PLACE Forum

Updates:

AUBURN WATER WORKS BOARD FILES FOR INJUCTION AGAINST LOACHAPOKA WATER AUTHORITY
Hearing scheduled:  Wednesday, April 1, 2:00 pm - Judge Denson’s court, Lee County Justice Center.
An expedited hearing is scheduled on this equity lawsuit filed March 20 by Auburn Water Works Board. In the lawsuit, the AWWB requests a preliminary injunction to prohibit the Loachapoka Water Authority from providing water and/or water for fire protection to certain properties within the LWA’s water service territory.  This lawsuit specifically mentions the Donahue Ridge project, which is nearly ready for water service, along with various other existing, proposed, and under-construction developments.
Note:  Water authority service territories were established decades ago. Specific service territories were allocated to each water authority by federal mandate, to ensure they would have sufficient income with which to repay loans made to facilitate water infrastructure construction. Some properties currently are within Auburn’s city limits, yet within Loachapoka’s water service territory. To enable the AWWB to serve such customers, the AWWB and the LWA have been negotiating for a number of years to resolve this service territory question. The LWA has, on a case-by-case basis and with compensation, allowed the AWWB to serve certain developments in LWA’s designated service territory. A broader, blanket agreement to transfer large sections of LWA service territory to AWWB was under discussion prior to the filing of this lawsuit.

PORTIONS OF MAGNOLIA AVENUE TO CLOSE BEGINNING MARCH 30
The portion of Magnolia Avenue between Donahue Drive and Cox Street will be closed for road construction beginning Monday, March 30. The closure is expected to last up to six weeks. Westbound traffic on Magnolia Avenue will be rerouted to Donahue Drive via Thomas Street and Glenn Avenue. Eastbound traffic will be rerouted back to Magnolia Avenue via Donahue Drive, Glenn Avenue and Cox Street. A map (http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pw032409.pdf ) detailing the closure and detours is available on the city’s Web site. This road construction project is part of the Donahue Drive and Magnolia Avenue Intersection Improvements Project approved by Auburn voters earlier this year as part of the Special Five Mill Projects Referendum. Project work includes the addition of left and right turn lanes at the intersection of Donahue Drive and Magnolia Avenue. The project also includes resurfacing Magnolia Avenue from College Street to Donahue Drive, sidewalk improvements and the installation of crosswalks along Magnolia Avenue.

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Events this week:

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM — SCULPTOR CLARK WIEGMAN / PUBLIC ART: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY
Held in the auditorium, AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free & open to the public.
Sculptor Clark Wiegman (http://www.artifacture.org) to present “Public Art: the good, the bad and the ugly.”   www.jcsm.auburn.edu

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 3:00 PM - LECTURE: EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT
Held in AU’s Rouse Life Sciences Bldg, room 112. Free & open to all.
Speaker:  Ken Halanych (AU Department of Biological Sciences)
This event is part of a semester-long celebration of Darwin’s 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of Darwin’s “The Origin of Species by Natural Selection.”  The Darwin Celebration is sponsored by AU’s College of Science and Mathematics, College of Liberal Arts, and the Outreach Committee of the Department of Biological Sciences.  Its purpose is to present Darwin’s ideas and their impact on diverse disciplines for general audiences in a friendly, clear, accurate, non-proselytizing way.

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 3:00 - 6:00 PM  – AU 2009 FINE ART JURIED STUDENT EXHIBITION — JOYCE & ROGER LETHANDER AWARDS IN ART — DEAN’S CHOICE AWARD
3:00 PM - TALK BY RON PLATT, GUEST JUROR  - 005 Biggin Hall, art history auditorium
Opening reception: follows Platt’s talk, held through 6:00 pm, in the foyer of AU’s Biggin Hall.
Exhibition: Held through April 7, in Biggin Gallery, 101 Biggin Hall.
The Department of Art is hosting the 2009 Fine Art Juried Student Exhibition and will present the Joyce and Roger Lethander Awards in Art and Dean’s Choice Award on Monday. The exhibition features artwork by art majors including drawing, painting, sculpture and photography. Guest juror Ron Platt, curator of modern and contemporary art at the Birmingham, Ala., Museum of Art, will present a talk.  An opening reception will commence in Biggin Hall foyer following the juror’s talk and awards presentation; it will run through 6 p.m. Platt will select award winners for the Joyce and Roger Lethander Awards in Art including the prestigious annual purchase award.
Students will be awarded more than $3,000 in art awards. College of Liberal Arts Dean Anne-Katrin Gramberg will announce her decision for the Dean’s Choice Award following the juror’s presentation. More info:  Barb Bondy at 844-3483 or bondybj@auburn.edu.

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 4:00 - 5:00 PM —- New Horizons Lecture Series: Kathryn Thornton /Space Flight: A Human Perspective
Held at AU’s Dixon Conference Center, auditorium. Free & open to the public.
The New Horizons Lecture Series is featuring Kathryn Thornton, a former NASA astronaut and Auburn alum, who currently serves as a professor and associate dean in the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia. The lecture is sponsored by the AU Graduate School.  Note: Later Monday evening Thornton will receive the Alumna Award from the Auburn University Women’s Resource Center during its Women’s Leadership Conference. More info at http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/797.

MONDAY, MARCH 30 — 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:
a. Introduction of ACCA President - Joe Faulk
b. Recognition of Deputy Stanley Wilson - Sheriff Jay Jones
c. Resolution Honoring Loachapoka High School Basketball Team-Commissioner Harris
6. Reports from Staff:
a. Overview of Financial Statements - Roger Rendleman
7. CONSENT AGENDA:
a. Minutes of Commission Meeting March 9, 2009
b. Ratify and Approve Claims
8. OLD BUSINESS:
a. 2nd Reading SW Lee County Volunteer Fire Department - Commissioner Holt
b. Appointment of New EMA Director - Judge English
c. Appointment of Interim EMA Director - Judge English
d. NACo Prescription Drug Plan - Wendy Swann
9. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Board of Education Facilities Update - Dr. Steven Nowlin
b. Comprehensive Development Strategies, LLC Presentation-Commissioner Harris
c. Report on NACo Legislative Conference - Commissioner Harris
d. Subdivision Approval for Hallawaka Lake Estates - Neal Hall
e. Architecture Services Agreement for Justice Center - Roger Rendleman
10. Discussion Items.
11. Executive Session
12. Adjourn

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 6:30 - 7:30 PM - WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AWARDS DINNER
Held at AU’s Hotel and Dixon Conference Center.
Registration form at: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/odma/wlc09.html; fill out & return it to the Women’s Resource Center, 311 Mary Martin Hall. More info: Amye Still at 844-4289 or stillam@auburn.edu.
Keynote speaker: Dr. Mary Ellen Mazey, AU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Conference organizers will recognize Kathryn Thornton, an Auburn graduate, former astronaut and current associate dean for graduate programs at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, as the first recipient of the Alumna Award. Sharon Gaber, Auburn senior associate provost, will receive the Women of Distinction Faculty Award. The Women of Distinction Student Awards will go to four senior basketball players: Whitney Boddie, DeWanna Bonner, Sherell Hobbs and Trevesha Jackson. AU’s annual Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC) is the signature event of the AU Women’s Resource Center.  The 2009 WLC is themed Redefining Woman: Celebrating Diversity, Finding Voices.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31  — WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE / Redefining Woman: Celebrating Diversity, Finding Voice
Held at the AU Hotel & Dixon Conference Center.
Registration: The fee is $25 for the conference; $30 for both the awards dinner and one-day conference. Registration form at: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/odma/wlc09.html; fill out & return it to the Women’s Resource Center, 311 Mary Martin Hall. More info: Amye Still at 844-4289 or stillam@auburn.edu.
AU’s Women’s Resource Center will present the third annual Women’s Leadership Conference, with the theme of “Redefining Woman: Celebrating Diversity, Finding Voice.” At the awards dinner, distinguished Auburn alumna, faculty member and students will be honored. Mary Ellen Mazey, Auburn provost and vice president for academic affairs, will give the keynote address. Workshops at the conference include: “How to Ask for Money: Cutting through the Red Tape,” “How to Grow a Money Tree: Tips for Financial Management,” “How to Climb Capitol Hill: Legislation in Women’s Issues,” How to Work It: Finding Creative Ways of Self-promotion,” “How to Act Out: Students Finding Voice for the Sustainable Movement” and “How to Walk a Tight Rope: Finding balance for work and life.” For more details about the conference and the workshops, go to: http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/799 .

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, NOON - 1:00 PM — FIRE SAFETY /Brown Bag Lunch Series at the Auburn Public Library
Held in the programming room, Youth Services Building, Auburn Public Library. Free & open to all.  Coffee & water provided.  Bring your lunch.
The Auburn Public Library has started a new Brown Bag Lunch series on Tuesdays from noon -1 p.m.  Bring your lunch and learn about a variety of topics. More info:  Reference Desk at 501-3195 or visit http://www.auburnalabama.org/library/adultprograms.asp#brown.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 3:30 PM - ART LECTURE: DR. JOYCE DE VRIES / MATERIAL CULTURE AND CONSUMPTION PRACTICES IN EARLY MODERN ITALY
Held in AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free & open to all.  www.jcsm.auburn.edu
Joyce de Vries holds a Ph.D. in the history of art from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research concerns the art and visual culture of Early Modern (14-17th century) Italy, and, in particular, issues associated with visual constructions of gender and the historical importance of the decorative arts. She received a National Endowment for the Humanities grant to support her book project on female patronage, and regularly presents her research at national and international conferences and symposia.

TUESDAY,  MARCH 31 , 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 1 - SUNDAY, APRIL 5  — AU THEATRE:  The America Play
Held at AU’s Telfair Peet Theatre, Mainstage.  by Suzan-Lori Parks   http://media.cla.auburn.edu/theatre/
Tickets:  844-4154
Showtimes:  April 1-4, 7:30 pm / April 5, 2:30 pm matinee
Thursday, April 2 performance includes pre- & post-show events:
– 6:00 pm pre-show panel discussion, in the Theatre Upstairs / He Hoped He’d Be Of Interest To Posterity: Defining Greatness in American History, and
– post-show discussion with actors & other members of the creative team, in the Telfair Peet Theatre.
AU’s Dept of Theatre will present “The America Play,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, The Auburn production of “The America Play” features A.K. Murtadha, a guest artist from Los Angeles in the role of the Foundling Father. Murtadha has numerous stage, television and film credits to his name, including a Best Actor award from the Big Easy Shorts Festival for his role in the short film “In the Wind.” For more information about the production, contact Director Heather May at 844-6614 or hemay@auburn.edu, or
download the podcast series of interviews with members of the creative and production team, found under the College of Liberal Arts at  http://itunes.auburn.edu.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 9:30 AM - ALABAMA ETHICS COMMISSION
Held in the 9th Floor Hearing Room, RSA Union Building, Mont. Ph: 334-242-2997.  Open to all.
Agenda: In Open Session, to render Advisory Opinions requested by public officials/public employees.  An Executive Session will be held to discuss matters relating to complaints filed with the Ethics Commission and the results of those investigations.  These matters are covered by the Grand Jury Secrecy Act.  No matters will be discussed which are outside the scope of the State guidelines for the holding of Executive Sessions.  Matters discussed in Executive Session will be voted on in public.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 10:00 AM  — LOACHAPOKA WATER AUTHORITY
Held at the LWA, 4742 Lee Road 188, Auburn; (334) 887-3329. Open to all.  www.lwaonline.com
(Directions: Take Hwy 14 through Loachapoka. Turn right on Waverly Rd, which turns into Lee Rd 188.)
Agenda: The purpose of the meeting is to answer questions related to a new well being developed off U.S. Highway 29.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 — JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA / POET & SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVIST
11:00 am - lecture & presentation (held in AU’s new Student Center, room 2222)
3:30 pm - poetry reading (held in AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art)
Poet and social justice activist Jimmy Santiago Baca, born in New Mexico of Indio-Mexican descent, Baca was raised first by his grand-mother and later sent to an orphanage. A runaway at age 13, it was after Baca was sentenced to five years in a maximum security prison that he began to turn his life around: he learned to read and write and unearthed a voracious passion for poetry. During a fateful conflict with another inmate, Jimmy was shaken by the voices of Neruda and Lorca, and made a choice that would alter his destiny. Instead of becoming a hardened criminal, he emerged from prison a writer. He is the winner of the Pushcart Prize, the American Book Award, the International Hispanic Heritage Award and for his memoir A Place to Stand the prestigious International Award.  In 2006 he won the Cornelius P. Turner Award. The national award recognizes one GED graduate a year who has made outstanding contributions to society in education, justice, health, public service and social welfare. Baca has devoted his post-prison life to writing and teaching others who are overcoming hardship. Sponsored by the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project, the Alabama State Council on the Arts, AU’s Depts of Psychology, English and Multicultural Center (a division of the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs), and the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2:00 PM - COURT HEARING / AUBURN WATER WORKS BOARD (AWWB) V. THE LOACHAPOKA WATER AUTHORITY (LWA)
Held at the Lee County Justice Center, Judge Denson’s courtroom. Open to the public.
See details above, in Updates section.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 — JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA / POET & SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVIST
3:30 pm - poetry reading (held in AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art)
See details above, 11:00 am. April 1.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 4:30 pm - AUBURN BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT / BZA
Held in the city council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda: www.auburnalabama.org/bza/agenda.asp
Agenda includes:
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Variance to Section 516.02, Table 5-4, of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2009-00147
Applicant: Rodney C. Jones
General Location: 159 East Glenn Avenue
Zoning District: Urban Core (UC)
Action Requested: Variance of 14.75 feet to the maximum setback of 10 feet in the Urban Core to allow a structure to be set back 24.75 feet from the front property line (East Glenn Avenue)
Variance to Section 436.01 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2009-00148
Applicant: Rodney C. Jones
General Location: 159 East Glenn Avenue
Zoning District: Urban Core (UC)
Action Requested: Variance of 273.25′ to the required 300′ between curb cuts along an arterial street in order to allow a curb cut 26.75′ from the adjacent curb cut to the west, and a variance of 230.25′ in order to allow a curb cut 69.75′ from the adjacent curb cut to the east
Variance to Section 436.01 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2009-00150
Applicant: The Concrete Company
General Location: 294 Beehive Road
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Variance of 173.5′ to the required 300′ between curb cuts on an arterial street in order to allow a curb cut 126.5′ from the adjacent curb cut to the west
Variance to Section 436.01 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2009-00151
Applicant: The Concrete Company
General Location: 310 Beehive Road
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Variance of 173′ to the required 300′ between curb cuts on an arterial street in order to allow a curb cut 127′ from the adjacent curb cut to the west, and a variance of 173′ to allow a curb cut 127′ from the adjacent curb cut to the east
Variance to Section 604(E) of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2009-00153
Applicant: Capstone Development, Inc.
General Location: 696 West Magnolia Avenue
Zoning District: University Service (US)
Action Requested: Variance to allow an off-premise sign for Eagles West Apartments to be
located on the property of Champions Club Condominiums
Variance to Section 605.05 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2009-00154
Applicant: Capstone Development, Inc.
General Location: 696 West Magnolia Avenue
Zoning District: University Service (US)
Action Requested: Variance to allow a second freestanding sign on the property of Champions Club Condominiums
OTHER BUSINESS. CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION. ADJOURNMENT

THURSDAY, APRIL 2 through SATURDAY, APRIL 4 — ART IN BLOOM EXHIBIT AND EVENTS
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.  www.jcsm.auburn.edu/AIB
Seating for all events is limited; for reservations contact Robbin, 34-844-3085.
JCSM will host its fourth annual “Art in Bloom” exhibition, a three-day event featuring art-inspired floral designs. “Art in Bloom” will be open to the public during regular museum hours beginning April 2 at 10 a.m. The exhibition will showcase floral designers and garden club representatives from the community and across the Southeast with their interpretations of the museum’s permanent collection. Lectures and demonstrations from experts on floral design will enhance the exhibition of paired floral arrangements and artwork. For more information, read the news release (http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/777 ).

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 11:00 AM - GRISHAM-TRENTHAM LECTURE / JOHN C. WILLIAMS, LEAD ARCHITECT IN POST-KATRINA RECOVERY PROJECT
Held in the auditorium AU Hotel & Dixon Conference Center. Free & open to the public.
Architect John C. Williams is the honoree and speaker for the 23rd annual Grisham-Trentham Lecture. Williams, of John C. Williams Architects based in New Orleans, is executive architect for actor Brad Pitt’s Make it Right Project, created to revitalize New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward after Hurricane Katrina. To see examples of Williams’ work with the Make it Right Project and other projects in New Orleans, go to (http://www.williamsarchitects.com/index.html).  Williams also serves in the leadership role for the Global Green Holy Cross Project, a LEED Platinum development in the Lower 9th; the Mahalia Jackson School, a renovation that focuses on sustainability and community; and the newly constructed William Smith School in St. Bernard Parish.
The Grisham-Trentham Lecture was established by and named for retired Auburn professor Gary Trentham to expose students to world-class design and business leadership. The lecture is funded by and also bears the name of the renowned painter and textile designer Betty Grisham and her late husband, Charles, an Auburn graduate. This event is sponsored by Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences and the Department of Consumer Affairs.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 7:30 - 9:00 PM - AU PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE AND CONCERT BAND CONCERT
Held at Lakeview Baptist Church, 1600 E Glenn Ave, Auburn. Free & open to the public.
The Auburn University Department of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.  For info on upcoming Music Department events please visit the  on-line calendar at http://media.cla.auburn.edu/music/calendar/listing.cfm.

FRIDAY, APRIl 3, 11:30 am - AUBURN TREE COMMISSION
Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. Open to all.

FRIDAY, APRIl 3, 7:30 PM - EAST ALABAMA ORCHID SOCIETY
Held at the AU Fire Ant Lab.
The EAOS is the local chapter of the American Orchid Society, open to everyone, beginners and experts alike. We generally meet the first Friday of the month to discuss various orchid related topics.  Info and directions to the Fire Ant Lab, contact Vince Cammarata, cammavx@bellsouth.net or Julia Bartosh, bartojl@auburn.edu.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 7:30 pm - SUNDILLA CONCERT FEATURING DAVID OLNEY (with SERGIO WEBB)
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF), 450 E. Thach.
Admission: $10; with student ID $8; children under 12 free (and welcomed; play area provided). Light refreshments provided free of charge; you may also bring your own food or beverage (beer/wine allowed). For more info, and to hear music clips of David Olney, go to www.sundilla.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, NOON - 4:00 PM - WILD EDIBLES LUNCH, WALK & TALK / Presented by Janice Key-Walding, The Wild Southern Herbalist
Think Globally  — Act Locally  — Food and Medicine in your own yard?  YES!
Held at the Vine & Fig Tree, home of Judy Collins and Jim Allen, in Fredonia AL. (About 12 miles north of Lanett, call or email for directions.)
Enjoy a wild edibles lunch, including “Yard Salad” and herb tea! Learn about local foods & medicine growing all around us.
Discover: - a weed that will instantly stop the sting of insect bites;  - nature’s potent iron rich greens;  - the potent medicinal benefits of the Honeysuckle flower
Cost: Only $12, children under 14 free (one fourth of proceeds donated  to the Sweet Home Town Fredonia Fund)  RSVP please. Info & directions: southernherb@att.net 334.497.1999; judysi@knology.net 334.499.2380.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 12:00 - 5:00 PM  –  EAO’S EARTHFEST
Held at AU’s Davis Arboretum.  Free & open to all.
The Environmental Awareness Organization (EAO) is hosting Earth Fest at the Auburn University arboretum. The all-day outdoor concert celebrates the Earth and promotes environmental friendliness. There will be music, food, tables from various clubs and community organizations.  EAO will have food for sale, as a fundraiser for their organization. Note: All cups and plates used will be of bio-degradable materials,  natural alternatives to plastic or Styrofoam

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1:00 - 3:30 PM  —- RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP
Held at the pavilion of AU’s Davis Arboretum. Limited to 20 people. Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins, please.  Registration: contact Tia Gonzales  gonzats@auburn.edu
Cost: $25.00, extra barrels will be available for $10.00, for rain barrel use only.
Participants will be able to choose from two rain barrel designs; one for homes with gutters and the other for homes with or without gutters. We’ll give you some advice on how to best locate and install you rain barrel when you go home. We’ll show you how to connect barrels in series, to increase capacity. Note that this is part of the Earthfest festivities at the Arboretum.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2:00 PM - TALK:  SCOTT AND ZELDA IN THE HEART OF DIXIE
Held at the Auburn Public Library.  Open to the public.  Guest speaker: Richard Anderson.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 5:00 PM — SHILOH COMMUNITY RESTORATION FOUNDATION / 3RD ANNUAL GALA & SILENT AUCTION
Held at Tuskegee University Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, 1 Booker T. Washington Blvd, Tuskegee University.  
Keynote Speaker:  Peter Ascoli / grandson of Rosenwald Schools Founder Julius Rosenwald and author of Julius Rosenwald
The evening events include a silent auction, dinner and reunion dance. Also, earlier in the day, tours, booksigning and other events will be held. More info: Elizabeth Sims, 334-844-4948.
Mission Statement: Restoration of the Shiloh¬ Rosenwald School; to promote civic and community pride and educate people about our community’s history and heritage; To plan, promote and operate cultural and educational/research projects through outreach programs that would benefit all citizens. www.shilohcommfound.com

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UPCOMING EVENT

MONDAY, APRIL 6, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm - AU WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY BOARD / 7TH ANNUAL SPRING SYMPOSIUM & LUNCHEON: Navigating the Challenges in Today’s Economy: Preserving Wealth and Pursuing Philanthropy
Symposium 8:00 AM  / Luncheon: 12:30 PM
Schedule & registration: http://www.humsci.auburn.edu/wpb/images/2009_springsymposium.pdf
Held at the AU Hotel & Dixon Conference Center. Tickets: $85/person; includes symposium, luncheon and tax. Seating is limited and early registration is recommended.
Speakers will include morning keynote speaker Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general for the United States and head of the Government Accountability Office; luncheon keynote speaker David Altig, senior vice president and director of research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; Burt White, managing director of research for LPL Financial; and Leura Canary, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
More info: Women’s Philanthropy Board, 210 Spidle Hall, Auburn, AL 36849-5601; Phone: (334) 844-9199; E-mail: wpbchs1@auburn.edu; web: www.humsci.auburn.edu/wpb/.

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City of Auburn Board Vacancies

• Library Board - one vacancy will be filled at the April 7 city council meeting.
• Historic Preservation Commission - two vacancies will be filled at the April 7 city council meeting.

•    • Board of Education - one vacancy will be announced at the April 21 City Council meeting and will be filled at the May 19 city council 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 501-7260.   Information on the city’s boards and commission is available online at http://www.auburnalabama.org/BoardsandCommissions/Boards.aspx.

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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Thanks for your interest and support.

PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
March 29, 2009

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EVENTS TODAY  –  SATURDAY, MARCH 28

TO BE HELD RAIN OR SHINE !!!
LOCAL ARTISTS TO SELL HANDCRAFTED ITEMS, UNIQUE GIFTS AT ART MUSEUM
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM —- 2ND ANNUAL JURIED DECORATIVE ARTS SALE
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.  Free & open to the public.  www.jcsm.auburn.edu
THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD RAIN OR SHINE!  The museum will be open to the public for free this day.
This year’s sale features more than 25 artists selling jewelry, glass wares, fabric art, woodwork, pottery and more. Artists from all over the community will participate, including a few Auburn University students and faculty members. Some of the artists include:
Terry Rodriguez, a mixed media artist,
Emma Keller, an Auburn University student who designs hand-crafted jewelry,
Mary Stevens, a fabric artist who hand-dyes scarves and
Po Weise, a pottery designer and instructor.
More info: Carol Robicheaux at Robiccc@auburn.edu or 334.844.3096
Note: The Museum Cafe will be open Saturday 3/28/09 from 11am-2pm.
Come enjoy lunch and browse the Second Annual Decorative Arts Sale.  Admission to the museum and arts sale is free.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 3:00 - 5:00 PM - AUUF / RECEPTION: 14th ANNUAL QUILT SHOW & SALE   www.auuf.org
Great photos, videos and stories about the exhibit and the quilters available at http://thecolorofquilting.blogspot.com/
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (AUUF) Hall, 450 E. Thach Ave. Free & open to all.
Quilts will be on view and for sale during the reception.
Don’t miss this great exhibit of quilts by African-American quilters, on view March 28 - April 28. The invited quilters work with a variety of techniques handed down through the generations ranging from tacking “prayer knots” to quilting entirely by hand. Learn more about these talented women at The Color of Quilting exhibit blog (http://thecolorofquilting.blogspot.com/).
More info: Shannon Bryant-Hankes at bryansk@auburn.edu.

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TWO EVENTS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST

GARDEN IN THE PARK - cancelled (Originally scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Next week it will be decided whether the event will be rescheduled.)
ASTRONOMY NIGHT - cancelled (Originally scheduled for 7:00 pm Saturday night. A new date will be announced.)

PLACE editorial note:   The two events listed above are the only cancellations announced so far. However there may be further event cancellations due to the predicted bad weather.

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Sunshine Week update:
Sunshine Week 2009 (http://lists.lwv.org/t/907127/3577422/681/0/)
On March 20, the League Of Women Voters of the U.S. co-sponsored the 4th Annual Sunshine Week National Dialogue, “Opening Doors: Finding the Keys to Open Government.” This successful interactive discussion of federal openness policies and citizen opportunities to use government information in their communities involved Obama administration officials and other concerned citizens. The archived webcast is available here. (http://lists.lwv.org/t/907127/3577422/692/0/) During this week (http://lists.lwv.org/t/907127/3577422/693/0/) dedicated to the importance of open government and freedom of information, LWVUS President Wilson issued a call to action reminding citizens that they have an important role in fostering and maintaining an open government. During the week preceding Sunshine Week, LWVUS Executive Director Nancy Tate participated in a dialogue on the new Administration’s “Transparency Directive” convened by The White House.

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Thanks for your interest and support.

PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
March 28, 2009

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UPDATES

FLIP FLOPS BAR/LOUNGE APPLICATION WITHDRAWN
The applicant withdrew his request for a conditional use approval for a Flip Flops bar/lounge, proposed to be located adjacent to Hardy’s Creative Childcare on N. College Steet, downtown Auburn.  Therefore the item was withdrawn from the City Council agenda.  Any new location the applicant may choose would require a new application to the Planning Commission.

TEMPORARY SIDEWALK & STREET CLOSINGS AT TOOMER’S CORNER
A portion of the sidewalk along Magnolia Avenue between Wright Street and Toomer’s Corner will be closed to pedestrians for maintenance beginning Tuesday, March 24. Detours and signage will be in place. Work is expected to last up to 45 days. During this time, periodic closures of the eastbound lane of Magnolia Avenue may be necessary. Motorists are urged to use caution in the area.

CITY OF AUBURN PRESS RELEASES:
Portion of Magnolia Avenue to Close Beginning March 30
City of Auburn Encourages Citizens to Participate in Earth Hour March 28
The City of Auburn and the Auburn Bicycle Committee Present Bike Bash 2009

MARCH 21 COLUMN BY LISA BROUILLETTE — Of course, no bid contracts a concern
http://placeforum.org/blog/2009/03/24/march-21-2009-column-by-lisa-brouillette-of-course-no-bid-contracts-a-concern/
[first published in the Opelika-Auburn News, March 21, 2009; alternate title: Of course, no bid contracts attract attention.]

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 (& THURSDAY, MARCH 26) - 2009 SOUTHEAST LAND TRUST ALLIANCE CONFERENCE
Held at AU’s Dixon Conference Center. http://www.lta.org
Conference schedule, details & registration at http://www.landtrustalliance.org/learning/training/rc/southeast.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM  — AUBURN BEAUTIFICATION COUNCIL
Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. Open to all interested in keeping Auburn beautiful. Lunch is provided. http://www.auburnbeautification.org/

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 12:15 PM - WOMEN’S STUDIES OPEN DISCUSSION: STUDENT RATINGS OF FEMALE AND MINORITY FACULTY: WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS
Held in AU’s Haley Center, room 0346. (Seminar room in the basement of Haley Center.) Free & open to the everyone.
Sponsored by AU Women’s Studies Program, this event features open discussion of teaching & student evaluations of female and minority faculty.  OPEN TO EVERYONE. You’re invited to come and bring your lunch. Coffee and tea will be provided. Questions?  crockrc@auburn.edu;  844-6647 or 844-1974. http://www.auburn.edu/academic/other/womens_studies/events/Spring_2009.htm

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 12:00 - 1:00 pm - GREEN LUNCH / Douglas Casson Coutts: Food Security in the Developing World and the Need for a Sustainable Planet
Held in AU’s new Student Center, room 2218. Free & open to all.
Speaker: Douglas Casson Coutts, Distinguished Visiting Faculty and Special Advisor on Child Hunger, UN World Food Programme.
Coutts is currently working with Auburn’s Department of Nutrition and Food Science supporting the “Universities Fighting World Hunger” program and helping to establish a hunger studies minor.  The event is hosted by the AU Office of Sustainability. More info: Emma Mulvaney at 844-7777 or visit http://www.auburn.edu/projects/sustainability/website/projects/green_lunch.html.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 7:00 PM - ENVIRONMENTAL MOVIE: RIPE FOR A CHANGE www.auuf.org
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF), 450 E. Thach. Free & open to all. Organic cookies provided.
Featuring beautiful cinematography & really interesting people, this 55-minute film provides provocative commentary by a wide array of eloquent farmers, prominent chefs, and noted authors and scientists exploring two contrasting views of our world. One holds that large-scale agriculture, genetic engineering, and technology promise a hunger-less future. The other calls for a more organic, sustainable, and locally focused style of farming that reclaims the aesthetic and nurturing qualities of food and considers the impact of agriculture on the environment, on communities, and on workers.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 7:30 PM — AUBURN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY CONCERT
Held in AU’s Goodwin Recital Hall. Tickets are $20 for the public and $5 for students with ID. www.auburnchambermusicsociety.org
The Auburn Chamber Music Society will present its third and final concert of the 2008-09 season. The Parker String Quartet will perform Terry Riley’s “Sunrise of the Planetary Dream Collectors”; Anton Webern’s “Langsamer Satz”; Antonin Dvorak’s String Quartet #12 in F Major, Op. 96, “American”; and Johannes Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34. The quartet will be joined by pianist Soyeon Lee for the Brahms piano quintet.  More info: Craig Bertolet at bertocr@auburn.edu.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 - 2009 SOUTHEAST LAND TRUST ALLIANCE CONFERENCE
Held at AU’s Dixon Conference Center. http://www.lta.org
Conference schedule, details & registration at http://www.landtrustalliance.org/learning/training/rc/southeast.Held at AU’s Dixon

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 9:30 AM — ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD
9:30 am — Investigative Committee Meeting
10:00 am - Regular meeting
Held at 445 Herron Street, Mont.; ph: 334-242-2230.  Open to all.
10:00 am regular meeting agenda includes:
I. Call to order, Welcome–10:00 A.M. John T. Manuel, Presiding
II. Roll Call Jean Cannaday
III. Voluntary Prayer
IV. Approval of Minutes of the last Board meeting
V. Awards and Presentation
VI. Public Input and/or Appearances Before the Board
VII. Appeals/Hearings Kathy Perry Brasfield
VIII. Committee Reports
IX. Staff Report Chip Carden
X. Licensure Applications Meeting Standards Jamie A. Durham
A. Review and Approve New Applications.
B. Review and Approve Expired Applications.
C. Ratify and Approve New Applications.
D. Ratify and Approve Expired Applications.
E. Ratify and approve Designated Qualifying Representative Change Applications.
F. Ratify and Approve Renewal Applications.
G. Ratify and Approve Inactive Renewal Applications.
Licensure Applications for Board Review
H. Board Review¬¬¬¬–Renewal Applications.
I. Board Review–New Applications.
XI. Legal Report
1. Recovery Fund Review: Jamie A. Durham
(a) Appeals
(b) Pending Claims
(c) Verified Claims
2. Unlicensed Builders: Jamie A. Durham
(a)  Consent Agreements
(b)  Settlement Agreements
3. Litigation Kathy Perry Brasfield
4. Hearing Officer Recommendations Kathy Perry Brasfield
5. Settlement Agreements Kathy Perry Brasfield
6. Investigative Committee Actions: Kathy Perry Brasfield
(a) Formal Disciplinary Actions
(b) Informal Disciplinary Actions
(c) Consumer Complaints
(d) Board Complaints
7. Advisory Opinions Kathy Perry Brasfield
8. Declaratory Judgments Kathy Perry Brasfield
9. Attorney General Opinions Kathy Perry Brasfield
10. Other Legal Issues Kathy Perry Brasfield
XII. Old Business
XIII. New Business
XIV. Discussion
XV. Adjournment

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 10:00 AM —  AUBURN LIBRARY BOARD
Held in the Library Board Room, Auburn Public Library. Open to all.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, NOON - 1:00 PM —- NEXT CONNECTIONS GROUP TO DISCUSS BREAST CANCER
Held in AU’s Mary Martin Hall, room 311.  Bring a brown bag lunch. Drinks and dessert will be provided.
Free and open to anyone whose life has been affected by breast cancer.
The next Connections group gathering will provide opportunities to talk with others who are facing issues related to breast cancer. More info: Women’s Resource Center at 844-4399.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, NOON - ART MUSEUM / A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts; www.jscm.auburn.edu.   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.  www.auburnchambermusic.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 - ASTRONAUT KEN MATTINGLY / NASA Award, talk & reception
Award ceremony:  1:00 pm / Held in the Lowe Grand Foyer of AU’s Shelby Center for Engineering Technology.
Talk & reception: 2:00 pm / Held in AU’s Hartley Auditorium, 1103 Shelby Center.
All three events are free & open to the public.
NASA will honor Au alumnus and astronaut Thomas K. “Ken” Mattingly with the Ambassador of Exploration Award for his contributions to the U.S. space program. NASA is giving this award to the first generation of explorers in the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs for helping America realize its goal of going to the moon. The award is a moon rock encased in Lucite and mounted for public display. The rock is part of the 842 pounds of lunar samples collected during the six Apollo expeditions from 1969 to 1972. Mattingly will give a talk about his life and experiences at 2 p.m. and at a reception following the talk, he will meet and answer questions from members of the Auburn family. More info:  http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/812.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 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, MARCH 26,  5:00 - 7:00 PM - EXTENSION WORKSHOP “HOME GROWN PRODUCE”
Held in AU’s Comer Hall.  Cost: $5.  Pre-registration required - contact the Lee County Extension office at 749-3353.
“Container Gardening and Home Fruit Selection.” The “Home Grown” series will be a continuing effort; workshops are already being developed for this summer and next fall. More info: Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s News Line: http://www.aces.edu/department/extcomm/npa/newsline/archives/003881.php

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 6:00 - 9:00 PM —- SPRING ART EXHIBITIONS CELEBRATION & LECTURE
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Space is limited; please RSVP by March 18 to 334-844-3085.
Reception with cash bar to follow lecture.  www.jcsm.auburn.edu
6:00 - 7:00 pm - Speaker: Jed Perl, author & art critic / Authority and Freedom: Reflections on Artistic Experience
Exhibits currently on view:
Auburn Collects Uniform Proof: 19th-Century Photography in the Collection of William Wiese / January 24 - April 4, 2009; Chi Omega-Hargis Gallery
Audubon Selections from the Permanent Collection / February 14 - June 20, 2009; Louise Hauss and David Brent Miller Audubon Galleries
Dana King Gatchell Teapot Collection /  Grand Gallery
El Alma Mexicana / The Mexican Soul Selections from the Permanent Collection / March 7, - May 30, 2009; Noel and Kathryn Dickinson Wadsworth Gallery
2009 Auburn University Department of Art Faculty Exhibition / March 14 - May 30, 2009; Bill L. Harbert Gallery and Gallery C
Sound Mapping Alabama:A Journey through Alabama Navigated by Ear / March - April 2009; South Garden

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 8:30 am - AUBURN UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Held in the Auburn University Hotel & Dixon Conference Center, Ballroom B. 334-844-4866. Open to all.
Agenda: regular meeting   http://www.auburn.edu/administration/trustees/meetings.html
Agenda includes:
I. Committee Meetings (Ballroom B, AUHDCC)
**Combined  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.  Poultry and Animal Nutrition Center: Approval of Project Initiation, Initiation of the Design Consultant Selection Process (Joint Item)
2.  Auburn University MRI Research Center: Approval of Project: Approval of Project Site, Expedited Project Designation, and Initiation of the Selection Processes for a Design Consultant and Construction Manager
3. Small Animal Teaching Hospital: Initiation of the Construction Manager Selection Process
4. South Quad Multimodal Transportation Facility: Selection of Design Consultant and Initiation of Construction Manager Selection Process
5. Air Transportation Hangar: Designation as an Expedited Project
6. Information Technology Building: Approval of the Site, Schematic Design, Budget and Funding Plan
7. Status Reports
A.  Current Status of new Construction/Renovation/Infrastructure Budgets of $750,000 and Greater (For Info Only)
B.  Quarterly Report for Projects Costing More than $500,000 but Less than $750,000, First and Second Quarters FY 2009 (For Info Only)
C.  Key Projects Presentation (For Information Only)
B.   Joint Committee Meeting/AUM and Finance Committee/Chairpersons Thompson and Lowder/9:30 a.m.
1.  Adjustment to Student-Technology Fee (Joint Item)
2.  Proposed Employee Separation Plan for Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station (ACES) Employees
C.  Academic Affairs Committee/Chairperson Miller/10:00 a.m.
1.  Proposed Restructuring of Tuition and Fees, Auburn University
2.  Update on CLA and NSSE
3.  Proposed Name Change for Programs and Options in the College of Education
D.   Audit Committee/Chairperson Thompson/10:30 a.m.
1.  Revisions to Audit Committee and Internal Auditing Departmental Charter
E.   Executive Committee/Chairperson Newton/10:45 a.m.
1.  Revision of Board Policies
2.  Revision of Board of Trustees By-Laws
3.  Proposed Awards and Namings
II.   REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES - 11:00 A.M.
A.  Proposed Executive Session (Meeting Room A)
III.  RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES - 11:30 A.M. (Ballroom B, AUHDCC)
(Agenda items are determined primarily based upon committee actions.)
12:00 NOON - LUNCHEON - BALLROOM A, RIGHT (AUHDCC)

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 6:30 PM - CLASSICAL GUITARIST RICHARD TODD AT JCSM  www.jcsm.auburn.edu
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.  Tickets available at the door: $10/nonmembers, $5 members.
Classical guitarist Richard Todd will perform at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at this event cosponsored with the Chattahoochee Valley Guitar Society. Todd, who performs throughout the United States and abroad, has been a featured
artist for National Public Radio affiliates and has made television appearances in Italy. He is a native of Nashville, Tenn., and teaches at Tennessee State University where he serves as director of the classical guitar seminar. He has earned multiple awards throughout his career, including first place in both the Music Teachers’ National Association Competition and the National Federation of Music Clubs Competition. He completed his doctorate degree in musical arts at the University of North Texas. More info: Colleen Bourdeau at cbourdeau@auburn.edu or 844-7075.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 7:30 pm - SUNDILLA CONCERT FEATURING DENICE FRANKE
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF), 450 E. Thach.  www.sundilla.org
Admission: $10; with student ID $8; children under 12 free (and welcomed; play area provided). Light refreshments provided free of charge; you may also bring your own food or beverage (beer/wine allowed). For more info, and to hear music clips of Denice Franke, go to www.sundilla.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28 — SHILOH COMMUNITY DAY
Held at Shiloh- Rosenwald School, 101 Shiloh Road, Notasulga.
A fun day to fellowship, shop and enjoy a day on the hill. Food, 7:00 am yard sale, music and family fun. Info: Corrine Wright 334-741-7766.   http://www.shilohcommfound.com/

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM —- POTTERY SALE / OPELIKA GARDEN IN THE PARK
Held in the city park on the corner of 5th Street/7th Avenue, Opelika.
The pottery sale will be part of Opelika’s Garden in the Park event.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM —- 2ND ANNUAL JURIED DECORATIVE ARTS SALE
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.  Free & open to the public.  www.jcsm.auburn.edu
The Museum Shop will host an expanded version of the Pottery Sale, now the Decorative Arts Sale, on Saturday, March 28 at the Jule Collins Smith Museum. The 2008 event included over a dozen vendors and 400 visitors. The event was such a huge success, we have decided to included a wider variety of artists for the 2009 event, including jewelry designers, handcrafted glass wares, object d’art and pottery.  If you are interested in selling your wares at this event, please contact Carol Robicheaux at Robiccc@auburn.edu or 334.844.3096 for more information. The museum will be open to the public for free this day.
Note: The Museum Cafe will be open Saturday 3/28/09 from 11am-2pm.
Come enjoy lunch and browse the Second Annual Decorative Arts Sale.  Admission is free all day for all.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 3:00 - 5:00 PM - AUUF / RECEPTION: 14th ANNUAL QUILT SHOW & SALE www.auuf.org
Great photos, videos and stories about the exhibit and the quilters available at http://thecolorofquilting.blogspot.com/
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (AUUF) Hall, 450 E. Thach Ave. Free & open to all.
Quilts will be on view and for sale during the reception.
Don’t miss this great exhibit of quilts by African-American quilters, on view March 28 - April 28. The invited quilters work with a variety of techniques handed down through the generations ranging from tacking “prayer knots” to quilting entirely by hand. Learn more about these talented women at The Color of Quilting exhibit blog (http://thecolorofquilting.blogspot.com/).
More info: Shannon Bryant-Hankes at bryansk@auburn.edu.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 7:00 PM — STARRY NIGHTS ASTRONOMY PROGRAM
Held at the Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest, Moore’s Mill Road (from Auburn, one mile on left past the
Ogletree Shopping Village).  Admission is $3 for FEP non-members and $2 for members.
The Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve staff and the Auburn Astronomical Society will host Starry Nights astronomy program. Guests will enjoy a short program on stars, planets and telescopes, a space movie, constellation laser show, high-powered telescopes and snacks. The program is not recommended for children under 5. Bring a flashlight; red cellophane will be available. More info:  Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512 or go to the Forest Ecology Preserve website ( http://www.auburn.edu/preserve ).

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

MONDAY, MARCH 30 - TUESDAY, MARCH 31  — WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Inaugural Awards Dinner on Monday, March 30, 6:30 p.m.
Held at the AU Hotel & Dixon Conference Center.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, March 25, at 4 p.m. The fee is $25 for the awards dinner and $30 for both the awards dinner and one-day conference. Registration form at: http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/odma/wlc09.html ); fill out & return it to the Women’s Resource Center, 311 Mary Martin Hall. More info: Amye Still at 844-4289 or stillam@auburn.edu.
AU’s Women’s Resource Center will present the third annual Women’s Leadership Conference, with the theme of “Redefining Woman: Celebrating Diversity, Finding Voice.” At the awards diiner, distinguished Auburn alumna, faculty member and students will be honored. Mary Ellen Mazey, Auburn provost and vice president for academic affairs, will give the keynote address. Conference organizers will recognize Kathryn Thornton, an Auburn graduate, former astronaut and current associate dean for graduate programs at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, as the first recipient of the Alumna Award. Sharon Gaber, Auburn senior associate provost, will receive the Women of Distinction Faculty Award. The Women of Distinction Student Awards will go to the four senior basketball players: Whitney Boddie, DeWanna Bonner, Sherell Hobbs and Trevesha Jackson. For more details about the conference and the workshops, go to: http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/799 .

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 5:00 PM — SHILOH COMMUNITY RESTORATION FOUNDATION / 3RD ANNUAL GALA & SILENT AUCTION
Held at Tuskegee University Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, 1 Booker T. Washington Blvd, Tuskegee University.
Keynote Speaker: Peter Ascoli / grandson of Rosenwald Schools Founder, Julius Rosenwald and author of Julius Rosenwald
The evening events include a silent auction, dinner and reunion dance. More info: Elizabeth Sims, 334-844-4948.
Mission Statement: Restoration of the Shiloh¬ Rosenwald School; to promote civic and community pride and educate people about our community’s history and heritage; To plan, promote and operate cultural and educational/research projects through outreach programs that would benefit all citizens. www.shilohcommfound.com

MONDAY, APRIL 6, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm — AU WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY BOARD / 7TH ANNUAL SPRING SYMPOSIUM & LUNCHEON: Navigating the Challenges in Today’s Economy: Preserving Wealth and Pursuing Philanthropy
Symposium 8:00 AM  / Luncheon: 12:30 PM
Schedule & registration: http://www.humsci.auburn.edu/wpb/images/2009_springsymposium.pdf
Held at the AU Hotel & Dixon Conference Center. Tickets: $85/person; includes symposium, luncheon and tax. Seating is limited and early registration is recommended.
Speakers will include morning keynote speaker Gene L. Dodaro, acting comptroller general for the United States and head of the Government Accountability Office; luncheon keynote speaker David Altig, senior vice president and director of research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; Burt White, managing director of research for LPL Financial; and Leura Canary, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama.
More info: Women’s Philanthropy Board, 210 Spidle Hall, Auburn, AL 36849-5601; Phone: (334) 844-9199; E-mail: wpbchs1@auburn.edu; web: www.humsci.auburn.edu/wpb/.
Women’s Philanthropy Board Spring Symposium featuring experts on ‘Navigating the Challenges in Today’s Economy’

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City of Auburn Board Vacancies

• Library Board - one vacancy will be filled at the April 7 city council meeting.
• Historic Preservation Commission - two vacancies will be filled at the April 7 city council meeting.
• • Board of Education - one vacancy will be announced at the April 21 City Council meeting and will be filled at the May 19 city council 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 501-7260.   Information on the city’s boards and commission is available online at http://www.auburnalabama.org/BoardsandCommissions/Boards.aspx.

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.

** ** ** ** **

Thanks for your interest and support.

PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
March 24, 2009

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Of course, no bid contracts a concern

—— column by Lisa Brouillette
[This column was first published in the Opelika-Auburn News - March 21, 2009; alternate title - Of course, no bid contracts attract attention.]

- - - - - - - -

It shouldn’t be a surprise, or considered an affront, that Rep. Mike Hubbard’s no-bid contracts with Auburn University repeatedly come under scrutiny.

Most reasonable people would have questions about no-bid state university contracts awarded to a state legislator or his company. More questions arise when that legislator helps create the law which allows such contracts to escape the bidding process.

Coincidentally, this is an apt time to ponder Hubbard’s contracts. People across the country are celebrating “Sunshine Week,” which focuses on a basic tenet of our democracy - transparency and openness in government.

In practical terms, that means the public must have access to its government’s business: meetings, decisions, influences, budgets, documents, contracts, officials’ finances, archives, etc.

Often overlooked is that transparency serves to build trust in government and public officials. It’s necessary to ensure accountability and to uncover abuses of power, bad decisions,and illegal actions.

And trust in public officials - or the lack thereof - is what underlies the questions about Hubbard’s contracts.

Consider this sobering statistic: In exit polls during the 2006 Congressional elections, “more than 40% of voters indicated that corruption and scandals in government were very important in their voting decisions.” (SecrecyReportCard08, http://www.OpenTheGovernment.org)

The same source indicates that in 2007, $114.2 billion in federal contracts were awarded without any competitive bidding and that from 2000 to 2007, the percent of federal contract dollars awarded under full and open competition fell by almost 25percent.

What amount of state and local government contracts similarly are awarded without a full competitive bidding process? How many are awarded to public officials, their relatives or companies?

Might such contracts be, or be perceived as, another form of the “double-dipping” Alabama citizens are so angry about?

Detailed information about contracts held by public officials and employees isn’t easily available. See for yourself: Alabama’s statement of economic interest (SEI) form, required of public officials, is online at http://ethics.alabama.gov/.

Also, for a copy of a public official’s submitted form, you must fill out a request, pay a fee and wait for the Ethics Commission staff to manually pull that file and photocopy it. After last year’s filing deadline, I was told the backlog of more than 40,000 mailed-in forms would take weeks to be sorted and accessible.

If our legislators would pass ethics reform, many such issues would be resolved, and public trust in government would increase.

An open government is our right, but ensuring it is our responsibility.

Hold your elected officials accountable. Force them to implement stronger ethics laws and ban PAC-to-PAC transfers. Oh, and to limit no-bid contracts.

Postscripts to the column : Also of note, and included on the OpenTheGovernment.org website, are President Obama’s recent executive orders re: transparency and open government.  And thanks to the reader who noticed I’d left out the link to http://www.sunshineweek.org/.

. = = = = = = = = =

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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Updates:

PLEASE NOTE ADDRESS CORRECTION
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 1:00 - 5:00 PM — 8TH ANNUAL GARDENER’S PLANT SALE / Benefit for the East Alabama Food Bank
Held at 562 Forest Park Circle (not 462 as shown in previous notices)
Held at 562 Forest Park Circle, Auburn.  All invited to attend.
Come support the 8th Annual Gardener’s Plant Sale to benefit the East Alabama Food Bank. Thousands of plants will be available to suit any type of garden. Choose from heirloom tomato plants or zesty hot peppers for your vegetable garden; fill your flower garden with blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds; create a lush shade environment with hostas and other woodland flowers, or establish a new landscape with flowering shrubs, trees and hardy groundcovers. Every purchase is a tax-deductible donation to the Food Bank, and the need for our help has never been greater. You’ll find hundreds of new and hard to find plant varieties. More info: 887-2244; email: gardenersplantsale@mac.com; web: http://gardenersplantsale.org/ .

CITY OF AUBURN PRESS RELEASE:
Temporary Sidewalk and Street Closings at Toomer’s Corner Begin March 24

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MEETINGS & EVENTS: Monday, March 23 - Tuesday, March 24
(events for the rest of the week will be sent later)

MONDAY, MARCH 23, 9:30 am —  OLLI at Auburn [Osher Lifelong Learning Institute] / featuring Dr. Wayne Flynt
Held at the Lexington Hotel University Conference Center (formerly Best Western), 1577 S. College St., Auburn. Open to all.
Join us for the OLLI Winter Term General Meeting featuring Dr. Wayne Flynt, Professor Emeritus in the Department of History at Auburn University,and  Editor-in-Chief of the new Online Encyclopedia of Alabama. His research focuses on Southern culture, Alabama politics, Southern religion, education reform, and poverty. Dr. Flynt’s topic is “The Future of Alabama.”  Meet OLLI members and staff, ask questions, and sign up for courses. Dress is casual.  Coffee and refreshments served at 9:30 a.m. and the program starts at 10 a.m. More info: 334-844-5100, email us at olli@auburn.edu, or check our website at www.olliatauburn.org.
MONDAY, MARCH 23, NOON - WATER RESOURCES CENTER SEMINAR / Mary Davis of The Nature Conservancy: The Environmental Flow Needs of Rivers
Held in AU’s Upchurch Hall, room 203.  Free & open to all; the public is invited to attend.
The AU Water Resources Center is sponsoring this seminar on the environmental flow needs of rivers. Mary Davis of The Nature Conservancy will present the Ecological Limits of Hydrologic Alternation (ELOHA) Model for assessing environmental flow needs across large regions and the ramifications of human-induced alternations in river flows. Info: Mike Kensler, outreach program administrator for the Water Resources Center, at 844-5021 or mdk0001@auburn.edu.

MONDAY, MARCH 23, 3:00 PM - GREAT BOOKS FILM: THE ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES
Held in AU’s Rouse Life Sciences Bldg, room 112. Free & open to all.
This event is part of a semester-long celebration of Darwin’s 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of Darwin’s “The Origin of Species by Natural Selection.”  The Darwin Celebration is sponsored by AU’s College of Science and Mathematics, College of Liberal Arts, and the Outreach Committee of the Department of Biological Sciences.  Its purpose is to present Darwin’s ideas and their impact on diverse disciplines for general audiences in a friendly, clear, accurate, non-proselytizing way.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm —- LRCOG-AOMPO PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT MEETINGS ON LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Held in the City of Auburn meeting room, 122 Tichenor Ave, Auburn.
Additional meeting: 4:00 - 6:30 pm:   Held at the Opelika Railroad Depot, 1032 South Railroad Ave, Opelika.
LEE-RUSSELL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (LRCOG) / AUBURN-OPELIKA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (AOMPO)
The LRCOG’s AOMPO will host these 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.  Meeting attendees can learn more about the study, review current and projected areas of congestion, speak one-on-one with project staff, and submit comments. There will be no formal presentation.
Note: Each of the two meetings will have identical content.
QUESTIONS: Contact Keith Bryan at LRCOG, 334-749-5264 or keith.bryan@adss.alabama.gov.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 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. Mayberry-Seales S/D, 2 lots, Lee Road 166, Benjamin Mayberry, P/F Approval
2.  Opelika Marketplace S/D, Rediv of Lot 5, 2 lots, 1651 Frederick Road, Jim Parker Family Properties LLC, P/F Approval 3.  Lawler’s Business Park S/D, 2 lots, Gateway Drive, Vikram Sayania, P/F Approval
4.  Liberty Haven S/D, 2 lots, 187 Lee Road 183, Douglas Mc Cullough, P/F Approval
5.  Hopewell S/D, 2 lots, Lee Road 135, 2 lots, Hopewell United Methodist Church, P/F Approval
6.  Cedar Creek S/D, 14 lots, Cedar Creek Drive, Cedar Creek of East Alabama, P/F Approval
B.  FINAL APPROVAL
7.  Wyndham Industrial Park S/D, 4 lots, Gateway Drive, Wyndham Properties LLC, Final Approval
C. REZONING - (Public Hearing)
8.  Robert Beauchamp, Cedar Creek Drive, 7 acres, R-1 to PUD
9.  Robert Beauchamp, Cedar Creek Drive, Amendment to PUD Master Plan

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 4:00 - 6:30 pm —- LRCOG-AOMPO PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT MEETINGS ON LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Held at the Opelika Railroad Depot, 1032 South Railroad Ave, Opelika.
See details above, Tuesday, March 23, 11:30 am.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 4:00 - 6:00 PM  – AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION / WORK SESSION
Held in the conference room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St, Auburn. Open to all.
Agenda:  Discussions re: Regulations regarding flags; timeframes for consideration of applications by the Planning Commission and City Council; Work program update for the City’s Comprehensive Plan; Update of the proposed West Pace Development north of Shell Toomer Parkway and east of south College Street.  www.auburnalabama.org/pl/
NOTE: No formal actions will be taken, nor will the Commission hold any public hearings, but the public is invited to attend.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 5:00 PM - LEE COUNTY COMMISSION WORK SESSION / INTERVIEWS FOR EMA DIRECTOR
Held at the Lee County Courthouse, Commission Chambers, 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika.  Open to all.
Agenda:  The Commission will conduct interviews of the top two candidates for the Emergency Management Agency Director
position.   www.leeco.us

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 6:00 - 9:00 PM  — JCSM Dinner and a Movie
6:00 - 7:30 pm / dinner
7:30 pm / movie - All About Us
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Film showing is free & open to all. Reservations & fee required for dinner prior to film.  www.jcsm.auburn.edu
All About Us with Christine Swanson, director and Michael Swanson, producer.
All About Us tells the story of Ed and Stacey Brown, two young African-American filmmakers struggling to make it in Hollywood. Their plan to succeed takes them to Mississippi, where they are confronted with a warmer reality that inspires the healing of family rifts. View the movie trailer: www.allaboutusmovie.com/
—The Museum Cafe is offering a delicious dinner before the film. Dinner will be $15 per person and will be served from 6-7:30 pm. Reservations are required. Please call the Museum Cafe at 334.844.7016 or 334.844.3085 to make your reservation.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24 - 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:
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Duggan. - None.
9. ORDINANCES.
a. Traffic Control Signs and Devices. Establish Stop Signs and Speed Limit Signs.Ellington Place Subdivision. Eight (8) Stop Signs, three (3) 25 MPH Signs, and one (1) 35 MPH Sign. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Johnie H. Crance. Alabama Berlin Airlift Veteran. 60th Anniversary of Berlin Airlift and Opening of Berlin Airlift Exhibition. Recognition.
b. Auburn Chamber of Commerce and Auburn Downtown Merchants. Sidewalk Sale. Auburn University “A-Day” Football Game. April 18, 2009.
c. Conditional Use Approvals.
(1) McIntyre Building Company. Gregory Forthofer (Authorized Representative). Subdivision Amenity-Swimming Pool and Restroom Facilities (Amenity Lot-Tuscany Hills Subdivision) in the Development District Housing (DDH) zoning district. Property Located at 107 Tuscany Hills Drive. TABLED FROM MARCH 3, 2009 MEETING.
(2) Planning Commission Recommendations. Public Hearings Required.
(a) West Alabama Bank and Trust and Donald Allen Development, Inc. Greg Darden (Authorized Representative). Performance Residential Development-Multiple Family Development-Condominiums (University View) in the Redevelopment District (RDD) zoning district. Property Located at 316 North
Donahue Drive and 319 Bragg Avenue.
(b) Margaret Y. Brown. Brandon Haynes (Authorized Representative). Commercial and Entertainment Use-Lounge (Flip Flops) in the Urban Core (UC) zoning district w/an Overlay of the College Edge Overlay District (CEOD). Property Located at 214 North College Street.
[PLACE editorial note: The lounge/bar in this request would be located directly next-door to Hardy's Creative ChildCare. A large group of citizens is opposing this request; an online petition to "Save Hardy's DayCare" is available at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-hardys-daycare. ]
d. Industrial Development Board. Tax Abatements.
(1) Electric Fuel Battery Corporation. 354 Industry Drive.
(2) SCA, Inc. 764 West Veterans Boulevard.
e. Contracts. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) Environmental Services Department. Southland International Trucks. 2010 International 4300 SBA 4×2 Truck. $67,158.27. State Contract T193A.
(2) Public Works Department. Donahue Drive and Magnolia Avenue Intersection Improvements Project.
(a) Southern Lighting & Traffic Systems. Four (4) Mast Arm Traffic Signal Poles. $38,940.
(b) Alabama Power Company. Relocation of Transmission Structures. Utility Poles #9, 10, and 11 along Donahue Drive. $165,000.
(3) $3,023,779. Water Resource Management Department. Gordy Construction Company, Inc. Choctafaula Interceptor-Phase II Project.
f. Drainage and Utility Easements, Rights-of-Way, and Sidewalk Easement. Acceptance.
(1) Cleveland Brothers, Inc. Grove Hill, 12th Addition, Phase 1. Property Located off Moores Mill Road, near Interstate 85. Drainage and Utility Easements and Rights-of-Way.
(2) Lakeside Properties. Property Located at 420 West Magnolia Avenue. Donahue Drive and Magnolia Avenue Intersection Improvements Project.
11. OTHER BUSINESS.
12. ADJOURNMENT.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24  – OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
6:15 pm - work session / 7:00 PM - regular meeting
Held in the council chambers, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika.  Open to all. Agenda: www.opelika.org/
Work session agenda: http://www.opelika.org/Default.asp?ID=170:           Regular session agenda includes:
7)   REMARKS BY THE MAYOR -  Gary Fuller
1.  Police Officer of the month - Thomas Stinson.
2.  Financial summaries for February 2009.
3.  Building Inspection report for February 2009.
8)   CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS - (Limit comments to five minutes or less)
9)   REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
10) COMMITTEE REPORTS
11) GENERAL BUSINESS
1.  Request from the Opelika Chamber of Commerce for their Touch-a-Truck event.
2.  Request from Tiger Express for a retail beer off-premise license.
3.  Request from Parkway Package Store for a lounge retail liquor (Package Store) license.
12) AWARDING OF BIDS -  Shirley Washington
1.        One hundred twenty-five (125) bronze memory lights - P/W
2.        Off roadway lights - L&P
3.        Two (2) trucks on state contract - P/W
13)  RESOLUTIONS -  Guy Gunter
1.  To purchase a 52 zero turn mower - P/W
2.  To authorize payment to RSA for purchase of military service time by employee - OFD
3.  To designate City personal property as surplus and authorize disposal - Purchasing Dept.
14)  ORDINANCES -  Guy Gunter    (none)
15)  APPOINTMENTS
1.  Board of Zoning Adjustments.
2.  Mental Health & Retardation Board.
16)  ADJOURN

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City of Auburn Board Vacancies
• Library Board - one vacancy will be filled at the April 7 city council meeting.
• Historic Preservation Commission - two vacancies will be filled at the April 7 city council meeting.
• Board of Education - one vacancy will be announced at the April 21 City Council meeting and will be filled at the May 19 city council 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 501-7260.   Information on the city’s boards and commission is available online at http://www.auburnalabama.org/BoardsandCommissions/Boards.aspx.

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.

** ** ** ** **

Thanks for your interest and support.

PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
March 20, 2009

Comments Off

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! TWO SPECIAL EVENTS COMING SOON!

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 & THURSDAY, MARCH 26 — 2009 SOUTHEAST LAND TRUST ALLIANCE CONFERENCE
Held at AU’s Dixon Conference Center. http://www.lta.org
Conference schedule, details & registration at http://www.landtrustalliance.org/learning/training/rc/southeast.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 3:00 – 5:00 PM – AUUF / RECEPTION: 14th ANNUAL QUILT SHOW & SALE www.auuf.org
Great photos, videos and stories about the exhibit and the quilters available at http://thecolorofquilting.blogspot.com/
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (AUUF) Hall, 450 E. Thach Ave. Free & open to all.
Quilts will be on view and for sale during the reception.
Don’t miss this great exhibit of quilts by African-American quilters, on view March 28 – April 28. The invited quilters work with a variety of techniques handed down through the generations ranging from tacking “prayer knots” to quilting entirely by hand. Learn more about these talented women at The Color of Quilting exhibit blog (http://thecolorofquilting.blogspot.com/).
More info: Shannon Bryant-Hankes at bryansk@auburn.edu.

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THIS IS SUNSHINE WEEK 2009  — Let’s reverse the pattern of secrecy & make government more open and transparent — More info at: http://www.openthegovernment.org/    — Concerned that government keeps from the American public information needed to make our families safe, our country secure and strengthen democracy, a broad-based set of organizations formed OpenTheGovernment.org. Visit their website www.openthegovernment.org/ for more info, details of events & issues, and ways you can help make government more open and transparent.

LEE COUNTY MASTER PLAN – ONE WEEK LEFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT www.leeco.us/masterplan/
Even if you missed last week’s town hall meetings about the Lee County Master Plan, you can still send your comments and suggestions in the next two weeks. Information about the Master Plan is available at www.leeco.us/masterplan/. See also the March 9, 2009 O-A News article. Email your comments to Wendy Swann at wswann@leeco.us.

HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST — WHO NEEDS A NEW CONSTITUTION? –- DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 30
Contest guidelines and entry form: http://www.constitutionalreform.org/contest.shtml
To give more students time to submit their entries, the Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform (ACCR) Foundation is extending the deadline for their High School Education Contest to Thursday, April 30, 2009.
Students answer in an essay or multimedia entry the question, “Who needs a new Constitution?” (A multimedia entry can be anything from a 5 minute video to a 30 second spot announcement for radio or television.) The prize is a $500 or $250 scholarship for the student, and the same amount of money for their school.

MARCH & APRIL —-ART EXHIBIT: Sound Mapping Alabama: A Journey through Alabama Navigated by Ear
Held in the South Garden, AU’s Jule Smith Collins Museum of Fine Art. www.jcsm.auburn.edu
Sound Mapping Alabama: A Journey through Alabama Navigated by Ear is a designed compilation of recordings collected in Alabama by Rich Curtis. His outdoor, aural installation piece will be embedded in the museum’s South Garden. The sounds evoke a range of responses and heighten the visitor’s awareness of sound as a distinctly influential component and vehicle of environmental identity. Curtis, an Alabama native, received his MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2004. Since then, he has created multimedia projects that investigate the character of place through sound. Curtis has created projects in the United States, Canada, Kenya and the Netherlands. He currently teaches in the art department at the University of North Alabama. Sound Mapping Alabama was funded in part by a technical assistance grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
Upcoming related event: Thursday, April 16 at 5 pm, in a lecture entitled “Alabama Mockingbird,” Curtis will discuss Sound Mapping Alabama project, the history of his work and introduce his latest project Mockingbird: Mapping Sights and Sounds.
For more information on Curtis’s Mockingbird project go to: http://almockingbird.blogspot.com.

ACTION ALERT – GROCERY TAX BILL – HB 116 / HOUSE FLOOR DEBATE SCHEDULED MARCH 24
Alabama Arise is calling on citizens to contact their state representatives in support of its grocery tax bill.
House Bill 116, sponsored by Rep. John Knight, is scheduled for House floor debate on Tuesday, March 24, after legislators return from their spring break. The bill was previously scheduled for a vote last month, but was pulled because it would have been just a few votes shy of passage. The bill would lower the grocery tax by 4 percent and cap the state deduction for federal income tax at high incomes, and would neither increase nor decrease funding for education. You can send an e-mail to your representative when visiting http://www.capwiz.com/alarise/home.

UPCOMING EVENT:
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM — CITY OF AUBURN HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY Held at the City of Auburn Environmental Services Complex, located at 365-A North Donahue Drive.
The City of Auburn Environmental Services Department will host the 7th Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. This annual event offers citizens the opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals. Computers and related equipment will also be accepted for recycling during the event. Participation is limited to Auburn residential solid waste service customers only. Citizens may bring up to 20 pounds of materials per household for disposal. No farm, commercial, or industrial waste will be permitted. Participants are asked to bring a recent water bill to demonstrate proof of residency. For a complete list of acceptable items, please visit us online at www.auburnalabama.org/es. More info: City of Auburn Environmental Services Department at 501-3080.

UPCOMING EVENT:
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 1:00 – 5:00 PM — GARDENERS’ 8TH ANNUAL PLANT SALE / Benefit for the East Alabama Food Bank
Held at 562 Forest Park Circle, Auburn.   Buy wonderful herbs & plants while supporting a great local agency!
More info: contact Evie Ratner 887-2244; email: gardenersplantsale@mac.com; web: http://gardenersplantsale.org/

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THIS WEEK’S MEETINGS & EVENTS:

MONDAY, MAR. 16 through FRIDAY, MARCH 20 — AU SPRING BREAK

MONDAY, MARCH 16 through FRIDAY, MARCH 20 — ShopAuburn for the Spring / METER-FREE PARKING IN DOWNTOWN AUBURN
Additional Parking Spaces Available Downtown — Metered parking spaces are now available on the first floor of the Auburn Municipal Parking Deck, located between Gay Street and College Street. Over 60 metered spaces are available for citizens wishing to shop, dine, and conduct business in downtown. More than 80 businesses, restaurants, stores, apartments, churches, and offices are located within easy walking distance of the parking deck. If you haven’t been in a while, now is the perfect time to visit downtown and ShopAuburn! Enjoy meter-free parking during Spring Break, March 16 - 20.

MONDAY, MARCH 16, 8:30 AM — ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD / SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
Held at 445 Herron Street, Montgomery. Phone: 334-242-2230. Open to all.
Agenda: Investigative Committee Meeting

MONDAY, MARCH 16, 7:00 pm – LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF EAST ALABAMA
Topic: Judicial Selection in Alabama;  Speaker: Stephen Brown, AU Political Science Department.
Held at the East Alabama Health Resource Center. (Located between Auto Save and Liberty.)
Open to all. The public is invited to attend. More info: 821-8382.
Dr. Brown will discuss how to reduce the influence of politics in the judicial system, particularly in AL.
How Alabama selects judges: In recent years, the amount of money spent on campaigns for seats on Alabama¹s superior courts, as well as the ugliness of several campaigns has caused many people to question the way judges for the appellate and supreme courts are chosen. At present candidates run statewide by party, and only recently have measures to assure their qualifications and experience been introduced. Is there a better way to select judges? Come to this LWV meeting and hear political scientist Stephen Brown discuss possibilities for improving the system.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, NOON — AUBURN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION BOARD
Held at Pebble Hill (Caroline Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities).
All members are encouraged and invited to attend. www.auburnheritage.org
Note: AHA board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month from Sept to May.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 6:00 pm – LEE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CLUB
Held at the Elks Club, 1944 Opelika Road. All are invited to attend. More info: Bill Walsh 826-9713; williamwalsh@charter.net.
6:00 pm — buffet dinner ($9.00; tax and tip included)
6:50 pm – Program: Dr. Wayne Flynt / Topic: More than just a game: Football, Politics, and Ethics in Alabama
Wayne Flynt is Professor Emeritus in AU’s History Dept. He has won numerous teaching awards and has been a Distinguished University Professor for many years. His research focuses on southern culture, Alabama politics, southern religion, education reform, and poverty. He is now Editor-in-Chief of the new Online Encyclopedia of Alabama. Dr. Flynt received his A.B. from Howard College (now Samford University), and his M.S. and Ph.D. from Florida State University.  In 1977, after teaching at Samford for eight years, Dr. Flynt joined the faculty at Auburn where he has remained.  He is a prolific author – recent books include Dixie’s Forgotten People: The South’s Poor Whites, The Divided Mind of Protestant America, 1880 – 1930, Alabama in the 20th Century, and A Fire You Can’t Put Out: The Civil Rights Life of Birmingham’s Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth Dr. Flynt is also a widely sought-after commentator on politics, race, religion and culture.  He is a constant advocate for education and fairness to lower income groups and is regarded by many as a prophet, when that word is used in its best and broadest sense.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 (through SUNDAY, APRIL 5) — AUBURN FLORAL TRAIL 2009 www.aotourism.com
Brought to you by Auburn Beautification Council and the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, the 2009 Auburn Floral Trail is over 14 miles of the most beautiful spring blooms the South has to offer. Immerse yourself in the sense of peace and renewal found among trumpeters of a new season’s birth. Dogwoods, azaleas, Yoshino flowering cherries: all just a sample of what awaits to welcome you to the loveliest village on the plains. More info: Robert & Alice Crittenden, Committee Chairs at 334.821.7394.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 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. PLATS (preliminary and prel. & final) - Public Hearing
1. Mayberry-Seales S/D, 2 lots, Lee Road 166, Benjamin Mayberry, P/F Approval
2.  Opelika Marketplace S/D, Rediv of Lot 5, 2 lots, 1651 Frederick Road, Jim Parker Family Properties LLC, P/F Approval
3.  Lawler’s Business Park S/D, 2 lots, Gateway Drive, Vikram Sayania, P/F Approval
4.  Liberty Haven S/D, 2 lots, 187 Lee Road 183, Douglas Mc Cullough, P/F Approval
5.  Hopewell S/D, 2 lots, Lee Road 135, 2 lots, Hopewell United Methodist Church, P/F Approval
6.  Cedar Creek S/D, 14 lots, Cedar Creek Drive, Cedar Creek of East Alabama, P/F Approval
B. FINAL APPROVAL
7.  Wyndham Industrial Park S/D, 4 lots, Gateway Drive, Wyndham Properties LLC, Final Approval
C. REZONING - (Public Hearing)
8.  Robert Beauchamp, Cedar Creek Drive, 7 acres, R-1 to PUD
9.  Robert Beauchamp, Cedar Creek Drive, Amendment to PUD Master Plan
Note: The regular Opelika Planning Commission meeting will be held Tuesday, March 24, 3:00 pm, same location.

THURSDAYS, MARCH 19 & 26, 5:00 – 7:00 PM – EXTENSION WORKSHOP “HOME GROWN PRODUCE”
Held in AU’s Comer Hall. Cost: $5 per night.
Pre-registration required – contact the Lee County Extension office at 749-3353.
Second in a three-part “Home Grown” workshop series will be held on consecutive Thursday evenings. Topics: March 19 - “Soils and Plant Nutrition and Raised Bed Gardening”; and March 26 - “Container Gardening and Home Fruit Selection.” The “Home Grown” series will be a continuing effort; workshops are already being developed for this summer and next fall. More info: Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s News Line: http://www.aces.edu/department/extcomm/npa/newsline/archives/003881.php#more

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 through SUNDAY, MARCH 22 – ALABAMA RIVERS ALLIANCE (ARA) 11^th ANNUAL WATERSHED LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Held at Camp McDowell. Open to all. Registration required.
Details: http://www.alabamarivers.org for details.
The 2009 Watershed Leadership Conference will be held at  Camp McDowell, bordering the Bankhead National Forest and Sipsey Wilderness.  Come join other conservationists, experts, and river protectors and learn about current environmental issues in our state.  Keynote speakers, author John Randolph and naturalist Elberta Reid discuss, The Battle for Alabama’s Wilderness: Saving the Great Gymnasiums of Nature and their experiences in citizen organizing describing the great victory in the preservation of the Sipsey Wilderness, kicking off the Eastern wilderness movement in the 70’s and 80’s in the Eastern US.

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City of Auburn Board Vacancies
• Library Board — one vacancy will be filled at the April 7 city council meeting.
• Historic Preservation Commission — two vacancies will be filled at the April 7 city council meeting.
• Board of Education — one vacancy will be announced at the April 21 City Council meeting and will be filled at the May 19 city council 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 501-7260.   Information on the city’s boards and commission is available online at http://www.auburnalabama.org/BoardsandCommissions/Boards.aspx.

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
CITY OF AUBURN SURVEY - The City of Auburn’s annual citizens survey is underway. See details at 2009 Citizen Survey Underway. http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/ocm020209.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.

** ** ** ** **

Thanks for your interest and support.

PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
March 15, 2009

Comments Off

UPDATES:

City of Auburn press releases:
Congressman Mike Rogers Announces Grant for Auburn Fire Division
City of Auburn Launches Fats, Oil, and Grease Recycling Program

Interested in Constitutional Reform?  Get the latest details in the Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform (ACCR) newsletter — http://www.constitutionalreform.org/pdf/nwslttr_vol4_1.pdf.

City of Auburn Board Vacancies
• Library Board — one vacancy will be filled at the April 7 city council meeting.
• Historic Preservation Commission — two vacancies will be filled at the April 7 city council meeting.
• Board of Education — one vacancy will be announced at the April 21 City Council meeting and will be filled at the May 19 city council 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 501-7260.   Information on the city’s boards and commission is available online at http://www.auburnalabama.org/BoardsandCommissions/Boards.aspx.

IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT FORESTS  .  . . THEN LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!
A statewide assessment of Alabama’s forests and forest-related resources is underway . Share your ideas by taking the Alabama Forestry Commissions’s (AFC) survey. It’s available at www.forestry.alabama.gov until March 30.  (Click on “Take the Survey.”)
— Survey results will be posted in May on  the AFC’s  website. This public input will help identify the ‘critical’ natural resources of the state, to understand the threats to those resources, and to develop sound management strategies to mitigate the risks.  Future federal, state, and private funding projects can be then  be focused accordingly.
Let your voice be heard to ensure that Alabama never sees “A Life without Forests.”

INTERESTED IN POSSIBLE STIMULUS FUNDING FOR LOCAL PROJECTS? Go to: www.StimulusWatch.org !
This website lists projects for which local governments have submitted for stimulus funding.   Along with information on projects submitted by other states, it shows projects the mayors of Alabama submitted in the 2008 U.S. Conference of Mayors report. You can click on a project to read (and add to) its description. You can also discuss the project and vote on whether you believe it is critical or not.
Auburn’s submitted list of ‘shovel ready’ projects – a total of $25,329,425 —  is available at: http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/by_city/Auburn/AL.

ONLINE SEARCH AVAILABLE FOR ADEM VIOLATOR/ORDER INDEXES 1991-2009
Though the efforts of environmental attorney David Ludder (www.enviro-lawyer.com), 27 years of ADEM order indexes have been posted on http://www.enviro-lawyer.com/ADEM-AOs.html. With one click you can now search all 27 years for a particular violator or order number. Review the indexes shown in the results to verify the order numbers of interest and e-mail David Ludder or ADEM for a copy of the orders you are interested in. (Ludder has all final orders from 1991 to 2009.)

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS — UPCOMING EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 & THURSDAY, MARCH 26 — 2009 SOUTHEAST LAND TRUST ALLIANCE CONFERENCE
Held at AU’s Dixon Conference Center. http://www.lta.org
Conference schedule, details & registration at http://www.landtrustalliance.org/learning/training/rc/southeast.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM — CITY OF AUBURN HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY Held at the City of Auburn Environmental Services Complex, located at 365-A North Donahue Drive.
The City of Auburn Environmental Services Department will host the 7th Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. This annual event offers citizens the opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals. Computers and related equipment will also be accepted for recycling during the event. Participation is limited to Auburn residential solid waste service customers only. Citizens may bring up to 20 pounds of materials per household for disposal. No farm, commercial, or industrial waste will be permitted. Participants are asked to bring a recent water bill to demonstrate proof of residency. For a complete list of acceptable items, please visit us online at www.auburnalabama.org/es. More info: City of Auburn Environmental Services Department at 501-3080.

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 1:00 – 5:00 PM — GARDENERS’ 8TH ANNUAL PLANT SALE / Benefit for the East Alabama Food Bank
Held at 562 Forest Park Circle, Auburn.   Buy wonderful herbs & plants while supporting a great local agency!
More info: contact Evie Ratner 887-2244; email: gardenersplantsale@mac.com; web: http://gardenersplantsale.org/

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MEETINGS & EVENTS THIS WEEK:  MARCH 9 - 13

MONDAY, MARCH 9 through FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 9:00 – 10:00 am — AUBURN’S MARCH FOR CLEAN / LITTER-FREE CAMPAIGN
Held at different locations each day: for details, go to http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/es022509.asp.
The City of Auburn Environmental Services Department, in conjunction with the Keep Auburn Beautiful Committee, will host the “March for Clean” Litter-Free Campaign. The campaign will consist of a series of litter stops in areas with a high incidence of litter. Organizers will distribute litter bags for cars and flower seed packets with the assistance of the City of Auburn Public Safety Department - Police Division. The City is asking residents to utilize the litter bags in their cars and keep Auburn’s streets and sidewalks free of litter. Citizens are also encouraged to plant the seeds in their yards and help Keep Auburn Beautiful. More info: City of Auburn Environmental Services Dept at 501-3080.

MONDAY, MARCH 9, noon — AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION PACKET MEETING (AGENDA DISCUSSION)
Held in the conference room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all. [Note: The regular PC meeting is at 5:00 pm, this Thursday, March 12.]
Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/pc/agenda.asp.  Agenda includes:
CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATION
OLD BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA
NEW BUSINESS
1. West Pace Village PDD PUBLIC HEARING / PL-2009-00045
Applicant: West Pace, LLC  [members: Tom Hayley/ Redd Family Partnership LLLP, Eagle Management LLC]
General Location: North of Shell Toomer Parkway and east of South College Street
Zoning District: Comprehensive Development District (CDD) (pending annexation into the City limits [Case PL-2008-00790] and rezoning [Case PL-2008-00791])
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council to apply the Planned Development District (PDD) designation to approximately 165.81 acres
[PLACE editorial note:  The planning staff report notes the lack of an up-to-date traffic study. The staff recommends the Planning Commission (PC) hold the already-advertised public hearing, keep the hearing open and continue the item to the April Planning Commission meeting. The PC will vote on this item, and decide whether they agree with the staff recommendation, at Thursday night’s PC meeting.]
2. Grove Hill Subdivision, 12th Addition PUBLIC HEARING / PL-2009-00094
Applicant: Cleveland Brothers, Inc.
General Location: Off of Moores Mill Road, near Interstate 85
Zoning District: Planned Development District (PDD) with Development District Housing (DDH) underlying
Action Requested: Preliminary plat approval for a 78 lot subdivision (73 performance residential lots, three open space lots and two lots for future commercial development). Includes a waiver to Section 421.01(D) regarding open space requirements.
3. Grove Hill Subdivision, 12th Addition PL-2009-00095
Applicant: Cleveland Brothers, Inc.
General Location: Off of Moores Mill Road, near Interstate 85
Zoning District: Planned Development District (PDD) with Development District Housing (DDH) underlying
Action Requested: Final plat approval for a 76 lot subdivision (73 performance residential lots and three open space lots)
4. Longleaf Crossing, Phase 5, Redivision of Lot 1 PUBLIC HEARING / PL-2009-00097
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: Preliminary plat approval for a 3 lot conventional subdivision
[note: This involves connecting West Longleaf Drive to Cox Road, and involves subdivisions variously known as College Crossing, Taylor Park South, & Longleaf Crossing]
5. IDB Incubator Building #1 PUBLIC HEARING / PL-2009-00099
Applicant: Industrial Development Board of the City of Auburn
General Location: Lot 21, Auburn Technology Park West (near the intersection of West Tech Lane and Innovation Drive)
Zoning District: Industrial (I)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for an industrial use (manufacturing use)
6. Flip Flops PUBLIC HEARING / PL-2009-00100
Applicant: Brandon Haynes for Margaret Brown
General Location: 214 North College Street
Zoning District: Urban Core (UC) with an overlay of the College Edge Overlay District (CEOD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a lounge
7. Heritage Park PUBLIC HEARING / PL-2009-00101
Applicant: Donald H. Allen Development, Inc. [Donald H Allen] and West Alabama Bank & Trust [for corporate info, go to http://arc-sos.state.al.us/cgi/corpdetail.mbr/detail?corp=002030&page=name&file= ]
General Location: 316 North Donahue Drive and 319 Bragg Avenue
Zoning District: Redevelopment District (RDD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a performance residential use (multiple family development)
8. Hamilton Place PUBLIC HEARING / PL-2009-00103
Applicant: Hamilton Place, LLC [members: Michael V Shannon, C Hadley Weaver, David L Strobel, Edward E Rogers, Brent Gladden]
General Location: 1940 Hamilton Road
Zoning District: Planned Development District (PDD) with Limited Development District (LDD) underlying and with a portion in the Conservation Overlay District (COD)
Action Requested: Waiver to landscape requirements of Section 424.09 that would allow 33 of 40 canopy trees and 3 of 52 understory trees to be planted outside of required buffer areas and a waiver to landscape requirements of 426.02 that would allow 78 of 130 tree inches to be relocated outside of street frontage buffers.
9. Donahue Ridge Subdivision PUBLIC HEARING / PL-2009-00119
Applicant: Donahue Land, LLC  [members: Tom Hayley/ Redd Family Partnership LLLP, Eagle Management LLC]
General Location: Off of North Donahue Drive, east of Camden Ridge Subdivision 1st Addition, and south of Farmville Road
Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: Waiver to the City of Auburn Subdivision Regulations, Article IV, Design Standard, Cul-de-sac streets (Maximum Length) of 536.06’ from the maximum
700’ cul-de-sac length in order to allow a cul-de-sac length of 1,236.06’
OTHER BUSINESS. CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION. STAFF COMMUNICATION. ADJOURNMENT.

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 3:00 PM – LECTURE: IMPORTANCE OF COLLECTIONS TO DARWIN (plus tour of AU’s Animal Collections)
Held in AU’s Rouse Life Sciences Bldg, room 112. Free & open to all. Tour of AU’s Animal Collections follows lecture.
Speaker: Jon Armbruster (Department of Biological Sciences)
This event is part of a semester-long celebration of Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of Darwin’s “The Origin of Species by Natural Selection.” The Darwin Celebration is sponsored by AU’s College of Science and Mathematics, College of Liberal Arts, and the Outreach Committee of the Department of Biological Sciences.  Its purpose is to present Darwin’s ideas and their impact on diverse disciplines for general audiences in a friendly, clear, accurate, non-proselytizing way.

MONDAY, MARCH 9 – 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:
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:
a. Recognition of Deputies Rebecca Tate & Pamela Revels
b. State Champion Loachapoka High School Basketball Team
6. Reports from Staff:
a. Report on Lee Road 513 – Neal Hall
b. Update on Salem Tornado Damage – Deedie Matthews
c. Update on Stimulus Package & Legislation – Wendy Swann
7. CONSENT AGENDA:
a. Minutes of Commission Meeting February 23, 2009
b. Ratify and Approve Claims
8. OLD BUSINESS:
a. 1st Reading SW Lee County Volunteer Fire Department – Commissioner Holt
b. 2nd Reading Various Board Appointments – Judge English
c. Centerline Striping Annual Maintenance Bid – Neal Hall
e. Bid #8 Portable Satellite System – Deedie Matthews
f. Update on EMA Director Hiring Process – Kim Oas
9. NEW BUSINESS:
a. Energy Efficiency Presentation - Eric Hodge
b. Domestic Violence Intervention Center Emergency Grant– Lisa Stephens/Lisa Sandt
c. Approval of County Credit Account – Oline Price
d. Retail Beer (off-premise) License for Discount Grocery – D3
e. Restaurant Retail Liquor License for White House Restaurant – D4
f. Educational Reimbursement – Neal Hall
10. Discussion Items
11. Executive Session on Current Litigation
12.Adjourn

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 7:30 PM – TASMAN STRING QUARTET / AU MUSIC FACULTY
Held at AU’s Goodwin Music Building Recital Hall.
Tasman String Quartet; Michael Koon, baritone; David Odom, clarinet, Jeremy Samolesky, piano. Email goldsha@auburn.edu or phone 844-3167 for more information. AU Music Dept calendar of events: http://media.cla.auburn.edu/music/calendar/listing.cfm

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 8:30 AM – READY TO RUN WORKSHOP
Held in room 502, the Alabama Power Room, AU’s Lowder Business Bldg. Materials fee: $39. AAUW will provide scholarships to 10 women who would like to attend.
The Ready to Run one-day program gives women who are considering a run in office the tools and training to make the attempt a successful one. Ready to Run is a nonpartisan program for women who want to run for office, seek higher office, work in a campaign or position themselves for other types of public leadership. The Women’s Leadership Institute in the College of Liberal Arts is teaming up with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to provide this one-day intensive training session. According to AAUW, Alabama has no women in the United States Congress and there are only five women serving in statewide elected executive positions. AAUW will provide scholarships to 10 women who would like to attend. The scholarship covers the $39 fee for materials. There are no other costs associated with this session. To apply for one of the scholarships, e-mail Audrey Salgado at audrey5190@yahoo.com.  More info: Martina Janska at janska@auburn.edu.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 11:30 am – AUBURN GREENSPACE ADVISORY BOARD
Held in the city of Auburn meeting room, 122 Tichenor Ave. Open to all.

TUESDAY, MAR. 10, 4:00 PM — ART LECTURE / HALE ASPACIO WOODRUFF, THE ACADEMY, AND THE PAUL R. JONES COLLECTION
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.  Free & open to all.  www.jscm.auburn.edu
Speaker: Dr. Amalia K. Amaki
Amalia Amaki, Professor of Art History and Curator of the Paul R. Jones Collection at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, will present two distinct programs for “Art and the Academy”.  The first looks at Tuskegee photographer P. H. Polk, who captured campus and community life from the late 1920s through the early 1980s. The topic of Amaki’s second lecture is the life and work of artist and educator Hale Aspacio Woodruff, who played a significant role in educating and advancing the work of generations of African American artists.  Amaki will discuss his far-reaching influence and will also consider the connections between Woodruff’s oeuvre and legacy and the Paul R. Jones Collection.
— The New Perspectives lecture series is sponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities in Auburn University’s College of Liberal Arts and the Alabama Humanities Foundation, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The series is co-sponsored by the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, the Access and Community Initiatives unit of the Office of Diversity of Multicultural Affairs, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University and the Department of Art. After premiering in Auburn, the lectures will be offered in selected locations around the state. For dates and more information, go to www.auburn.edu/cah or call (334) 844-4946.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 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, MARCH 10  – AUBURN BOARD OF EDUCATION  www.auburnschools.org
5:00 pm – dinner: Board of Education Office, 855 East Samford Ave.
6:00 pm – meeting: Auburn High School multi-media room, 405 S. Dean Rd. Open to all.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 12:30 PM —- ALABAMA PERMANENT JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON WATER POLICY AND MANAGEMENT
Held in the Joint Briefing room of the Alabama State House. Open to all.
Agenda includes the Committee’s initial report on Water Policy. (For a copy of the draft report, email placeforum@gmail.com.)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 3:00 PM — ART LECTURE: WOMEN ARTISTS AND GENDER ISSUES IN EARLY MODERN EUROPE
Held in AU’s Biggin Hall, room 005.  Free & open to the public.  Speaker: Dr. Joyce de Vries, Assistant Professor of Art History
More info: 844-1974 or 844-6647; http://www.auburn.edu/academic/other/womens_studies/events/index.html.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, noon – LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF EAST ALABAMA /Brown bag lunch meeting
Held at the Frank Brown Recreation Center, 235 Opelika Rd, Auburn. Open to all.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, noon – ART MUSEUM / A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. Free & open to all.  www.jscm.auburn.edu
Enjoy lunch in the museum café on Thursdays while the lovely sounds of local musicians echo through the museum. This week’s performance by pianist Bill Summerfield and cellist Charles Wright. Sponsored by the Auburn Chamber Museum Society www.auburnchambermusic.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 4:30 pm – OPELIKA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Held in the Planning Chambers, Opelika Public Works Bldg, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika. Open to all.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 5:00 pm – AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet:  www.auburnalabama.org/pc/agenda.asp (See details above, Monday, noon, March 9, PC packet meeting)

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 5:00 – 7:00 PM – EXTENSION WORKSHOP “HOME GROWN PRODUCE”
Held in AU’s Comer Hall.  Cost: $10 for the three-night series or $5 per night.
Pre-registration required – contact the Lee County Extension office at 749-3353.
A three-part “Home Grown” workshop series will be held on consecutive Thursday evenings beginning March 12. Topics: March 12 - “Vegetable Garden Basics”; March 19 - “Soils and Plant Nutrition and Raised Bed Gardening”; and March 26 - “Container Gardening and Home Fruit Selection.” The “Home Grown” series will be a continuing effort; workshops are already being developed for this summer and next fall. More info: Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s News Line: http://www.aces.edu/department/extcomm/npa/newsline/archives/003881.php#more

FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 9:30 AM – ALABAMA COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION/ACHE
Held in the PSC Hearing Room, 9th Floor, RSA Union Bldg, 100 North Union, Mont. Ph: 334-242-1998. Open to all.
9:30 am – Committee of the Whole;  10:00 am – regular meeting. Agenda: www.ache.alabama.gov.
Agenda includes:
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call of Members and Determination of Quorum
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Consideration of Minutes of Previous Meeting
V. Chairman’s Report
VI. Executive Director’s Report
VII. Discussion Items
VIII. Decision Items
IX. Information Items

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM —- 2009 HEROES TAKE FLIGHT FLY-IN / Benefit for the Lee County Red Cross
Held at the Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport.
Tickets Adults $5 in advance, sold by local retailers, or $8 at the gate. Children $2.
Attractions include vintage and experimental airplanes; warbirds and military vehicles; parachutists; helicopter rides; veterans’ hospitality area; and other activities for the whole family. All proceeds benefit the Lee County Red Cross and its services.
More info: (334) 749-9981 or visit www.leeredcross.org.

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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
CITY OF AUBURN SURVEY - The City of Auburn’s annual citizens survey is underway. See details at 2009 Citizen Survey Underway. http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/ocm020209.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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Thanks for your interest and support.

PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
March 8, 2009

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MEETINGS, EVENTS & UPDATES — WEEK OF MARCH 2, 2009

MONDAY, MAR. 2, 11:45 am - 1:30 pm — AU WOMEN’S STUDIES AWARDS LUNCHEON
Held in Ballroom B, at AU’s Hotel & Dixon Conf. Center. Lecture is free & open to the public, however the luncheon costs $23. Seats are limited, please RSVP no later than Feb. 27 by phone 844-1974 or online at  http://www.auburn.edu/academic/other/womens_studies/ .
Keynote speaker, Dr. Marjorie Spruill, Professor of History, Univ. of South Carolina, a former Auburn resident, will speak on “Women’s Rights and Family Values.”  Spruill is an expert in Southern women’s history. She was a consultant for the movie, *Iron Jawed Angels* (starring Hilary Swank). In addition, she is editor of the acclaimed anthology, “VOTES FOR WOMEN’” (which accompanied the PBS film of the same name), the author of, “NEW WOMEN IN THE NEW SOUTH: THE LEADERS OF THE SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT IN THE SOUTHERN STATES”, and editor of four additional books. Copies of Dr. Spruill’s books will be available for purchase and signing after the luncheon. For more information please call 844-1974 or 844-6647
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/other/womens_studies/events/index.html

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 3:00 PM - 5:00 pm  - INTERDISCIPLINARY PANEL ON EVOLUTION
Held in AU’s Rouse Life Sciences Bldg, room 112. Free & open to all.
Panel features Elizabeth Brestan Knight (Psychology), “Mate Selection and Darwin’s Theory of Evolution”; Giovanna Summerfield (Foreign Languages and Literature), “(R)evolution of Man, Pinocchio: From Wooden Puppet to Real Boy”; Brigitta Brunner, Margaret Fitch-Hauser, Robert French (Communications and Journalism), “Technology and the Evolution of Public Relations”; and Chris Qualls (Theater), A Dramatic Reading.
Co-sponsored by Pebble Hill. This event is part of a semester-long celebration of Darwin’s 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of Darwin’s “The Origin of Species by Natural Selection.”  The Darwin Celebration is sponsored by AU’s College of Science and Mathematics, College of Liberal Arts, and the Outreach Committee of the Department of Biological Sciences.  Its purpose is to present Darwin’s ideas and their impact on diverse disciplines for general audiences in a friendly, clear, accurate, non-proselytizing way.

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 4:00 pm - AUBURN CEMETERIES ADVISORY BOARD
Held at the Dean Road Rec Center. Open to all.

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 6:00 - 8:00 PM — TOWN HALL MEETINGS RE: LEE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - PLEASE ATTEND!
All who live or work in Lee County, whether in the rural areas or a city, are invited to attend.
Please attend one of this series of town hall meetings and join in the small groups discussions about the future of Lee County — its natural environment, growth and development, transportation, education, parks and recreation, housing and other aspects of quality-of-life.  Bring your concerns about water quality in our creeks, erosion & sediment control, storm water runoff, waste water treatment, etc. Opinions and ideas gathered through these meetings will help guide the creation of the first master plan for Lee County.
More info:  Wendy Swann 334-737-3674, wswann@leeco.us or http://www.leeco.us/masterplan/.
Please attend one of this week’s town hall meetings:
Monday, Mar. 2:
6:00 to 8:00 pm CST, Beauregard High School
6:00 to 8:00 pm CST, Loachapoka High School
Tuesday, Mar. 3:
6:00 to 8:00 pm  CST, Beulah High School
6:00 to 8:00 pm CST, Southern Union CC Opelika Campus
Thursday, Mar. 5:
5 to 7 pm CST, Smiths Station High School

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM —- INTERACTIVE DIVERSITY WORKSHOP / Tunnel of Oppression
Held in AU’s new Student Center rooms 2222, 2223, 222. Open to all. Sponsored by the Multicultural Center.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 12:15 - 1:00 pm  - WOMEN’S STUDIES EVENT / WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND FAMILY VALUES: THE WOMEN’S MOVEMENT IN AMERICA SINCE 1980
Speaker: Marjorie Julian Spruill, University of South Carolina
Held in AU’s  Thach Hall, room 217. Free & open to the public.
For more information please call 844-1974 or 844-6647
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/other/womens_studies/events/index.html

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 4:00 PM - ART LECTURE / ARTS AND THE BLACK ACADEMY AT MID-CENTURY: DAVID C. DRISKELL IN CONVERSATION
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free & open to the public.  www.jcsm.auburn.edu
Speakers:  Dr. Julie L. McGee, with Dr. David C. Driskell
Julie L. McGee is Curator of African American Art at the University Museums at the University of Delaware and author of David C. Driskell: Artist and Scholar (2006).  David Driskell will join McGee for a discussion of his art and teaching, in particular his formative years as an educator at Talladega College.  She will discuss the significant role of scholastic philosophy in his life, the underlying spirituality in his art and teaching relative to the concept of the universal, and his work and African American art in general in the context of his years in Alabama.
— The New Perspectives lecture series is sponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities in Auburn University’s College of Liberal Arts and the Alabama Humanities Foundation, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The series is co-sponsored by the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, the Access and Community Initiatives unit of the Office of Diversity of Multicultural Affairs, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University and the Department of Art. After premiering in Auburn, the lectures will be offered in selected locations around the state. For dates and more information, go to www.auburn.edu/cah or call (334) 844-4946.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 5:15 pm - AUBURN PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
Held at the Dean Road Rec Center. Open to all.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 6:00 - 8:00 PM  —- TOWN HALL MEETINGS RE: LEE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - PLEASE ATTEND!
6:00 to 8:00 pm  CST, Beulah High School
6:00 to 8:00 pm CST, Southern Union CC Opelika Campus
More info:  Wendy Swann 334-737-3674, wswann@leeco.us or http://www.leeco.us/masterplan/.
See details above, Monday, March 2.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 6:30 - 8:00 pm — ALLIANCE FOR PEACE & JUSTICE (APJ)   www.peaceeagle.org
Held at the Busch Center, 508 Auburn Drive (the 2nd house, just off the parking lot behind the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 450 E. Thatch Ave). Open to all.
Note:  Members of Rose of Sharon and C-MOVE (Citizens Making Opportunities Visible for Excellence) will be joining the meeting.
Agenda includes:  introduction of guests and brief description of group mission and accomplishments; Thursday, March 19,  5-6pm,  6th anniversary of War on Iraq, Toomer’s Corner; future events; update on SAN (Student Action Network).

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 — AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
6:30 6:50 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:
3. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS. Nominations.
a. Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) - Citizens Advisory Committee. Five Positions. Incumbents: Kirk Iverson (has served one partial term and one full term; Jay Conner, Joyce Ringer, Mattie Simms, and Lu Strand (have served one full term). Four Year Terms Expire March 8, 2013.
b. Commercial Development Authority. Two Positions. Incumbents: Wendy Hassett and Robert McDaniel (have served one partial term). Four Year Terms Expire March 15, 2013.
Regular agenda includes
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Duggan.
a. Alcoholic Beverage Licenses.
(1) Archie’s Oyster Inc. dba/Archie’s Oysters. 830 Opelika Road, Unit 9, Gentry Village Shopping Center. 040 - Retail Beer (On or Off Premises) License.
(2) Tiger Package Inc. dba/Tiger Package 6. 1940 South College Street. 010 - Lounge Retail Liquor - Class II (Package) License. Police Jurisdiction.
b. Announcement of Board Vacancies. Appointments at the April 7, 2009 Meeting.
(1) Library Board. One Position. Four Year Term Expires April 14, 2013.
(2) Historic Preservation Commission. Two Positions. Three Year Terms Expire April 20, 2012.
9. ORDINANCES.  None.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Auburn City Schools. Recognitions.
(1) 2009 Teachers of the Year Honorees.
(2) Jennifer Dempsey. Wrights Mill Road Elementary School. National “I Love My Librarian” Award.
b. Designating “Earth Hour.” 8:30 - 9:30 PM on March 28, 2009.
c. Conditional Use Approvals. Planning Commission Recommendations. Public Hearings Required.
(1) McIntyre Building Company. Gregory Forthofer (Authorized Representative). Subdivision Amenity-Swimming Pool and Restroom Facilities (Amenity Lot-Tuscany Hills Subdivision) in the Development District Housing (DDH) zoning district. Property Located at 107 Tuscany Hills Drive.
(2) C & S Investments, LLC. Robert Selby (Authorized Representative). Institutional Use (Church and Classrooms) in the Comprehensive Development District (CDD) zoning district with an Overlay of the Planned Development District (PDD). Property Located at 1667 Shug Jordan Parkway, Suite 400 and 1661 Shug Jordan Parkway Suite 501.
d. Industrial Development Board. CNJ, Inc. 265 Teague Court. Tax Abatement.
e. Contracts and Agreements. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) Public Works Department.
(a) $1,143,609.68. Contract.  D & J Enterprises, Inc. Donahue Drive and Magnolia Avenue Intersection Improvements Project.
(b) $64,450. Agreement. Gonzalez-Strength & Associates, Inc. Engineering Services - North Donahue Drive Bridge Replacement Project.
(2) $39,995.31. Environmental Services Department. Long Lewis Ford of the Shoals. 2009 Ford F-550 Chassis and Dump Body. State Contract T-193A.
(3) Water Resource Management Department.
(a) $758,650.66. Contract. Strack, Inc. Timberwood Interceptor Reinforcement Project.
(b) $27,918. Agreement. Compliance EnviroSystems, LLC. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Inspection, Cleaning, Rehabilitating, and Root Control. Northeast Outfall Sewer.
(c) Lindsey Management Company, Inc./Jim Lindsey. The Greens at Auburn Development. Sanitary Sewer Access Fees. Agreement for Payment.
f. Drainage and Utility Easements, Roadway and Traffic Signal Easements, Sidewalk Easements, Temporary Construction Easements, Warranty Deed, Sewer Easements, and Street Light and Utility Easements. Acceptance and Payment For Value Lost.
(1) Donahue Drive and Magnolia Avenue Intersection Improvements Project.
(a) Auburn University. O. D. Smith Hall. 135 South College Street. Drainage, Utility, Roadway, and Traffic Signal Easement.
(b) 128 North Donahue Drive LLC. Van Northcutt (Authorized Representative). Property Located on North Donahue Drive. Sidewalk Easement and Temporary Construction Easement.
(c) Gameday Center at Magnolia Corner Home Owners Association, Inc. 428 West Magnolia Avenue. Warranty Deed. Payment of $65,000 for Value Lost.
(2) GEM Auburn LLC. Eric Siegel and Jared Schenk (Authorized Representatives). Property Located on West Glenn Avenue. Logan Square Apartments. Drainage and Utility Easement.
(3) New Life Hispanic Church. Abimael Arenas (Authorized Representative). Property Located on Drake Avenue. Historic District Lighting Project. Street Light and Utility Easement.
(4) East Glenn Investment Property, LLC and Sunsouth Properties Auburn, LLC. Samford Glenn Subdivision, First Revision. Property Located at the Intersection of Samford Avenue Road Extension and East Glenn Avenue. Drainage and Utility Easement.
(5) Hope W. Shannon. Charleston Place Subdivision, Revision of Lots 43-49. Property Located on Lots 44A, 45A, and 46A on west side of Carolina Court. Sewer Easements.
g. Boards and Commissions. Appointments.
(1) Metropolitan Planning Organization - Citizens Advisory Committee. Five Positions. Four Year Terms Expire March 8, 2013.
(2) Commercial Development Authority. Two Positions. Three Year Terms Expire March 15, 2013.
11. OTHER BUSINESS. 12. ADJOURNMENT.

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL   www.opelika.org
6:30 pm - work session  / 7:00 pm - regular meeting
Held at 204 S. 7th St, Opelika. Open to all.
Work session agenda:  http://www.opelika.org/Default.asp?ID=170
Regular session agenda: http://www.opelika.org/Default.asp?ID=169

WEDNESDAY, MAR 4, 4:30 pm - AUBURN BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT / BZA
Held in the city council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda: www.auburnalabama.org/bza/agenda.asp
OLD BUSINESS
Variance to Section 436.01 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2008-00856
Continued from February 4, 2009
Applicant: William Tolbert
General Location: 1433 Ogletree Road
Zoning District: Rural (R)
Action Requested: Variance of 100 feet to the required 150 feet between curb cuts on a collector street to allow a driveway to be located 50 feet from an adjacent existing driveway to the south
NEW BUSINESS.  OTHER BUSINESS.  CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION.  ADJOURNMENT

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 8:00 am - ALABAMA BOARD OF LICENSURE FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS
Held at 100 N Union Street, Suite 382, Mont., ph: 334-242-5568. Open to all. 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
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.)
CLOSING REMARKS
Review of Calendar

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 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.   www.jcsm.auburn.edu

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 3:30 PM —  DISCOVER AUBURN LECTURE / DR PAULA BACKSCHEIDER:  LEADING THE WAY: WOMEN, POETRY, AND SOCIAL MOVEMENTS IN EIGHTEENTH CENTURY BRITAIN
Held in AU’s Special Collections and Archives, Ralph Brown Draughon Library. Free & open to all.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 5:00 - 7:00 PM  —- TOWN HALL MEETINGS RE: LEE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - PLEASE ATTEND!
5 to 7 pm CST, Smiths Station High School.
More info:  Wendy Swann 334-737-3674, wswann@leeco.us or http://www.leeco.us/masterplan/.
See details above, Monday, March 2.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 11:30 am - AUBURN TREE COMMISSION
Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. Open to all.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 7:30 -8:30 PM - PANEL DISCUSSION / Solving the Problems of Racism in the Auburn Community www.thegnusroom.com
Held at the Gnu’s Room Bookstore, 414 S. Gay St. Open to all.
The Gnu’s Room Bookstore is hosting this panel discussion through the Sun Belt Reading Series.  The panel will feature A.U. Multicultural Center Director Shakeer Abdullah, Auburn citizen Marjorie Watson, local police officer(s), and other panelists from Auburn University’s campus and Auburn’s community.  The hope is to have a community discussion on what needs to occur to eradicate racism in Auburn.  All are welcome and voices will be heard; bring yours!

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 7:30 PM - EAST ALABAMA ORCHID SOCIETY
Held at the AU Fire Ant Lab.
The EAOS is the local chapter of the American Orchid Society, open to everyone, beginners and experts alike. We generally meet the first Friday of the month to discuss various orchid related topics.  Info and directions to the Fire Ant Lab, contact Vince Cammarata, cammavx@bellsouth.net or Julia Bartosh, bartojl@auburn.edu.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 7:30 pm - SUNDILLA CONCERT FEATURING PIERCE PETTIS
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF), 450 E. Thach.  www.sundilla.org
Admission: $10; with student ID $8; children under 12 free (and welcomed; play area provided). Light refreshments provided free of charge; you may also bring your own food or beverage (beer/wine allowed). For more info, and to hear music clips of Pierce Pettis, go to www.sundilla.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 8:00 am  —- CREEK CLEAN-UP
Held at various locations.  All invited to participate.
Save Our Saugahatchee (SOS), Friends of Chewacla Creek & the Uphapee Watershed (CHEWUP) and other groups will work together to clean trash from local creeks.  If you’d like to participate, contact seesowc@auburn.edu.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 10:00 AM - 4:45 PM — ART EXHIBIT OPENS: El Alma Mexicana/The Mexican Soul
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art.  www.jcsm.auburn.edu

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2:00 PM — SOUTHEASTERN INDIANS: CULTURE & CHANGE OVER TIME
Held at the Auburn Public Library.  Free & open to all. Speaker: Jackie Matte

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 7:30 PM  – AUBURN COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA
Held at the Opelika Performing Arts Center.
The program begins with Felix Mendelssohn’s “Reformation” Symphony, performed to honor the composer’s 200th birthday this year. The Auburn University Concert Choir, the Civic Chorale, and mezzo-soprano Anne Duraski will then join the orchestra to perform Sergei Prokofiev’s rousing cantata Alexander Nevsky, drawn from the music he composed for the 1938 film of the same name. This concert is sponsored by Arts Association of East Alabama, Auburn Arts Association, and the Auburn University Department of Music.Email goldsha@auburn.edu for more information.  For up to date information on all Music Department events visit our calendar at http://media.cla.auburn.edu/music/calendar/listing.cfm.  The Auburn University Department of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

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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
CITY OF AUBURN SURVEY - The City of Auburn’s annual citizens survey is underway. See details at 2009 Citizen Survey Underway. http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/ocm020209.asp

CITY OF AUBURN Board Vacancies

• Metropolitan Planning Organization - Citizens Advisory Committee: Five vacancies will be filled at the March 3 City Council meeting.
• Commercial Development Authority (CDA): Two vacancies will be filled at the March 3 City Council meeting.
• Mental Health - Mental Retardation Board: Two vacancies will be filled at the March 24 City Council meeting.
• Library Board: One vacancy will be announced at the March 3 City Council meeting and will be filled at the April 7 meeting.
• Historic Preservation Commission: Two vacancies will be announced at the March 3 City Council meeting and will be filled at the April 7 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 501-7260.
Information on the city’s boards and commission is available online at http://www.auburnalabama.org/BoardsandCommissions/Boards.aspx.

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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Thanks for your interest and support.

PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
March 1, 2009

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