PLACE Forum

Happy Holidays!
Thanks for your interest and support.

Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
Dec. 28, 2008

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Week of Dec. 29 2008

MONDAY, DEC. 29 — Southbound Lane of North Donahue at West Magnolia to close on Monday, December 29

MONDAY, DEC. 29 — LEE COUNTY COMMISSION   www.leeco.us
4:00 pm — work session / 6:00 pm — regular session
Held in the commission chambers, Opelika Courthouse, 215 S. 9th Ave, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda includes:
3. Public Comment from Citizens: (limit of 3-minutes per speaker)
4. Establish Quorum and Open Regular Meeting:
5. Awards, Presentations, Proclamations or Other Recognitions:
6. Reports from Staff:
7. CONSENT AGENDA:
a. Minutes of Commission Meeting December 8, 2008
b. Ratify and Approve Claims
c. Bid #4 Patrol Vehicles – Sheriff Jones
d. Bid #6 Uniform Cleaning – Sheriff Jones
8. OLD BUSINESS:
a. Resolutions for Legislative Considerations – Wendy Swann
9. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Solid Waste Bids – Judge English
b. Agreement with ALDOT for HRRR Project - Neal Hall
c. Approval of Preliminary Plat for Sentinel Hills Subdivision Phase A – Neal Hall
d. ACCA Liability Self-Insurance Fund Participation Agreement – Roger Rendleman
e. Purchase Contract on Park Property for Beulah Community – Roger Rendleman
f. Budget Amendments – Roger Rendleman
g. Educational Reimbursement Request - Roger Rendleman
h. East Ala. Mental Group Home FEMA “buy-out” – Deedie Matthews
10. Discussion Items
11. Adjourn

Column by Lisa Brouillette –  FORECLOSURES REALLY BEGINNING TO HIT HOME
First published in the Opelika-Auburn News, Dec. 19, 2008
Note:  Since this column was first published a number of additional local foreclosures have begun. Such foreclosures are advertised either in the legal ads of The Auburn Villager or The Opelika-Auburn News. An archive of legal ads for these newspapers may be searched online at Alabama Legals  (http://www.alabamalegals.com/?CFID=1234985&CFTOKEN=86080330).

CITY OF AUBURN
– New Four-Way Stop at West Magnolia Avenue and Hemlock Drive
– Christmas and New Year’s Holiday Schedules

Auburn Sewer Rate Workshop
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, the City of Auburn held a sewer rate workshop.  The presentation, which includes information about needed sewer improvements, proposed financing and increased rates, is available online at:
http://www.auburnalabama.org/announce/SewerRateWorkshopPresentation.pdf

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

ANONYMOUS REPORTING OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Want to report info on ADEM, environmental violators or other environmental issues, but prefer to do it anonymously? You can do it via this website: http://www.enviro-lawyer.com/Contact.html.

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2035 AUBURN-OPELIKA LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN (LRTP)  / Comments needed by Wednesday, Dec. 31
Comment form shown below.
The deadline for submitting the LRTP comment form is December 31, 2008.  Submission information is on the form.
All comments will be reviewed and considered as the development of the LRTP unfolds.  In addition, all comments will be incorporated into the final document as an appendix. In September, after LRC and the consultant signed the LRTP contract, info was gathered from the City of Auburn, the City of Opelika, Auburn University, US Census and private companies. Plus there will be three rounds of public meetings during the development of the LRTP.  The remaining two rounds will be held before June; no dates have been set.  Check the AOMPO webpage for updates - www.lrcog.com.   Questions: contact Keith M. Bryan; Transportation Planner / GIS Coordinator; Lee-Russell Council of Governments; 334.749.5264 x214; keith.bryan@adss.alabama.gov.

PLACE editorial note: When submitting your comments, you may wish to consider the recent changes to the LETA system as described on the Lee-Russell Public Transit website: 
Lee-Russell Public Transit (LRPT) / 334.749.9092 or 877.743.3739 / http://www.lrcog.com/LETA.html

LEE-RUSSELL PUBLIC TRANSIT (Formerly LETA) ANNOUNCES SERVICE AND FARE CHANGES IN LEE COUNTY BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 29, 2008.

Starting September 29, 2008, Lee-Russell Public Transit (LRPT), formerly LETA, will be ELIMINATING the LETA Fixed Route in Auburn and Opelika and offering Dial-a-Ride services in Lee and Russell County.

WHAT IS DIAL-A-RIDE? Dial-A-Ride is the new demand response service offered by Lee-Russell Public Transit (LRPT).   This service is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.  The number of trips that are available each day will be based on designated time slots.  It is open to all general public who live in the designated service areas of Lee and Russell Counties.
More info at: http://www.lrcog.com/LETA.html

LRTP comment submission form:

Auburn-Opelika 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)

Public Meeting Comment Form

December 18th, 2008

Lee–Russell Council of Governments (LRCOG), on behalf of the Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Planning Organization (AOMPO), will host two Public Involvement Meetings to discuss the 2035 Auburn–Opelika Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The LRTP will address all modes of transportation in order to identify changes in local transportation needs. When complete, the LRTP will serve as a guide for efficient and equitable expenditure of transportation funding in the Auburn-Opelika area.

We want to get your input! Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions and provide us with any general comments relating to the Study.

1) When do you travel in the Auburn area?                           When do you travel in the Opelika area?
____Weekdays   ____Weekends   _____Both                          ____Weekdays   _____Weekends   ____Both

2) What are the major issues you encounter when traveling in the Auburn-Opelika area?
    ___ Safe Access to Destinations           ___Congestion                 ___Condition of Pavement
___Lack of Transportation Options       ___Safety on Roadway     ___Operational Issues at Interchanges
___Signage/Informational Devices        ___Other: ___________________________________________

3) Obtaining funding for transportation projects is extremely competitive, as there are always more projects needed than there is funding available. If you had to choose what types of improvements you would prefer – and what key goals in the Auburn-Opelika area are of special concern to you - how would you rank the following, with 1 being most important?

Improvement:  Rank (1-7)
_____ Do nothing
_____ Improve signal timing
_____ Improve intersections
_____ Add sidewalks/bikeways
_____ Widen existing roads
_____ Add new roads
_____ Other: ______________________________________

 Key Goals:  Rank (1-5)
_____ Improve the mobility and accessibility of people and for freight.
_____ Protect and improve the environment and quality of life.
_____ Support economic growth and development.
_____ Promote safe, secure and efficient operation and management of transportation system.
_____ Other: _______________________________________

4) Are you aware of any special sites or transportation facilities in the Auburn-Opelika Study Area that we need to pay close attention to? If yes, please describe:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

5) What types of improvements, big or small, would you like to see in the Auburn-Opelika area?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

6) In the space below, please provide any general comments about the Auburn-Opelika LRTP Study?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:_____________________________________________________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________________________________

Phone/Email:______________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your participation!

Comments can be submitted by one of the following:
•Comment Box on the day of the Public Meeting
•Faxing to 205-969-3978
•E-mailing to osrumble@pbsj.com,
•Mailing to Scott Rumble, C/O 1400 Urban Center Drive, Suite 400, Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35242

Comments due by December 31, 2008

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Comments Off

FORECLOSURES REALLY BEGINNING TO HIT HOME

The nation’s financial crisis is having local impact.

More than three dozen lots in the Cotswolds subdivision on Richland Road fell victim to foreclosure this month. The lots were owned by the Cotswolds developer’s construction company, which filed bankruptcy earlier this year, and by members of the Cotswolds developer’s other companies.

One of those companies had multiple foreclosures in Wimberly Station. Another local developer had residential foreclosures in Camden Ridge and a commercial lot foreclosure near the mall. Other foreclosures have hit across Lee County.

The Cotswolds situation is perhaps the most noticeable, because of the number of foreclosures in that one project. The project also is in the public eye as its other phases are moving forward.

In addition, the city of Auburn recently called the letters of credit (LOC) posted by the developer of The Cotswolds and the developer of Lundy Chase (also on Richland Road). Those LOC had been used as collateral to cover the city’s financing of the required expansion of Richland Road. (The city received payment in full.)

The Cotswolds development connects to another local issue: water supply. Simply put, the Cotswolds is inside Auburn’s city limits, but falls within the Loachapoka Water Authority’s (LWA) service territory.

Auburn and Loachapoka have been working together for some time to remedy such illogical situations. So far the solution has been an individual agreement covering each project. For example, Auburn would pay Loachapoka and receive the right to serve customers in a specific project.

A more comprehensive solution is in the works wherein Auburn would purchase the right to serve all customers in the portion of LWA’s territory that falls in or near Auburn’s central city limits.

On a related note, the City of Auburn and its Waterworks Board have been covering all bases when it comes to obtaining new sources of water, in case Auburn’s primary water source – Lake Ogletree and its watershed – isn’t sufficient to meet the city’s growing water needs. 

They’re conducting a long term water supply study, evaluating the dam at Lake Ogletree, and updating the current water treatment plant.

Also they are drilling a test well which later may be used for water production, talking with Alabama Power about getting water from the Tallapoosa River, and investigating the quarry at Chewacla as a future water source.

Additionally, Auburn increased the amount of water it contracts to purchase from Opelika. In recent years Auburn has purchased about a third of its water from Opelika.

Also expanding is the city’s need for wastewater treatment and sewers. To handle those costs, sewer rates may rise. For details, see www.auburnalabama.org. 

[http://www.auburnalabama.org/announce/SewerRateWorkshopPresentation.pdf]

Comments Off

WEEK OF DEC. 15 – Meetings, events & updates

ORDER DEADLINE MONDAY, DEC. 15! — AUBURN CIVITAN CLUB OFFERS SMOKED TURKEYS & HAMS FOR CHRISTMAS
Smoked Turkey (12-14 lb) or Smoked Picnic Ham (8-10 lb) — $35 each
Ready for pick up, hot off the smoker, on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008 at 3:00 PM, at the Elks Club on Opelika Road. Make your check payable to: Auburn Civitan Club & mail to 1481 Morning Glory Circle, Auburn, AL 36832. Or phone your order to: Charles Eick  (334) 821-5623; Dodie Gross (334) 887-8924.

TUESDAY, DEC. 16 , 8:30 am — FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE AUTUMN WALKS
Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve (North College Street just past the Auburn fish ponds on the right). Meet at the Pavilion. Free & open to all; no reservations required. Cancelled if rain. https://fp.auburn.edu/preserve/
Autumn walks will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve at 8:30 a.m. Walks are geared toward exercise and enjoying the preserve’s fall beauty. Walks will last approximately one hour. Info:  Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512. The preserve is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

 TUESDAY, DEC.16 – AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
Committee of the Whole:  6:55 pm / Regular meeting: 7:00 pm
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St.. Open to all. Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/agenda/
Agenda includes:
Committee of the Whole agenda includes:
PUBLIC PARK & RECREATION BOARD. One Position. Incumbent: Kris Blackmon (has served one partial term). Six Year Term Expires December 18, 2014. Nominations.
Regular meeting agenda includes:
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
9. ORDINANCES.
a. Zoning. Charles C. Pick. David Slocum (Authorized Representative). Property Located at the northeast corner of East University Drive and North College Street. TABLED FROM DECEMBER 2, 2008 Meeting.
(1) Cary Creek Development.
(a) Rezone from Rural (R) to Development District Housing (DDH). 145.68 Acres.
(b) Rezone from Rural (R) to Comprehensive Development District (CDD). 52.64 Acres.
(c) Establish Planned Development District (PDD) in a Comprehensive Development District (CDD) and Development District Housing (DDH) District. 299.04 Acres.(2) Lundy Chase PDD amendment.  Crosswoods Development, LLC/The Musselwhite Group, Inc. Ledge Nettles (Authorized Representative). Amend Ordinance No. 2496. Planned Development District (PDD). Property Located south of Richland Road, north of Willow Creek Subdivision. 98.87 Acres.
b. General Obligation Warrants, Series 2008-H. Sewer Fund. Frazer Lanier Company. $25,370,000.
c. General Obligation Warrant, Series 2008-I. Auburn City Schools. SunTrust Equipment Finance and Leasing Corporation. $8.5 Million.
10. RESOLUTIONS
a. Auburn City Schools. 2008 Auburn High School Football Team and Coaches. Commendation.
b. Industrial Development Board. Stratford Plastic Components Alabama, Inc. 2292 Pumphrey Avenue. Tax Abatement.
c. Agreement, Contracts, and Development Agreement. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) Information Technology Department. Software House Int. (SHI). Third Year Installment. $166,136.56. Enterprise Agreement.
(2) Contracts.
(a) Water Resource Management Department. Morgan Contracting, Inc. Northside Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) Phase II Improvement Project. Change Order No. 3. $8,039.30.
(b) Office of the City Manager. Lee County Red Cross. $10,000 Appropriation. FY2009.
(3) Development Agreement. Planning Department. Charles C. Pick. Cary Creek Development. Property Located at the northeast corner of North College Street and East University Drive.
d. Drainage and Utility Easements and Sidewalk Easements. Acceptance and Settlement for Value Lost.
(1) Mike Shannon/Vann Hampton Capital, LLC. Drainage and Utility Easements and Sidewalk Easements. Vann Hampton Capital Subdivision. 1948 Opelika Road.
(2) Choctafaula Interceptor Sewer Phase II Project. Drainage and Utility Easements.
(a) Patrick S. and Lori Ann Starr. Lots 34 and 32, Talheim Acres Subdivision. Settlement of $13,252 for Value Lost.
(b) William C. & Martha J. Starr. Lot 33, Talheim Acres Subdivision. Settlement of $10,299 for Value Lost.
e. Public Park & Recreation Board. One Position. Six Year Term Expires December 18, 2014. Appointment.
11. OTHER BUSINESS. 12. ADJOURNMENT.

TUESDAY, DEC. 16  – OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
6:40 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.  Adding a Gateway Corridor Overlay on Society Hill Road from the Interstate 85 bridge to Gateway Drive and on Gateway Drive from Society Hill Road to Highway 51.  (Request to advertise for a PH) ………… Jerry Kelley
(2) -  a.  General updates
(3) -  Discuss/review CM agenda items of 12/16/08
(4) -  Discussion  -  a.   New / Old Business;  b.   Board appointments;  c.   Other City business.
Regular session agenda includes:
6)   UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7)   REMARKS BY THE MAYOR
a.  Recognize the Opelika Police Officer of the Month.
b.  Building Inspection report for November 2008.
c.  City Financial Summary report for November 2008.
8)   CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS - (Limit comments to five minutes or less)
9)   REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
10) COMMITTEE REPORTS
11) GENERAL BUSINESS
1.  Public hearing – Amend Supplemental Industrial Grant and Incentive Agreement with Mando America Corp.
12) AWARDING OF BIDS - (By Resolution) -  Shirley Washington
1.  Pothole patcher mounted on cab & chassis – P/W
2.  Four wheel drive rubber-tire tractor/backhoe/loader – P/W
3.  Rescue truck refurbish & remount – OFD
4.  Oral recommendation : Streetscape improvements. - Engineering
13)  RESOLUTIONS -  Guy Gunter
1.  To amend the supplemental industrial grant/incentive agreement with Mando.
2.  Refund of building permit fee to Morton Building, Inc. – Inspection Dept.
3.  Refund of building permit fee to Doster Construction Co. – Inspection Dept.
4.  Refund of sewer assessment fee to Doster Construction Co. – P/W Dept.
5.  Refund of Occupation License fee to Cowart Enterprises, Inc. – Revenue Dept.
6.  Re-appoint municipal court officials – City Council.
7.  Assign Tiger Town TIF, LTD. its rights & payments due by the City to BankTrust.
14)  ORDINANCES –  Guy Gunter   - none
15)  APPOINTMENTS  –   none.  16)  ADJOURN

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17, 6:00 pm  –  LEE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CLUB
Held at the Elks Club, 1944 Opelika Road.
Holiday party & potluck supper. The Club is furnishing a ham and a turkey.  Bring a dish and/or a friend.
NOTE: The Food Bank is experiencing shortages of food caused by reductions in donations from grocery stores.  Please bring your donations of food or checks payable to the Food Bank of East Alabama.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18 – WIRE ROAD BRIDGE / Wire Road Bridge Traffic Reduced to One Lane December 18

THURSDAY, DEC. 18, 8:30 am — FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE AUTUMN WALKS
Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve (North College Street just past the Auburn fish ponds on the right). Meet at the Pavilion. Free & open to all; no reservations required. Cancelled if rain. https://fp.auburn.edu/preserve/
Autumn walks will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve at 8:30 a.m. Walks are geared toward exercise and enjoying the preserve’s fall beauty. Walks will last approximately one hour. Info:  Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512. The preserve is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18 , 10:00 am – ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD
Held at 445 Herron Street, Mont. Open to all.  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, DEC. 18 – PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT MEETINGS / AUBURN-OPELIKA LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Two sessions:  11:30 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Held at the C, 2007 Gateway Drive, Opelika. Open to all.  www.lrcog.com
The Lee-Russell Council of Governments/LRCOG, on behalf of the Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Planning Organization/AOMPO, will host two public involvement meetings to discuss the 2035 Auburn-Opelika Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).  The LRTP will address all modes of transportation in order to identify changes in local transportation needs. When complete, the LRTP will serve as a guide for transportation funding in the Auburn-Opelika area. Atentees can learn more about the study, review a summary of today’s transportation system, speak with project staff and submit comments.  There will not be a formal presentation and each of the two sessions will have identical content. More info: Keith Bryan, LRCOG, 334-749-5264.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18, noon – ART MUSEUM / A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. Free & open to all.
Enjoy lunch in the museum café on Thursdays while the lovely sounds of local musicians echo through the museum. Sponsored by the Auburn Chamber Museum Society.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18, 4:00 pm – AUBURN WATER WORKS BOARD
Held in the Water Resource Management Conference Room, 1501 West Samford Avenue (Shug Jordan and West Samford). Info: 501-3060. The Board meets on the 1st Thursday after the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

THURSDAY, DEC. 18, 3:00 pm — OPELIKA PLANNING COMMISSION
Held at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika Public Works bldg. Open to all. www.opelika.org
Agenda includes:
A.      PLATS (preliminary and prel. & final) – Public Hearing
1.      Pine Acres S/D, Revision of Lot 2-B, 2 lots, Veterans Parkway, Matthew Toland, P/F approval
B.      CONDITIONAL USE
2.      Stovall & Company, 505 Columbus Parkway, C-3, GC-2, Stone & Irrigation sales
3.      Troy Bell, 301 South Railroad Avenue, C-3, Auto Repair business
4.      Greg Mims, 3300 Pepperell Pkwy, C-3, GC-2, discuss existing recycling collection business
C.      VACATION OF STREET
5.     Vacate approximately 390 feet of the Shannon Court right-of-way beginning at Pleasant Drive

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

ANONYMOUS REPORTING OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Want to report info on ADEM, environmental violators or other environmental issues, but prefer to do it anonymously? You can do it via this website: http://www.enviro-lawyer.com/Contact.html.

MOCK CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
Want to join others in a mock state constitutional convention?
More info at http://www.constitutionalreform.org/mockconvention.shtml.

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Thanks for your interest and support.

Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
Dec. 14, 2008

Comments Off

Meeting & event details often change during the holidays. When possible, such changes will be noted in update emails, and/or posted on the PLACEforum website.

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COLUMN BY LISA BROUILLETTE  / Local dreams improve our world

http://placeforum.org/blog/2008/12/07/column-by-lisa-brouillette-nov-21-2008-local-dreams-improve-our-world/

 Portion of Mall Parkway to Close on Tuesday, December 9^th, 2008

NEW ADEM WEBSITE — http://www.atticusweb.com/adem/index.html    Check out ADEM’s new website. It’s designed to be more user friendly and includes info about environmental protection. (It doesn’t have a list of violations and violators yet, but it does have a link to ECHO, EPA’s program.)  

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MONDAY, DEC. 8, noon– AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION PACKET MEETING (AGENDA DISCUSSION)   Held in the conference room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.  Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/pc/agenda.asp  Agenda includes:

CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATION

OLD BUSINESS

1. The Cotswolds Rezoning PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00646.   Applicant: JEDD Land Company, LLC; General Location: Off of Richland Road and adjacent to The Cotswolds, Phases 1A, 1B, and 1C; Zoning District: Rural (R); Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council to rezone approximately 99.1 acres from Rural (R) to Comprehensive Development District (CDD)

2. The Cotswolds Rezoning PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00647; Applicant: JEDD Land Company, LLC; General Location: Off of Richland Road and adjacent to The Cotswolds, Phases 1A, 1B, and 1C; Zoning District: Rural (R), pending Comprehensive Development District (CDD) (Case PL-2008-00646) and Development District Housing (DDH) (Case PL-2008-00755); Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council to apply the Planned Development District (PDD) designation to approximately 410.7 acres

CONSENT AGENDA

3. Clark Annexation PL-2008-00781; Applicant: Lorenza Herbert Clark; General Location: 7786 AL Hwy 147 North (North College Street); Zoning District: Outside of the City limits; Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for annexation of approximately two acres

4. West Pace Village Annexation PL-2008-00790; Applicant: West Pace, LLC; General Location: North of Shell Toomer Parkway and east of South College Street; Zoning District: Outside of the City limits; Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for annexation of approximately 150.89 acres

5. Longleaf Crossing, Phase Five PL-2008-00809; Applicant: Tiger Crossing; General Location: At the terminus of West Longleaf Drive; Zoning District: Planned Development District (PDD) with Comprehensive Development District (CDD) underlying; Action Requested: Final plat approval for a 1-lot conventional subdivision

NEW BUSINESS

6. Zoning Ordinance Amendments PUBLIC HEARING MS-2008-00052; Applicant: City of Auburn; General Location: City of Auburn; Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council to amend Articles II and IV of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance

7. Donahue Ridge Rezoning PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00740; Applicant: Donahue Land, LLC; General Location: North Donahue Drive @ North Camden Court (a portion of Parcel 1, Donahue Ridge Subdivision); Zoning District: Rural (R) (pending annexation into the City limits [Case PL-2008-00738]);  Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for rezoning of approximately 33.63 acres from Rural (R) to Development District Housing (DDH)

8. West Pace Village Rezoning PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00791; Applicant: West Pace, LLC; General Location: North of Shell Toomer Parkway and east of South College Street; Zoning District: Rural (R) (pending annexation into the City limits [Case PL-2008-00790]); Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for rezoning of approximately 150.89 acres from Rural (R) to Comprehensive Development District (CDD)

9. Airport Warehouses PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00810; Applicant: Foresite Group, Inc. for Lennie & Martin Squiers; General Location: 1914 Saugahatchee Road; Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD);  Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a commercial support use (warehouse and offices)

10. Goal Post PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00812; Applicant: Dr. Reddy Munagala; General Location: 196 North Donahue Drive; Zoning District: University Service (US);   Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a commercial and entertainment use (package store)

11. Dr. Meka’s Office PUBLIC HEARING PL-2008-00811; Applicant: Joe Ruscin for Rao and Sulochana Meka; General Location: 1518 Professional Parkway; Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD); Action Requested: Waiver to south bufferyard and fence on the south and east property lines

12. Stonewood Farm Street Renaming PUBLIC HEARING MS-2008-00053; Applicant: Jones & Minear Homebuilders, LLC; General Location: East of North College Street and north of East Farmville Road; Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH); Action Requested: Renaming of streets

OTHER BUSINESS

13. Town Creek Subdivision PL-2007-00568; Applicant: Jack Johnson; General Location: Brookside Drive; Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH); Action Requested: Extension of preliminary plat approval

CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION.  STAFF COMMUNICATION.  ADJOURNMENT.

 

MONDAY, DEC. 8  – LEE COUNTY COMMISSION  www.leeco.us   /  4:00 pm – work session / 6:00 pm – regular session   Held in the commission chambers, historic courthouse bldg, 215 S. Ninth St, Opelika. Open to all.  Agenda includes:  6. Reports from Staff:  a. EMA Vacancy – Judge English; 7. CONSENT AGENDA: Minutes of Commission Meeting November 24, 2008; b. Ratify and Approve Claims;c. Bid #3 for Picked-up Bituminous Treatment – Neal Hall;  d. Bid #5 Data Storage Units for IT – Tim Parson; 8. OLD BUSINESS:a. Cemetery Preservation Committee – Commissioner Holt;b. Legislative Work Session Requests – Wendy Swann;9. NEW BUSINESS:a. Resolution from Nucor Steel – Andrew W. Smith, b. Resolution for Voter File Maintenance Program – Judge English, c. Retail Beer License for River Road Shopette - D4 - Judge English,c. Airport Terminal Project Funding Budget Adjustment - Roger Rendleman; 10. Discussion Items; 11. Adjourn.

TUESDAY, DEC. 9 , 8:30 am — FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE AUTUMN WALKS    Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve (North College Street just past the Auburn fish ponds on the right). Meet at the Pavilion. Free & open to all; no reservations required. Cancelled if rain. https://fp.auburn.edu/preserve/ Autumn walks will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve at 8:30 a.m. Walks are geared toward exercise and enjoying the preserve’s fall beauty. Walks will last approximately one hour. Info:  Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512. The preserve is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 9, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm — ALL-DAY READING OF MILTON’S PARADISE LOST   Held in AU’s new Student Center, 2nd floor common area. Free & open to the public. Cake & refreshments served.  Webcast at: http://media.cla.auburn.edu/english/milton/    Students and faculty in the Department of English will celebrate John Milton’s 400th birthday Tuesday, Dec. 9, with an all-day reading of “Paradise Lost.” For more information or to volunteer to be a reader, contact Matthew Zarnowiecki at jmz0002@auburn.edu. 

THURSDAY, DEC. 9, 11:30 am – AUBURN GREENSPACE ADVISORY BOARD   Held in the city of Auburn meeting room, 122 Tichenor Ave. Open to all.  

TUESDAY, DEC. 9, 1:00 – 2:00 pm — ROY SPENCER / GLOBAL WARMING: MANMADE OR NATURAL?   Held in AU’s School of Forestry & Wildlife Bldg, room 2217.  Free & open to all. Roy Spencer, a climate research scientist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, has written numerous weather and climate research articles in scientific journals and has provided congressional testimony on the subject of global warming. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller, “Climate Confusion: How Global Warming Hysteria Leads to Bad Science, Pandering Politicians, and Misguided Policies that Hurt the Poor.” Spencer received his Ph.D. in meteorology from the University of Wisconsin in 1981 and was formerly a senior scientist for climate studies at NASA. He serves as the U.S. science team leader for the advanced microwave scanning radiometer which is on NASA’s Aqua satellite. He is co-developer of the original satellite method for precise monitoring of global temperatures from earth-orbiting satellites, for which he was awarded NASA’s Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement.

TUESDAY, DEC. 9, 4:00 pm – AUBURN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION     Held in the Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all. www.auburnalabama.org/hpc/agenda.asp

TUESDAY, DEC. 9, 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.

WEDENSDAY, DEC. 10 — 5th ANNUAL ALABAMA AGRICULTURE ENERGY CONFERENCE  Held at AU’s Hotel and Dixon Conference Center. For details: www.nrmdi.auburn.edu/bio/ADECA/conference.
Sponsored by the Alabama Department of Economics and Community Affairs and by the Natural Resources Management & Development Institute at Auburn University . This year’s conference will feature a timely discussion of the bioenergy industry in Alabama and the optimum use of our resources for food, fiber, and fuel. It will include panel discussions on topics that include, but are not limited to: The Bioenergy Industry in Alabama; Food, Fiber, Fuel: Optimum Use of Alabama’s Resources; Bioenergy Supply Chain Logistics; Bioenergy Infrastructure Issues. For questions or additional information, please contact: Kathy Hornsby at (334) 242-5284 or kathy.hornsby@adeca.alabama.gov.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10, 8:30 am – ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD / INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE — SPECIAL CALLED MEETING   Held at 445 Herron Street, Mont. Ph: 334-242-2230

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10, 3:00 – 5:00 PM – PAUL HEMPHILL / READING & BOOK SIGNING   Held in the AU Hotel, Arricia Restaurant’s Fireplace Lounge. Free & open to all. Reading and book signing by Paul Hemphill, author of A Tiger Walk Through History: The Complete History of Auburn Football from 1892 to the Tuberville Era, with an introduction by David Housel. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Sponsored by AU’s Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities and the Auburn Alumni Association.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 8:00 am – ALABAMA BOARD OF LICENSURE FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS / regular meeting
Held at 100 N Union Street # 382, Mont., ph: 334-242-5568
Agenda includes:

I.             MINUTES

A.           Review Agenda and Approval of Minutes

1.            Review Meeting Agenda

2.            Approve Meeting Minutes

3.            Action items from Board meeting

II.           HEARINGS

B.           Public Hearings 

C.           Formal Hearings

III.          COMMITTEE REPORTS

D.           Applications –

1.            Without personal appearance

2.            With personal appearance

E.            Law Enforcement Committee

1.           Complaints/Investigations

F.            Certificates of Authorization

1.            Engineering and Land Surveying Certificates of Authorizations

2.            Engineering and Land Surveying Certificates of Authorization with Exceptions

G.           Communications and Publications

H.           Legislative 

I.             Continuing Professional Competency

J.            Finance/Personnel

K.            Land Surveying - Education & Examinations

L.            Engineering - Education & Examination

III.          OTHER REPORTS

M.          Chair’s Report

N.           Executive Director’s Report

IV.          UNFINISHED BUSINESS AND CORRESPONDENCE

O.           Unfinished Business

P.            Correspondence – action required

Q.           Information only - no action required

ii.            V.           NEW BUSINESS

R.

VI.          OPEN FORUM - Time during which anyone who may be attending meeting as a member of the public can ask questions or make comments.)

iii.           CLOSING REMARKS

               Review of Calendar

 

THURSDAY, DEC. 11 , 8:30 am — FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE AUTUMN WALKS  Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve (North College Street just past the Auburn fish ponds on the right). Meet at the Pavilion. Free & open to all; no reservations required. Cancelled if rain. https://fp.auburn.edu/preserve/   Autumn walks will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve at 8:30 a.m. Walks are geared toward exercise and enjoying the preserve’s fall beauty. Walks will last approximately one hour. Info:  Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512. The preserve is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 11, 10:00 AM —- ALABAMA WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION Held at the RSA Plaza Terrace and Grill, 770 Washington Ave, Capitol Room, 6th floor, Mont. Ph: 334-242-5499.  Open to all. Regular meeting/agenda includes:  1.  Roll Call and Declaration of Quorum; 2.  Consideration of Minutes of August 19, 2008 Meeting; 3.  Nominating Committee Report; 4.  Report from Division Director, ADECA Office of Water Resources;5.  Election of Officers; 6.  Comments from the Public; 7.  Schedule of Future Meetings; 8.  Adjourn.

THURSDAY, DEC. 11, noon – ART MUSEUM / A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC   Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. Free & open to all.   Enjoy lunch in the museum café on Thursdays while the lovely sounds of local musicians echo through the museum. Sponsored by the Auburn Chamber Museum Society.

THURSDAY, DEC. 11, 4:30 pm – OPELIKA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION  Held in the Planning Chambers, Opelika Public Works Bldg, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika. Open to all.

THURSDAY, DEC. 11, 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, Dec. 8, PC packet meeting)

THURSDAY, DEC. 4, 6:30 pm – SAVE OUR SAUGAHATCHEE (SOS)   Held in City of Auburn meeting room, 122 Tichenor Ave. (enter at side of building, across from Cheeburger Cheeburger back entrance.) Open to all.  Agenda: election of officers, review/vote on new strategic plan, and potluck Christmas party.  

FRIDAY, DEC. 12, 10:00 am – ALABAMA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION / STRATEGIC PLANNING AD HOC COMMITTEE  Held in the Alabama Room (Main Hearing Room), ADEM Building, 1400 Coliseum Blvd, Mont.; Ph:  334-271-7706.  Open to all.   Agenda includes:  1.  Consideration of Minutes of Meeting Held on October 17, 2008**.  2.  Discussion of Draft Unified Strategic Plan. 3.  Other business. * The Agenda for this meeting will be available on the ADEM website, www.adem.alabama.gov, under EMC Information and Calendar of Events. ** The Minutes for this meeting will be available on the ADEM website under EMC Information.

 

FRIDAY, DEC. 12, 11:00 AM — ALABAMA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION (EMC)

Held in the Alabama Room (Main Hearing Room), ADEM Building, 1400 Coliseum Blvd, Mont. Ph: 334-271-7706. 
Agenda: regular meeting

1.  Consideration of Minutes of Meeting Held on October 17, 2008**

2.  Elections – The Commission will hold elections for Committee Chairs and memberships.

3.  Report from the Director

4.  Report from the Commission Chair

5.  Report from the Strategic Planning Ad Hoc Committee

6.  Discussion of Quarry Permitting (NPDES-Related Matter) – This item was added to the agenda at the request of Commissioner Felker for a discussion of quarry permitting.  The Commission will call on the Department for comments.

7.  Consideration of Adoption of Proposed Amendments to the Division 3 – Air Regulations – The Commission will consider proposed amendments to the Division 3 – Air Regulations.  The Department proposes to amend ADEM Administrative Code Rules 335-3-10-.01, 335-3-10-.02, 335-3-10-.03, 335-3-11-.01, 335-3-11-.06, 335-3-17-.01, and Appendix C.  The Department held a public hearing on the proposed amendments on October 8, 2008.

8.  Consideration of Adoption of Proposed Amendments to the Division 13 – Solid Waste Regulations and to the Division 1 – General Administration Regulations – The Commission will consider proposed amendments to the Division 13 – Solid Waste Regulations and to the Division 1 – General Administration Regulations.  The Department proposes to amend ADEM Administrative Code Rule 335-13-10, to establish the regulatory requirements necessary for the implementation of the Alabama Recycling Fund grants program, and Rule 335-1-1-.07 to create certain departmental forms.  The Department held a public hearing on the proposed amendments on November 17, 2008.

9.  C. Harry Green and Tami Green v. ADEM, EMC Docket No. 04-03 – The Commission will note for the record the Petitioners’ withdrawal of the request for hearing in this appeal concerning the renewal of Solid Waste Permit No. 47-10 to Big Wheel Recycling, Inc., Hamilton, permit notice dated December 2, 2003.

10.  Kenan Transport Company v. ADEM, EMC Docket No. 04-08 – The Commission will consider the “Recommendation of the Administrative Law Judge on Motion to Dismiss” in this appeal concerning ADEM Administrative Order 04-075-EGW issued on June 25, 2004, to Kenan Transport Company, Montgomery.

11.  Other business

12.  Future business sessions

* The Agenda for this meeting will be available on the ADEM website, www.adem.alabama.gov, under EMC Information and Calendar of Events.

** The Minutes for this meeting will be available on the ADEM website under EMC Information.

 

SATURDAY, DEC. 13, 10:00 am — FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE HOLIDAY PROGRAM    Held at the Forest Ecology Preserve, Hwy 147 North (on right side, just past AU fish ponds).  Open to all.  Admission: a can of food for the East Alabama Food Bank.  https://fp.auburn.edu/preserve/  Learn about the history of the Christmas tree, partake of holiday snacks, and listen to music. Make an ornament for your Christmas tree.

2nd ANNUAL AUBURN PRESERVATION LEAGUE (APL) LOVELIEST VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TOUR /  SATURDAY, DEC. 13, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm / SUNDAY, DEC. 14,  1:00 – 4:00 pm    Held at various locations, see below.   http://www.auburnpreservationleague.org/frmChristmasTour.aspx   Tickets available at Auburn Hardware and Behind The Glass, both located on Magnolia downtown Auburn; The Auburn Chamber of Commerce on E. Glenn Avenue; and The Tourism Desk at the Opelika Chamber of Commerce in Opelika. Cost: Non-APL members — $20. Reduced rates for tour of individual homes only, for groups, etc. See website for details. The Auburn Preservation League’s second Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes and includes 5 beautiful homes and the Jule Collins Smith Museum has been added as the sixth stop. The homes represent a nice mix of both old and new including several wonderful cottages that have been renovated, to a beautiful unique southwestern style in Asheton Park, to the President’s Mansion on campus which has been updated substantially this past year. The following homes for this year’s tour sites are as follows:
Schrantz Home - 563 South College
Lyons Home - 415 South Brookwood Circle
Walker Home - 2063 Bunton Lane
Tremaine Home - 175 Woodfield Drive
President’s Mansion - Auburn University Campus
Jule Collins Smith Museum - Woodfield Drive.

THE NUTCRACKER / LYNNTERRA BALLET COMPANY with special guest artists from the Akjun Ballet in New York City   / SATURDAY, DEC. 13  and  SUNDAY, DEC. 14, 2:00 pm   Held at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets $15/adult, $12/children, $12/each for groups of 10 or more.  Tickets available at: Auburn Kroger, East Alabama Arts Association (1032 S. Railroad Ave, 705-5546), Auburn School of Dance and Performing Arts (1875 Mall Blvd, 501-0901), or by downloading an order form at www.lynnterraballet.com, (click on “Mail in ordering form, send it and your payment to Judy Prior, 261 Cary Drive, Auburn, AL; jacprior@aol.com).  

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Board Vacancies – City of Auburn

• One vacancy on the Public Park & Recreation Board will be filled at the December 16 meeting.

• Two vacancies on the Cemeteries Advisory Board will be filled at the January 6, 2009 meeting.

• Two vacancies on the Board of Zoning Adjustment will be filled at the January 6, 2009 meeting.

Citizens interested in serving are encouraged to contact their City Council member or notify the City Manager’s Office at webocm@auburnalabama.org or call 501-7260.

 

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

ANONYMOUS REPORTING OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Want to report info on ADEM, environmental violators or other environmental issues, but prefer to do it anonymously? You can do it via this website: http://www.enviro-lawyer.com/Contact.html.

MOCK CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
Want to join others in a mock state constitutional convention?
More info at http://www.constitutionalreform.org/mockconvention.shtml.

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Thanks for your interest and support.

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

Dec. 7, 2008

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LOCAL DREAMS IMPROVE OUR WORLD   — by Lisa Brouillette

First published in the Opelika-Auburn News; November 21, 2008

A long line of local community activists has left an inspirational legacy of legislation, ordinances, organizations and dreams. Yes, dreams. Most good things start with hopes and dreams.

People dreamed of healthy streams. The result? Local organizations Save Our Saugahatchee and Friends of Chewacla Creek. Thanks for those groups go to Wendy Seesock, Cliff Webber, Eric Reutebuch, Zack Sprayberry, Ron and Barbara Estridge, Mary Lou Smith and others.

People imagined publicly accessible local land, conserved for future generations. From those visions grew the Land Trust of East Alabama, the Auburn Greenspace Task Force and Auburn Greenspace Advisory Board. Kudos to Susie Thomas, Roberta Jackel, Jim Hansen, Cheryl Gladden, Gail Solomon, Joe Turnham and their colleagues for their hard work creating these groups.

Louise Kreher envisioned a place where kids could explore nature and learn the value of wildlife. Thanks to her, the Forest Ecology Preserve was born and placed into the capable hands of Margaret Holler and Karni Perez.

Yet others, to fulfill dreams of better government, tackled elected or appointed office. Often they became the eloquent minority: dissenting from the status quo, urging new priorities, new directions.

For their leadership a tip of our collective civic hats should go to David Cicci, Carolyn Carr, Cheryl Cobb, Fenny Dane, Sheila Eckman, Robert Gastaldo, Cheryl Gladden, the late Mary Fortenberry, Roberta Jackel, Gail Langley, Charles Neely, Charlotte Ward and Josie and Bill Walsh, to name just a few.

And let’s not forget those in the local League of Women Voters chapter. How can one even begin to grasp the thoughtful community leadership provided over the years by such League members Ruth Wright, Anne Amacher, Ginnie Bennett, Charlotte Ward, and Sandy Robinson?

What do these people have in common? Many were first propelled into the civic arena by issues critical to their neighborhoods. There are multiple strong neighborhood organizations in our area, many of whose members involve themselves in the broader community.

Think of Keith Campagna and Teresa Vest from the Shell Toomer Parkway area; Art Sullivan from the Cary Woods Neighborhood Watch; Paul Mitchell from Camden Ridge; Evie Ratner, Robin Jaffe, Shannon Hankes, Alice Buchanan and their neighbors in Forest Park Circle; leaders from Indian Hills, Woodland Park, Richland Road. Consider Mike Golden, who for five years led the Willow Creek Neighborhood Association.

I’ve named a handful of local pioneers and leaders, but I’ve left out 10 times more. Together they more than prove Margaret Mead’s comment that we should “never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.”

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

 

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Traffic Advisory - Wright’s Mill Road Closed from Brookside Drive to Janet Drive through Monday, Dec. 1

http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2008/ocm112808.asp

A portion of Wright’s Mill Road from Brookside Drive to Janet Drive will be closed through Monday, December 1, 2008 due to a water main break. A portion of Camellia Drive from the intersection of Salmon Street to Wright’s Mill Road is closed to all but local traffic. The water main break occurred early on Thanksgiving Day, and was repaired by City crews. Water service has been restored to affected homes, and water quality is not compromised.

Construction crews began repairing a section of road undermined by the break early today. Motorists traveling on Wright’s Mill Road are encouraged to find alternate routes. While construction crews are working to complete the work this weekend, motorists should be prepared for this closure to last through Monday. Those bound for Wright’s Mill Road School on Monday morning should be prepared to approach the school using Wright’s Mill Road from the south.

 

Board Vacancies – City of Auburn

• One vacancy on the Public Park & Recreation Board was announced at the November 18 City Council meeting

and will be filled at the December 16 meeting.

• Two vacancies on the Cemeteries Advisory Board will be announced at the December 2 City Council meeting and

will be filled at the January 6, 2009 meeting.

• Two vacancies on the Board of Zoning Adjustment will be announced at the December 2 City Council meeting and

will be filled at the January 6, 2009 meeting.

Citizens interested in serving are encouraged to contact their City Council member or notify the City Manager’s Office at

webocm@auburnalabama.org or call 501-7260.

 

CITY OF AUBURN

 Water Works Board Rescinds Phase I Drought Watch and Temporary Rates

ShopAuburn for the Holidays

 

CITY OF AUBURN / 2009 CITIZENS’ PLANNING ACADEMY

Plans are currently underway for the 2009 Citizens’ Planning Academy. Citizens interested in participating are encouraged to contact the City of Auburn Planning Department at 501-3040.

 

FEMA Floodplain Maps and Flood Insurance Study Update

Lee County is in the process of updating its Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Floodplain Maps and Flood Insurance Study. The City of Auburn’s FEMA Floodplain Maps and Flood Insurance Study will also be updated as part of the countywide map modernization project. State officials will host a Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) community coordination meeting for the City of Auburn in February 2009. The meeting will be open to the public. Additional information regarding the study and the public meeting will be available in an upcoming issue of Open Line and on the City’s website at www.auburnalabama.org/fema. For more information, please contact the City of Auburn Public

Works Department at 501-3000.

 

AU’S SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE CHANGES TO PERMANENT AU OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY

AU’s Sustainability Initiative has been granted permanent status by Auburn University. Instead of operating on soft funding, as it has for the past five years, it is now officially AU’s Office of Sustainability. The granting of permanent status to this unit ensures AU’s sustainability goals will be addressed and met through a dedicated office, and strengthens the university’s commitment to sustainability through the strategic plan and the ACUPCC (American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment).

 

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MONDAY, DEC. 1, 4:00 pm – AUBURN CEMETERIES ADVISORY BOARD

Held at the Dean Road Rec Center. Open to all.

 

TUESDAY, DEC. 2 , 8:30 am — FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE AUTUMN WALKS

Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve (North College Street just past the Auburn fish ponds on the right). Meet at the Pavilion. Free & open to all; no reservations required. Cancelled if rain. https://fp.auburn.edu/preserve/

Autumn walks will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve. Walks are geared toward exercise and enjoying the preserve’s fall beauty. Walks will last approximately one hour. Info:  Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512. The preserve is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

TUESDAY, DEC. 2, 10:00 AM — INFRASTRUCTURE AND EXPANSION SUBCOMMITTEE / Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Energy

Held in Room 727 (Finance and Taxation), Alabama State House, Mont. Ph: 334-242-7600.Open to all.

Co-Chairs: Senator Wendell Mitchell & Representative Gregory D. Wren

TUESDAY, DEC. 2, 5:15 PM — AUBURN PARKS & RECREATION BOARD

Held at the Dean Road Rec Center. Open to all.
TUESDAY, DEC. 2 — AUBURN CITY COUNCIL

6:00 pm — Committee of the Whole /  7:00 pm – Regular meeting

Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.

Agenda & full packet:  www.auburnalabama.org/agenda

Committee of the Whole agenda includes:

PICK PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT. Presentation and Discussion. Economic Development Director

Phillip Dunlap.

SPECIAL FIVE MILL TAX REFERENDUM. Discussion. City Manager Duggan.

Regular meeting agenda includes:

7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.

8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Duggan.

a. Boards and Commissions. Vacancies. Appointments at January 6, 2009 Meeting.

(1) Cemeteries Advisory Board. Two Positions. Four-Year Terms Expire December 31, 2012.

(2) Board of Zoning Adjustment. Two Positions. Three-Year Terms Expire January 20, 2009.

9. ORDINANCES.

a. Annexation. Charles C. Pick. Property Located at the northeast corner of North College Street and East University Drive. 225.42 Acres. SECOND READING.

b. Zoning. Charles C. Pick. David Slocum (Authorized Representative). Property Located at the northeast corner of East University Drive and North College Street (pending annexation). SECOND READING.

(1) The Shoppes at Cary Creek. 27.14 Acres.

(a) Rezone from Rural (R) to Comprehensive Development District (CDD).

(b) Establish Planned Development District (PDD) in a Comprehensive Development District (CDD).

(2) Cary Creek Development.

(a) Rezone from Rural (R) to Development District Housing (DDH). 145.68 Acres.

(b) Rezone from Rural (R) to Comprehensive Development District (CDD). 52.64 Acres.

(c) Establish Planned Development District (PDD) in a Comprehensive Development District (CDD) and Development District Housing (DDH) District. 299.04 Acres.

c. Traffic Control Signs and Devices. Establish and Set Four-Way Stop Signs. Magnolia Avenue and Hemlock Drive (4). Unanimous Consent Necessary.

10. RESOLUTIONS.

a. Conditional Use Approvals. Planning Commission Recommendations.

(1) Charles C. Pick. David Slocum (Authorized Representative). The Shoppes at Cary Creek. Institutional uses, IndoorRecreational uses, Commercial and Entertainment uses, Road Service uses, Public Service uses, Nursery uses, andCommunity Shopping Center uses. Property Located at the northeast corner of East University Drive and North College Street (pending annexation). 27.14 Acres. Tabled from November 18, 2008 Meeting.

(2) S & S Properties, LLC. David Fowler (Authorized Representative). Furniture Care, Inc. Commercial Support Use (furniture repair and refinishing) in Comprehensive Development District (CDD). Property Located at 1962 Mall Boulevard, Suite A. .60 Acre Lot. Public Hearing Required.

b. Contracts and Development Agreements. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.

(1) Office of City Manager. 2009 Citizen Survey. ETC Institute. $11,230.

(2) Water Resource Management Department. 2009 Holland B95B Backhoe Loader. Joe Money Machinery Co., Inc. $81,636.

(3) Development Agreement. Midland Atlantic. The Shoppes at Cary Creek. Property Located at the northeast corner of North College Street and East University Drive.

c. Drainage and Utility Easements and Quit Claim Deeds. Acceptance and Vacation.

(1) North Woods, Inc. Camden Ridge, 11th Addition, Phase 2B. Property Located off Parsons Circle. Drainage and Utility Easements. Acceptance.

(2) Cleveland Brothers, Inc. Ogletree Village Business Park. Property Located on Moores Mill Road and Rock Fence Road.

(a) Quit Claim Deed. Vacate Existing Water Easement.

(b) Dedicate New Water Easement. Acceptance.

(3) Michael V. Shannon. Lot 2, Martin Theatres Drive-In Subdivision. Property Located at the corner of Opelika Road and East University Drive. Vacate Drainage and Utility Easement. Quit Claim Deed.

(4) John W. and Sheri M. Todd. Property Located off Lee Road 137 (Wire Road). Correct Legal Description. Drainage and Utility Easement. Choctafaula Interceptor Sewer Phase II Project.

11. OTHER BUSINESS. 12. ADJOURNMENT.

 

TUESDAY, DEC. 2 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL

6:40 pm – work session  / 7:00 pm – regular meeting

Held at 204 S. 7th St, Opelika. Open to all.

Agenda:  www.opelika.org

 

TUESDAY, DEC. 2, 7:00 – 8:30 pm — ALLIANCE FOR PEACE & JUSTICE (APF)   www.peaceeagle.org

Held at the Busch Center (at 508 Auburn Drive), behind the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (450 E. Thatch Ave). Open to all.

 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3, 9:30 am – ALABAMA ETHICS COMMISSION

Held in the 9th Floor Hearing Room, RSA Union Building, 100 N. Union St, Mont; 334-242-2997. Open to the public.

Agenda: In Open Session, to render Advisory Opinions requested by public officials/public employees.  An Executive Session will be held to discuss matters relating to complaints filed with the Ethics Commission and the results of those investigations.  These matters are covered by the Grand Jury Secrecy Act.  No matters will be discussed which are outside the scope of the State guidelines for the holding of Executive Sessions.  Matters discussed in Executive Session will be voted on in public.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3, 12:00 – 2:00 PM — GREEN LUNCH / GWYN THOMAS: RECYCLING MYTHS & FACTS – MELTING THE PLASTIC CURTAIN

Held at AU’s new Student Center, room 2216.

This is the final Green Lunch for this semester. The talk will be given by Gwyn Thomas, Associate Professor in Polymer and Fiber Engineering.  Dr. Thomas received her PhD in textile and polymer science from Clemson University and teaches protective materials, fabric engineering and manufacturing engineering here at Auburn. Her research interests include “extreme protection” such as bullets, bombs, fire, chemicals and biological agents. She is also working on a project for embedded electronic materials in roadways and buildings to replace cell phone towers. Biodegradable and recyclable materials have been a strong interest of hers since she first came to Auburn, and Thomas says, “There are some amazing ways to use everyday items better than we do now.”

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3, 12:15 – 1:30 pm  – PANEL DISCUSSION / WOMEN FACULTY AND STUDENT TEACHING EVALUATIONS

Held in AU’s Comer Hall, room 109.  Free & open to the public.  www.auburn.edu/academic/other/womens_studies/

Panelists will include Virginia Davis, assistant professor of Chemical Engineering, Jim Groccia, Biggio Center on Teaching and Learning, and Paulette Dilworth, Assistant Vice President for Access and Community Affairs.

Do students use different criteria when evaluating female faculty, and could this affect rates of tenure and promotion, along with salaries?  How do students evaluation women faculty of color?  Is it true that “caring” and “competence” are part of a zero sum game for female faculty, so that the higher we are ranked as “caring”, the lower we’re ranked on “competence”?   Why do students call female faculty “Mrs.”, and does it matter?

Sponsored by the AU Women’s Studies Program.  For info about this event, or about Women’s Studies, contact: Ruth Crocker crockrc@auburn.edu, 844-6647 or Laura Obert lco0001@auburn.edu.

 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 3, 4:30 pm – AUBURN BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT / BZA

Held in the city council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.

Agenda & packet online: www.auburnalabama.org/bza/agenda.asp

Agenda includes:

NEW BUSINESS

Variance to Section 516.02, Table 5-4, of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2008-00799

Applicant: Ryan Peterson for Waffle House, Inc.

General Location: 110 West Glenn Avenue

Zoning District: Urban Core (UC)

Action Requested:  Variance from the Special Use Provisions which state that: “No parking will be allowed to be visible from the street at any level. At grade level adjacent to the right of way, parking must be screened with a building.” The applicant is seeking approval to have customer parking visible from West Glenn Avenue.

Variance to Section 411, Table 4-3, of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2008-00804

Applicant: Donn Fizer for Halstead, LLC

General Location: 1888 Ogletree Road

Zoning District: Limited Development District (LDD)

Action Requested: Variance of 0.04 to the maximum impervious surface ratio (ISR) of 0.60 to allow a Neighborhood Shopping Center to be constructed with an ISR of 0.64

OTHER BUSINESS. CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION. ADJOURNMENT

THURSDAY, DEC. 4, 8:30 AM — FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE AUTUMN WALKS

Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve (North College Street, just past the AUburn fish ponds, on the right.) Meet at the Pavilion. Free & open to all; no reservations required. Cancelled if rain.  https://fp.auburn.edu/preserve/

Autumn walks will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve. Walks are geared toward exercise and enjoying the preserve’s fall beauty. Walks will last approximately one hour. Info:  Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512. The preserve is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

 

THURSDAY, DEC. 4, 3:00 PM –  MADISON JONES / BOOK READING & SIGNING

Held at AU’s RBD Library, Special Collections & Archives. Free & open to all. Info: 334-844-4946 or www.auburn.edu/cah

Refreshments will follow the program, and books will be available for purchase and signing.

Come enjoy this reading and book signing by Madison Jones, author of The Adventures of Douglas Bragg, sponsored by the AU Libraries, AU’s Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities, and the AU Bookstore.

THURSDAY, DEC. 4, 6:00 – 10:00 PM – TASTE OF EAST ALABAMA / Benefit for the Domestic Violence Intervention Center (DVIC)

Held at the Marriott at Grand National. Tickets: $25 adults/ $15 children under 12. (Tickets available in advance and at the door.) Come enjoy the good food, music and a silent auction – all to benefit the DVIC.

 

THURSDAY, DEC. 4, 6:30 PM — AU’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Held on AU’s Samford Hall lawn. Free & open to all.
Held immediately following Auburn Christmas Parade in downtown Auburn.

This annual event kicks off the start of the Holiday Season for Auburn residents and students. The lighting of the tree takes place, as well as entertainment by local groups. Hot Cider and cookies are also served. Info:  Hannah Zito hez0001@auburn.edu.

 

THURSDAY, DEC. 4, 7:30 – 9:00 PM – AUBURN COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA

Held at AU’s Telfair Peet Theatre.  Under the direction of Howard Goldstein, the orchestra plays Haydn’s Symphony 104 and joins Jeremy Samolesky for Brahms’s 2nd Piano Concerto.

 

FRIDAY, DEC. 5, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM – ARMORY ARTS CENTER / ANNUAL POTTERY SALE

Held at the Armory Arts Center, 600 7th Ave North, Opelika.  Open to all.

The Armory Arts Center will be holding its annual pottery sale of work done by its members. This a great opportunity to buy your holiday season presents and very reasonable prices.  Sale held on both Friday & Saturday, 10 – 4.
FRIDAY, DEC. 5, 11:30 am  – AUBURN TREE COMMISSION

Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. Open to all.

FRIDAY, DEC. 5  – ANNUAL AUUF AUCTION

6:00 pm – Silent Auction  /  7:00 pm – Live Auction

Held at Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, 450 E. Thach Ave. Free food & drink. Open to all.  www.auuf.org

Whimsical tea pots, a ceramic elephant table, fine art by Janice Ross, these are a few of the items that will go to the highest bidder at the Annual AUUF Auction.  Come at 6 p.m. to get your bidding number and enjoy free food and drink. The live auction begins at 7 p.m. with items like a Striper Fishing Excursion on Lake Martin for Three, a Brazilian Seafood Dinner for Six, and Dinner for Four at the Yellowhammer Restaurant.  According to auctioneer Terry Rodriguez, “There are unique items in the silent auction like 1960s “Christmas Pixies” tree lights, a WWII carved wooden box from the Philippines; we even have a lovely console piano this year.”  Ken Walters, chair of the Auction Committee, notes that popular services will be up for bidding again, including professional plumbing, landscape design, a four-hour work party, a professional massage, and the much-sought-after Fabulous Catfish Fry for Ten.  A catalog of all items will be available at the door.

 

SATURDAY, DEC. 6, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM  – WeHelp Coalition’s 13th ANNUAL COOKIE WALK  / BENEFIT FOR LOCAL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Held at Auburn First Baptist Church, activity building, corner of Gay St & Glenn Ave.  All are invited! Come early to get the best selection of delicious cookies.

 

SATURDAY, DEC. 6, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM – ARMORY ARTS CENTER / ANNUAL POTTERY SALE

Held at the Armory Arts Center, 600 7th Ave North, Opelika.  Open to all.

The Armory Arts Center will be holding its annual pottery sale of work done by its members. This a great opportunity to buy your holiday season presents and very reasonable prices.  

SATURDAY, DEC. 6,  7:00 pm – GNU’S ROOM / WORDS CAFÉ LIVE  www.thegnusroom.com

Held at the Gnu’s Room, 414 S. Gay Street. Ph: 334-821-5550. Free & open to all.

Words Café Live offers an open-mic opportunity for anyone who would like to participate. You do not have to be published to share your thoughts and words with those in attendance.  Simply be surrounded by words as you absorb what is shared by poets, literary artists, spoken word artists and storytellers from Auburn and beyond.

 

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

ANONYMOUS REPORTING OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Want to report info on ADEM, environmental violators or other environmental issues, but prefer to do it anonymously? You can do it via this website: http://www.enviro-lawyer.com/Contact.html.

 

MOCK CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
Want to join others in a mock state constitutional convention?
More info at http://www.constitutionalreform.org/mockconvention.shtml.

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Thanks for your interest and support.

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

Dec. 1, 2008

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