered dish supper.  Bring friends and also food to share (beverage provided).
7:00 – 9:00 pm – Film: NO END IN SIGHT
Screening and discussing of the film NO END IN SIGHT, nominated for Academy’s Best Documentary Film.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 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: Jim Spearman, Executive Director, Alabama Democratic Party.
Spearman has served in this capacity since 2005.  In addition, he is serving in his third term as Vice Chair of the Alabama Democratic Party for County Affairs.  Jim is a native of Lamar County, Alabama, in northwest Alabama, where he learned the Democratic values that guide him in his everyday life and his public service.  He served as Chairman of the Lamar County Democratic Executive Committee for 18 years.  His service to the Alabama Democratic Party led to him being named as the 2004 political director for the Alabama for Kerry Campaign and also in that capacity for Gen. Wes Clark in 2003 and early 2004.  In 2004, he was honored with a lifetime membership in the Alabama Young Democrats.  Jim is a graduate of Auburn University with degrees in Political Science and Health Administration and is a rabid Auburn fan.  He is active in various civic groups, First United Methodist Church of Vernon, and president of Spearman & Associates.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 9:00 am – ALABAMA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION (EMC)
Held at the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM Building), Alabama Room (Main Hearing Room), 1400 Coliseum Blvd, Mont. Ph: 334-271-7706.  Open to the public.
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 Mater) - 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 first consider Petitioner John Jordan, Jr., d/b/a Alabama Recycling’s request for oral argument.  If the request for oral argument is granted, the Commission will hear oral argument on the objections to the Recommendations of the Administrative Law Judge raised by Petitioner John Jordan, Jr., d/b/a Alabama Recycling in the “Objection to Recommendations of the Administrative Law Judge” and from the Department on the responses to the Petitioners’ objections raised in the “Response to Petitioners’ Objection to Recommendation of the Administrative Law Judge.”
After hearing oral argument or denying the request for oral argument, the Commission will consider the Recommendation of the Administrative Law Judge to deny the Petitioners’ motion to reconsider dismissal and the Recommendation of the Administrative Law Judge 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 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.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, NOON – LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS / brown bag lunch
Held in the community room, Bruno’s.  Open to all.
Agenda: Open Discussion of Issues of Interest

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 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, MARCH 20, 4:00 pm — OPELIKA PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION
Held at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika Public Works bldg. Open to all. www.opelika.org
A. PLATS (preliminary and prel. & final) - PUBLIC HEARING
1.The Estates S/D, resub of Lots 60 & 61, 2 lots, Academy Drive, Jason Clark, P/F approval
2.Chewacla Baptist Church S/D, 1 lot, Chewacla Road, Chewacla Baptist Church, P/F approval
3.Hallway S/D, 6th Add, Phase 2, 17 lots, Hall Avenue, Stacy Marable, Preliminary approval
4.Waverly Park S/D, Parcel D, 42 lots, off Waverly Place, Rusty Deen, Preliminary Approval
5.Hayward Jackson S/D, 1 lot, Lee Road 175, Barrett Tyne, P/F approval
6.The Villas at Fox Run S/D, 3 lots, Fox Run Pkwy, Fox Run Seven LLC, P/F Approval
B. FINAL PLAT APPROVAL
7.National Village S/D, 26 Lots, Robert Trent Jones Pkwy, RSA of Alabama, Final Approval
C. CONDITIONAL USE
8.Fox Run Seven LLC, Fox Run Pkwy, C-2, GC-2, 324-unit Condominium Development
9.Five Plus LLC, 26th Street, C-3, GC-2, Office Warehouse
D. VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY
10.Vacate portion of Blanton Avenue, Petitioners Vance and Sprayberry
E. REZONING - Public Hearing
11.Mayberry LLC, 2100 block Westpoint Pkwy, 37 acres, from R-1 to PUD (TABLED at the (02-26-08 meeting)
F. OTHER BUSINESS
12.Discuss items concerning landscaping, stream buffers, and clear-cutting

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

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WEEK OF MARCH 10, 2008

REMINDER – TODAY, FRIDAY, MARCH 7 / LAST DAY TO COMMENT ON AU’S DRAFT STRATEGIC PLAN – All are encouraged to participate
AU DRAFT STRATEGIC PLAN:  http://www.auburn.edu/administration/strategic_planning/020108draft.pdf
COMMENT FORM/AU DRAFT STRATEGIC PLAN: https://fp.auburn.edu/spc/DirectionSurvey.aspx
The AU campus strategic plan is the document that guides the University’s policies for the next decade. Auburn is in the process of developing a new strategic plan. The full Strategic Plan draft with an outline of of 62 potential areas of focus is now available online. All members of theAuburn community are encouraged to provide public comment online through today, Friday, March 7th, regarding which areas they think should be included in the final draft.
Note: The AU Sustainability Initiative notes that three of the strategic plan items are directly related to sustainability on campus: #8 - a student wellness and sustainability center, #36 - green building or LEED guidelines for all campus buildings, and #55 - to establish specific measurable sustainability goals for all of campus.

MONDAY, MARCH 10 – TURKISH COOKING CLASS
Held in AU’s Spidle Hall, room 238.  Free & open to the public. Space is limited: reservations via uysalha@auburn.edu.
The AU Diversity and Tolerance Organization will have its first cooking class this semester on Monday in 238 Spidle Hall, the Nutrition and Food Sciences foods laboratory. Please join them to learn and taste the delicious samples from Turkish cuisine of baklava, potato balls and humus. More information about AU’s Diversity and Tolerance Organization is available at www.auburn.edu/dto.

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 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:
CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATION
OLD BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA [items on the consent agenda do not require public hearings, and may be voted on as a group]
1. Carroll Annexation PL-2008-00107
Applicant: Graham and Misty Carroll
General Location: East of Society Hill Road and south of Moores Mill Road (Parcel 13-B, Dogwood Springs)
Zoning District: Outside of the City limits
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for annexation of approximately 3.215 acres
2. Neighbors Annexation PL-2008-00108
Applicant: Phillip and Lynsey Neighbors
General Location: East of Society Hill Road and south of Moores Mill Road (Parcel 13-A, Dogwood Springs)
Zoning District: Outside of the City limits
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for annexation of approximately 3.047 acres
3. East Lake Subdivision, Phase 2 PL-2008-00104
Applicant: PASS, L.L.C.
General Location: Moores Mill Road, east of Ogletree Road
Zoning District: Limited Development District (LDD)
Action Requested: Final plat approval for a 73 lot conventional residential subdivision
NEW BUSINESS
4. Sign Ordinance Amendments PUBLIC HEARING MS-2008-00005
Applicant: City of Auburn
General Location: City of Auburn
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council to amend Articles VI and VII of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance
5. Subdivision Regulations Amendments PUBLIC HEARING MS-2008-00006
Applicant: City of Auburn
General Location: City of Auburn
Action Requested: To review and adopt amendments to Articles III, IV, and VII of the City of Auburn Subdivision Regulations
6. Annalue Village PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00061
Applicant: Hydro Engineering Solutions, L.L.C. for Doug Cannon
General Location: 1007 Annalue Drive
Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: Waiver to Article IV, Design Standard, Cul-de-sac streets (Maximum Length) of 190 feet from the maximum 700′ on a cul-de-sac to allow an 890′ length
7. Annalue Village PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00062
Applicant: Hydro Engineering Solutions, L.L.C. for Doug Cannon
General Location: 1007 Annalue Drive
Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: Waiver to Article IV, Design Standard, Horizontal Curves (Tangent Length) of 3.66′ from the required 100′ tangent distance between horizontal curves
8. Annalue Village PL-2008-00060
Applicant: Hydro Engineering Solutions, L.L.C. for Doug Cannon
General Location: 1007 Annalue Drive
Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: Final plat approval for a 37-lot performance residential subdivision
9. The Highlands PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00034
Applicant: Pat Grider
General Location: 1400 Opelika Road
Zoning District: Commercial Conservation (CC)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for a commercial and entertainment use (private club)
10. 17-16 PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00100
Applicant: 150 Magnolia Investments, L.L.C.
General Location: 150 East Magnolia Avenue
Zoning District: Urban Core (UC) / College Edge Overlay District (CEOD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for a commercial and entertainment use (lounge)
11. Initial Outfitters PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00101
Applicant: Jim Storbeck for James Terry Jenkins
General Location: 209 Alabama Street
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a manufacturing use
12. Cutting Edge PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00109
Applicant: Donald Allen Development
General Location: 350 Industry Drive
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a lawn maintenance company
13. North Park PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00110
Applicant: Donald Allen Development for BMW Properties, L.L.C.
General Location: 712 West Magnolia Avenue
Zoning District: University Service (US)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a parking facility
14. AEC Substation PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00112
Applicant: Industrial Development Board of the City of Auburn
General Location: 2732 Beehive Road
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a public service use (public utility station)
15. Project Albert PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00113
Applicant: Industrial Development Board of the City of Auburn
General Location: 2410 West Tech Lane
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for an industrial use
16. Project Hunter PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00114
Applicant: Industrial Development Board of the City of Auburn
General Location: 2458 West Tech Lane
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for an industrial use
17. Mitcham Office PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00028
Applicant: M&S Holdings, L.L.C.
General Location: 113 Mitcham Avenue
Zoning District: Redevelopment District (RDD)
Action Requested: Waiver of 7.4-feet to the 10-foot buffer requirement
18. Mimms Trail, Phase III (formerly The Summit) PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00059
Applicant: Cleveland Brothers, Inc.
General Location: Southeast corner of Shell Toomer Parkway and Mill Creek Road
Zoning District: Planned Development District (PDD) with Limited Development District (LDD)
underlying
Action Requested: Waiver to Article IV, Design Standard, Street and Sidewalk Design to allow a local street width of 26′ instead of the required 28′
19. Ware Subdivision PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00097
Applicant: Cleveland Brothers, Inc.
General Location: South of Moores Mill Road and adjacent to Grove Hill Subdivision
Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: Waiver to Article IV, Design Standard, Horizontal Curves (Minimum Radius) of 125′ from the required 200′ minimum radius on a horizontal curve to allow 75′ radius
OTHER BUSINESS
20. Copper Beech Residential Development PL-2008-00103
Applicant: Hydro Engineering, L.L.C.
General Location: Shelton Mill Road at East University Drive
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD) / Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: No action required – Master Development Plan submittal
CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION
STAFF COMMUNICATION
ADJOURNMENT

MONDAY, MARCH 10, noon – 1:30 pm — BROWN BAG SERIES PANEL DISCUSSION / WOMEN OF COLOR IN ACADEMIA
Held in AU’s Foy Union, room 217.  Open to all; bring your lunch.
As part of the Women’s  History Month Celebration at AU, The Multicultural Center a division of the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, will sponsor this panel. A distinguished panel of AU faculty will discuss topics related to challenges in the academy, employment and family life among faculty and staff women of color, strategies and action plans for career development, and the role of mentoring  the next generation of young women reaching for a career in academia.  Panelists include Dr. Kimberly King-Jupiter, Associate Professor and Director for University Outreach, Dr. Constance Hendricks, Professor in the School of Nursing, Dr. Chippewa Thomas, Assistant Professor in the College of Education, and Dr. Prathima Agrawal, Professor and Director in Electrical and Computer Engineering.  Dr. Paulette Dilworth, Assistant  Vice President  for Access and Community Initiatives will serve  as moderator.  Bring your lunch and enjoy a scholarly forum of presentations that offers a chance to engage in discussion and exchange.  The monthly Brown Bag Series is vibrant and vital, and an important contribution to the discourse on community and diversity at Auburn University.

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 3:00 pm – CHASING FREEDOM: RAILROADS, TRAIN TRAVEL, AND THE REMAKING OF AFRICAN AMERICAN RELIGION, 1860-1920
Held at AU’s RBD library, Special Collections/Archives. Free & open to all. Reception & book selling/signing follows talk.
Speaker: John Giggie, asst professor, Dept of History, University of Alabama.
Focusing on the first generations of freedom in the American South, Giggie will explore how freed people appropriated the sights, sounds and smells of rail travel to create new expressions of spiritual and political deliverance. Black Southerners came to speak openly of journeying to the Promised Land on a train and transformed a segregated vehicle symbolizing racial hierarchy to one of racial liberation. Professor Giggie is also the author of the recently published After Redemption:Jim Crow and the Transformation of African American Religion in the Delta, 1875-1915 (Oxford University Press, 2007). Sponsored by the AU Dept of History, AU Libraries, the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and
Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts, and the AU Bookstore. More info: 844-4946.

MONDAY, MARCH 10  – 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. Bio-diesel feasibility – Neal Hall
7. CONSENT AGENDA:
a. Minutes of Commission Meeting February 25, 2008
b. Ratify and Approve Claims
c. Bid #12 Rebuild Building & Platform at Mott’s Compactor Site-Jack Marshall
8. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Lee Road 697/Brentwood Mobile Home Subdivision - Charles Roberts & David Cruise
9. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Comprehensive Land Use Plan RFP – Wendy Swann
10. Discussion Items
11. Adjourn

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 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:
OLD BUSINESS
1. Discussion of Allbrook Account
2. Task Order No 10 – CH2MHill – Lake Ogletree Dam Stability Evaluation / Eric Carson
NEW BUSINESS
1.  Financial Report – Jan. 2008 / Andrea Jackson
2.  James Estes Water Treatment Plant Presentation / Andy Moore, CH2MHill
3.  Drought Mgmt Plan Surcharge Development – PRMG Proposal / Laura Koon
STAFF REPORTS
1.  Activity Report (verbal report)  / Eric Carson
2.  Water Supply Update / Laura Koon
ADDITIONAL INFO
1.  Rainfall Data  / Eric Carson
2.  Project Status report / Eric Carson

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 9:00 am – OPELIKA ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Held at the Opelika Public Works Facility, 700 Fox Trail. Open to all.
Agenda: VARIANCES
1. Fletcher Baldwin, 1003 Staley Avenue, front yard setback variance
2. Thomas Randall, 313 North 23rd Street, Interpretation of Art and Tattoo Gallery in the Village Commercial (VC) zoning district

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 11:30 am – AUBURN GREENSPACE ADVISORY BOARD
Held in the city of Auburn meeting room. Open to all.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 4:00 pm – NEW PERSPECTIVES SPEAKER: KELLY A WACKER / THE LONG WALK HOME: TE-LAH-NAY’S JOURNEY AND TOM HENDRIX’S WALL
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.  Free & open to all.  www.julecollinssmithmuseum.com/
Kelly A. Wacker will present “The Long Walk Home: Te-lah-nay’s Journey and Tom Hendrix’s Wall.” She will focus on a memorial wall in northwest Alabama constructed to honor the artist’s ancestor Te-lah-nay, a Yuchi Indian who returned to Alabama after her forced exile to Oklahoma in the early 1800s. Wacker will examine the project both in the context of the contemporary Land Art movement and as an abstract form that constructs a narrative. Wacker, an assistant professor of art history at the University of Montevallo, is a specialist in Land and Environmental Art. She has published essays on wide-ranging topics within the area of modern and contemporary art and holds degrees from the University of Louisville, Bowling Green State University and Colorado State University. Her book, Baroque Tendencies in Contemporary Art , is forthcoming. New Perspectives is sponsored by the AU 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. Co-sponsored by AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, the AU Art Department and the AU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. More info: 844-4946.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 4:00 pm – AUBURN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Held in the Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 6:00 pm – AUBURN BOARD OF EDUCATION  www.auburnschools.org
Held in the Auburn High School multi-media room, 405 S. Dean Rd. Open to all.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 6:00 pm – SKATE PARK / BMX BIKE PARK
Held in the Auburn City meeting room, 144 Tichenor Ave. All are welcome.
Agenda: Discuss the building of a skate park/BMX bike park in Auburn. More info: Tom Spicer 821-1645.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 & THURSDAY, MARCH 13 — STRATEGIES FOR RETAIL DEVELOPMENT
Held at The Marriott Legends at Capitol Hill, Prattville.
Register online at http://www.auburn.edu/ecdi/retail08.htm or contact Amelia Hall Stehouwer at hallame@auburn.edu.
The AU Economic & Community Development Institute is offering its second retail development course for economic developers, Chamber of Commerce officials, state and local elected officials and community leaders, utility company representatives, and community and regional planners. During this two-day course, they will assemble leading retail, economic and community development experts to present ideas and success strategies for retail development.  In addition, community and economic developers from across Alabama will share best practices based upon proven success in community-based retail development.  Course participants will be encouraged to ask questions and engage in constructive dialogue about the challenges, possibilities and potential of retail development as an essential economic development strategy.

THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 11:00 to 12:15 – ALTERNATIVE LIQUID FUELS FROM BIORESOURCES
Held in Foy Union, room 217, AU. Free & open to the public.
Speaker: Chris Zygarlicke, Deputy Associate Director for Research, Energy & Environmental Research Center, University of North Dakota.
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, MARCH 13, 3:00 – 5:00 pm — SINGING & POETRY EVENT
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free & open to all.
AU’s Italian Dept and the Music Dept, in the College of Liberal Arts, along with the AU Club Italiano, will sponsor a night of aria singing (a solo vocal piece with accompaniment, as in an opera) and poetry reading. More info: Giovanna Summerfield AU Dept of Foreign Languages and Literatures, phone (334) 844-6359.

THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 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, MARCH 13, 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, noon, March 10, PC packet meeting)

FRIDAY, MARCH 14 to SUNDAY, MARCH 16 — ALABAMA RIVERS ALLIANCE Watershed Leadership Conference
Held at Camp Beckwith, on Weeks Bay, Fairhope.
The Alabama Rivers Alliance annual Watershed Leadership Conference.  For conference details visit http://www.alabamarivers.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 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, MARCH 14, 7:00 pm — EAST ALABAMA CYCLING CLUB/EACC
The March meeting will feature Mike Munk of America by Bicycle, a long-distance touring company. Two members of EACC have done the tour and both highly recommend it. Mike will talk about the different routes, the challenges, and the benefits of the program. All EACC meetings are held at 7 pm on the second Thursday of the month at the Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, in Opelika, diagonally across from the East Alabama Medical Center. For more information about EACC, please visit their website at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/groups/EACycling.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 9:00 – 5:00 –  1st ANNUAL ALABAMA GREEN RESOURCE CENTER CLOVER CRAWL & OPEN HOUSE
Held all around downtown Homewood. (The Alabama Green Resource Center is at 2564 18th St South, South Homewood; next to Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market.) For info: www.greenalabama.org or 205-257-2401. Flyer: http://www.greenalabama.org/index_files/clovercrawl.htm

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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

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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Email:  placeforum@gmail.com

Web:   http://placeforum.org/blog/

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WEEK OF MARCH 3 — MEETINGS, EVENTS & UPDATES

ACTION ALERT:

THROUGH MARCH 19 – ADEM COMMENT PERIOD / NEW WATER POLLUTION RULES — REDUCING CANCER RISK

ADEM is considering new rules on 57 cancer-causing substances that would lower Alabamians’ risks of getting cancer.

Current ADEM rule – allows businesses and other polluters to put known carcinogens into waterways at levels that would be expected to result in one case of cancer per 100,000 people. Current rule in most other states – allows these substances only at levels that would be expected to cause one case of cancer in 1 million people. Proposed ADEM rule – risk level of expected one cancer case in 1 million people.

ACTIONS:

(1) Send comments to ADEM supporting the proposed rules. Comments accepted through March 19, via hearing.officer@adem.state.al.us or ADEM Hearing Officer, Outreach Branch, Permits and Services Division, Alabama Dept of Environmental Management, PO BOX 301463, Mont. 36130-1463.

(2) Attend ADEM’s March 19 public hearing on this issue.

CITY OF AUBURN 2008 CITIZEN PUBLIC SAFETY ACADEMY – BEGINS THURSDAY, MARCH 6
The City of Auburn’s 2008 Citizen Public Safety Academy, open to Auburn residents ages 18 and older, will run for 10 consecutive weeks on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Graduation will be held on Thursday, May 8. During the training period, participants will learn about the different areas of public safety, including Police, Fire, Communications, and Codes Enforcement services. Citizens interested in participating in the academy are encouraged to apply early due to limited seating. The program is free for participants. For more information on the Citizen Public Safety Academy, including application procedures, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 501-3110. Applications are available on the City’s website at www.auburnalabama.org. 2008 Citizen Public Safety Academy Application

MONDAY, MARCH 3, 4:00 pm – AUBURN CEMETERIES ADVISORY BOARD
Held at the Dean Road Rec Center. Open to all.

MONDAY, MARCH 3, 7:00 pm – ISO FILM: Black
Held in AU’s Dudley auditorium (Dudley basement, B-6). Free & open to all
The International Student Organization will screen the Indian movie titled “Black” (Hindi movie with English subtitles), which has won numerous awards. The film is based on the story of Helen Keller and is a poignant tale of a deaf Anglo-Indian girl Michelle McNally and her instructor Debraj Sahay.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 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, MARCH 4, 11:00 – 12:15 — AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM APPROACH TO MASS ALGACULTURE FOR BIODIESEL FEEDSTOCKS
Held in Foy Union, room 217, AU. Free & open to the public.
Speaker: Ron Putt, Assistant Research Professor, AU Chemical Engineering
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, MARCH 4, 12:30 pm – SUSAN NEILL – CURATOR, ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER: GONE WITH THE GIRDLE: FREEDOM, RESTRAINT, AND POWER IN WOMEN’S DRESS
Held in AU’s Foy Union, room 213. Free & open to all.
As part of Women’s History Month at Auburn University, Susan Neill from the Atlanta History Center will present this illustrated lecture Neill is vice president of collections and public programs and curator of textiles and social history at the Atlanta History Center. Neill’s talk grew out of a highly acclaimed exhibition of the same name at the Atlanta History Center in 2003, depicting the lifestyle and costume changes of Atlanta women. The exhibition examined the silhouettes and experiences of Atlanta women from the city’s early days to the present. While the setting was Atlanta, the clothing followed the timeline of many American urban women, reflecting their dreams, challenges and successes from the confining corsets of the 19th century to today’s urban chic. In her illustrated talk, Neill will expand on the idea that fashion both reflects and defines the moment in which it was created and sheds light on the generations of working women and mothers, teachers and volunteers, role models and less traditional women who together make up the body of Southern women’s history.
Sponsored by the AU Women’s Studies Program. For more information about the Women’s Studies program, go to http://www.auburn.edu/academic/other/womens_studies/index.html.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 3:00 pm –DR. JEFF FREDERICK / STAND UP FOR ALABAMA: GOVERNOR GEORGE WALLACE
Held in AU’s RBD Library, Special Collections and Archives. Free & open to the public. Reception to follow talk.
Dr. Jeff Frederick, Auburn alumnus and assistant professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, will discuss his new book “Stand Up for Alabama: Governor George Wallace.” George Wallace governed for nearly a quarter-century at a time when change was sweeping across the South. While previous historians have focused on Wallace’s resistance to civil rights or his presidential campaigns, Frederick offer the most comprehensive assessment of Wallace’s effect on the state of Alabama. Frederick earned a Ph.D. in history from Auburn University and specializes in the relationship between politics and society. He has published on a variety of topics including interest groups, female support for conservative politicians, NASCAR, southern governors during the civil rights era, and party politics in the South. Sponsored by AU History Department, AU Libraries, the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts, and the AU Bookstore. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. More info: Caroline Marshall Draughon Center at 334-844-4946.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 4:00 pm – NEW PERSPECTIVES SPEAKER: JOHN S. SLEDGE / CELEBRATING MOBILE’S PAST IN WORD AND IMAGE
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free & open to all.
More info: www.jcsm.auburn.edu / http://media.cla.auburn.edu/cah/.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 5:15 pm – AUBURN PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
Held at the Dean Road Rec Center. Open to all.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 6:30 pm – AUBURN PRESERVATION LEAGUE
Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. Open to all. auburnpreservationleague.org
Agenda: recap of first year’s activities & progress, gather input from members for 2008 activities & projects.
The APL has changed its board meetings to the first Tuesday of each month. Also, a yearly summary newsletter will be published in March. More info: Bobby Dees bbd554@charter.net.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
6:30 pm – work session / 7:00 pm – regular meeting
Held at 204 S. 7th St, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda: www.opelika.org
Work session agenda includes:
(1) - a. Resolution, budget adj., Volkert contract, widening of Frederick Road, Gateway Dr. to western City limit [Doc D]
(2) - a. Resolution/contract with Alabama Power, facilities attachment on Gateway
b. Resolution/contract with Alabama Power, facilities attachment on Frederick Road
(3) - a. Rezoning, West Point Pkwy/N. Uniroyal Rd, C3 and C3,GC2 changed to C2 and C2,GC2. REQUEST FOR ADVERTISING A PH
(4) - a. Resolution/contract with Ingenuity for a telecommunication assessment.
b. General updates
(5) - Discuss/review CM agenda items of 3/04/08
Remarks by Mayor; General Business; Bids; Resolutions; Ordinances; Board Appointments
(6) - Discussion: New / Old Business
a. Board appointments – Kenneth Burton, LCYDB, replace Dr. Mark Neighbors at his request.
b. Other City business.
Regular session includes:
6) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7) REMARKS BY THE MAYOR
1. Recognize the Police Officer of the Year – Sgt. Michael Veasey.
2. Recognize the City bowling team.
CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS - (Limit comments to five minutes or less)
9) REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
10) COMMITTEE REPORTS
11) GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Request by Keep Opelika Beautiful for their annual Garden in the Park Festival.
2. Request by Harold’s Pooldogs for a retail beer on-premise and a game room license.
3. Public Hearing, amend zoning ordinance for 16.36 acres on West margin of South Uniroyal Road, from R2 to C2, GC2.
12) AWARDING OF BIDS - (By Resolution)
1. Three year contract with Berney for copy machine – OFD.
13) RESOLUTIONS
1. Set public hearing date to assess demolition cost at 505 McLure Avenue.
2. Set public hearing date to assess demolition cost at 615 Auburn Place.
3. Set public hearing date to assess demolition cost at 2902 Watson Street.
4. Set public hearing date to assess demolition cost at 1104 Alabama Avenue.
5. Set public hearing date to assess demolition cost at 1812 Hurst Street.
6. Designate surplus City personal property and authorize disposal.
7. Special appropriation to West Forest School – Reading Initiative.
14) ORDINANCES
1. Amend zoning ordinance, Lot 28/29 Plantation Place part three, to C2 – 2nd Reading.
2. Amend zoning ordinance, property along Frederick Rd., from GC2 to GC1 – 2nd Reading.
3. Amend zoning ordinance, lot 19/20 Hillcrest SD, from R5, GC2 to C2, GC1 -2nd Reading.
4. Amend zoning ordinance, 76 acres, Lot #1 Anderson Rd SD, from R1 to I1 – 2nd Reading.
5. Amend zoning ordinance, lots 13,14,16,17,18 Hillcrest SD, from R5, GC2 to C2, GC1-2nd Reading.
6. Annexation, 3.084 acres near Old Columbus Rd – 2nd Reading.
7. Amend zoning ordinance, 16.36 acres on West margin of S. Uniroyal Rd. – 1st Reading.
15) APPOINTMENTS. 16) ADJOURN

TUESDAY, MARCH 4 — AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
6:45 pm — Committee of the Whole / 7:00 pm – Regular meeting
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/agenda
Committee of the Whole agenda includes: INDIAN HILL ROAD UPDATE. City Manager Duggan.
Regular meeting agenda includes:
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Duggan.
a. Alcoholic Beverage Licenses. Momma Goldberg’s Deli, Inc. Retail Beer (On or Off Premises). License Type Change Only. Consideration.
(1) dba/Momma Goldberg’s Deli. 500 West Magnolia Avenue.
(2) dba/Momma Goldberg’s Deli Too. 217E Thach Avenue.
b. $7,748.54. Taxpayer Waiver. Health Information Designs and HDI Solutions. 391 Industry Drive.
c. Announcement of Board Vacancies. Appointments at the April 1, 2008 Meeting.
(1) Tree Commission. One Unexpired Term Ends November 7, 2009.
(2) Auburn Cemeteries Advisory Board. One 4-Year Term Expires April 14, 2012.
(3) Library Board. One 4-Year Term Expires April 14, 2012.
9. ORDINANCES.
a. Annexations. Planning Commission Recommendations. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
(1) Rayford W. and Brenda Keel. Property Located East of Alabama Highway North (Heath Road) and North of U. S. Highway 280. 3.01 Acres.
(2) Eric Jones. 3850 Cotton Valley Lane. Property Located South of Lee Road 137 on the West Side of Lee Road 008 (Cotton Valley
Lane). 3.77 Acres.
b. General Obligation Warrants. SunTrust Equipment Finance & Leasing Corporation. Ten-Year Fixed Interest Rate-3.63%. Richland Road Special Capital Improvement Project. Permanent Financing. Authorize Issuance.
(1) Principal Amount - $950,134. (2) Principal Amount - $777,382.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Student Government Association. 2007-2008 Representatives. Elizabeth Huffman and Clay Parker. Recognition of Service.
b. CNJ, Inc. Lot 2, Auburn Industrial Park. Tax Abatement. Excludes Education, Hospital, and Children’s Home Ad Valorem and Sales and Use Taxes.
c. Conditional Use Approvals. Planning Commission Recommendations. Public Hearings Required.
(1) Cleveland Real Estate Investments Partnership. Road Service Use in Comprehensive Development District (CDD). Fast Food Restaurant w/Drive Through. Wendy’s Bent Creek. 2607 Hilton Garden Drive.
(2) Vickie Andrews. Institutional Use in Redevelopment District (RDD). Group Day Care Home. 1248 Dunford Avenue.
d. Street Name. Rename Twin City Court (North of Intersection of East Glenn Avenue and Bent Creek Road) to Bent Creek Road.
e. Development Agreement and Contracts. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) The Towns at North Dean Road a.k.a.Charleston Square. Property Located at the Intersection of DeKalb Street and North Dean Road. Development Agreement.
(2) CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. Change Orders.
(a) $3,020. Tri-Star Contracting. Home of Bobby and Geraldine Penny. 316 Frazier Street.
(b) $1,658. Lynn Construction Company, LLC Home of Annie Craig. 550 Pitts Street -$600 and Home of Mary Harris.321 Canton Avenue.
(3) Not to Exceed $12,000. Barge, Waggoner, Sumner, and Cannon, Inc. Task Order 3 – Construction Administration Services. Timberwood Sanitary Sewer Extension.
f. Drainage and Utility Easements and Rights of Way. Vacation and Acceptance.
(1) Vacation.
(a) The Greens at Auburn c/o Elizabeth Gordon, Esq. Vacate Portion of County Road 19 Right of Way. Quit Claim Deed. Public Hearing Required.
(b) Dunlop Development, Inc. Ross Park, Phase Two. Property Located East of Ross Park, Phase One and South of Claire Downs Subdivision. Vacate Drainage and Utility Easements.
(2) Acceptance.
(a) Industrial Development Board of the City of Auburn. Auburn Technology Park West. Property Located off Beehive Road, West of Cox Road (Lee Road 10). Accept Drainage and Utility Easements and Rights-of-Way.
(b) Scott Land Company, Inc. and Auburn University. Scott Industrial Park Subdivision, Second Revision, Being a Resubdivision of Parcel 4-A. Property Located on East Glenn Avenue and Twin City Court. Accept Rights-of-Way.
(c) Elken Investments LLC. Property Located on Richland Road in Ellington Place Subdivision. Warranty Deed. Accept Right-of-Way.
(d) Daniel M. Dunlop, II. et al. Ross Park, First Revision, A Resubdivision of Lots 35-37, 62-65, Ross Park, Phase Two and Lots 38-47, 49-61, Ross Park, Phase Three. Property Located South of Claire Downs Subdivision, North of Ross Park, Phase One. Accept Drainage and Utility Easement.
11. OTHER BUSINESS. 12. ADJOURNMENT.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 7:00 pm – COMEDIAN DAN NAINAN
Held in AU’s Foy Union Ballroom. Free & open to all. www.danielnainan.com/
The Auburn Asian Association presents this free show by comedian Dan Nainan. He has performed with Jerry Seinfeld and Bob Saget, has been seen on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” A&E, Nickelodeon and in TV commercials, and will be performing soon for President George Bush. Nainan is a clean comedian and is known for doing character voices on radio stations across America, and is best known for his Bill Clinton impression. Auburn student Damon Mims will be the show’s opening act.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 11:00 am — ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE DAY / STATEHOUSE VISITS – PRESS CONFERENCE
Gather at the Alabama Statehouse, 11 S. Union St, Mont. All are encouraged to attend. (Signs and banners welcome, but they cannot be taken into the building.)
Citizens from across Alabama will gather at the Alabama Statehouse for a press conference calling on the Alabama Legislature to pass legislation regarding landfills and rock quarries, and calling for environmental justice in Alabama. Organizations attending include: Lowndes Citizens United for Action / Citizens for a Clean Southwest Alabama / Citizen Action Coalition of Southwest Alabama / Ashurst Bar Community / Citizens for a Clean Black Belt / Citizen Action Coalition of Atmore. Legislators will be invited to join their Constituents on the steps of the Statehouse. Following the press conference, citizens will visit their Legislators and sit in on committees. More info: Barbara Evans, Organizing Coordinator, WildLaw, barbara@wildlaw.org, www.wildlaw.org, ph: 334-324-7222.
NOTE: QUARRY BILL — Senate bill 131, proposed by Senators Butler and Orr, would prohibit the ADEM from issuing a permit for a rock quarry without the approval of the county commission of the county where the rock quarry will be located. Join others to lobby for passage of this bill.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 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
Agenda includes:
NEW BUSINESS
Variance to Section 436.01 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2008-00073
Applicant: Nolan T. Torbert
General Location: 576 Pride Avenue
Zoning District: Redevelopment District (RDD)
Action Requested: A variance of 70-feet from the required 100-feet between curb cuts and street corner property lines to allow a curb cut that is 30-feet from a street corner property line (the intersection of Pride Avenue and North Donahue Drive)
Variance to Section 509.02 (B) #58 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2008-00074
Applicant: Miguel Stark on behalf of Maria Stark
General Location: 110 Thomas Street
Zoning District: University Service (US)
Action Requested: A variance to Section 509.02 B #58 to the five (5) required parking spaces for a restaurant with the gross floor area of 733 square feet. The applicant is requesting to have no required parking at the location.
Variance to Section 436.01 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2008-00076
Applicant: Seth Stehouwer of E Marshall, Ltd. for Arjan Singh
General Location: 410 North Donahue Drive
Zoning District: Redevelopment District (RDD)
Action Requested: A variance of 70 feet from the required 100-feet between curb cuts and street corner property lines to allow a curb cut that is 30-feet from a street corner property line (the intersection of Porter Avenue and North Donahue Drive)
OTHER BUSINESS. CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION. ADJOURNMENT

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 7:00 pm – FILM: SAVING FACE
Held in AU’s B6 auditorium, Dudley Commons. Free & open to all.
Hosted by the Auburn Asian Association. In Saving Face, when a 48-year-old widow informs her less-than-understanding father she’s pregnant, he banishes her until she remarries. With nowhere else to go, she moves in with her grown daughter, who proceeds to set her mother with every eligible bachelor in town. The movie is rated R.

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 8:30 – 4:30 —- ALABAMA WATER WATCH Curriculum workshop / EXPLORING ALABAMA’S LIVING STREAMS
https://aww.auburn.edu/calendarofevents/LS08.aspx
Held at AU. More info: Jennifer at the AWW office, phone 334-844-9323 or 888-844-4785; by e-mail fullej3@auburn.edu.
You are invited to participate in an Alabama Water Watch Exploring Alabama’s Living Streams curriculum workshop for citizen volunteer monitors and Alabama science. The curriculum is a fun and interactive way to teach locally relevant aquatic and life science principles using a neighborhood stream or pond.
The Exploring Alabama’s Living Streams workshop is sponsored in part by the Lee County Soil & Water Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, through a grant from the Midsouth Resource Conservation and Development Council.

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 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, MARCH 6, 4:00 pm – ART LECTURE / SPEAKER: DR. SIDNEY KASFIR
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free admission & open to the public. www.jcsm.auburn.edu
Sidney Kasfir, professor of African art history at Emory University, will present the lecture Masks, Warriorhood and Colonial Rule: the Idoma Oglinye Masquerade. Kasfir’s lecture is presented in conjunction with the exhibition, “Behind the Mask: African Art from the Ellen Hobbs Collection and the Kennedy Museum of Art at Ohio University, Athens,” on display at the museum through May 10. She will address issues explored in her recent book African Art and the Colonial Encounter: Inventing a Global Commodity. Educated at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London and at Harvard University, Kasfir has published and lectured in the U.S. and internationally and is faculty curator of African art at Emory’s Carlos Museum Museum hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. The third Thursday of each month is free night with extended hours to 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 4:00 – 6:00 pm (Central Time) – ALDOT PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT MEETING
Held at the City of the Valley Community Center located at 130 Sportsplex Drive, Valley. Open to all.
The State of Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will hold a Public Involvement Meeting for Project Nos. BR0015(506), and BR0015(500), Bridge and Culvert Replacements on US-29 in Lee and Chambers. Project No. BR0015(506) is a proposal by ALDOT to replace a bridge culvert on US 29 over Unnamed Branch, 7.54 miles NE of I-85, near the Chambers County Line. This bridge culvert replacement will require additional right of way. Project No. BR0015(500) is a proposal by the State of Alabama Department of Transportation to replace the bridge over Osanippa Creek, South of the Valley. This bridge replacement will require additional right of way. During the construction phase of these jobs a detour will be required. Layouts for the proposed detour will be available for public review and comment. Preliminary layouts for the proposed projects will be on display. The purpose of the meeting is to permit individuals, public officials, agencies, and organizations to express their views on the proposed projects. Anyone attending the meeting will be given an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed project. The meeting will be informal and those wishing to attend may do so any time between the hours of 4:00 and 6:00 p.m., central time (5:00 to 7:00 p.m., eastern time). Representatives of the Alabama Department of Transportation and consultants from Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon will be present to discuss the project and answer questions

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 5:00 – 8:00 pm —- “MY TWO CENTS” FILM: THE COLOR PURPLE
Held in AU’s Foy Union, Room 208. Free & open to all.
This bi-monthly multicultural film viewing and dialogue sponsored by the Multicultural Center.

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 7:00 pm – Racial Identity Lecture & Discussion: WHO AM I?
Held in AU’s Foy Union, room 217. Open to all. Refreshments provided.
Suhyun Suh of Counselor Education will lead a lecture/discussion titled “Who Am I? Lecture/Discussion on Racial Identity,” which focuses on the issues faced by second-generation Americans who often have to choose between following their parents’ traditional values and those they are surrounded by.Presented by the Auburn Asian Association.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 11:30 am – AUBURN TREE COMMISSION
Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. Open to all.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1:00 – 5:00 pm – SOUTHERN FOREST FUTURES PROJECT WORKSHOP
Held in the conference room, AU School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences. Open to the public.
The U.S. Forest Service and the Southern Group of State Foresters are starting a new project called the “Southern Forest Futures Project” that will attempt to answer the question: What is going to happen to our southern forests in the foreseeable future? This workshop to gather public input will focus on obtaining ideas and concerns about issues and land use affecting the future of the South’s forests. This information will be used to develop a modeling tool that forest managers, policy makers, and science leaders can use to forecast and then analyze potential changes in southern forests. For more information, visit www.srs.fs.usda.gov/futures.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1:00 – 4:30 pm — ALEXANDER HAMILTON SYMPOSIUM
Held in AU’s RBD library, Special Collections & Archives. Free & open to the public. More info: 334-844-1732.
Exhibit on view March 7 – April 15. Talks by Kathryn Braund, Anthony Carey, Jennifer Newman, and Abigail Swingen of AU’s History Dept. Co-sponsored by AU Libraries, the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities, College of Liberal Arts, and funded in part by the Alabama Humanities Foundation, a state program of the Natl. Endowment for the Humanities.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 7:00 pm – TIGER STOMP
Held at AU’s Student Activities Center. Sponsored by AU’s Black Student Union.

SATURDAY, MAR. 8 – ALABAMA DEPT OF CONSERVATION & NATURAL RESOURCES
Held at Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge, 1155 Lodge Drive, Guntersville. Ph: 334-242-3486

SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 7:30 am – Noon — COMMUNITY-WIDE CREEK CLEAN-UP
Meet at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 445 Shelton Road, Auburn. All are invited to participate.
SOS (Save Our Saugahatchee) and CHEWUP (Friends of Chewacla Creek & the Uphapee Watershed) will join with the scheduled KOB (Keep Opelika Beautiful) cleanup by cleaning up their own creek locations. Particiants should bring gloves and sturdy shoes. Note: Covenant Presbyterian Church has generously offered to feed breakfast to participants prior to the clean-up. If you plan to attend for breakfast, please RSVP to seesowc@auburn.edu.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 7:30 – 9:00 pm – FREE CONCERT: AU COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA
Held at AU’sTelfair Peet Theatre. Free & open to the public.
The Auburn University/Community Orchestra will present a free concert with guest artist Alexander Russakovsky, who will perform Schumann’s lyrical Cello Concerto. Russakovsky, an international prize winner and solo artist, is currently on the faculty of the University of Southern Mississippi. Samuel Barber’s Second Essay and the Fifth Symphony of Glazunov will also be heard. The orchestra is conducted by AU Professor Howard Goldstein. More info: AU Dept. of Music at 334-844-4165.

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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

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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Thanks for your interest and support.

Email: placeforum@gmail.com

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

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