PLACE Forum

UPDATES – April 30, 2008

April 29th 2008 Posted in Auburn University, City of Auburn, City of Opelika, Lee County, Meetings & events

UPDATES – APRIL 30, 2008

ADDITIONAL EVENT:
APRIL 30 ‘WEAR JEANS TO WORK DAY’
This will be in honor of remembering victims in our area.
Wearing jeans is a response to a ruling by a judge who overturned a rape conviction saying that “the victim’s jeans were so tight that it would have required her cooperation to remove them.”

AUBURN ROAD CLOSINGS:
East Longleaf Drive to Close Wednesday, April 30
Portion of West Glenn Avenue to Close Wednesday, April 30
Portion of Harper Avenue to Close Wednesday, April 30
Portion of Bragg Avenue to Close May 1 & 2
Portion of Bragg Avenue to Close Monday, May 5
Portion of Donahue Drive to Close May 5 & 6

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

Gogue gives strategic planning update
Following an all-day strategic planning workshop with the AU Board of Trustees on Thursday, April 24, AU President Jay Gogue is providing an update to the campus community. His letter is available at www,auburn.edu/administration/strategic_planning/.

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

Thanks for your interest and support.

Email: placeforum@gmail.comWeb: http://placeforum.org/blog/

Comments Off

WEEK OF APRIL 28, 2008 — MEETINGS, EVENTS & UPDATES

April 27th 2008 Posted in Alabama, Auburn University, City of Auburn, City of Opelika, General, Lee County, Meetings & events

WEEK OF APRIL 28, 2008 — Meetings, events & updates

NEW YORK TIMES / SUNDAY MAGAZINE “GREEN ISSUE”
The New York Times Sunday Magazine produced its Green issue last week. It has over 75 short articles on ways to reduce one’s carbon footprint. http://www.nytimes.com/pages/magazine/index.html

MAY IS NATIONAL BIKE MONTH
2008 marks the 52nd consecutive year the League of American Bicyclists has declared May National Bike Month. For info about National Bike Month activities in Auburn, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/cycle/bikemonth.asp. The bicycle is a viable and environmentally sound form of transportation and an excellent form of recreation. The Auburn Bicycle Committee, local schools, the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, local police officers and the bike patrol, hospitals and companies and civic groups throughout the state will promote bicycling as a wholesome leisure activity during the month. Don’t miss out on your chance to participate in this great recreational activity and support bicycling awareness and safety throughout the entire month of May.

Volunteer opportunities available with Shiloh Community Restoration Foundation
The Shiloh Community Restoration Foundation Project Inc., in partnership with AU Access and Community Initiatives, has volunteer opportunities available at the Shiloh-Rosenwald School in Notasulga. To learn more about opportunities with the Shiloh Community Restoration Foundation and the Rosenwald School restoration project, call 844-2976 or visit www.shilohcommfound.com/.

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

BEFORE TUESDAY, APRIL 29 – CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE / ASK FOR SUPPORT FOR HB 308 — REFERENDUM ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
Please call the House switchboard, (334) 242-7600, give your name & your representatives’ name, leave the message “Vote Yes on HB 308.” Go to www.constitutionalreform.org for more info.

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm —– ROAD CLOSING / WEST GLENN AVE (DONAHUE DRIVE TO HEMLOCK DRIVE) http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2008/pw042408.asp
West Glenn Avenue from Donahue Drive to Hemlock Drive will be closed while Alabama Power Company crews relocate power poles and transmission lines.This work is associated with the AL Highway 14 realignment, which includes widening Donahue Drive from Glenn Avenue to Bragg Avenue and re-routing Martin Luther King Jr Drive to align with Bragg Avenue. Improvements will also be made at the intersection of Glenn Avenue and Donahue Drive to add protected left turn movements. More info: City of Auburn Public Works Department 501-3000.

MONDAY, APRIL 28 — LEE COUNTY COMMISSION
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:
            a. Mid-year Financial Overview – Roger Rendleman
7.         Consent Agenda:
            a. Minutes of Commission Meeting April 14, 2008
            b. Ratify and Approve Claims
8.         OLD BUSINESS:
            a. Bio-diesel Presentation & Update – Brian Lewis & David James
9.         New Business:
            a. Charter Cable Concerns – Thomas J. Mitchell
            b. Federal Aid Bridge Project Resolution – Neal Hall
            c. AT&T Lease – Roger Rendleman
10. Discussion Items
11. Adjourn

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 6:00 pm – CAMPUS CHILL OUT WEBCAST
Held in AU’s Dudley Hall, room B6 (Architecture Auditorium; basement)
The Auburn University Sustainability Initiative is hosting a web cast by the National Wildlife Federation, “Campus Chill Out”. The web cast is a presentation of the winning entries in a national video competition focused on global warming Check out www.campuschillout.org for details about the web cast.

TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm — EYES WIDE OPEN EXHIBIT
Held on AU’s Cater Lawn. All are invited to attend.
The Eyes Wide Open exhibit will have its first ever display on AU’s Cater Lawn on Tuesday, April 29. The exhibit consists of 67 pairs of combat boot representing the 67 soldiers from AL who have given their lives during the Iraq war, as well as 200 pairs of sneakers representing the Iraqi civilians killed. We invite you to reflect on the human cost of the war during the exhibit. The event is sponsored by the Student Action Network and the Alliance for Peace and Justice.
More info: contact mulvamj@auburn.edu .

TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 1:00 pm – RALLY AT STATE HOUSE IN SUPPORT OF HB308 / LET THE PEOPLE VOTE REFERENDUM FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
Held at the Alabama State House, Montgomery. All encouraged to attend.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 7:00 pm – AUUF ENVIRONMENTAL FILM / MANUFACTURED LANDSCAPES
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF), 450 E. Thach Ave. Free & open to all.
This documentary film follows the artist Edward Burtynsky through China where so many of our daily-use items come from. Using diplomatic channels, Burtynsky has gained rare access to newly established zones of Chinese industrialization. The movie shows us how the environment has been changed in the process. His photographs allow us glimpses of the massive social and economic transformations currently happening in China. Director Jennifer Baichwal introduces photographs focusing on China, and then presents Burtynsky in the process of creating them. His camera penetrates into entire villages dedicated to recycling of electronic waste, plastics, and metals, where sorting is done by hand. All his industries of choice are located in the vast manufacturing heart of China. His photography mediates between the life we lead and the place we create that allows us to live this life. The film won several awards. It was produced in 2007 and runs for 90 min.

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 3:00 – 6:00 pm — OPENING DAY / FARMERS’ MARKET AT AG HERITAGE PARK
Held at AU’s Ag Heritage Park. Open to all. http://www.ag.auburn.edu/themarket
The Market at Ag Heritage Park will kicked off its 2008 season Thursday, April 24, and from then on through mid-August will be a regular Thursday afternoon event. The Market features locally grown, fresh-from-the-farm produce along with locally made products. At the April 24 market, you likely will find strawberries, greens, onions and other spring produce as well as honey, goat cheese, stone-ground grains, baked goods and plants. Educational displays are welcome too, and any College of Ag departments and clubs interested in having a booth can contact Dani Carroll, 334-749-3353 or carrodl@auburn.edu, or Katie Jackson, 334-844-5887 or smithcl@auburn.edu, for information or to reserve a space.

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 6:00 pm – SUNDOWN CONCERT SERIES AT KIESEL PARK / MARTHA’S TROUBLE
Held at Kiesel Park, Auburn, weather permitting. Free & open to the public. More info: 501-2930.
The Sundown Concert Series at Kiesel Park will be held each Thursday night from 6 – 7:30 p.m. throughout the month of May. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and a picnic dinner. Dogs are welcome.
Performers who will be featured in the series:
May 1 – Martha’s Trouble; May 8 – Jamie Barber and Granville; May 15 – Noisy Deirdre; May 22 – Saugahatchee Ramblers; May 29 – CaterPillars of the Community

FRIDAY, MAY 2, 9:00 am – noon —- 2nd ANNUAL ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION ON IMMIGRATION AND THE EFFECTS ON ALABAMA
Held at the AU Hotel & Dixon Conference Center. Faculty, students, and the public are invited to attend.
The round table discussion will be moderated by Tim Lenox, host and anchor of For the Record on Alabama Public TV (APT). Also speaking will be Senator Scott Beason, Senator Ted Little, Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, a Baldwin County Commissioner, and experts from the Alabama Department of Public Safety, Alabama Department of Public Health, the Alabama State Department of Education, and Auburn University, along with other experts and stakeholders. The round table discussion will be followed by a related program on APT.
– AU’s Center for Governmental Services announced the formation of an Initiative on Immigration and provided the first round table discussion in December 2007. The governmental-oriented initiative is designed to focus attention to better understand the immigration challenges and dynamics in the state of Alabama, and the ways in which government and associated resources are affected. Hosted by AU’s Center for Governmental Services; more info: (334) 844-4781.

FRIDAY, MAY 2, 11:30 am – AUBURN TREE COMMISSION
Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. Open to all.

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

UPDATE: ALABAMA CITIZENS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM (ACCR) / STRENGTH IN NUMBERS CAMPAIGN — www.constitutionalreform.org
To take part in the campaign, please—
1. Donate at least $7 to help Alabama attain its 7th constitution. Making a contribution is easy – just visit ACCR’s secure online donation page on our web site (www.constitutionalreform.org) or mail a check payable to the ACCR Foundation to: P.O. Box 10746, Birmingham, AL 35202. All donations are tax-deductible.
2. Tell others about why reforming Alabama’s Constitution is important to you and encourage them to take a few seconds to join the Movement. There are so many reasons that people are involved including:
— To free us from the undemocratic and racist origins of the 1901 Constitution.
— To re-establish education as a fundamental right for all of our citizens and to ensure it’s adequate and fair funding.
— To improve local public transportation, economic development and governance.
— To allow, for the first time in our state’s history, women to participate in a constitution convention.
— And the list goes on and on.
Take a moment before the end of May to send a quick message or forward this one to all of your Alabama contacts asking them to join the Constitutional Reform Movement. All they need to do is to click the “Get Involved” button at the top of the ACCR home page.

CONSERVATION ALABAMA LEGISLATION HOT LIST ONLINE — Each week Conservation Alabama reviews priority legislation related to the environment and gives a brief synopsis for legislators. The Conservation Hot List is available to the public at www.conservationalabama.org.

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

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

Thanks for your interest and support.Email: placeforum@gmail.com

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

Comments Off

UPDATE / April 22 — correction, additions, etc

April 22nd 2008 Posted in Alabama, City of Auburn, Lee County, Meetings & events

DATE CORRECTION
The Auburn Bicycle Committee meeting will be held next Tuesday, April 29, 7:00 pm, not tonight, as was previously listed. Apologies for the error.

ADDITIONAL MEETING
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 6:30 pm — FRIENDS OF CHEWACLA CREEK & THE UPHAPEE WATERSHED (CHEWUP)
Held in the community room, Bruno’s, corner of E. University Drive & East Glenn Ave, Auburn. Open to all.
Program: Sergio Ruiz-Cordova, Alabama Water Watch, will speak about the AWW’s Global Water Watch Program in Mexico.

ADDITIONAL CITY OF AUBURN UPDATES — see details at www.auburnalabama.org/
Auburn Public Library Closed Thursday, April 24
Beehive Road Bridge Replacement Project to Begin Thursday, April 24
Railroad Avenue to Close Wednesday, April 23
May Sundown Concert Series at Kiesel Park
Hickory Dickory Park Closed for Work Day Saturday, May 3
Note: You can sign up for email notification of City of Auburn press releases at http://www.auburnalabama.org/e-notifier/.

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

re: proposed Kellyton quarry

How Can This Happen In America? by Barbara Evans

Note: Barbara Evans is a long-time activist living in Lowndes County, AL. The content of this piece is her opinion and does not reflect the opinion of any organization.

On April 17, the Kellyton, Alabama Volunteer Fire Department was full to capacity, and nearly everyone was wearing buttons that read, No Quarry. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management was out in force, about 10 strong, to conduct a public hearing on the air and water permits for a huge rock quarry proposed for a beautiful old forest right outside of town.

Kellyton is a small hamlet, right outside Alexander City. It s a town of hard working, God fearing people who believe in America. It’s full of folks who proudly display their patriotism; people who have generations of ties to the land, people who want to raise their children in a healthy atmosphere. The struggle to stop the quarry has brought an end to their innocence. It’s hard for Kellyton to understand why there is no protection for their community. Welcome to the real Alabama and the real America.

It probably won’t matter that every local and state public elected official has come out in opposition to the quarry. Officials say there’s nothing they can do because there are no laws to protect communities from such an industry. Thanks to the outdated Alabama Constitution, there s no local control. But Senator Tom Butler (D) and Rep. Barry Mask(R) have stepped up to the plate and introduced HB 809 and SB 131 which will, if passed, require approval of local host governments. Sadly, with the problems in the Alabama Senate, hopes are dimming for the passage of such legislation during this session.

The under funded and understaffed Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has given the people little hope. They say that their job is to see that the permit application is correct. Then their job is monitoring the air and water, but folks living by existing rock quarries report that enforcement is sporadic at best, and that there are never any serious repercussions for violating Alabama s weak regulations.

How can this happen in America? asked one Kellyton resident whose land borders the quarry site. The woman’s voice shook with emotion as she asked the question. She lives nearby the proposed site, and fears that the blasting and dust will likely pollute her well water. We moved here for the peace and quiet. How can you let them destroy our quality of life? she asked. There were no answers. Elderly residents whose land borders the quarry site showed faces lined and gray with worry. A local pediatrician voiced his fears for his patients, and said he may move his practice.

East Coosa Concerned Citizens organized to stop the quarry, and during the public hearing their power point presentation was moving and dramatic, showing the beautiful community they were fighting to save, and photos of existing rock quarries nearby. Their arguments against the permit were both technical and common-sense. Already they had been misinformed by the owner operator of the quarry. The promised 40 jobs had been cut to 15. The tax revenue was not as first proposed. An attorney from a propane company located directly adjacent to the property asked pointed, technical questions of ADEM and was clearly worried about the impact on that propane business.

The words were profound. But it was the pictures, plumes of dust from the blasting in existing quarries blocking out the sun; a huge hole in the ground, streams muddied with pollution and a ravaged landscape that really told the story of what a rock quarry means to a community. There was not one proponent of the quarry except the owner, who lives in Montgomery. After the meeting, he told some in the community that everything he does is for the glory of God. I heard someone tell him he should be ashamed.

All local and state officials representing the Kellyton area have publicly come out against the quarry. That includes the Kellyton City Council, the Coosa County Commission, Senator Jim Preuitt and Representative Barry Mask. But because the Alabama Department of Environmental Management does not have the mandate to reject the quarry application unless there are technical errors in the permit, hope seems lost. Still, ADEM has shown they don t have the funding or the staff to protect Alabamians from environmental hazards. There are few inspectors, and even when violations are caught, the violators get little more than a slap on the hand. It seems reasonable to demand from our Alabama State Government that ADEM immediately suspend all applications for landfills and rock quarries until they can promise to protect us from the water pollution, air pollution, radon, destroyed property values and health and quality of life concerns that these industries bring. If they cannot adequately police existing quarries and landfills, and their budget is not substantially increased, how can we expect protection for new projects? And where is our Attorney General?

We must weigh the health of a whole community against the profits of a few. We must decide what is really important in Alabama. Is it really worth the destruction of a whole community to mine gravel that is located in other areas? It is long past time for a little public outrage. All of Alabama should realize that our communities can and probably will face what little Kellyton is facing. Our leaders must realize going green does not mean a dollar. It means keeping Alabama the beautiful, it means making our environment healthy, and it means protecting our most valuable natural resource . . . people. True economic development means balancing the need for industry against its cost to our communities. In Alabama, that process is terribly flawed. Profits seem to win out over people every time.

What happens in Kellyton, Alabama will affect us all. East Coosa Concerned Citizens had a prayer meeting at the quarry site recently. They prayed for help; both from God and their fellow Alabamians. Only a massive public outcry and a miracle can stop this quarry. Let your voice be heard.

Barbara Evans

Note: Barbara Evans is a long-time activist living in Lowndes County, AL. The content of this piece is her opinion and does not reflect the opinion of any organization.

Barbara Evans,Organizing Coordinator, WildLaw (nonprofit environmental law firm)

barbara@wildlaw.org – www.wildlaw.org

8116 Old Federal Road, Suite C, Mont., AL 36117; ph:334-324-7222
===============================================

Thanks for your interest and support.

Email: placeforum@gmail.com

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

Comments Off

WEEK OF APRIL 21, 2008 – Meetings, events & updates

April 20th 2008 Posted in Alabama, Auburn University, City of Auburn, City of Opelika, General, Lee County, Meetings & events

WEEK OF APRIL 21, 2008

APRIL 18, 2008 COLUMN BY LISA BROUILLETTE:
Let’s keep downtown Auburn vibrant / Citizen perceptions drive city decisions

2008 AUBURN CITIZENS’ SURVEY AVAILABLE ONLINE – www.auburnalabama.org/survey
The 2008 Auburn citizens’ survey results are posted online, along with the survey summary presentation to city council. Note especially the open-ended answers to Question #28, “If you could change one thing about Auburn, what would you change?” — see p. 175 of the survey (p.186 of the survey PDF online).

AUBURN SIGN ORDINANCE PRESENTATION ONLINE – www.auburnalabama.org/agenda/
Major changes were made to the Auburn sign ordinance at the April 15 city council meeting. The exact changes are available in the April 15 city council packet. A copy of the summary presentation to council is also available online.

BIRMINGHAM NEWS EARTH DAY COMMENTARY BY PAT BYINGTON
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1208679405170710.xml&coll=2

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

Meetings & events:

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 8:30 am – ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD / SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
445 Herron Street , Mont. Ph: 334-242-2230
Agenda: Investigative Committee Meeting

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 6:00 pm – LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF EAST ALABAMA www.lwval.org/eastalabama/
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF), 450 E. Thach Ave.
Agenda: Annual Meeting. Reservations required for dinner, provided by Ursula’s Catering Service.

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 6:30 pm – FORUM / ETHNIC TENSIONS IN THE UNITED STATES: HOW CAN WE LIVE AND WORK TOGETHER?
Held in the fellowship hall, Auburn First Baptist Church. Open to the public; limited to 40 participants. Call the Draughon Center at (334) 844-4946 or e-mail mwilson@auburn.edu for more information and to reserve your place.
Participants will have the opportunity to evaluate three basic approaches to addressing the issue of ethnic tensions on the basis of the attractions, concerns, costs, consequences and trade-offs of each. The three approaches are to integrate and fight discrimination, to combat economic inequality to achieve fairness and to address the past. The forum in Auburn will be one of only 12 community forums conducted around the United States in preparation for the New Dartmouth Conference sessions between the United States and Russia later this year. Counterparts in Russia will conduct forums on the same subjects simultaneously with those in the United States, and the comparative results of these forums will form a framework for discussions at the New Dartmouth Conference. More info: http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/325.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm — ROAD CLOSING / RAILROAD AVE, AUBURN
Railroad Avenue will be closed on Tuesday, April 22 beginning at 9 a.m. while Alabama Power Company crews relocate power poles and transmission lines. Company officials have agreed to begin work after the morning rush in an effort to assist with traffic during the morning commute. The road is expected to re-open Tuesday afternoon by 5 p.m.
This work is associated with the AL Highway 14 realignment, which includes widening Donahue Drive from Glenn Avenue to Bragg Avenue and re-routing Martin Luther King Jr Drive to align with Bragg Avenue. Improvements will also be made at the intersection of Glenn Avenue and Donahue Drive to add protected left turn movements.
Updates: www.auburnalabama.org More info: City of Auburn Public Works Dept at 501-3000.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm — AU SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE EARTH DAY CELEBRATION / FOOD & MOVIES
Held in AU’s Foy Union (various locations). Free & open to all. Info: www.auburn.edu/sustainability/
Spend your lunch break this Tuesday, April 22, in Foy with a sustainable lunch and featured movies.
9 am – 4 pm: The AU Sustainability Initiative (AUSI) will be hosting an all day movie showing in the Foy entertainment center right above the War Eagle Food Court (the big screen TV). Films will include: “Who Killed the Electric Car”, “11th Hour” and “Kilowatt Ours”.
11 am – 2 pm: Earth Day celebration in the War Eagle Food Court, including a featured menu with sustainable foods at the Chef’s Table and a drawing for the book Food to Live By.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 3:00 pm — OPELIKA PLANNING COMMISSION
Held at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika Public Works bldg. Open to all. www.opelika.org
Agenda includes:
A. CONDITIONAL USE
1. Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2011 Columbus Parkway, C-3, GC-2, new church building
2. Fox Run Seven LLC, Fox Run Pkwy, C-2, GC-2, 324-unit Condominium Development (Tabled at March 25th PC meeting)
BB. VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY
3. Vacate portion of Blanton Avenue, Petitioners Vance and Sprayberry (Tabled at March 22nd PC meeting)
4. Vacate portion of Shannon Court – Jimmy Wright
C. REZONING – Public Hearing
5. Mark A. Boddie, 1701 Old Columbus Road, 1.6 acres, from M-1 to R-4M
D. OTHER BUSINESS
6. Amendments to Subdivision Regulations and Public Works Manual
7. Discuss rezoning properties to R-1A

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 3:30 – 5:00 pm – PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM LECTURE: JULIE CRUIKSHANK / MELTING GLACIERS AND EMERGING HISTORIES IN AMERICA’S FAR NORTHWEST
Held in AU’s Lowder Bldg, room 125A. Open to all.
Speaker: Julie Cruikshank, professor emerita in the Department of Anthropology, University of British Columbia.
Melting glaciers are now revealing material evidence that reinvigorates longstanding oral traditions about human history and environmental change, posing new questions for cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaborations. Co-sponsored by the AU Human Odyssey program, AU Sustainability Initiative, AU Women’s Studies program and WISE (Women in Science and Engineering). www.auburn.edu/academic/other/womens_studies

Auburn Bicycle Committee meeting will be held next Tuesday, April 29, 7:00 pm.
TUESDAY, APRIL 22 , 7:00 pm – AUBURN BIKE COMMITTEE www.auburnalabama.org/cycle/
Held in the conference room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 8:00 am – LEE-RUSSELL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (LRCOG)
Held in the Lee-Russell Council of Govts (LRCOG) conference room, 2207 Gateway Ave, Opelika.
Open to all. Ph: 334-749-5264 [note: This meeting is listed on the state ALOMA (open meetings act) website calendar of meetings, but not on the LRCOG website calendar. So if you plan to attend, check first to make sure it's being held.]

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 9:00 am – LECTURE: DR. GARY E. MACHLIS / THE ECOLOGY OF WAR
Held in AU’s Forestry Conference Hall, room 1101, Forestry & Wildlife Sciences Bldg. Free & open to all.
Dr. Machlis is Professor of Conservation in the Department of Forest Resources, University of Idaho, Visiting Senior Scientist for the U.S. National Park Service and the founding principal of the Human Ecosystems Study Group, a collaboration of faculty and graduate students conducting research on human ecosystems around the world.
Warfare (including production, training, operational movements, battle, and post-war reconstruction) is largely distinguished by immense and concentrated energy flows, severe disturbances, habitat destruction, death (including but not limited to homo sapiens), and disorganization of existing political, economic, social and moral systems. From training operations on Vieques, Puerto Rico to resource conflicts and the flow of “blood diamonds” to refugee movements in Darfur, the impact of warfare on human ecosystems is significant. The lecture introduces the field of warfare ecology, outlines the current state of knowledge, and presents the research and policy implications associated with the ecology of war.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 3:00 pm – WEAVER LECTURE: DR. GARY E. MACHLIS / THE STRUCTURE OF HUMAN ECOSYSTEMS: COUPLED SYSTEMS THINKING FOR RESEARCH & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Held in AU’s Forestry Conference Hall, room 1101, Forestry & Wildlife Sciences Bldg. Free & open to all.
Dr. Machlis is Professor of Conservation in the Department of Forest Resources, University of Idaho, Visiting Senior Scientist for the U.S. National Park Service and the founding principal of the Human Ecosystems Study Group, a collaboration of faculty and graduate students conducting research on human ecosystems around the world.
The evidence that biophysical and sociocultural systems are tightly coupled is compelling. From landscape-level issues of water management to the global crisis of climate change, the understanding of coupled systems has become a significant interdisciplinary challenge. Ecology, particularly human ecology, provides some hope of meeting this challenge. The human ecosystem concept is a powerful tool for guiding coupled systems research and resource management. In this lecture, the structure and dynamics of human ecosystems are described, using examples ranging from Las Vegas, Nevada to Bangkok, Thailand, from intensive forest management to wildland conservation of biological diversity, and from Goethe’s Faust to Elvis. Both research and resource management applications are presented, along with a call to action. Dr. Machlis’ lecture is part of the Weaver Lecture Series in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 5:00 pm – RECEPTION & BOOK-SIGNING PARTY / RHETA GRIMSLEY JOHNSON
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF), 450 E. Thach.
All are invited to attend. Refreshments provided. More info: Gail Langley 334-887-3484.
Celebrate AU’s own Rheta Grimsley Johnson. Copies of Rheta’s new book – Poor Man’s Provence — will be available ($25 including tax) and Rheta will sign every last one of them. The book is subtitled “Finding myself in Cajun Louisiana,” so they’ll be serving be red beans and rice, wine and other assorted muchies.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 5:30 – 7:30 pm — AUBURN CITYFEST ARTISTS PREVIEW & RECEPTION
Held at Ariccia Italian Trattoria & Bar, 241 S. College St, in the AU Hotel. Free & open to all.
This juried art preview exhibition and reception celebrates the artists of this year’s Auburn CityFest. In addition to Wednesday evening’s preview, all of the artworks will be in display in the Nunn Winston House at Kiesel Park during Auburn CityFest on Saturday, April 26, from 9 am -5 pm.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 9:00 am — AU BOARD OF TRUSTEES www.auburn.edu/administration/trustees/
Held in room 3315, Solon Dixon Executive Conference Room, AU School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Building, 602 Duncan Drive, ph: 334-844-4866
9:00 am — I. Strategic Planning Workshop for the Board of Trustees (Richard Messina)
12:00 noon - Lunch Provided

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 10:00 am – ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD
Held at 445 Herron Street, Mont. (ph: 334-242-2230)
Agenda: The Board will meet to approve minutes from the previous month’s meeting, to approve applications for licensure, and to conduct the general business of the Board.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 3:00 – 6:00 pm — OPENING DAY / FARMERS’ MARKET AT AG HERITAGE PARK
Held at AU’s Ag Heritage Park. Open to all. http://www.ag.auburn.edu/themarket
The Market at Ag Heritage Park will kick off its 2008 season Thursday, April 24, and from then on through mid-August will be a regular Thursday afternoon event. The Market features locally grown, fresh-from-the-farm produce along with locally made products. At the April 24 market, you likely will find strawberries, greens, onions and other spring produce as well as honey, goat cheese, stone-ground grains, baked goods and plants. Educational displays are welcome too, and any College of Ag departments and clubs interested in having a booth can contact Dani Carroll, 334-749-3353 or carrodl@auburn.edu, or Katie Jackson, 334-844-5887 or smithcl@auburn.edu, for information or to reserve a space.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 8:30 am — AU BOARD OF TRUSTEES www.auburn.edu/administration/trustees/
Held at the AU Hotel & Dixon Conference Center. Open to all.
I. Committee Meetings (Ballroom B, AUHDCC)
**Committee Meetings will begin at 8:30 a.m.– all other meetings are subject to change in starting time, depending upon the length of individual meetings.
A. Joint Committee Meeting/Agriculture and Property and Facilities/Chairpersons Rane and Blackwell/8:30 a.m.
1. Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Lower Coastal Plain Substation, Approval of Mission Realignment, Name Change and Land Lease (Joint Item) (Richard Guthrie)
2. Natural Resources Management & Development Institute, Forest Products Lab Building: Phase I, II, & III Renovations (NRMDI R&D Project I), Selection of Design Consultant (John Mouton)
3. Natural Resources Management and Development Institute, Forest Products Lab Building: Phase I, II & III Renovations (NRMDI R&D Project I), Facility Program, Budget, Funding Plan and Schematic Design (John Mouton)
4. Walker Pharmacy Building: Phase II, Part A, B, and C, Pharmaceutical Research & Development Center, Facility Program, Budget, Funding Plan and Schematic Design (John Mouton)
5. The Village Facility Program, Budget, Funding Plan and Schematic Design
6. Shelby Engineering Technology Center Phase II, Budget Increase and Funding Plan
7. Status Reports (John Mouton)
B. Finance Committee/Chairperson Lowder/9:30 a.m.
1. Proposed Tuition and Fees Changes, Auburn University and Auburn University at Montgomery
C. Academic Affairs Committee/Chairperson Miller/9:45 a.m.
1. Collegiate Learning Assessment (Drew Clark)
2. To Discontinue the Shared Programs, Bachelor of Arts in French and Bachelor of Arts in German, Auburn University and Auburn Montgomery (John Heilman and John Veres)
3. Merger of Two Departments in the College of Education, the Department of Counselor Education, Counseling Psychology and School Psychology and the Department of Rehabilitation and Special Education, and the Proposed Name for the Department Resulting from the Merger (John Heilman)
D. Executive Committee/Chairperson Newton/10:15 a.m.
1. Posthumous Awarding of the Bachelor of Science in Education Degree (John Veres)
2. Authorization to Administer Gifts to the University (Lee Armstrong)
3. Revision of Board of Trustees By-Laws (Lee Armstrong)
4. Selection of a Board Member to the Trustee Selection Committee (Paul Spina)
5. Proposed Awards and Namings (Sarah Newton)
II. REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – 10:30 A.M.
A. Proposed Executive Session (Meeting Room A)
III. RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – 11:00 A.M. (Ballroom B, AUHDCC)
(Agenda items are determined primarily based upon committee actions.)

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 6:30 pm – FILM: SICKO
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF), 450 E. Thach Ave.
Free & open to the public. Donations to Alabama Arise requested.
6:30 pm – Reception
7:00 – film, followed by discussion
The AUUF, in cooperation with Alabama Arise, presents Sicko, Michael Moore’s examination of the health care situation in the U.S. Following the movie, here will be a discussion moderated by Dr. Rene McEldowney, AU professor of Political Science.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – AUBURN CITYFEST
Held at Kiesel Park, Auburn. More info: www.auburncityfest.com, or call 334-501-2930.

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

UPDATE: ALABAMA CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM www.constitutionalreform.org

ON TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 1:00 pm – RALLY AT STATE HOUSE IN SUPPORT OF HB308 / LET THE PEOPLE VOTE REFERENDUM FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
Held at the Alabama State House, Montgomery. All encouraged to attend.

ALABAMA CITIZENS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM (ACCR) / STRENGTH IN NUMBERS CAMPAIGN — www.constitutionalreform.org
To take part in the campaign, please—
1. Donate at least $7 to help Alabama attain its 7th constitution. Making a contribution is easy – just visit ACCR’s secure online donation page on our web site (www.constitutionalreform.org) or mail a check payable to the ACCR Foundation to: P.O. Box 10746, Birmingham, AL 35202. All donations are tax-deductible.
2. Tell others about why reforming Alabama’s Constitution is important to you and encourage them to take a few seconds to join the Movement. There are so many reasons that people are involved including:
— To free us from the undemocratic and racist origins of the 1901 Constitution.
— To re-establish education as a fundamental right for all of our citizens and to ensure it’s adequate and fair funding.
— To improve local public transportation, economic development and governance.
— To allow, for the first time in our state’s history, women to participate in a constitution convention.
— And the list goes on and on.
Take a moment before the end of May to send a quick message or forward this one to all of your Alabama contacts asking them to join the Constitutional Reform Movement. All they need to do is to click the “Get Involved” button at the top of the ACCR home page.

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

URGE U.S. CONGRESS TO SUPPORT CLIMATE CHANGE BILLS – S309 AND HR1590
The Sanders-Boxer (S.309) and Waxman (H.R.1590) bills adddressing climate change are the only legislation being considered which would be effective in reducing greenhouse gases to the levels needed and would be socially just. Other bills would use the resulting Federal income to benefit corporations at the expense of low-income families. To tell your elected representatives what YOU think should be done:
Sen. Richard Shelby 202-224-5744, 110 Hart Senate Office Bldg, Washington DC 20510
Sen. Jeff Sessions 202-224-4124, 335 Russell Senate Office Bldg, Washington Dc 20510
Rep. Mike Rogers 745-6221, 202-225-3261, 324 Cannon House Office Bldg, Washington DC 20515

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

Thanks for your interest and support.

Email: placeforum@gmail.com

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

Comments Off

Let’s keep downtown Auburn vibrant / Citizen perceptions drive city decisions — APRIL 18, 2008 column by Lisa Brouillette:

April 19th 2008 Posted in Alabama, City of Auburn, Columns by Lisa Brouillette

APRIL 18, 2008 Column by Lisa Brouillette

Let’s keep downtown Auburn vibrant / Citizen perceptions drive city decisions

I spent an uplifting hour at a meeting this week at city hall. Yes, you read that right — an uplifting time at a meeting. But it wasn’t just any city meeting; it was a North Auburn Housing Development Corporation meeting.

That group’s efforts to provide low-to-moderate income housing in our community are commendable. One only wishes they had more funds with which to work, more people involved in their efforts, and could build more homes each year.

Also, while writing this column, I spent an afternoon in Taylor’s Bakery, one of Auburn’s great downtown businesses. From there I watched the large number of cars passing by on College Street, noted the crowds walking along the sidewalks. The daytime foot traffic of students and business people shifted to include early evening throngs of parents and young kids, perhaps headed out to dinner.

I thought about the challenges that confront our downtown, particularly the small local businesses. Downtown Auburn is still a lively, vital place. But as a city we’ll have to make an effort to keep it that way.

All around downtown I chatted with the local shoppers, college students, business owners and employees.

Not surprisingly, considering recent events (Lauren Burk’s death, Wednesday’s stabbing at the Edge apartments), personal safety was a hot topic. It seemed everyone had a tale to tell, and what I heard about burglaries and assaults – not to mention drugs and underage drinking –would startle you.

Admittedly my ‘opportunity sample’ was limited, but the clear consensus is that better lighting and more police patrols are needed in Auburn, especially downtown.

I’ve heard similar concerns about safety from others around Auburn, which is why I find the city’s citizen survey results on that topic so jarring. (www.auburnalabama.org/survey)

To quote the survey’s summary, “Eighty-five percent (85%) of those surveyed were satisfied with the overall quality of police protection.”

I checked another part of the survey results — the open-ended question “If you could change one thing about Auburn, what would it be?” Those responses are not included in the survey tabulations, are provided only as supplementary info.

Interestingly, the “what would you change” answers ran closer to my anecdotal sampling than to the survey’s fixed-response results.

Those open-ended responses also paint a different picture than the overall survey ratings of citizens’ attitudes toward growth in our area. They show that issues of traffic, lack of historic preservation, sprawl, and rampant development are of great concern to Auburn’s citizens.

Why care about this? These tabulations – the citizens’ perceptions — are used by city officials to justify their votes and budget decisions.

One last item about the city survey: keep in mind that the survey reports residents’ perceptions, which may or may not correlate with reality.

On another topic, did you see the April 13 Birmingham News article about Jefferson County political scandals? Certain companies with city and county contracts donated large sums to Birmingham Mayor Langford’s personally-controlled charities.

Among those vendors were Volkert & Associates, which has been an Auburn consultant, and Frazer Lanier, which has been Auburn’s bond counsel and promoted the recent tax improvement district concept.

I’m not suggesting that similar deals have been struck in Auburn, but these examples underscore the need for transparency in government.

# # #

[first published in the Opelika-Auburn News; April 18, 2008]

Comments Off

UPDATE – April 15, 2008

April 15th 2008 Posted in Alabama, Auburn University, General, Lee County, Meetings & events

ADDITIONAL UPDATES & ACTION ITEMS:

CANCELLED
LITTLETON-FRANKLIN LECTURE: RICHARD LEAKEY www.auburn.edu/littleton-franklin/leakey.html
This lecture, previously scheduled for today, was cancelled. (Although it is still listed on the Littleton-Franklin series web page, it is no longer listed on the AU main calendar.)

ADDITIONAL EVENT:
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 11:00 am – 2008 GRISHAM/TRENTHAM DESIGN SYMPOSIUM SPEAKER: LINDA LOUDERMILK / APPAREL DESIGNER & SUSTAINABILITY ACTIVIST
Held in AU Hotel auditorium. Free & open to the public.
This year’s distinguished lecturer, apparel designer and sustainability activist Linda Loudermilk, uses organic textiles made from sources including bamboo, seaweed and corn, to blend design in apparel and other consumer goods with eco-responsibility. She has been named one of the top 20 innovators in her field to watch. In addition to the lecture, competitive designs by Auburn students in apparel and interiors will be on display. The Grisham/Trentham Lecture Series was established in 1986 by Consumer Affairs Professor Gary Trentham, who is now retired. Its purpose is to give students exposure to internationally respected experts in the fields of design and fashion. In addition to Trentham, the lectureship also bears the name of sponsoring benefactors Betty Grisham of Huntsville and her late husband, Charles, an Auburn graduate.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEMS:
BY NOON TODAY, TUESDAY, APRIL 15 — A QUICK PHONE CALL FOR TAX FAIRNESS
Tax fairness is a quick phone call away. On Tax Day – today, April 15 – the Alabama House will debate House Bill 274. It lowers the tax on groceries and makes the state income tax more progressive. (For more information, go to www.alarise.org.) The Legislature will decide whether we continue to tax people deeper into poverty or if we take another step toward tax fairness in our state.
Before noon Tuesday, April 15, please call the House switchboard.
· Call (334) 242-7600
· Give your name
· Give your representative’s name (click here to find)
· Leave the message “Vote Yes on HB 274.”

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -

NOTE: You can email your representatives on all three of the bills below — HB628, SJR28 & HB395 — via the Conservation Alabama Action Network website: http://conservationalabama.e-actionmax.com/alertlist.asp. Also, additional info on these bills is available on the Conservation Alabama site.

ASK STATE REPRESENTATIVES TO VOTE NO ON HB 628
Ask your State Representative to vote NO on HB 628 to prohibit cities from charging permit fees on certain signs, which could negatively impact a city’s ability to enforce its sign ordinance.

ASK SENATORS TO VOTE YES ON SJR 28
Ask your state Senator to vote YES on SJR28 to establish a legislative committee to develop a statewide water plan.

BY THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 20 — URGE GOVERNOR RILEY TO SIGN HB395
Urge Governor Riley to sign into law HB395 to provide critical funding for recycling and solid waste programs in Alabama. Contact Gov Riley via the Conservation Alabama web site, or by phone 334-242-7100 or fax 334-353-0004.
==================================

Thanks for your interest and support.

Email: placeforum@gmail.com

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

Comments Off

UPDATE – April 14, 2008

April 14th 2008 Posted in Alabama, Auburn University, City of Auburn, General, Meetings & events

ADDITIONAL MEETING TONIGHT:
MONDAY, APRIL 14, 6:00 pm – AUBURN SKATEPARK GROUP
Held in the Auburn city meeting room, 122 Tichenor Ave (behind Cheeburger Cheeburger).
The Auburn Skatepark Group is a team of parents, youth, college students, and concerned citizens who are working to develop a skatepark in Auburn. If you are the parent, family member, or friend of a skater or skateboarder, then you know how important it is to have a safe (and legal!) place for skating. We need your help to show the need for a skatepark in Auburn.
NOTE: Also join us Tuesday, 4/15, at 7:00 p.m. as we make a presentation to the city council (council chambers, 141 N. Ross St, Auburn).
More info: contact Tom Spicer at spicertj@mindspring.com.

PORTION OF DONAHUE DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW, TUESDAY, APRIL 15
The portion of Donahue Drive between Bragg Avenue and Mission Drive will be closed Tuesday beginning at 9 a.m. while Alabama Power Company crews relocate power poles and transmission lines. Company officials have agreed to begin work after the morning rush in an effort to assist with traffic during the morning commute. The road is expected to re-open Wednesday afternoon by 5 p.m. More info: www.auburnalabama.org/news/2008/pw041408.asp.

ADDITIONAL THEATRE EVENTS:
THURSDAY, APRIL 17 – SATURDAY, APRIL 19 —- AUBURN AREA COMMUNITY THEATRE: THE CRAZY QUILT CLUB
“Who knew murder could be so funny…”
Held at the Jan Dempsey Center. Reservations recommended.
Performances: 7:30 pm on April 17, 18 & 19; 2:00 pm on April 20.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8.00 for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased at the door or reservation made by calling 741- 5333. Bring cash or check since the Jan Dempsey Center is not equipped to process credit cards.

TUESDAY, APRIL 15 – SATURDAY, APRIL 19 — AU THEATRE / LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORSs
Held at AU’s Mainstage Theatre. www.auburnuniversitytheatre.org/
Performances at 7:30 pm.
Audrey II, the infamous bloodthirsty plant, pays a visit to Auburn University theatre in the spring production of Little Shop of Horrors. The popular rock musical is based on the 1960 Roger Corman cult movie of the same name. The musical boasts music by Alan Menken, and lyrics and book by Howard Ashman, the duo who created other memorable characters including Ariel in The Little Mermaid and Belle in Beauty and the Beast. The story revolves around meek, nebbish florist Seymour Krebourn who makes a Faustian pact with a tiny plant from another planet in order to win Audrey, the girl he loves. Divas sing doo-wop, as carnivorous plants fail to devour a blooming romance in this delightful hit musical.

UPDATE:
SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 10:00 am – dark — EARTH FEST 2008
Held at AU’s Davis Arboretum. Free & open to the public.
Three stages, environmental speakers and educators, food, drink, people, birds, trees. Live music, including Fiddleworms, Hematovore, Brownkid, Funktion, Brothers Hester, Martha’s Trouble, The Pot Luck Drum Choir, and more!
Enjoy 11 native Alabama bands among 13 acres of native Alabama plants. There will be student groups and organizations with environmental interests sharing their information with the public between noon and 5pm between the long leaf pines.The Davis Arboretum has spearheaded this event for the last 5yrs. The Environmental Awareness Organization student group has supported the event for over 15 yrs. This year’s sponsors are Taylor’s Bakery and the Big Blue Bagel. The EAO will be selling food and drinks to raise funds for future events. Picnic food and drinks are welcome, but the campus alcohol policy will be enforced. Parking will be available at the Auburn Church of Christ on College Street. Carpooling, bicycling, and walking are strongly encouraged.

ADDITIONAL INFO:
AUBURN HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY – APRIL 19 http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2008/es041408.asp

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

SAVE OUR SAUGAHATCHEE (SOS) MEETING POSTPONED
The SOS meeting scheduled for this Thursday, April 17, has been postponed to May 22.

AUBURN CITY COUNCIL — ADDITIONAL ITEMS www.auburnalabama.org/agenda/
West Pace LLC tax improvement district: Additional documents pertaining to this item were handed out at the April 1 city council meeting, and were added to the council agenda webpage under Related Information.
Industrial Development Board (IDB) incentive package added to April 15 city council agenda. An economic development incentive package for Project Hunter will be added to the Other Business section of the April 15 city council agenda. The council packet online has been updated to reflect this new item (see last two pages of the council packet online).

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

Thanks for your interest and support.

Email: placeforum@gmail.com

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

Comments Off

WEEK OF APRIL 13, 2008 — meetings, events & updates

April 12th 2008 Posted in Alabama, Auburn University, City of Auburn, City of Opelika, General, Lee County, Meetings & events

WEEK OF APRIL 13:

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 4:00 -6:00 pm – QUILTERS OF EAST ALABAMA EXHIBIT & OPENING RECEPTION
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF), E. Thach Ave. Free & open to all. Refreshments provided. More info: www.auuf.net.
This year’s annual Quilt Show, “Quilters of Eastern Alabama”, sponsored by the AUUF since 1995, will be held April 13 through May 15. Come to the reception Sunday afternoon and meet quilters Mozell Benson (National Heritage Fellow 2001), Ruth Lockhart, Sylvia Benson, Mamie Saxton, Essie Torbert, and Gracie Scott.

ACTION ITEM
THROUGH NOON TAX DAY / TUESDAY, APRIL 15 – A QUICK PHONE CALL FOR TAX FAIRNESS
Tax fairness is a quick phone call away. On Tax Day – this Tuesday, April 15 – the Alabama House will debate House Bill 274. It lowers the tax on groceries and makes the state income tax more progressive. (For more information, go to www.alarise.org.) The Legislature will decide whether we continue to tax people deeper into poverty or if we take another step toward tax fairness in our state.
Before noon Tuesday, April 15, please call the House switchboard.
· Call (334) 242-7600
· Give your name
· Give your representative’s name (click here to find)
· Leave the message “Vote Yes on HB 274.”

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2:00 pm – AMANDA VAUGHN / BOOTSTRAPS AND GLASS CEILINGS: WHY ALABAMA’S POOR WOMEN CAN’T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF UNPRECEDENTED TECHNICAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Held at AU’s Foy Union, room 213. Open to all.
Speaker: Amanda Vaughn, community and poverty activist, who is an expert on Alabama poverty and a fierce advocate of Alabama’s poor families. www.auburn.edu/academic/other/womens_studies/

MONDAY, APRIL 14 – LEE COUNTY COMMISSION www.leeco.us
4:00 pm – work session / 6:00 pm – regular session
Held in the commission chambers, historic courthouse building, 215 S. Ninth St, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda includes:
6. Reports from Staff:
7. CONSENT AGENDA:
a. Minutes of Commission Meeting March 31, 2008
b. Ratify and Approve Claims
8. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Dirt Road Paving Conditions & Subdivisions – David Williams
b. Loachapoka Water Authority/Lee Road 10 – Commissioner Holt
c. Subdivision Regulations – Commissioner Lawrence
d. Board of Equalization Appointments – Oline Price
9. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Completion of Pavement on Lee Road 393 – Geri Young
b. Travel Approval to ACCMA Conference – Commissioner Lawrence
c. Proposed Utility ROW Agreement – Neal Hall
d. Beehive Road/Bridge Replacement Bids – Neal Hall
e. Hiring of Engineering Consultant for Sinkhole Repair Project – Neal Hall
f. General Obligation Warrants for JC Remodel Financing – Roger Rendleman
g. Bid #17 Justice Center Cooling Tower – Roger Rendleman
10. Discussion Items. 11. Executive Session. 12. Adjourn

TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 11:00 – 12:15 — ENERGY PRODUCTION AND PETROCHEMICAL FUELS IN THE FUTURE
Held in Foy Union, room 217, AU. Free & open to the public.
Speaker: Gerry McGlamery, MTO Process Development, Research & Development, ExxonMobil Chemical Company
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

CANCELLED — ~~TUESDAY,~~ ~~APRIL 15, 4:00 pm – LITTLETON-FRANKLIN LECTURE: RICHARD LEAKEY~~
http://www.auburn.edu/littleton-franklin/leakey.html
This lecture is still listed on the Littleton-Franklin webpage, however other sources show it as cancelled.

TUESDAY, APRIL 15 – AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
Committee of the Whole: 6:00 pm / Regular meeting: 7:00 pm
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St.. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/agenda/
Committee of the Whole agenda includes:
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS. Sign Ordinance Task Force and Planning Commission Recommendations.Planning Director Forrest Cotten.
ANNUAL CITIZEN SURVEY RESULTS. ETC Institute. Presentation and Discussion.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION. Nominations for Three Positions. Three Year Terms Begin April 21, 2008. Incumbents:Jan Dempsey (has served two full terms), Richard Meinert (has served one partial term), and Ken Thomas (has served 1 partial term and 1 full term).
Regular meeting agenda includes:
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Duggan. None.
9. ORDINANCES.
a. Zoning. Text Changes to Ordinance No. 1883. Article VI (Signs) and Article VII (Non-Conformities). Public Hearing Required. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Industrial Development Board. Concurrence.
(1) $186,590. Alabama Industrial Development Body, LLC and Capitol Plastic Products, LLC. 358 Enterprise Drive. Site Work Incentive.
(2) $140,000. PowerSouth Energy Cooperative. Sale of Land for Electrical Substation. Auburn Technology Park West.
b. Economic Development Department. Community Development Block Grant Program.
(1) FY07 CDBG Action Plan. Amendment. Eliminate Funding for His Place. $2,500.
(2) FY08 CDBG Action Plan. Adoption. $965,473.
c. Auburn Arts Association and Downtown Merchants Association. Close City Streets and Grant Permission for Sidewalk Sale. Friday, June 20, 2008.
d. Agreements and Contracts. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) Dell Computer. Twenty-two Public Access Computer Terminals for Auburn Public Library. $20,526.
(2) Pomeroy IT Solutions. Two Cisco 3560E Network Switches. Library Expansion Project. $18,230.40.
(3) Reynolds Inliner LLC. Cured In Place Pipe (2008). $96,840.
e. Bristol Development, LLC. The Bristol at Auburn. 221 Armstrong Street. Sewer and Utility Easements. Acceptance.
f. Indian Hill Road. Indian Hills Subdivision. Abdalla and Rashida Eljack-2641 Indian Hill Road and Timothy and Valorie Browning-2638 Indian Hill Road. Vacate Right of Way. Quit Claim Deeds. Public Hearing Required.
g. Historic Preservation Commission. Appointments for Three Positions. Three Year Terms End April 20, 2011.
11. OTHER BUSINESS. 12. ADJOURNMENT.
NOTE: Additional documents from last council meeting, re: the West Pace LLC tax district, are now online at www.auburnalabama.org/agenda/.

TUESDAY, APRIL 15 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
6:30 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 includes:
(1) - a. Resolution, annual reports for the East/West Wastewater Treatment Plants
(2) - a. Request for advertising a public hearing that will review the 5 Year Plan goals and progress along with an overview of the CDBG program
(3) - a. Grant agreement, Opelika School Board. b. General updates
(4) - Discuss/review CM agenda items of 4/15/08
a. Remarks by Mayor; b. General business; c. Bids; d. Resolutions; e. Ordinances; f. Board Appointments.
(5) - Discussion: New / Old Business
a. Board appointments (re-appoint Bill Brown to the Property Maint. Board of Appeals.)
b. Other City business.
Regular meeting agenda includes:
6) UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7) REMARKS BY THE MAYOR – Gary Fuller
1. Employee service awards.
2. Recognize the Police Officer of the month – Craig Vickers.
3. Building Inspection Report for March 2008.
CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS – (Limit comments to five minutes or less)
9) REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
10) COMMITTEE REPORTS
11) GENERAL BUSINESS – Bob Shuman
1. Request by the Bent Creek Homeowners Assoc. for their 5th annual street party.
2. Public hearing to fix amount of assessment on demolition at 505 McLure Avenue.
3. Public hearing to fix amount of assessment on demolition at 615 Auburn Place.
4. Public hearing to fix amount of assessment on demolition at 2902 Watson Street.
5. Public hearing to fix amount of assessment on demolition at 1104 Alabama Ave.
6. Public hearing to fix amount of assessment on demolition at 1812 Hurst Street.
12) AWARDING OF BIDS – (By Resolution) – Shirley Washington
1. Fire pumper truck for the Opelika Fire Dept.
13) RESOLUTIONS – Guy Gunter
1. Employment contract with John A. Seymour, City Administrator.
2. Fixing the assessment amount for the demolition at 505 McLure Avenue.
3. Fixing the assessment amount for the demolition at 615 Auburn Place.
4. Fixing the assessment amount for the demolition at 2902 Watson Place.
5. Fixing the assessment amount for the demolition at 1104 Alabama Avenue.
6. Fixing the assessment amount for the demolition at 1812 Hurst Street.
14) ORDINANCES – Guy Gunter
1. Amend City Code Sec. 9-31 Standard Fire Prevention Code and Sec. 9-32 Life Safety Code – 1st Reading.
15) APPOINTMENTS. 16) ADJOURN.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 3:00 pm – TIM DODGE / INFLUENCE OF GOSPEL MUSIC ON EARLY ROCK AND ROLL
Held in AU’s RBD library, Special Collections and Archives. Free & open to all. Reception to follow lecture.
Tim Dodge, reference librarian and history subject specialist at AU’s RBD Library, will speak on the influence of gospel music on early rock and roll. Using a combination of lecture and brief samples of recordings, Dodge will trace the multifaceted and sometimes surprising connections between the sacred and profane worlds of gospel music and early rock and roll. Dodge holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of New Hampshire and a master’s degree in library science from Columbia University. As “Dr. Hepcat,” he hosts the Golden Oldies show on WEGL FM 91.1 from 5-7 p.m. on Fridays. His lecture is part of the Discover Auburn series that is cosponsored by the Auburn University Libraries, the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts and the AU Bookstore. More info: 844-4946.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 6:00 pm – LEE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CLUB
Held at the Elks Club, 1944 Opelika Road.
6:00 pm — buffet dinner ($9.00; tax and tip included
6:50 pm — Program – Dr. Steve Taylor, Chair of AU’s Alternative Energy Initiative and Biosystems Engineering, “New Choices for Alternative Energy”
Steve Taylor, department head in Biosystems Engineering, serves as Director of the AU Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts. Taylor, a registered professional engineer who has been on the AU Biosystems Engineering faculty since 1989 and has been department head since 2003, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Florida in 1983 and 1985, respectively. He received his doctorate in Agricultural Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1988. He will discuss some of the options for reducing our dependence on fossil fuel and how Auburn’s programs are developing new bioenergy and bioproduct solutions.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 – YORK LECTURE
5:45 pm – Reception / Held in Ballroom B.
7:00 pm –DAVID LAMBERT: A WORLD FREE OF CHILD HUNGER – AN IMPERATIVE FOR ALL.
Held at AU’s Hotel and Dixon Conference Center. Free & open to the public.
David Lambert, a former diplomatic appointee to the United Nations World Food Program in Rome and a nationally recognized advocate to end hunger, will as part of the Auburn University College of Agriculture’s E.T. York Distinguished Lecturer Series.

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 7:30 – 11:00 am – AUBURN BOARD OF EDUCATION WORK SESSION
Held at the Board of Education Office, Samford Ave. Open to all.

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 4:00 pm — OPELIKA PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION
Held at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika Public Works bldg. Open to all. www.opelika.org
Agenda includes:
A. CONDITIONAL USE
1. Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2011 Columbus Parkway, C-3, GC-2, new church building
2. Fox Run Seven LLC, Fox Run Pkwy, C-2, GC-2, 324-unit Condominium Development (Tabled at March 25th PC meeting)
BB. VACATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY
3. Vacate portion of Blanton Avenue, Petitioners Vance and Sprayberry (Tabled at March 22nd PC meeting)
4. Vacate portion of Shannon Court – Jimmy Wright
C. REZONING – Public Hearing
5. Mark A. Boddie, 1701 Old Columbus Road, 1.6 acres, from M-1 to R-4M
D. OTHER BUSINESS
6. Amendments to Subdivision Regulations and Public Works Manual
7. Discuss rezoning properties to R-1A

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 5:00 – 8:00 pm – ARTIST TALK & SLIDE LECTURE: DR. SCOTT MEYER
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free & open to all. Wine-tasting & reception follow; cash bar. www.julecollinssmithmuseum.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 6:30 pm — ADEM PUBLIC HEARING / PROPOSED KELLYTON QUARRY
Held at the Kellyton Volunteer Fire Department, 140 Co. Road 50, Kellyton AL.
Agenda: Isaiah Holdings LLC applications for water discharge and air permits.
Isaiah Holdings has applied for issuance of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit, proposed NPDES AL0079294, for proposed discharges of treated drainage from a crushed stone mine, wet preparation, and associated areas to unnamed tributaries to Oaktasasi Creek, all classified for Fish & Wildlife in the Tallapoosa River basin. The Department has tentatively determined that the proposed actions described in this notice are consistent with the Water Quality Rules including the Department’s Anti-degradation Rules. Isaiah Holdings has also applied for an Air Permit, Facility No. 306-0016, which would authorize the construction and operation of a granite crushing, screening, and conveying operation. Emissions of particulate matter would be minimized by the use of wet suppression. The Department has also tentatively determined that the limitations proposed by the company would properly limit air emissions and would satisfy the requirements of the Department’s Air Pollution Control Rules and Regulations. Copies of the draft permits, conditions, and limitations as applicable are available for public inspection electronically via http://www.adem.state.al.us/PublicNotice/PublicNotice.htm.
NOTE: Quarry opponents are asking that those with personal experience with quarry air and water issues speak at this ADEM hearing. Even if you don’t want to speak, please attend to support those fighting this quarry. A large showing may get the attention of our legislature which is considering proposed quarry legislation.

POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 22 – ~~THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 7:00 pm~~ – SAVE OUR SAUGAHATCHEE
Held at Town Creek Park. (meet at park) Open to all
Agenda: Stream Restoration Project at Town Creek Park.

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – SAFE ZONE TRAINING
Held in AU’s Eagle’s Nest North and South.
Pre-register by April 14; contact Laura Obert lco0001@auburn.edu.
Dr. Nia Haydel, Georgia State University. Sponsored by Spectrum Alliance, AGSA, the College of Education, and Women’s Studies Program.

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 11:00 am – ALABAMA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION (EMC)
Held at the Alabama Room (Main Hearing Room), ADEM Building, 1400 Coliseum Boulevard, Mont. Ph: 334-271-7706.
Agenda includes:
1. Consideration of Minutes of Meeting Held on March 20, 2008
2. Report from the Director
3. Report from the Commission Chair
4. Consideration of Adoption of Proposed Amendments to the Division 14 – Hazardous Waste Regulations – The Commission will consider proposed amendments to the Division 14 – Hazardous Waste Regulations. The Department proposes to amend ADEM Administrative Code Chapters 335-14-1 to 335-14-8, 335-14-11, and 335-14-17. The Department held a public hearing on the proposed amendments on
February 6, 2008.
5. Consideration of Adoption of Proposed Amendments to the Division 6 – Water Quality Criteria and Water Use Classifications Regulations (NPDES-Related Matter) – The Commission will consider proposed amendments to the Division 6 – Water Quality Criteria and Water Use Classifications Regulations. The purpose of the proposed amendments is to revise water quality criteria and establish standards of quality for surface waters of the state. The Department proposes to amend ADEM Administrative Code rule 335-6-10-.07 by adding a relative source contribution factor to the equations used to calculate human health criteria for non-carcinogenic pollutants, and includes the addition of the relative source contribution factors in Appendix A. Also, in response to a resolution adopted by the Environmental Management Commission, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management proposes to amend rule 335-6-10-.07 by changing the risk level used to calculate human health criteria for all carcinogens except arsenic. In addition, the text describing the factors used in Equations 16 and 17and Equations 18 and 19 is being formatted to provide clarity.
Also, the Department proposes to amend ADEM Administrative Code rule 335-6-11-.01 to clarify the Department’s process for reviewing and making changes to assigned use classifications for any usage which has an associated degree of quality considered to be less than that applicable to the classification of “Fish and Wildlife.” The Department held a public hearing on the proposed amendments on March 19, 2008.
6. Consideration of Adoption of Proposed Amendments to the Division 6 – National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Regulations (NPDES-Related Matter) – The Commission will consider proposed amendments to the Division 6 – NPDES Regulations. The Department proposes to amend rule 335-6-6-.14(3) to update the federal regulation references and to recognize total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) established pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA). The Department proposes to amend rule 335-6-6-.16(a) to provide permit schedules of compliance in the event of adoption of a new water quality standard or establishment of a total maximum daily load. Also, the Department proposes to amend rule 335-6-6-.02 to add new definitions. The Department held public hearings on the proposed amendments on March 6 and March 19, 2008.
7. Discussion of ADEM Admin. Code Chapter 335-6-10, Appendix A (Reference Doses) and consideration of possible future rulemaking to amend said rule (NPDES-Related Matter) – This agenda item was tabled at the March 20, 2008, Commission meeting until this meeting. The agenda item as tabled stated: 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. Subsequent to the tabling of this agenda item. the Commission received a letter concerning EPA’s proposed updating of the recommended Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 304(a) water quality criteria for acrolein and phenol with the latest Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) values. The Commission will discuss and consider said letter under this agenda item and call on the Department for comments.
8. Discussion of Having Meetings at Different Locations Around the State – This item was added to the agenda at the request of Commissioner Felker. The Commission will discuss the possibility of having its meetings at different locations around the State.
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.

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 5:00 – 6:00 pm — IRAQ MORATORIUM VIGIL
Held at Toomer’s Corner. All are invited to participate.
Sponsored by the Alliance for Peace and Justice. This gathering, on the 3rd Friday of each month, will be one of many across the country that demands a stop to the war in Iraq. See www.iraqmoratorium.org and www.peaceeagle.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm — AUBURN HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY
Held at 365-A N. Donahue Drive, Auburn Environmental Services Dept. Open to Auburn residents.
This annual event offers Auburn residents the opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals. Participation is limited to Auburn residential solid waste service customers; bring copy of recent water bill as proof of residency. No farm, commercial, or industrial waste allowed. More info: www.auburnalabama.org/es

FRIDAY, APRIL 19 – ALEEC Spring Conference / Jared Diamond
Held at Wright Center, Samford University.
The Alabama Environmental Education Consortium (ALEEC) will be holding their Spring Conference with featured speaker will be Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs and Steel. His topic will be – Lessons from Environmental Collapses of Past Societies. More info about the conference: Virginia Brown at 205-726-4246.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm – AU’S EARTHFEST
Details TBA.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 9:30 am – JUNIOR LEAGUE ART WALK
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. www.julecollinssmithmuseum.com/

SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm – 7th ANNUAL GARDENER’S PLANT SALE
** BENEFIT FOR THE FOOD BANK OF EAST ALABAMA **
Held at 562 Forest Park Circle. All are invited.
The 7th Annual Gardener’s Plant Sale to benefit the Food Bank of East Alabama. Flowers, vegetables and herbs will be on sale, as well as flowering shrubs and trees. Experts will be on hand to help you create the perfect garden. For more information call (334) 887-2244, or contact East Alabama Food Bank (334) 821-9006 or e-mail: gardenersplantsale@mac.com.

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

Email: placeforum@gmail.com

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

Comments Off

WEEK OF APRIL 6, 2008 — Meetings, events & updates

April 05th 2008 Posted in Alabama, Auburn University, City of Auburn, City of Opelika, General, Lee County, Meetings & events

UPDATES:
WEST PACE TAX DISTRICT AGREEMENT APPROVED
At its Tuesday, April 1 meeting, the Auburn City Council voted 7-1 (Sheila Eckman dissenting; Bob Norman absent) to approve the grant agreement for a new tax improvement district on Tom Hayley’s West Pace land along Shell Toomer Parkway. A number of steps remain, including actions by the city’s Commercial Development Authority to create the new district and appoint its board of directors.

WEST PACE LLC LAWSUIT FOR SHELL TOOMER PARKWAY ACCESS MOVED TO MONTGOMERY
The West Pace LLC lawsuit against the Alabama Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is being moved from Lee County to Montgomery County circuit court. The change of venue was approved by Judge Walker in a hearing today at the Lee County Justice Center. The DCNR had requested the change of venue, and West Pace LLC did not oppose the change.

SUMMARY JUDGMENT ON CPSTP LAWSUIT RE: SHELL TOOMER PARKWAY ACCESS / APPEAL EXPECTED
Recently Montgomery circuit court Judge Hardwick issued a summary judgment in favor of defendant Alabama Dept of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) and intervenors the Clevelands in a suit which challenged the ‘driveway easement’ onto Shell Toomer Parkway granted the Clevelands by DCNR. The suit was brought by CPSTP – The Citizens for the Preservation of Shell Toomer Parkway – in efforts to preserve and protect the Parkway, which is part of Chewacla State Park, and to maintain the Parkway’s rural & scenic nature. An appeal of the summary judgment is expected.

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

WEEK OF APRIL 6 — MEETINGS & EVENTS

SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 7:30 pm – 2008 DURR CIVIL LIBERTIES LECTURE: Bryan A. Stevenson / Psychic Harm and Race: The American Legacy of No ‘Truth and Reconciliation’
Held at Auburn University Montgomery, Moore Hall. Free & open to all.
Auburn Montgomery will honor the memory of Clifford and Virginia Durr with the 2008 Durr Lecture Series on civil liberties. Guest speaker Bryan A. Stevenson, executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama and professor of law at New York University School of Law, and his staff have been largely responsible for reversals or reduced sentences in over 65 death penalty cases. He has devoted his life to helping disadvantaged people in the Deep South. The lecture series is sponsored by the Durr Endowment Fund, AUM Lectures Committee and Balch & Bingham. For information, contact Pete Zachar at 334-244-3311, or pzachar@aum.edu.

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm — AU WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY BOARD SYMPOSIUM / TODAY’S DECISIONS FOR TOMORROW’S MONEY
Held at AU’s Hotel & Dixon Conference Center. Registration: $75 (includes12:30 p.m. lunch).Tables of 10 can be reserved for $750. Seating is limited and early registration is recommended. To register, contact Sidney James Nakhjavan at 844-9199 or e-mail wpbchs1@auburn.edu. Make checks payable to the Auburn University WPB for the Spring Symposium and mail to: AU College of Human Sciences, Women’s Philanthropy Board, 210 Spidle Hall, Auburn, AL 36849.
The Women’s Philanthropy Board, in AU’s College of Human Sciences, will host its sixth annual Spring featuring speakers David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement Systems of Alabama; John Manley, managing director, equity strategist for Smith Barney’s Private Client Division, New York; Alabama State Treasurer Kay Ivey; and the cofounders of Feed Projects LLC, Lauren Bush and Ellen Gustafson (www.feedprojects.org). The title of this year’s symposium, “Today’s Decisions for Tomorrow’s Money,” reflects the Women’s Philanthropy Board’s commitment to providing educational activities supporting the achievement of financial and philanthropic aspirations.
News release: http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/298.
Agenda: http://www.humsci.auburn.edu/wpb/files/wpb_spring_symposium2008.pdf

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 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 details: see below, Planning Commission meeting, Thursday, April 10, 5:00 pm.

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

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 4:00 pm – AUBURN WATER WORKS BOARD
Held in the Water Resource Management Conference Room, 1501 West Samford Avenue (Shug Jordan and West Samford Ave). Info: 501-3060.
Agenda includes:
IV. Old Business
V. New Business
1. Recognition of Elaine Edwards -30 Years Service to the Aubum Water Works Board (Reception Tuesday, April 29,2008 –3:30 -4:30 PM) Homer H. Turner
2. Presentation of Risk Management Award from the Alabama League of Municipalities -Gold Award D’Arcy Wernette
3. Spring Cook-out -Friday, April 25, 2008 11 :30 AM-12:30 PM / Laura Koon
4. Wireless Work Order System
A. Purchase of Five (5) Laptop Computers
B. Approval ofWireless Work Order Maintenance Plan……. Jill Holland/Kyle Hildreth
5. Dam Overflow Pipe Cleaning and CCTV -Veolia Environmental Services / Matt Dunn
6. Agreement for Legal Services -Haygood, Cleveland, Pierce, Mattson and Thompson, LLP / Laura Koon
7. Government Relations Update / Charles M. Duggan, Jr.
8. Financial Report -February 2008 / Andrea Jackson
9. Fiscal Year 2007 Opelika Utilities Water Purchase True-up / Andrea Jackson
10. Fiscal Year 2007 Annual Audit Presentation / Penny Smith
VI. Staff Reports
1. Activity Report (Verbal Report) / Eric Carson
2. Water Supply Update / Laura Koon
VII. Additional Information
1. Rainfall Data / Eric Carson
2. Project Status Report / Eric Carson

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm —- “Contemporary Issues in Agriculture” lecture by USDA’s Gale Buchanan
Held in AU’s Overton Auditorium, Goodwin Student Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wire Road.
Gale Buchanan, USDA under secretary for Research, Education and Economics, will officially launch the College of Agriculture’s 2008 Ag Week celebration with his presentation “Contemporary Issues in Agriculture: Implications for America”. Buchanan, who served as Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station director and AU College of Ag dean for research in the 1980s, will discuss current circumstances and issues in agriculture that are impacting and will continue to impact farm policy, research priorities and higher education. Following his presentation, Buchanan will entertain questions from the audience. For information, contact Erin Hunter, hunteen@auburn.edu.

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm — 2008 ALABAMA RIVER ACTION DAY / Lobby Day
Held in Montgomery. www.AlabamaWaterAgenda.com
Registration begins at 10:00 am in the lobby of the Capitol Auditorium (Union Street entrance).
Join the Alabama Rivers Alliance on Rivers of Alabama Day in our state’s capital to promote the Alabama Water Agenda and support current environmental legislation. Sponsored by: Alabama Environmental Council; Alabama Chapter Sierra Club; Conservation Alabama; WildSouth; Southern Environmental Law Center. To join a carpool, pre-register or for more info: contact April Hall at the Alabama Rivers Alliance ahall@alabamarivers.org, 205-322-6395, toll-free 1-877-862-5260.

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 10:00 am — LRCOG CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE /AUBURN-OPELIKA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Held in the Lee-Russell Council of Govts (LRCOG) conference room, 2207 Gateway Ave, Opelika. Open to all.

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 11:00 am – 12:15 pm — ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE ECONOMICS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF AN ELECTRIC UTILITY
Held in Parker 305, AU. Free & open to the public.
Speaker: Holly Doyal, Generation Services Manager, Southern Company 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

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 11:30 am – AUBURN GREENSPACE ADVISORY BOARD
Held in the city of Auburn meeting room, 122 Tichenor Ave. Open to all.

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 1:30 pm — LRCOG TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE /AUBURN-OPELIKA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Held in the Lee-Russell Council of Govts (LRCOG) conference room, 2207 Gateway Ave, Opelika. Open to all.

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 3:00 – 5:00 pm – FILM: THE JOY LUCK CLUB
Held at AU’s Foy Union, room 246. Free & open to the public.
A bi-monthly multicultural film viewing and dialogue sponsored by AU’s Multicultural Center.

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 6:00 pm – AUBURN BOARD OF EDUCATION www.auburnschools.org
Held in the Auburn High School multi-media room, 405 S. Dean Rd. Open to all.
Agenda includes:
IV. RECOGNITIONS Eugenia Oks, Outstanding Foreign Language Teacher K-12, Alabama Association of Foreign Language Teachers
Dr. Bruce Zutter, 4th grade Teacher, Ogletree Elementary School; Auburn City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year
Jacque Middleton, Science Teacher, Auburn Junior High School, Auburn City Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year
Auburn Early Education Center, 2007-08 Exemplary Reading Program Award for Alabama by International Reading Association
Auburn City Schools, No. 83 on Top 100 Employers of the Class of 2008 by The Black Collegian Magazine
V. HEAR DELEGATIONS
VI. APPROVE MINUTES: March 10, 2008, special session; March 11, 2008, regular session
VII. COMMUNICATIONS
VIII. APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS AND SALARIES – MARCH 2008
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
X. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT AND NEW BUSINESS
1. Bid Results: Wireless Equipment, Richland Elementary
2. Bid Results: TV Studio Equipment, Richland Elementary
3. Bid Results: Floor Covering, Drake Middle
4. Bid Results: Kitchen Equipment, Drake Middle and Auburn High
5. Bid Results: Painting Projects, Auburn Early Education, Auburn Junior High and Auburn High 1
6. Auburn City Schools Policy Manual – Policy Revision: GBRA Health Examinations
XI. PERSONNEL
1. Resignations; 2. Non-Renewals; 3. Retirement; 4. Leave Requests; 5. Contract Changes; 6. Transfers; 7. Placement; 8. Employment; 9. Tenure; 10. Exit Surveys.
XII. OTHER
Report from Superintendent’s Evaluation Committee
Appointment of Nominating Committee for 2008-09 Board of Education Officers
BOARD OF EDUCATION WORK SESSION: April 17, 2008, from 7:30 – 11:00 a.m., at the Board of Education Office.
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR SESSION: May 13, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. in the Multi-Media Room at Auburn High School.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 – THURSDAY, APRIL 10 —- GREEN COAST 2008 CONFERENCE & EXPO
Held in Mobile, at the Arthur Outlaw Convention Center. Register at http://greencoast2008.blogspot.com/

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 – SUNDAY, APRIL 13 – AU THEATRE / LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORSs
Held at AU’s Mainstage Theatre. http://media.cla.auburn.edu/theatre/season/index.cfm
Performances: 7:30 pm, April 9-12, 2:30 pm matinee, April 13.
Additional performances:7:30 pm, April 15 – 19.
Audrey II, the infamous bloodthirsty plant, pays a visit to Auburn University theatre in the spring production of Little Shop of Horrors. The popular rock musical is based on the 1960 Roger Corman cult movie of the same name. The musical boasts music by Alan Menken, and lyrics and book by Howard Ashman, the duo who created other memorable characters including Ariel in The Little Mermaid and Belle in Beauty and the Beast. The story revolves around meek, nebbish florist Seymour Krebourn who makes a Faustian pact with a tiny plant from another planet in order to win Audrey, the girl he loves. Divas sing doo-wop, as carnivorous plants fail to devour a blooming romance in this delightful hit musical.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 9:00 am — LRCOG AUBURN-OPELIKA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (A-O MPO)
Held in the Lee-Russell Council of Govts (LRCOG) conference room, 2207 Gateway Ave, Opelika. Open to all.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 11:00 – 12:15 — CO2 AND THE ENVIRONMENT: A CLIMATOLOGIST’S PERSPECTIVE
Held in Foy Union, room 217, AU. Free & open to the public.
Speaker: John Christy, Professor and Director, Earth System Science Center, National Space Science
& Technology Center, University of Alabama at Huntsville
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, APRIL 10, 5:00 – 7:00 pm — AUBURN PRESERVATION LEAGUE RECEPTION
Held at the historic Webster House, on Hwy 14 West. All are invited to attend.
This wine & cheese party will celebrates the APL’s successful first year. The league’s focus is promoting collaboration among various organizations and private citizens to preserve Auburn’s remaining historic structures and sites in an effort to retain Auburn’s distinctive character. More info: www.auburnpreservationleague.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 5:00 pm – AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/pc/agenda.asp (See details above, Monday, noon, April 7, PC packet meeting)
Agenda includes:
CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATION
OLD BUSINESS
1. Mitcham Office PUBLIC HEARING Continued from March 13th PL-2008-00028
Applicant: M&S Holdings, L.L.C.
General Location: 113 Mitcham Avenue
Zoning District: Redevelopment District (RDD)
Action Requested: Waiver to Section 425, Table 4-7 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance of 9.4-feet to the 10-foot south buffer yard requirement to allow a 0.6-foot buffer yard
CONSENT AGENDA
2. Flanagan Annexation PL-2008-00174
Applicant: James D. Flanagan
General Location: 8387 Lee Rd 054 (Lot 4-A, Chapel Hill Subdivision, Phase Two)
Zoning District: Outside of the City limits
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for annexation of approximately 3 acres
3. Peoples Annexation PL-2008-00182
Applicant: Noel Peoples
General Location: 3960 Cotton Valley Lane (Portions of Lot 1, 2, and 3-A of Cotton Valley Subdivision)
Zoning District: Outside of the City limits
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for annexation of approximately 2.41 acres
NEW BUSINESS
4. Auburn Exchange Plat No. 5 PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00183
Applicant: Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood, Inc. for Auburn Partners, LLC
General Location: Bent Creek Road / East Glenn Avenue
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD) and Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: Preliminary plat approval for a 7-lot conventional subdivision
5. Auburn Exchange Plat No. 5 PL-2008-00184
Applicant: Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood, Inc. for Auburn Partners, LLC
General Location: Bent Creek Road / East Glenn Avenue
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD) and Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: Final plat approval for a 7-lot conventional subdivision
6. Bruno’s In Line Shops PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00179
Applicant: Dennis Korinke for DDK In Line, L.L.C and KGCG In Line, L.L.C.
General Location: 1530 East Glenn Avenue
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a road service use (fast food restaurant with drive-through)
7. La Quinta Inn & Suites PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00186
Applicant: The Foresite Group, Inc. for William A. Cleveland
General Location: 2540 Hilton Garden Drive
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a commercial and
entertainment use (hotel)
8. Forrest Point, Phase 2 PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00158
Applicant: Cleveland Brothers, Inc.
General Location: South end of VFW Road
Zoning District: Planned Development District (PDD) with Limited Development District (LDD) underlying
Action Requested: Waiver to Article IV, Design Standards (Street and Sidewalk Design), of the City of Auburn
Subdivision Regulations to reduce the design speed of VFW Road from 25 mph to 20 mph
OTHER BUSINESS. CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION. STAFF COMMUNICATION. ADJOURNMENT

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 7:00 pm – EAST ALABAMA CYCLING CLUB /EACC
Speaker: Dr. Dave Pascoe / Bicycling and the Physiology of Exercise, Nutrition, and Hydration.
Held at the Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, in Opelika, diagonally across from the East Alabama Medical Center. Open to all; light refreshments served.
The East Alabama Cycling Club is for riders of all types and abilities. The club meets at 7:00 pm on the second Thursday of the month. EACC started in the spring of 2003 to promote cycling and to push for a Rails-to-Trails restoration of the old railbed, which carried the Johnny Ray railroad that traveled from Opelika to Lafayette and Roanoke in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The club century, held annually on the last Saturday of September, commemorates the train and its engineer. For more information about EACC, please visit their website at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/groups/EACycling.

FRIDAY, APRIL 11 & SATURDAY, APRIL 12 – SUMMIT ON ECONOMIC JUSTICE FOR WOMEN
Held at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel.
Details: http://www.nowfoundation.org/issues/economic/events/ejsummit2008/index.html

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. 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.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm — PLANET Student Plant Sale
Held at the parking lot, corner of Samford Ave and College St. Open to all.
PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) is hosting it’s annual club fund-raising plant sale. Money raised helps fund a student trip to ‘Student Career Days’ where Horticulture students compete in various career oriented events. Many different varieties of plants will be available thanks to the generous donations of nurseries across the Southeast. Be sure to get there early.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12 – 9TH ANNUAL AUBURN BIKE BASH
Held at the Auburn Soccer Complex on Wire Road.
The City of Auburn and the Auburn Bicycle Committee will host the 9th Annual Bike Bash, an annual community event designed to inform citizens about bicycle safety and promote biking as a fun and healthy leisure activity. In addition, Bike Bash serves to emphasize local bike-friendly facilities in and around Auburn. Bicycle rides of varying distances will be offered for beginners, as well as advanced riders. Please see the chart below for registration information. Participants may download a registration form online at www.auburnalabama.org/cycle. Registration forms are also available at the Dean Road Recreation Center. For more information, visit www.auburnalabama.org/cycle or contact Alison Hall at 501-2940 or Dee Watson at 501-2962. http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2008/pw032508.asp

SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm – GROW GREEN (Rescheduled from April 6)
Held at the Forest Ecology Preserve, N. College St/Hwy 147 North, about one-half mile from Shug Jordan, across the highway and just north of the Auburn University fish ponds. Parking 1/4 mile past the gate, on the left, at Farmville Baptist Church. Shuttles provided.
Cost: $1/person; kids 5 & under free. 10% member discount.
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

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm — PLANET Student Plant Sale
Held at the parking lot, corner of Samford Ave and College St. Open to all.
PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) is hosting it’s annual club fund-raising plant sale. Money raised helps fund a student trip to ‘Student Career Days’ where Horticulture students compete in various career oriented events. Many different varieties of plants will be available thanks to the generous donations of nurseries across the Southeast. Be sure to get there early.

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 4:00 pm – AUUF QUILT SHOW RECEPTION / www.auuf.net
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF), 450 E.Thach Ave. Free & open to all.

SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 4:00 pm — AU Community Orchestra
Held at Kiesel Park. Free & open to all.

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

Thanks for your interest and support.

Email: placeforum@gmail.com

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

Comments Off

UPDATES – April 30, 2008

WEEK OF APRIL 28, 2008 — MEETINGS, EVENTS & UPDATES

UPDATE / April 22 — correction, additions, etc

WEEK OF APRIL 21, 2008 – Meetings, events & updates

Let’s keep downtown Auburn vibrant / Citizen perceptions drive city decisions — APRIL 18, 2008 column by Lisa Brouillette:

UPDATE – April 15, 2008

UPDATE – April 14, 2008

WEEK OF APRIL 13, 2008 — meetings, events & updates

WEEK OF APRIL 6, 2008 — Meetings, events & updates

Pages

Archives

Categories

Blogroll

Meta

Search

Pages

Archives

Categories

Blogroll

Meta