PLACE Forum

WEEK OF AUG. 31, 2009 — Meetings, events & updates

AU ART MUSEUM NOW OFFERS FREE ADMISSION TO ALL  www.jcsm.auburn.edu
AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art now offers free admission for all visitors. The free admission is sponsored by the JCSM Business Partners.

CITY OF AUBURN MID-BIENNIUM BUDGET HEARING / THIS TUESDAY
Mid-Biennium Budget Document and Presentation Posted Online
At the 7:00 pm, Tuesday, Sept. 1 Auburn city council meeting, there will be the first reading and public hearing for the mid-biennium budget adjustment. Documents and a presentation are available online for review at http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/ocm081209.asp.
The full FY2009 & 2010 biennial budget is online at http://www.auburnalabama.org/budget/.

THROUGH MONDAY, AUG. 31 — Hickory Dickory Park Closed Monday, Aug. 31
http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pr082709.asp
The park will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 1 unless otherwise announced. For more information regarding the park closing, please contact the Dean Road Recreation Center at 501-2930.

THROUGH MONDAY, AUG. 31 — Portion of Wire Road Between Cox Road and Chadwick Lane Closed
http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/wrm082809.asp
The portion of Wire Road between Cox Road and Chadwick Lane is closed for emergency road repairs, effective immediately. Repairs are expected to continue through the weekend. Officials plan to reopen the road by the end of the day on Monday, August 31. More details at http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/wrm082809.asp.

MONDAY, AUG. 31 & TUESDAY, SEPT. 1 — CSX TO CLOSE ROSS STREET RAILROAD CROSSING
http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pw082509.asp
CSX has notified the City of Auburn it will close the Ross Street railroad crossing for repair beginning Monday, August 31 at 8 a.m. The crossing is expected to remain closed until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1. Citizens are encouraged to seek alternate routes during this time. Traffic will not be able to cross the tracks at Ross Street. Citizens are encouraged to visit the City of Auburn’s website at www.auburnalabama.org to view the latest news on traffic updates and street closings. Construction schedules are subject to change. For more information, please contact John Bourda in the City of Auburn Public Works Department at 501-3024.

ONGOING, THROUGH NOV. 10 — Water: Three States (Phase I) Exhibition
Held in AU’s Biggin Gallery, 101 Biggin Hall.
‘Art in Agriculture’ events begin  with Biggin Hall exhibition. Free & open to the public.
The College of Liberal Arts, the Department of Art and the College of Agriculture are working together to present “Art in Agriculture,” a yearlong interdisciplinary initiative that will explore the intersections of art, culture, ecology and the environment. The fall 2009 focus of the project deals with a variety of responses to water issues in Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Events begin with the opening of the exhibition, “Water: Three States,” in Biggin Gallery, which willl run through Nov. 10 and includes work by tri-state artists Xavier Cortada, Xiaotian Wang, Martha Whittington, Daniel Kariko and Andy Behrle. An accompanying panel discussion on water issues in the Southeast, moderated by Katie Lamar Jackson of the College of Agriculture, will be held Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. in 005 Biggin Hall. Panelists will include Bill Deutsch of Alabama Water Watch, Eve Brantley of Alabama Cooperative Extension System, visual artist Xiaotian Wang and conservation photographer Beth Maynor Young.
Biggin Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment.. A complete schedule of events, including lectures, receptions and workshops, as well as information about the spring 2010 focus on gardening, can be found at the Art in Agriculture Web site. For more information, contact the College of Liberal Arts at 844-4026, the Department of Art at 844-4373 or the Department of Agriculture at 844-5887.

MONDAY, AUG. 31 — LEE COUNTY COMMISSION  www.leeco.us
4:00 pm-work session / 6:00 pm-regular session
Held in the commission chambers, Opelika Courthouse, 215 S. 9th Ave, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda includes:
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 Commissioner Longs’ Completion of Mandatory Education
b. Recognition of Information Services Department – Sheriff Jay Jones
6. Reports from Commissioners and Staff:
a. Report on ACCA Annual Convention – English, Harris, Lawrence
b. Flood Plain Map Update – Judge English
7. CONSENT AGENDA:
a. Minutes of Commission Meeting August 10, 2009
b. Ratify and Approve Claims
8.  OLD BUSINESS:
a. Public Hearing on Petition to Vacate a Portion of Lee Road 265-Attorney Larry Ray
9.  NEW BUSINESS:
a. Lee County Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Resolution – Erin Stephens
b. Authorization of Auburn Satellite Office Opening – Judge English
c. ACEA “TIGER” Grant Resolution- Neal Hall
d. Lee County “TIGER” Grant Resolution – Neal Hall
e. Highway Department Administrator Position – Neal Hall
10. Adjourn

MONDAY, AUG. 31, 7:00 PM — BLACK STUDENT UNION CELEBRATES 20 YEARS ON CAMPUS
Held in front of Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum, AU.
The Auburn University Black Student Union is inviting all Auburn students and employees to its celebration of 20 years on campus. The Black Student Union and other National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations will promote unity while performing traditional stepping style to showcase their talent and support.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 1 AND WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2 —- STREAM RESTORATION CONSTRUCTION WORKSHOP
Held in Montgomery, in the conference room, Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood, Inc, 2660 East Chase Lane, Ste 200, Montgomery; Tel: 334.271.3200.
More info: http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/iby.htm or contact Eve Brantley at brantef@auburn.edu.
Registration deadline – August 24, 2009.  Limited to first 30 registrants.**
This workshop will be conducted during construction of an urban stream restoration project in a town park — White Slough, an urban stream in City of Montgomery’s Ida Belle Young Park. Participants will learn about plan sheet development, construction specifications, permitting, and construction oversight while observing channel grading and structure installation. Instructors will emphasize urban stream conditions specific to the southeastern U.S. Workshop instructors have experience working on more than 40 stream assessments and restoration projects throughout the Southeast.  The workshop will be split between classroom and extensive field work, including project / data summaries evening work sessions.
** Completion of the Introduction to Stream Restoration or another basic natural channel design workshop is a requirement for participation in this advanced workshop.
Cost is $350 for general registration $150 for government / nonprofit.  Sorry, no purchase orders.  Make checks payable to Alabama Cooperative Extension System, or to register online & pay with credit card, go to:  https://ssl.acesag.auburn.edu/conference/stream2009/registrationForm.php .
These workshops are made possible through partnerships and funding from City of Montgomery, Auburn University, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood, Inc., Jennings Environmental, LLC, Upper Alabama River Clean Water Partnership, Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, North Carolina State University, and  the USDA CSREES Southern Region Water Program.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 1, 11:30 AM — CITY OF AUBURN’S NEW URBAN CORE / DOWNTOWN STUDY COMMITTEE
[Note: Tentative date - subject to change.]
Held in the Development Services Bldg conference room, 171 N. Ross St.
The Auburn City Council’s newly formed Urban Core/Downtown Study Committee will hold its first meeting on September 1. This committee was formed in response to a Downtown Study by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce-Commercial Business Focus Group which was presented to the council. Contained in the Chamber study are proposed changes to current Downtown/Urban Core zoning regulations.
The purpose of the Sept. 1 meeting will be to determine the committee’s official name,  scope/focus of the committee, meeting days/times, and a timeline for completion of work.
Committee: Auburn city council members Sheila Eckman, Dick Phelan and Brent Beard; Planning Commission chair Emily Sparrow & members Warren McCord & Kim Harrison (Harrison also was a member of the Chamber committee which created the study); Forrest Cotten, Planning Dept Director and Megan McGowen, Economic Development Dept Deputy Director.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 1, 3:00 – 6:00 PM — OPELIKA MAIN STREET FARMERS’ MARKET
Held on South Railroad Ave, downtown Opelika. Open to all.
Produce is grown by local farmers. Please call Velinda at 334.745.0466 or e-mail opelikamainstreet@aol.com for more information.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 1, 5:00 pm  –  LEE COUNTY COMMISSION / BUDGET WORK SESSION
Held at the Lee County Courthouse, Commission Chambers, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika. Open to all.
Additional budget work sessions: 5:00 pm, Sept. 2 & 3, same location.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 1, 5:15 pm – AUBURN PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
Held at the Dean Road Rec Center. Open to all.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 1 — AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
6:00 pm-Committee of the Whole /  7:00 pm – Regular meeting
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/agenda
Agenda includes:
Committee of the whole agenda includes:
3. WEST PACE VILLAGE. Presentation.  Phillip Dunlap, Director of Economic Development.
4. GREENSPACE ADVISORY BOARD.  Nominations. One Vacancy.  Incumbent:  Eric Cox (resignation). Unexpired Term Ends August 7, 2011.
Regular meeting agenda includes:
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS.  City Manager Duggan.
a. Alcoholic Beverage Licenses.  Consideration.
(1) Ping Du dba/Fuji Sushi Bar and Japanese Cuisine. 1499 South College St, Suite E-F.  020 – Restaurant Retail Liquor License.  Change in Application Type.
(2) 010 – Lounge Retail Liquor – Class I License.
(a) Tiger Package Inc.
(1) dba/Tiger Package I.  1631 South College Street.
(2) dba/Tiger Package II.  815 East Glenn Avenue.
(b) Divya Inc. dba/Tiger Lounge.  1577 South College Street.
(3) Divya Inc.  dba/The Lexington. 1577 South College Street.  160 – Special Retail – More Than 30 Days License.
b.  West Pace, LLC and Lynch Properties, Inc.  West Pace Village.  Creation of Alabama Improvement District.  165.5 Acres.  INFORMATION ONLY
c. West Pace, LLC.  West Pace Village.  Infrastructure Development Agreement. INFORMATION ONLY.
d. Announcement of Board Vacancy.  Auburn Downtown Redevelopment Authority. One Position.  Unexpired Term Ends August 18, 2011.
9. ORDINANCES.
a.   Annexation.  Virginia B. Ward and Thomas L. Pace, III.  Keith Maxwell (Authorized Representative).  Property Located south of Sandhill Road and west of Lee Road 023.  151.2 Acres.  Planning Commission Recommendation.  Unanimous Consent Necessary.
b. FY2009-FY2010 Biennial Budget.  Mid-Biennium Amendment. Public Hearing. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Bishop Frank McLeod.  God’s House of Prayer.  Expansion of Parking Lot. 573 Harper Avenue in the Redevelopment District (RDD)  Zoning District. Amend Resolution 07-04.  Public Hearing Required. Conditional Use Approval.
b. $16,000,000. Frazer Lanier Company.  Warrant Purchase Agreement.  G. O. Refunding Warrants, 2009.
c. Public Records Request Policy.  Adoption.
d. Close City Streets.  Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat.  Thursday, October 29, 2009.
e. $25,000. Economic Development Department – Community Development Division. 2009 CDBG Action Plan Amendment.  Oak Park Auxiliary.
f. Contracts.  Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) $92,465. Economic Development Department – Community Development Division. J & L Contractors.  Construct Housing Unit at 1226 Combs Avenue.
(2) Public Works Department.  D & J Enterprises, Inc.
(a) $28,420.40. Alberta Street – Judd Avenue Drainage Improvement Project.
(b) $15,080. Stubb Avenue Drainage Improvement Project.
(3) Water Resource Management Department.
(a) $70,000. CH2M Hill, Inc.  Amendment 4 to Task Order 1. Phase II SDC Task.
(b) $43,048.04.  ADS Environmental Services.  Sewer System Evaluation Survey. Southside Sewer Basins 4 and 14A.
(4) Parks and Recreation Department.  Auburn City Schools. Lease Agreement for Property at Duck Samford Park.
g. Tax Abatement. Industrial Development Board.  Arkal Plastic North America, Inc. and Weidmann Plastics Technology North America, Inc.  204 Enterprise Drive.
h. Statutory Warrant Deeds, Temporary Construction Easements and Drainage and Utility Easements.  Conveyance, Vacation, and Acceptance.
(1) North Auburn Housing Development Corporation.  Lots 1,3,4,5,7,10, and 29.  Northwest Village Subdivision.  Conveyance.
(2) Sky is the Limit Homes, LLC.  Lundy Chase Subdivision, Phase 1, Third Revision.  Southern terminus of Lundy Chase Drive, north of  Willow Creek Subdivision and south of Richland Road.  Drainage and Utility Easements.  Vacation of easements.
(3) Ed Simon.  302 Oak Street.  Temporary Construction Easement. Oak Street Sidewalk Project.  Acceptance.
i. Greenspace Advisory Board.  One Position.  Unexpired Term Ends August 7, 2011.
11. OTHER BUSINESS.
12. ADJOURNMENT.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 1, 6:30 PM – AUBURN PRESERVATION LEAGUE / Board Meeting
Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave.  Open to the public. www.auburnpreservationleague.org
The APL board meets the first Tuesday of each month. All meetings are open to the public and members are encouraged to attend.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 1 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
6:30 pm – work session  / 7:00 pm – regular meeting
Held at 204 S. 7th St, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda:   www.opelika.org
Work session agenda includes:
(1) -  a.  Presentation of a proposed road project by the Opelika Utilities Board — Dan Hilyer
(2) -  a.  Request to advertise, rezoning, 411 N. 16th St., R5 to C3.
b.  FYI, 2020 Comprehensive Plan. — Jerry Kelley
(3) -  a.  FYI – fact sheet, existing contract for negotiating pole attachment agreements, AT&T and Charter –  Derek Lee
(4) -  a.  General updates –  Mayor Fuller, John Seymour
(5) -  Discuss/review CM agenda items of 9/01/09:  a. Remarks by Mayor;  b General business;  c. Bids;  d. Resolutions; e. Ordinances;  f.  Board Appointments
(6) -  Discussion  -   City Council: a. New / Old Business; b. Board appointments; c. Other City business.
Regular session agenda includes:
6)   UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7)   REMARKS BY THE MAYOR -  Gary Fuller
8)   CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS – (Limit comments to five minutes or less) -  Bob Shuman
9)   REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
10) COMMITTEE REPORTS
11) GENERAL BUSINESS -  Bob Shuman
a.  Request by Opelika Mainstreet for annual On the Tracks event on Oct 9th.
b.  Request by Adams Beverages Inc. for a beer/wine wholesale license.
c.  Public Hearing – to fix assessment for cost of demolition at 3409 Chilton Avenue.
d.  Public Hearing – to fix assessment for cost of demolition at 621 Martin Luther King Blvd.
e.  Public Hearing – to fix assessment for cost of demolition at 1718 Bulloch Street.
f.  Public Hearing – to amend zoning ordinance, Orr Estates, R3 GC1 to C2 GC1.
12) AWARDING OF BIDS -  Shirley Washington
a.  Resurfacing a portion of Garden Hills Cemetery – P/W
b.  Purchase one (1) reel mower – P/W
c.  Purchase two (2) new vehicles – OPD
d.  Lease two (2) copy machines – P/R
13)  RESOLUTIONS -  Guy Gunter
1.   To set the public hearing date for a weed violation at 2112 Crestview Street.
2.  To designate BB&T as an official bank depository of the City of Opelika.
3.   Annual contract with J. Smith Lanier for various insurance policies.
4.   Contract for a sewer rate study with PRMG.
5.   To fix the assessment of cost for demolition at 3409 Chilton Avenue.
6.   To fix the assessment of cost for demolition at 621 Martin Luther King Blvd.
7.   To fix the assessment of cost for demolition at 1718 Bulloch Street.
8.   Refund of wholesale gasoline tax paid in error.
9.   Refund of occupational license fee paid in error.
10.  Renewal of annual radio advertising contract with Quantum – L/P.
14)  ORDINANCES -   Guy Gunter    (none)
1.  Amend zoning ordinance, section 2.2 – family – 2nd Reading.
2.  Lease agreement with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce – 2nd Reading.
3.  Amend City Code, partial exemption of severance/termination pay – 2nd Reading.
4.  Amend zoning ordinance, Orr Estates, R3 GC1 to C2 GC1 – 1st Reading.
15)  APPOINTMENTS
16)  ADJOURN

TUESDAY, SEPT. 1, 7:00 – 8:30 PM — SPECTRUM ALLIANCE
Held at Arricia Restaurant at The Hotel at Auburn University
Topic: Welcome back/Membership.  More info: spectrum@auburn.edu

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2, 8:00 – 9:00 AM — AUBURN BOARD OF EDUCATION / CITY SCHOOLS FY-2010 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
Held in the Multi-Media Room (800 Bldg), Auburn High School. Open to all.
Agenda: first public hearing for the FY 2010 budget
Archived financial reports: http://www.auburnschools.org/Finance/financial_reports.html
[The Board of Education will meet for its next regular session and the second public hearing for the FY 2010 budget on September 8, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. in the Multi-Media Room at Auburn High School.]

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2, 9:30 – 11:30 AM — WOMEN’S STUDIES OPEN HOUSE
Held at AU’s Haley Center, room 3227.
Meet new faculty at the Women’s Studies Open House. Drop by any time between 9:30 to 11:30 for coffee, juice, and pastries. Please bring along interested graduate students. [note: the Women's Studies graduate minor has been approved]

AUBURN BZA CANCELLED — The Auburn Board of Zoning Adjustment meeting for September has been cancelled.

CANCELLED WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2, 5:00 pm  –  LEE COUNTY COMMISSION / BUDGET WORK SESSION
Held at the Lee County Courthouse, Commission Chambers, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika.  Open to all.
Additional budget work session: 5:00 pm, Sept. 3, same location.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, NOON — WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY BOARD LUNCHEON ROUNDTABLE – EIGHT BIGGEST MISTAKES INVESTORS MAKE
Held in the private dining room, Ariccia Restaurant, AU Hotel & Dixon Conference Center.
Registration required, seating limited, dutch treat luncheon. To register, contact Sidney James Nakhjavan at 844-9199 or wpbchs1@auburn.edu.
The Women’s Philanthropy Board, in the College of Human Sciences, will host a roundtable discussion on “The Eight Biggest Mistakes Investors Make”. The featured speaker will be Leah Dubberly of The Dubberly Group/Merrill Lynch. She has been a business owner, corporate marketing executive, political action committee fundraiser and Capitol Hill congressional staffer. She joined Merrill Lynch in 1994 with a focus on public speaking and retirement planning education. In 1999, she became a certified financial planner, and since concentrates on estate planning strategies; concentrated stock strategies for corporate executives; and retirement plans. In 2008, she earned the designation of certified divorce financial analyst.
More details: http://www.humsci2.auburn.edu/wpb/RoundtableDubberly.pdf

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 3:00 pm –  FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE PROGRAM: FAMILY DISCOVERY HIKE
Held at the Forest Ecology Preserve. More info:  Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512 or go to the Forest Ecology Preserve website  http://www.auburn.edu/preserve

CANCELLED  THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 5:00 pm  –  LEE COUNTY COMMISSION / BUDGET WORK SESSION
Held at the Lee County Courthouse, Commission Chambers, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika. Open to all.

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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 4:00 PM — AU RAPTOR CENTER / FOOTBALL, FANS & FEATHERS http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/1105
Held at AU’s Southeastern Raptor Center, Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater on Raptor Road off Shug Jordan Parkway. Directions are available at www.auburn.edu/raptor.
Individual admission: $5 each; free for children under age 3.
Group admission: $3/person for school groups of 25 or more; those groups should contact the center ahead of time by calling (334) 844-6943.
Additional upcoming shows: 4:00 pm on Sept. 11, 18, 25; Oct. 16 & 30; Nov 6 / Also 9:00 am on Nov. 27, the day of the Alabama game.
Auburn University’s Southeastern Raptor Center will host “Football, Fans and Feathers,” educational, birds-in-flight raptor programs this fall on Fridays before home football games.  A variety of birds such as hawks, falcons and eagles will be free-flown from flight towers. Education specialists will inform the audience about each bird and their role in nature.
The Southeastern Raptor Center, part of the College of Veterinary Medicine, has a mission of rehabilitating injured or orphaned raptors and educating the public. All birds used in the educational programs are non-releasable due to prior injuries or human imprinting. Any bird capable of surviving in the wild must be released, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which permits Auburn to house the birds.  www.vetmed.auburn.edu

FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 6:00 – 8:30 PM — DOWNTOWN AUBURN FRIDAY NIGHT BLOCK PARTY
Held in Downtown Auburn. Live music & other events. Come enjoy the fun!
Upcoming Friday Night Block Parties: Sept. 11, 18, 25; Oct 16, 30; Nov. 6

FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 7:00 PM – EXPRESSIONS CAFÉ  / AT THE GNU’S ROOM www.thegnusroom.com
Held at The Gnu’s Room Bookstore & Coffee House, 414 S. Gay Street, Auburn. Free & open to all.  More info: Tina Tatum, tina@thegnusroom.com or 334-821- 5550.
Doc Waller, Creative Director for The Layman Group and multi-talented artist, will be kicking off his new book of poetry with a LIVE Spoken Word Recording at the Gnu’s Room. There is no charge for this event.
Note: Expressions Cafe is held the first Friday of each month.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 7:30 PM —-  EAST ALABAMA ORCHID SOCIETY
Held at the AU Fire Ant Lab. Free & open to all.
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.  For further information and directions to the Fire Ant Lab, please contact Vince Cammarata, cammavx@bellsouth.net or Julia Bartosh,  bartojl@auburn.edu.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 6:00 pm – AU HOME FOOTBALL GAME (vs. Louisiana Tech)
Game day info: http://www.auburn.edu/communications_marketing/gameday/index.html

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TRAFFIC REROUTED TO NEW PORTION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DRIVE / AL HWY 14
http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pw0825092.asp
The ALDOT contractor for the Donahue Drive – Bragg Avenue Project has rerouted traffic to the new portion of Martin Luther King Jr Drive/AL Highway 14. A four-way stop is now in effect at the intersection of North Donahue Drive and Bragg Avenue/Martin Luther King Jr Drive until traffic signals have been installed and are operational. Motorists are advised to be alert to the new stop conditions. Temporary lane closures may be necessary as crews begin paving this week. Motorists should be alert for flagmen directing traffic.
The portion of road east of North Donahue Drive will be referred to as Bragg Avenue. The new road west of Donahue Drive will be referred to as Martin Luther King Jr Drive in the City limits and AL Highway 14 beyond the City limits. Citizens are encouraged to visit the City of Auburn’s website at www.auburnalabama.org to view the latest news on traffic updates and street closings. Construction schedules are subject to change. For more information, please contact the City of Auburn Public Works Department at 501-3000.

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AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY HOSTING SHRIMP SALE FUNDRAISER / Order deadline 4:00 pm, Sept 11.
To place an order, send an e-mail to kleinvw@auburn.edu or call 844-4667.
The Auburn University chapter of the American Fisheries Society is preparing to host its annual shrimp sale fundraiser. Fresh, farm-raised, Pacific white shrimp will be available by pre-order/pre-pay only in 25- to 30-count, heads-on, unfrozen 5-pound lots at $4.50 a pound. Orders of 100 pounds or more will be sold at $4 a pound.
Place orders: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Order deadline: 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.
Order pickup: Tuesday, Sept. 14, from 3-6 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Auburn University Fish Market on North College Street, weather permitting.

ASK ALABAMA POLL SHOWS MANY SKIPPING MEALS, EATING LESS TO COPE WITH ECONOMY
http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/1098
Auburn University’s Center for Governmental Services released statewide polling results today showing that many Alabama residents could be going hungry because of the prolonged recession. A statewide survey of adults found that 27 percent believe that “a lot” of Alabama families are cutting the size of meals or are skipping mealtime altogether because of financial considerations. Another 36 percent said that “a fair number” of other families could be doing the same. Only one-third of those surveyed feel that eating habits have been generally unaffected by the economy.
PLACE editorial note:  Want to help eliminate food insecurity in East Alabama? Donate or volunteer at the Food Bank of East Alabama. http://www.foodbankofeastalabama.com/

COMMITTEE SELECTS RANDY CAMPBELL TO FILL VACANT AUBURN UNIVERSITY TRUSTEE SEAT
http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/1103
Randy Campbell of Shoal Creek, Ala., was unanimously selected by the Auburn University Trustee Selection Committee to fill the District 6 position on the Auburn Board of Trustees currently held by Paul Spina of Pelham.Campbell is president of Campbell Financial Partners and Harlan Partners, both in Birmingham. He graduated from Auburn in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial operations management, has served as co-chair of the Birmingham region for the “It Begins at Auburn” capital campaign and is a member of the Planned Giving Advisory Council and the Auburn Athletic Advisory Council. While in school, he played quarterback for the football team and received the Cliff Hare Award, the highest award presented to a student-athlete. Gov. Bob Riley, president of the Auburn Board, will send the selection to the Alabama Senate, which must confirm the selection.

TRUSTEE NOMINATION RAISES DIVERSITY QUESTION
http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/local/article/trustee_nomination_raises_diversity_question/89458/

ANNISTON STAR CALLS FOR ADEM TO ‘PAY ATTENTION’ TO REPORT FROM ADEM REFORM COALITION
The Anniston Star calls for Department of Environmental Management to “pay attention” to report from ADEM Reform Coalition that reports that enforcement actions are down while environmental violations increase.
http://www.annistonstar.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Pay+attention+to+our+environment%20&id=3252314-Pay+attention+to+our+environment&instance=home_opinion

REFORM NEEDED FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-SITING PROCESS
Adam Snyder of the Conservation Alabama Foundation outlines a process for community involvement in economic development plans.
http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-commentary/2009/08/reform_needed_for_economic_dev.html

EPA TAKES COMMENTS AGAIN ON PERCHLORATE
http://wwn-online.com/articles/2009/08/21/epa-takes-comments-again-on-perchlorate.aspx

CLASH IN ALABAMA OVER TENESSEE COAL ASH
Decision by Perry County officials to accept coal ash dump splits community.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/us/30ash.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=alabama&st=cse
[note: Registration, but no fee, is required to view the NYTimes online.)

MEASURING THE DAMAGE OF OUR ‘WATER FOOTPRINT’
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,644867,00.html
A Dutch hydro engineer has come up with a way to measure the “water footprint” of various products, individuals, and countries: 140 liters of water for one cup of coffee, and 10,000 liters for one pair of jeans. How can we stop wasting our most precious resource?

FACING SOUTH / ONLINE MAGAZINE OF THE INSTITUTE FOR SOUTHERN STUDIES   http://www.southernstudies.org/
The August 2009 issue has a variety of articles focused on New Orleans and the Gulf Coast areas hit by Hurricane Katrina, four years after the storm. Also included are articles on other social, political and environmental issues involving the South.

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CITY OF AUBURN BOARD VACANCY:
Lee County Youth Development Center Board – one vacancy to be filled at the September 15 City Council meeting.
Citizens interested in serving are encouraged to contact their City Council member, the entire City Council (coagbemail@auburnalabama.org) or notify the City Manager’s Office at webocm@auburnalabama.org or 501-7260. Information on the city’s boards and commissions, including current members and their terms, 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

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Thanks for your interest and support.

PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
Aug. 31, 2000

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Update:  Aug. 25, 2009

NEW EVENTS & INFO:

LEE COUNTY COMMISSION BUDGET WORK SESSIONS START TONIGHT
Work sessions to be held the next two weeks, at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, AUG. 25, 26 & 27 / SEPT. 1, 2 & 3.
Held at the Lee County Courthouse, Commission Chambers, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika.

AGENDA DETAILS / TONIGHT’S AUBURN BIKE COMMITTEE
TUESDAY,  AUG. 25, 7:00 pm – AUBURN BIKE COMMITTEE www.auburnalabama.org/cycle/
Held in the conference room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Meeting agendas & minutes online at http://www.auburnalabama.org/cycle/Minutes.aspx.
Preliminary agenda includes:
Call to Order – Kirk Iversen
Secretary’s Report  – Vicky van Santen  –Approval of July minutes

Public Works Report – Brandy Ezelle

• N. Donahue facilities (2)

Parks & Rec. Report – Dee Watson

• Bike Bash 2010

Public Safety Report – Tommy Carswell

• Shug Jordan accident

Committee Logo – Stacy Wood
AU Wire Road Facilities – Cathy Love
Lake Wilmore mountain bike facility update – Brad Hooks
Safe Passing Distance Ordinance presentation – Tommy Eden
Next meeting: September 29, 2009

TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26, NOON – 1:00 PM — GREEN LUNCH / Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment: A Nontechnical Overview -James Lowery
Held in AU’s Student Center, Room 2216. Free & open to the public. http://www.auburn.edu/sustainability
James Lowery, former Director of Management Support Services at UAB, will give a talk entitled, “Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment: A Nontechnical Overview.” Lowery’s talk will look at how constructed and natural wetlands are being used around the world to treat wastewater from many types of facilities from municipalities, mining operations and landfills, to schools, homes and farms. He will examine the environmental and aesthetic advantages of wetlands compared to conventional wastewater treatment plants. Lowery, who currently serves on the board of directors of the Alabama Rivers Alliance, Alabama Water Watch Association and several other conservation groups, has spent many years working for natural resource conservation and has received many awards and recognitions. In 2005 and 2006 he received the Outstanding Individual award from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and in 1999 received the Friend of the Wetlands Award from the EPA.
Info: Office of Sustainability, 200 Langdon Annex, AU; ph: 334.844.7777;  http://www.auburn.edu/sustainability

CITY OF AUBURN PRESS RELEASE: City of Auburn Adventures in Art 2009: Narratives in Alabama

“TOOMER’S TEN” UNDERWAY / AU’S NEW LATE NIGHT TRANSIT SYSTEM FOR STUDENTS
http://www.auburn.edu/administration/parking_transit/transit/latenight.php
The Student Government Association has partnered with the university’s Tiger Transit system to present Toomer’s Ten, the Auburn University night transportation system. Toomer’s Ten consists of 10 buses running seven routes Wednesday through Saturday from 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. The buses will be transporting students from the library, residence halls, fraternity houses, Toomer’s Corner, dining facilities, off-campus residences and other stops in between those locations. The buses will leave the main hub of the Toomer’s Corner stop every 30 minutes. All students are encouraged to take advantage of this new system. Track bus locations via http://www.auburn.edu/transit .
More info:  SGA President Jacob Watkins at watkija@auburn.edu.

REGISTRATION OPEN
FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, NOON – 2:00 PM — AU WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY BOARD LUNCHEON / FEATURED SPEAKER: AU ALUMNA & OLYMPIC SWIMMER KIRSTY COVENTRY
Held at the AU Hotel & Dixon Conference Center. Registration required (see details below).
More info: http://www.humsci2.auburn.edu/wpb/kirstycoventry.pdf
The Women’s Philanthropy Board, in the College of Human Sciences, will host its fall luncheon Friday, Sept. 11, from noon-2 p.m. Featured speaker will be AU alumna and Olympic swimmer Kirsty Coventry, a world-record holder and winner of Olympic bronze, silver and gold medals. In 2006, Coventry earned a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from the College of Human Sciences.
REGISTRATION: $50 (includes lunch). Reserved tables for eight: $400. Seating is limited; early registration recommended.
To register, contact Sidney James Nakhjavan at 844-9199 or e-mail wpbchs1@auburn.edu. Make checks payable to the Auburn University WPB for the fall luncheon and mail to: College of Human Sciences, Women’s Philanthropy Board, 210 Spidle Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849.

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Information courtesy of the Alabama Rivers Alliance
ACTION ALERT – SURVEY DEADLINE: THIS FRIDAY, AUG. 28
EPA WATER QUALITY ENFORCEMENT & COMPLIANCE SURVEY
**TELL EPA ABOUT ALABAMA’S NEED FOR IMPROVED WATER QUALITY ENFORCEMENT AND PERMIT COMPLIANCE**
Online survey — http://blog.epa.gov/cwaactionplan
The EPA has created an online discussion forum which allows citizens and grassroots organizations to share ideas and provide feedback to the EPA.   This discussion forum can be found at http://blog.epa.gov/cwaactionplan.
Throughout the webpage there are a series of multiple bold headings under which you will find a set of questions which invite you to respond by clicking on a link.  You can participate in the survey by adding your comments to the ongoing discussion.
Given the lack of enforcement of our environmental laws, the sad state of our water quality and stormwater programs and ADEM’s aparant unwillingness to stand up on our behalf, The Alabama Rivers Alliance and the Alabama Stormwater Partnership feel that we should all take advantage of Administrator Jackson’s invitation to provide feedback on how ineffective ADEM’s enforcement strategy and compliance record is in Alabama.  If you have local ADEM enforcement complaints, we urge you to include those, as well.
While you do not have to respond to every question, each one that you do provides more opportunities for EPA to understand the situation that we face here in Alabama. We encourage you to take the opportunity of this online forum to share your thoughts and experiences with the EPA and share with them the challenges that each of us face in protecting our waters in Alabama.
Your ideas will be considered for recommendations to the EPA Administrator about the future direction for EPA’s water enforcement program.  Throughout this discussion, EPA will pay special attention to the need to focus on the most important work for protecting water quality and improving compliance with the Clean Water Act, given resource constraints that require a premium on innovation and efficiency.
For more enforcement and compliance news and information, visit http://www.epa.gov/compliance/.
Please take this opportunity today!
Elizabeth L. Salter, Watershed Organizer, Alabama Rivers Alliance
(205)322-6395, ext 100
Support ARA and Help Save Rivers!  www.alabamarivers.org
—-  —-
Background:  Enforcement of the Clean Water Act is severely lacking in Alabama and is one of the 6 major threats listed in the Alabama Water Agenda.  On July 2, 2009, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson asked Cynthia Giles, as the head of EPA’s enforcement and compliance program, to examine EPA’s water enforcement program in light of information showing that water quality goals are not being met and that there are too many violations in too many places.  Administrator Jackson asked Cynthia Giles to report back in ninety days with recommendations to improve transparency, strengthen clean water enforcement performance, and expand the use of technology to increase efficiency and to provide useful information to the public.  In doing so, EPA’s recommended action plan should address the need to improve compliance with a focus on those problems that are having the biggest impact on water quality.
ADEM response to ADEM Reform Coalition’s Aug. 21 presentation:
On Friday, August 21, 2009, David Ludder, on behalf of the ADEM Reform Coalition, presented information to Alabama’s Environmental Management Commission demonstrating disturbing downward trends in inspections and enforcement actions taken by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) over the last four years culminating in an 80 percent reduction in enforcement actions for 2009.
Mr Ludder’s presentation came on the heels of a stunning visual presentation from Mike Mullen, the Choctawhatchee Riverkeeper, showing undeniable evidence of flagrant stormwater violations of the Clean Water Act and Alabama’s water quality laws from throughout the Choctawhatchee River Watershed.
Following each of these presentations, ADEM director, Trey Glenn, when given the opportunity to respond, offhandedly dismissed these presentations and adamantly refused to address these concerns which many of you have expressed over the last several years.  Mr Glenn even went so far as to challenge EPA to show him a state which is doing more to protect the quality of its environment.  The EPA should not have to look very hard in forming their response.
—-
PLACE editorial note:
– Auburn’s own Laurel Gardner. D.V.M,  currently is chair of ADEM’s governing body, the Environmental Management Commission (EMC).
– ADEM public meetings are videotaped. Archives available online at http://www.adem.state.al.us/EMCInformation/emc_information.htm.

Information courtesy of the League of Women Voters of the United States  www.lwv.org
ACTION ALERT: Urge Your Senators to Support CEDAW – The Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
Background:  CEDAW is the most comprehensive international treaty promoting the advancement of women worldwide. It establishes a legal framework to which all governments must adhere, to ensure the equality of women in various areas of life including politics, law, employment, education, health care, commerce and domestic relations. The United States remains the only democracy in the world that has not ratified the CEDAW Treaty, putting our country in the dishonorable company of states such as Iran, Somalia and Sudan.
The CEDAW Treaty provides a universal standard for women’s human rights. It provides a fundamental framework for ending international violence against women, ensuring girls access to education, and promoting economic opportunity and political participation for women. The United States should strive to be a leader and set an example for the rest of world in its commitment to women and expanding women’s rights by ratifying CEDAW.
TO TAKE ACTION:
1. Call your Senators at 202-224-3121. Urge them to support ratification of the CEDAW Treaty for the Rights of Women today!
2.  Send this alert to other concerned citizens – your grassroots network, your friends and coworkers. Encourage them to contact their Senators today!

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Thanks for your interest and support.

PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
Aug. 25, 2009

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Week of Aug. 24, 2009 — Meetings, events & updates

MONDAY, AUG. 24 THROUGH FRIDAY, AUG. 28 — ROAD PAVING / DONAHUE DRIVE – BRAGG AVE PROJECT
The ALDOT contractor for the Donahue Drive – Bragg Avenue Project plans to begin paving the week of August 24 – 28. Temporary lane closures may be necessary. Motorists should be alert for flagmen directing traffic.
Donahue Drive – Bragg Avenue Update http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pw081909.asp

ONGOING THROUGH  THIS FRIDAY, AUG. 28 — AU’S DUDLEY GALLERY EXHIBIT / CRAFT, THE SLOW FOOD OF DESIGN
Held in AU’s Dudley Gallery, hours 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Mon-Fri. Free & open to all.
The College of Architecture, Design and Construction’s Dudley Gallery will feature the exhibit, “Craft, the Slow Food of Design,” showing work from the 2009 interior architecture thesis studio which focused on materials and the craft of making as a generative mechanism for the form and use of the design work. The craft of experience and procedure was enhanced through research of design/craft workshops. Slow design, a derivative of the Slow Food International movement, places emphasis on design that supports small-scale production, artisan expertise and regional culture. The students’ design work was inspired by slow design concepts such as natural time cycles, human behavior and environmental responsibility. More info: Sheri Schumacher at 844-5440 or schumsl@auburn.edu.

MONDAY, AUG. 24 through NOV. 10 — Water: Three States (Phase I) Exhibition
Held in AU’s Biggin Gallery, 101 Biggin Hall. Free & open to the public.
‘Art in Agriculture’ events begin  with Biggin Hall exhibition. The College of Liberal Arts, the Department of Art and the College of Agriculture are working together to present “Art in Agriculture,” a yearlong interdisciplinary initiative that will explore the intersections of art, culture, ecology and the environment. The fall 2009 focus of the project deals with a variety of responses to water issues in Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Events begin Monday, Aug. 24, with the opening of the exhibition, “Water: Three States,” in Biggin Gallery. The exhibition will run through Nov. 10 and includes work by tri-state artists Xavier Cortada, Xiaotian Wang, Martha Whittington, Daniel Kariko and Andy Behrle. An accompanying panel discussion on water issues in the Southeast, moderated by Katie Lamar Jackson of the College of Agriculture, will be held Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. in 005 Biggin Hall. Panelists will include Bill Deutsch of Alabama Water Watch, Eve Brantley of Alabama Cooperative Extension System, visual artist Xiaotian Wang and conservation photographer Beth Maynor Young. Biggin Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment.. A complete schedule of events, including lectures, receptions and workshops, as well as information about the spring 2010 focus on gardening, can be found at the Art in Agriculture Web site. For more information, contact the College of Liberal Arts at 844-4026, the Department of Art at 844-4373 or the Department of Agriculture at 844-5887.

MONDAY, AUG. 24, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm  —  OLLI AT Auburn / Summer Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Program:  Emily Mann and Kimberly Braxton-Lloyd – AU Pharmaceutical Care Center- Pharmacists Caring for Your Health
Held at the Health Resource Center (HRC), 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. No charge; all are welcome to attend.
Everyone is invited to bring a lunch and drink.  http://www.olliatauburn.org/

MONDAY, AUG. 24, 3:30 – 4:30 PM — RAP SESSIONS PRESENTS: THE POST RACISM GENERATION?
Held in AU’s Student Center, room 2222/2223.
Join us for a provocative Panel Discussion featuring Bakari Kitwana (author, The Hip-Hop Generation), Adam Mansbach (Professor of Fiction and Author of The End of the Jews), Lisa Fager Bediako (President, Industry Ears, Inc.), Oliver Wang (Professor of Sociology and Author, Classic Material: The Hip-Hop Album Guide) and Joan Morgan (author, When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost).
For more information about Rap Sessions please go to http://rapsessions.org/

MONDAY, AUG. 24, 6:00 PM — LEE COUNTY COMMISSION AND LEE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION / JOINT WORK SESSION
Held at held at the old Johnson Gallery Building located directly behind the County Courthouse in Opelika.
Agenda: discussion of the Lee County Master Plan  www.leeco.us

TUESDAY, AUG. 25, 3:00 pm—OPELIKA PLANNING COMMISSION
Held at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika Public Works bldg. Open to all. www.opelika.org
Agenda includes:
A.  PLATS (preliminary and prel. & final) – Public Hearing
1. Teel S/D, Resubdivision, 3 lots, Lee road 262,  Charles M. Teel, Preliminary and Final Approval
2. Teel S/D, 3rd Revision of Lots 2A &5, 2 lots, Lee Road 265, Durwood Helms, P/F Approval
3. Silver Oak, S/D, 83 lots, Lee Road 266, Preliminary Approval
B. CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL
4. Rusty Nix, 3829 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, GC-2, Farmers Market
5. Allan & Lisa Campfield, 2905 Frederick Road, C-2, GC-1, Contractors office without equipment yard and outside storage
C. REZONING – PUBLIC HEARING
6. Plainsman Warehouse LLC, 411 North 16th Street, (3.4 acres) from R-5 to C-3
D. OTHER BUSINESS – PUBLIC HEARING
7. City of Opelika Comprehensive Plan 2020
Note: Approved minutes from previous planning commission meetings available online at http://www.opelika.org/Default.asp?ID=515.

TUESDAY,  AUG. 25, 7:00 pm – AUBURN BIKE COMMITTEE  www.auburnalabama.org/cycle/
Held in the conference room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Meeting agendas & minutes online at http://www.auburnalabama.org/cycle/Minutes.aspx.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26, 9:00 AM — AUBURN UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES / SPECIAL-CALLED MEETING
Held at the Governor’’s Office, State House, Montgomery; Phone:334-844-4866
http://www.auburn.edu/administration/trustees/
Agenda for special/called meeting: District 6 Nominees for the Auburn University Board of Trustees Interviews
*See note below
9:00    – 9:30 a.m.    Trustee Selection Committee Meeting / Trustee Selection
9:30    – 9:45 a.m.    Thomas R. (Randy) Campbell
9:45   – 10:00 a.m.    Timothy A. (Tim) Martin
10:00 – 10:15 a.m.    Fred Daniel Primm, II
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.    James M. (Mike) Cooper
10:30 – 10:45 a.m.     R. Mack Freeman
10:45 – 11:00 a.m.     Break
11:00 – 11:15 a.m.    Wilson Hassell (Hal) Shepherd
11:15 – 11:30 a.m.    James W. (Jim) Martin
11:30  – 11:45 a.m.    William C. (Bill) Braswell, Jr.
11:45  – 12:00 noon     Lindsey J. Allison
12:00  – 12:30 p.m.    Lunch Break
12:30 -  12:45 p.m.    Amy Holt Echols
12:45 -  1:00 p.m.    Michael D. Smith
1:00 – 1:15 p.m.     Carol P. Zippert
1:15 p.m. – Trustee Selection Committee Meeting
*Times are estimated and may be subject to change, depending on length of individual interviews.

THURSDAY, AUG. 27, 10:00 AM  — ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD
Held at 445 Herron Street, Montgomery; ph: 334-242-2230.

THURSDAY, AUG. 27, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM — AU MULTICULTURAL CENTER OPEN HOUSE
Held in AU’s Student Center, room 1330.
Please join us as we highlight the Multicultural Center for the 2009-10 school year.

THURSDAY, AUG. 27, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM — ACCR’S BAILEY THOMSON AWARDS LUNCHEON / KEYNOTE SPEAKER: RICK BRAGG
Held at the Von Braun Center – South Hall Ballroom, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville.
For more info, to purchase tickets (or make tax deductible donation) online at http://www.constitutionalreform.org/2009Luncheon.shtml. All donations are tax deductible and can be made online or mailed to the following address: ACCR Foundation, P. O. Box 10746, Birmingham, AL 35202.

THURSDAY, AUG. 27, 3:00 – 6:00 PM — AUBURN FARMERS’ MARKET AT AG HERITAGE PARK
Held at AU’s Ag Heritage Park, Samford Avenue.
http://www.ag.auburn.edu/adm/comm/themarket/
The Auburn Farmer’s Market will be held Thursdays, 3:00 pm–6:00 pm, May 21–Aug. 27.  Check out the farmers’ market, a seasonal market which gives local farmers and producers an opportunity to sell directly to their customers, and which gives us all a chance to buy fresh, tasty, locally produced food. Entrance is free, so if you haven’t been before, come and have a look! For more information and directions, visit the website http://www.ag.auburn.edu/adm/comm/themarket/ .   For more info on the market, contact market manager Dani Carroll 334-749-3353 or carrodl@auburn.edu. [Note the market has moved from its previous location on Samford Ave across from the Athletic Complex to the greenspace on the opposite side of the park’s pond, near the Alfa Farmers Pavilion. The entrance will be on Donahue Drive.]

SATURDAY, AUG. 29, 9:30 AM — 8TH ANNUAL BLACK FILM FESTIVAL
Held at the Capri Theatre  www.capritheatre.org Free admission.
Film festival presented by A.S.U. National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African American Culture. Films start at 9:30am and run all day.  Featuring: American Violet * Stormy Weather * The Express plus documentaries and student films. Free popcorn and drink for the first 100 people.

SATURDAY, AUG. 29, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM — SOUTHSIDE VILLAGE BLOCK P[ART]Y
Held at the Southside Village, 400 block of S. Gay Street, at corner of Samford Ave. Free & open to all.  www.thegnusroom.com
The Gnu’s Room, along with the other shops on the block, will be hosting a fun-filled day of local art, music and other entertainment, with food and fun for all ages. Southside Village shops will offer special discounts on merchandise and services for the day, and a full slate of indoor and outdoor events are planned. Participating stores are: Amsterdam Cafe, The Gnu’s Room, Perch Beads, Yoga Ananda, ReInvent, and Shenanigans, located at the corner of Samford and S. Gay St. Valet parking will be available.
Local artists will be displaying their work throughout the day. A limited amount of booth space is available at no charge. Please contact Tina at 334-821-5550 to reserve a space and get additional details.

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CITY OF AUBURN PRESS RELEASES
Online at:  http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/

Donahue Drive – Bragg Avenue Update

Hickory Dickory Park Closed Monday, Aug. 24

City of Auburn Pool Schedule effective Aug. 24

Moores Mill (Interstate) Bridge Plans and Public Comment Sheet Available Online

Mid-Biennium Budget Document and Presentation Posted Online

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CITY OF AUBURN BOARD VACANCY:
Lee County Youth Development Center Board – one vacancy to be filled at the September 15 City Council meeting.
Citizens interested in serving are encouraged to contact their City Council member, the entire City Council (coagbemail@auburnalabama.org) or notify the City Manager’s Office at webocm@auburnalabama.org or 501-7260. Information on the city’s boards and commissions, including current members and their terms, 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

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Thanks for your interest and support.

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

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ADDITIONAL EVENTS

TUESDAY, AUG. 18, NOON — GREEN LUNCH SERIES: Carlos Morera Beita -  “The relationship between protected areas, local development and conservation in Costa Rica.”
Held in AU’s Student Center, room 2216. The Office of Sustainability’s Green Lunch Series kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 18 with Carlos Morera Beita. A renowned expert on conservation tourism, Beita will give a talk titled, “The relationship between protected areas, local development and conservation in Costa Rica.” Beita is currently visiting Auburn’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences as a Fulbright Scholar. A professor at the National University of Costa Rica in the School of Geography, Beita received his doctorate from the University of Barcelona, Spain, and is the author of numerous articles and books about the relationships between the environment, tourism and conservation.  www.auburn.edu/sustainability

TUESDAY, AUG. 18 through SATURDAY, AUG. 29 — BOOK SALE AT THE GNU’S ROOM
Held at The Gnu’s Room Bookstore & Coffee House/Coffee-Books-Community, 414 S Gay St; ph: 334.821.5550; www.thegnusroom.com
Starting on Tuesday, August 18th, the Gnu’s Room will be offering a book sale. All used paperbacks will be half off the marked price and all hardbacks will be $2.00 off the marked price. We have received quite a selection of books through customer trades over the summer and next to clear out some inventory, so be sure to take advantage of the special pricing! The book sale will end on Saturday, August 29th when we will be participating in the Southside Village Block P[art]y.

UPCOMING EVENT
SATURDAY, AUG. 29, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM — SOUTHSIDE VILLAGE BLOCK P[ART]LY
On August 29th, all the stores in Southside Village will host an open house and will offer discounts on merchandise and services. Participating shops are: The Gnu’s Room, Amsterdam Cafe, Perch Beads, Yoga Ananda, ReInvent, and Shenanigans.
**Local artists will have booths set up to display their work. Localmusicians will perform throughout the day with other events planned toentertain all ages. The schedule of events is still being finalized but will be available for preview later this week at www.thegnusroom.com.
**Parking in front of the stores will be blocked to allow room for performances and booth space. Amsterdam Cafe has offered valet parking for all stores on the 29th for any customers who wish to use the service.
Please mark your calendars and invite your friends for the first annual Southside Village Block P[art]y. It promises to be a fun-filled day for everyone!
Booth space is limited but still available. To reserve a space or ask questions regarding the event, please contact Tina at 821-5550 or at tina@thegnusroom.com.
Info: The Gnu’s Room Bookstore & Coffee House/Coffee-Books-Community, 414 S Gay St; ph: 334.821.5550; www.thegnusroom.com

= = = = = =

AUBURN CENTER HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES LEARN ABOUT AMERICAN RECOVERY CAPITAL LOAN PROGRAM
Small business owners in Alabama can benefit from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by applying for the American Recovery Capital Loan Program, says Jackie DiPofi, director of the Small Business Development Center in Auburn University’s College of Business. The $350 million loan program offers small business owners up to $35,000 interest-free toward existing debt and includes 12 months deferment of payments with a five-year term. Only existing businesses at least two years old are eligible. She says the owner must be able to show the business was viable in prior years, that it suffered a financial hardship and, with the help of a American Recovery Capital loan, it can reach viability again. For more information, visit http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/1080.

SPECTRUM ALLIANCE RECEIVES AWARD; SCHEDULES FALL EVENTS
This summer, Spectrum Alliance,  an all-campus social and activist group for LGBT* and allies, received national recognition from Campus Progress (Center for American Progress) in Washington, D.C.  They were awarded the “Best Student Organized Event” nationally for hosting Daniel Helminiak’s presentation of “What the Bible Really Says about Homosexuality.”  They received the award not only for their well coordinated event but also for their ability to draw in a large, diverse crowd despite Auburn’s social climate.
Fall events: Several fun social activities such as a football tailgate, movie night, and pool parties will be organized this Fall.  To kick off the semester, Spectrum is hosting a “Back to School LGBT and Allies’ Pool Party” August 22 from 5-7PM at the on campus indoor instructional pool.  Everyone is welcome to bring friends and fun pool games.  Food will be provided, and door prizes will be given away!  Don’t miss out on the fun!  [*LGBT = Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender]  Info: spectrum@auburn.edu
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Thanks for your interest and support.

PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
Aug. 18, 2009

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WEEK OF AUG. 17 — MEETINGS, EVENTS & UPDATES

UPDATE
DOWNTOWN AUBURM MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION / DAMA http://www.downtownauburnal.org/
Thanks to the Downtown Auburn Merchants Association, Downtown Auburn is becoming an even more inviting place to shop, dine and enjoy entertainment. Watch for upcoming events, including sidewalk sales and street parties. Check out the DAMA website – www.downtownauburnal.org – for a map of downtown businesses and parking. There’s even a blog – http://downtownauburnalabama.vox.com/ – to keep you up-to-date on new businesses & other news.
Keep your tax dollars local — shop Downtown Auburn.

ONGOING THROUGH  FRIDAY, AUG. 28 — AU’S DUDLEY GALLERY EXHIBIT / CRAFT, THE SLOW FOOD OF DESIGN
Reception: Monday, Aug. 3, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Held in AU’s Dudley Gallery, hours 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Mon-Fri. Free & open to all.
The College of Architecture, Design and Construction’s Dudley Gallery will feature the exhibit, “Craft, the Slow Food of Design,” showing work from the 2009 interior architecture thesis studio which focused on materials and the craft of making as a generative mechanism for the form and use of the design work. The craft of experience and procedure was enhanced through research of design/craft workshops. Slow design, a derivative of the Slow Food International movement, places emphasis on design that supports small-scale production, artisan expertise and regional culture. The students’ design work was inspired by slow design concepts such as natural time cycles, human behavior and environmental responsibility. More info: Sheri Schumacher at 844-5440 or schumsl@auburn.edu.

MONDAY, AUG 17 — AU FALL SEMESTER CLASSES BEGIN

MONDAY, AUG. 17, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm  —  OLLI AT Auburn / Summer Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Program:
Bob Couch and Joe Harrington – Enduring Spiritual Legacies: 100 years old Alabama Wooden Churches
Held at the Health Resource Center (HRC), 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. No charge; all are welcome to attend.
Everyone is invited to bring a lunch and drink.  http://www.olliatauburn.org/
OLLI at Auburn summer schedule:  http://olliatauburn.org/documents/summerseries.pdf
Upcoming program:
August 24 -  Emily Mann and Kimberly Braxton-Lloyd -  “AU Pharmaceutical Care Center- Pharmacists Caring for Your Health”

MONDAY, AUG. 17, 11:30 am and 7:00 pm — PRESENTATIONS: OPTIONS FOR HEALTHCARE REFORM
Held at H. Grady Bradshaw Library, 3419 20th Ave., Valley AL. Free & open to all.
(Directions for out-of-towners: from I-85, take AL Exit 79; turn south onto 20th Ave/US 29. Go about 1 mi. Library will be on your right with parking behind it. Meeting room is at the far end of the building).
Sponsored by Chambers Co. Chapter, Alabama New South Coalition. Info: Judy Collins or Jim Allen at 334-499-2380
11:30 a.m—12:00 EDT—Optional “Chat and Chew”—Bring sack lunch; lemonade will be provided.
12:00 Noon EDT—Presentation & Q&A:  Dr. Wally Retan, Coordinator of Health Care for Everyone–Alabama, followed by question/answer period
7:00 p.m EDT— Panel & Q&A: Differing perspectives presented by panelists including local physicians Dr. Bob Mullins and Dr. J David Harris, Arise Citizen Policy Analyst Atty. Anna Blair and Dr. Wally Retan. Each panelist will speak for approximately 5 minutes at the end of which they will address questions from the floor. Citing escalating confusion and concerns about healthcare issues, ANSC state president Robert Avery, moderator for the evening forum, explains, “Alabamians deserve plain talk about a subject impacting all of us. Through these two presentations our Chambers County chapter seeks to help citizens learn what the various options mean for them and their families.” Chapter president Mattie Boddie, whose job at Uniroyal has just ended with the company’s closure adds, “Everyone needs good, affordable health care but during this time of high unemployment, many of us have lost it, and we hear such conflicting perspectives on how to meet the need.” Inviting the public to attend the August 17th events Pres. Boddie says, “We want people to bring their various thoughts and concerns in a spirit of respect for different viewpoints as we listen to and question the presenters and then try to figure out which option seems best.”

TUESDAY, AUG. 18  — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
6:30 pm – work session / 7:00 PM – regular meeting
Held in the council chambers, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika.  Open to all. Agenda:  www.opelika.org/
Work session agenda includes:
(1) -  a.  Res/agreement to install a sewer main under I85 …   Walter Dorsey
(2) -  a.  Review 2010 Budget Resolution on CM agenda ……    City Council
(3) -  a.  General updates ………..  Mayor Fuller
(4) -  Discuss/review CM agenda items of 8/18/09 ………Mayor Fuller
–Remarks by Mayor, General business, Bids, Resolutions, Ordinances, Board Appointments
(5) -  Discussion: New / Old Business, Board appointments, Other City business.
Regular session agenda includes:
6)   UNFINISHED BUSINESS  -
7)   REMARKS BY THE MAYOR -  Gary Fuller
a.  Recognize Billy Smith as the Police Officer of the Month.
b.  Recognize Ashley Thomas.
8)   CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS – (Limit comments to five minutes or less)     Bob Shuman
9)   REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
10) COMMITTEE REPORTS
11) GENERAL BUSINESS –  Bob Shuman
a.  Request from Big J’s for a retail beer on-premise license.
b.  Request from Target Store for a retail wine/beer off-premise license.
c.  Request from 8th Street Café for a restaurant retail liquor and retail beer on-premises license.
d.  Public hearing, amend text of zoning ordinance, Section 2.2 – Family** (definitions)
12) AWARDING OF BIDS -  Shirley Washington
a.  Four different new pick-up trucks for the L&P department
13)  RESOLUTIONS -  Guy Gunter
1.  Travel advance for an OPD officer.
2.  2010 City Budget.
14)  ORDINANCES –   Guy Gunter    (none)
1.  Temporary moratorium, sewer assessment fees, existing commercial buildings – 2nd Reading.
2.  Amend zoning ordinance, section 2.2 – family (definitions)** – 1st Reading.
3.  Lease agreement with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce – 1st Reading.
4.  Amend City Code, partial exemption of severance/termination pay – 1st Reading.
15)  APPOINTMENTS
16)  ADJOURN
**SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE/PUBLIC HEARING The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public
hearing on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika ) by amending the definition of FAMILY in Section 2.2 DEFINITIONS to read as follows: Family: Two or more persons residing in a single dwelling unit where all members are related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship in common ancestry, plus two (2) unrelated persons in the Rural District (R-1), Residential Transition District (R-1-A), or the Low Density Residential District (R-2). For the purpose of this definition
common ancestry means husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, uncles and aunts, nephews and nieces, first cousins, and also includes foster care and other forms of legal guardianship. In all other zoning districts where residential units are permitted, the term family shall include no more than four (4) unrelated persons occupying a singly dwelling unit. (This definition of Family does not contradict with the language in the definition of a Group Home). Public Notice of this Public Hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on July 19, 2009 in the Opelika-Auburn News. This Notice is given pursuant to Section 11-52-78, Code of Alabama (1975).

TUESDAY, AUG. 18 — AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
6:40 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. TOOMER’S TEN EVENING TRANSIT SHUTTLE SERVICE. Jacob Watkins, Auburn University SGA President.
4. STREET RENAMING.  Mayor Ham.
Regular meeting agenda includes:
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS.  City Manager Duggan.
a. Alcoholic Beverage License.  Milanos of Auburn Inc. dba/Milanos Italian Grill. 020 – Restaurant Retail Liquor License.  1658 South College Street.
b.  Announcement of Board Vacancy.  Lee County Youth Development Center. One Position.  Four Year Term Expires September 30, 2013.
9. ORDINANCES.
a. Zoning.  West Pace, LLC. Terry Holdridge (Authorized Representative). Property Located between Interstate 85 and Shell Toomer Parkway, east of South College Street (US Highway 29).  Rezone from Rural (R) (pending annexation) to Comprehensive Development District (CDD).  150.89 Acres. Planning Commission Recommendation.  Public Hearing Required.  Unanimous Consent Necessary.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. City Code Section 12-247.  Sidewalk Sales.  AU Fall Semester 2009. Auburn Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Merchants.
b. Auburn University Student Government Association.  Toomer’s Ten Evening Transit Shuttle System.  Parking Space Lease Agreement.  Loading/Unloading Zone on West Magnolia Avenue.
c. Downtown Merchants Association and Auburn University Student Government Association.  Close Magnolia Avenue between Gay Street and College Street. Friday evenings prior to Auburn University Saturday Home Football Games. Friday Night Football Kickoff Event.
d. Diane and Ronald Cooper.  Sean Snow (Authorized Representative).  Commercial and Entertainment Use-graphic design studio (Advanced Graphics) in the Commercial Conservation (CC) Zoning District.  Property Located at 939 Opelika Road.  Planning Commission Recommendation.  Public Hearing Required. Conditional Use Approval.
e. Public Works Department.  Whatley Construction Company.  Renovations to the Frank Brown Recreation Center Project.  $460,587. Contract.  Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
f. Ronald and Silvia Phelps.  310 Oak Street.  Temporary Construction Easement. Oak Street Sidewalk Project. Acceptance.
11. OTHER BUSINESS.
12. ADJOURNMENT.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 19, 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 in keeping Auburn beautiful. Lunch is provided. http://www.auburnbeautification.org/

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 19, 6:00 PM  — LEE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CLUB
NEW MEETING PLACE!  Now held at Auburn University Club. 1499 N. Donahue Road.
All are invited to attend.
6:00 pm – buffet dinner ($11, tax & tip included)
6:50 pm –Speaker: U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, Democratic Candidate for Governor, State of Alabama
Artur Davis has represented Alabama’s 7th congressional district in Congress since 2003. It encompasses
Choctaw, Sumter, Greene, Perry, Hale, Dallas, Wilcox, and Marengo and parts of Jefferson, Tuscaloosa,
Pickens and Clarke Counties.  Born and raised in Montgomery, he graduated magna cum laude from Harvard
and cum laude from Harvard Law School. After working as an intern at the Southern Poverty Law Center and
then as a civil rights lawyer, he served as an assistant United States Attorney.  In 2007, he became the first
congressman outside Illinois to endorse Barack Obama for President and made the seconding speech for his
nomination.
As Congressman, he has emerged as a leader on issues related to housing, education, and health care.
He won major battles to restore funding for minority land grant institutions (such as Tuskegee) and won a floor
fight to restore funds for public housing renovation, convincing 60 Republicans to join him. He received an
A– grade on his voting record relating to veteran’s issues from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
He announced his candidacy for Governor in February and has since been running a vigorous campaign.
Nationally prominent trial lawyer Jere Beasley endorsed him and is serving as his campaign chair. If he wins the
election, he will be first black Governor of Alabama and just fifth in entire U.S. history after P. B. S. Pinchback of
Louisiana, Douglas Wilder of Virginia, Deval Patrick of Massachusetts and David Paterson of New York.

THURSDAY, AUG. 20, 8:30 AM — ALABAMA HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD / SPECIAL-CALLED MEETING
Held at 445 Herron Street, Montgomery; Ph:334-242-2230
Agenda: Investigative Committee Meeting

THURSDAY, AUG. 20, 3:00 – 6:00 PM — AUBURN FARMERS’ MARKET AT AG HERITAGE PARK
Held at AU’s Ag Heritage Park, Samford Avenue.  http://www.ag.auburn.edu/adm/comm/themarket/
The Auburn Farmer’s Market will be held Thursdays, 3:00 pm–6:00 pm, May 21–Aug. 27.  Check out the farmers’ market, a seasonal market which gives local farmers and producers an opportunity to sell directly to their customers, and which gives us all a chance to buy fresh, tasty, locally produced food. Entrance is free, so if you haven’t been before, come and have a look! For more information and directions, visit the website: http://www.ag.auburn.edu/adm/comm/themarket/.   For more info on the market, contact market manager Dani Carroll 334-749-3353 or carrodl@auburn.edu. [Note the market has moved from its previous location on Samford Ave across from the Athletic Complex to the greenspace on the opposite side of the park’s pond, near the Alfa Farmers Pavilion. The entrance will be on Donahue Drive.]

THURSDAY, AUG 20 , 4:00 pm – AUBURN WATER WORKS BOARD  http://www.auburnalabama.org/wrm/
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, AUG. 20, 4:00 – 6:00 PM  — PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT MEETING FOR MOORES MILL (INTERSTATE) BRIDGE PROJECT
http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pw0807092.asp
Held in the City of Auburn Meeting Room, 122 Tichenor Avenue. (entrance off side of the building, across parking lot from back door of Cheeburger)
Hosted by the City of Auburn and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). Members of the public are encouraged to drop in anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. Officials will have project information sheets and two alternate project designs available for the public to review. More info: City of Auburn Public Works Department 501-3000.

THURSDAY, AUG. 20, 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. Teel S/D, Resubdivision, 3 lots, Lee road 262,  Charles M. Teel, Preliminary and Final Approval
2. Teel S/D, 3rd Revision of Lots 2A &5, 2 lots, Lee Road 265, Durwood Helms, P/F Approval
3. Silver Oak, S/D, 83 lots, Lee Road 266, Preliminary Approval
B. CONDITIONAL USE APPROVAL
4. Rusty Nix, 3829 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, GC-2, Farmers Market
5. Allan & Lisa Campfield, 2905 Frederick Road, C-2, GC-1, Contractors office without equipment yard and outside storage
C. REZONING – PUBLIC HEARING
6. Plainsman Warehouse LLC, 411 North 16th Street, (3.4 acres) from R-5 to C-3
D. OTHER BUSINESS – PUBLIC HEARING
7. City of Opelika Comprehensive Plan 2020
Note: Approved minutes from previous planning commission meetings available online at http://www.opelika.org/Default.asp?ID=515.

THURSDAY, AUG. 20, 5:00 PM — JCSM HOSTS WELCOME BACK TO CAMPUS
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum – 901 S College St. Open to all. www.jscm.auburn.edu
The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art will host ‘Welcome back to campus.’ Organize your new school supplies, breathe in that newly-sharpened- pencil smell perm eating the air, don your back-to-school shoes, and join JCSM for a celebration of the new term. The event includes entertainment, FREE BBQ, light snacks , a cash bar, a schedule of the acaemic year’s exhibitions and programming, information on how to book tours, and a membership table. The galleries will be open, and museum staff will be on hand to answer your questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to have some fun and be in the know about how to use the museum as a resource for your teaching and student projects.  This event is part of a Membership Drive; all new members will receive a free limited edition Art Changes Lives t-shirt.

THURSDAY, AUG 20, 6:300 PM – SAVE OUR SAUGAHATCHEE (SOS)
Held in AU’s Comer Auditorium. Open to all. Please invite your bird loving friends to join us!
6:30 pm/social time
7:00 pm/program: Gene Hunter will present a program & project update on a project he and others are working on — the Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve & Siddique Nature Park.

FRIDAY, AUG. 21, 11:00 AM — ALABAMA ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION (EMC)
Held in the Alabama Room (Main Hearing Room), ADEM Building, Mont. PH: 334-271-7706.  Open to all.
Agenda includes:
1.  Consideration of minutes of meeting held on June 19, 2009**
2.  Election – The Commission will hold an election of Personnel Committee members.
3.  Report from the Director
4.  Report from the Commission Chair – Included in the report from the Commission Chair will be the following:
A.  Discussion of Greenhouse Gas Emissions – The Commission will discuss greenhouse gas emissions and various stances taken on the impact that reductions of said emissions will make and consider taking a formal stance on the issue.
B.  Discussion of proposal for the ADEM Operating Plan for a methodology to quantify compliance rates for major ADEM programs – The Commission will discuss and consider the Director’s proposal for the ADEM Operating Plan for a methodology to quantify compliance rates for major ADEM programs.
5.  Canaan Systems, Inc. v. ADEM, EMC Docket No. 09-06 – The Commission will consider Respondent ADEM’s “Amended Motion to Sever and Stay” (dated July 23, 2009); the “Petitioner’s Response in Opposition to Respondent’s Motion to Sever and Stay” (dated July 28, 2009); the “Petitioner’s Supplemental Response in Opposition to Respondent’s Motion to Sever and Stay” (dated August 6, 2009); the “Petitioner’s Request for Oral Argument” (dated August 10, 2009); and the “Amendment to ADEM’s Reply Brief to Petitioner’s Opposition to ADEM’s Motion to Sever and Stay” (dated August 12, 2009).  The ADEM administrative actions appealed under Docket No. 09-06 are ADEM’s denial of Class V injection well permits to Canaan Systems, Inc. for The Cottages of Bethune Lake Subdivision, The Water’s Edge Subdivision, and Lawrence Landing Subdivision.
6.  Russell D. Lippert, Lippert Bank Services, L.L.C. v. ADEM, and Santek Environmental of Alabama, L.L.C., EMC Docket No. 09-05 – The Commission will consider the Hearing Officer’s “Order on Motion for Summary Judgment” (dated July 6, 2009), which is construed as the Hearing Officer’s recommendation to the Commission to grant the Intervenor’s Motion for Summary Judgment and dismiss with prejudice the Request for Hearing filed by Russell D. Lippert.  The Commission will also consider for adoption and incorporation in a final order on the Hearing Officer’s recommendations the “Order on Motions to Dismiss” (dated May 19, 2009) for incorporation in a final order on the Hearing Officer’s recommendations  The May 19th “Order on Motions to Dismiss” was a preliminary order by the Hearing Officer dismissing the Requests for Hearing by Lippert Bank Services, L.L.C. and Jennifer J. Lippert.  The administrative action appealed under Docket No. 09-05 is ADEM’s approval of the modification of the permit for Mt. Olive Landfill located on Mary Buckelew Drive in Jefferson County, Alabama.
7.  Friends of Hurricane Creek and John Wathen v. ADEM, and SDW, Inc., EMC Docket No. 09-02 (NPDES-Related Matter) – The Commission will consider the “Recommendation of Hearing Officer” (dated July 27, 2009); the “Intervenor’s Response (Objections and/or Comments to Hearing Officer’s Recommendation” (dated August 4, 2009); “ADEM’s Objection to the Hearing Officer’s Recommendation and Proposed Alternate Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law” and Proposed Orders (dated August 6, 2009); the Petitioners’ Request for Oral Argument, “Objections to Hearing Officer’s Recommendation and Supporting Brief,” “Alternative Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and Discretion,” and Proposed Order (dated August 7, 2009); and the “Intervenor’s Replies to Objections” (dated August 11, 2009).  The administrative action appealed under Docket No. 09-02 is ADEM Administrative Order 08-203-MNPS issued on September 5, 2008, to SDW, Inc., Williamsburg Subdivision, Cottondale, Tuscaloosa County, NPDES ALR165846.
8.  Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Inc. v. ADEM, and Shepherd Bend, L.L.C., EMC Docket No. 09-04 (NPDES-Related Matter) – The Commission will consider the Intervenor’s motion to table consideration of the Hearing Officer’s Recommended Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law until the next scheduled meeting of the Commission.  The ADEM administrative action appealed under Docket No. 09-04 is ADEM’s issuance of NPDES Permit AL0079163 on July 21, 2008, to Shepherd Bend, L.L.C., Shepherd Bend Mine, Walker County.
9.  Other business
10.  Future business session
* The Agenda for this meeting will be available on the ADEM website, www.adem.alabama.gov, under EMC Information and Calendar of Events.
** The Minutes for this meeting will be available on the ADEM website under EMC Information.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (If the Commission grants the public comment period requests, comments from the requestors are heard following adjournment of the Commission meeting.  The requests from the public to address the Commission are attached to the agenda posted on the ADEM website.)  Request 1 – Michael William Mullen, Choctawhatchee Riverkeeper, Subject: ADEM’s general lack of effectiveness on construction stormwater compliance enforcement.  Request 2 – David A. Ludder, on behalf of the ADEM Reform Coalition, Subject: Compliance and enforcement in the Alabama NPDES (Water Pollution Control) Program.

FRIDAY, AUG. 21, 5:00 – 9:00 PM — 2009 WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL
Held at the Harbert Center, 2019 Fourth Ave, Birmingham.
Mark your calendars for the 2009 Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival.  Call the Alabama Rivers Alliance for details – 205-322-6395 or visit http://www.alabamarivers.org

FRIDAY, AUG. 21, 7:30 pm – SUNDILLA CONCERT FEATURING Noah Earle
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 Noah Earle go to www.sundilla.org.

SATURDAY, AUG. 22, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM — AUUF & LIFESOUTH BLOOD DRIVE  www.auuf.net
Held in the AUUF Sanctuary. (Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall, 450 E. Thach. )
Info: Debbie Sneed – deborasneed@alltel.blackberry.com.
The AUUF & LifeSouth Blood Drive will be held Saturday, August 22 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the AUUF sanctuary.  With hurricane season upon us and the shortage of blood donors, this is an important time to donate blood.  We’ve been promised enough staff, so no long lines!

SATURDAY, AUG. 22, 2:00 PM —  GNU KIDS ON THE BLOCK – CHILDREN’S BOOK READING & ART PROJECT / AT THE GNU’S ROOM  www.thegnusroom.com
Held at The Gnu’s Room Bookstore & Coffee House, 414 S. Gay Street, Auburn. More info: Tina Tatum, tina@thegnusroom.com or 334-821- 5550.
Local teaching artist Laurie Brenden will present a reading of the children’s favorite “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” by Crockett Johnson for this month’s Gnu Kids on the Block. The reading will be followed by an art project involving monochromatic drawings. Ages pre-K to 2nd grade will appreciate the story of Harold and what he accomplishes with his oversized purple crayon!

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CITY OF AUBURN BOARD VACANCY:
Lee County Youth Development Center Board – one vacancy to be filled at the September 15 City Council meeting.
Citizens interested in serving are encouraged to contact their City Council member, the entire City Council (coagbemail@auburnalabama.org) or notify the City Manager’s Office at webocm@auburnalabama.org or 501-7260. Information on the city’s boards and commissions, including current members and their terms, 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

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Thanks for your interest and support.

PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
Aug. 16, 2009

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UPDATE – ADDITIONAL INFO & EVENTS

CITY OF AUBURN PRESS RELEASES:
Portion of Cox Street Converts to Two-Way Traffic

Frank Brown Recreation Center Closed for Renovations
——-  ——- ——

AGENDA DETAILS / TODAY’S LEE COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, AUG. 10   – LEE COUNTY COMMISSION  www.leeco.us
4:00 pm – work session / 6:00 pm – regular session
Held in the commission chambers, historic courthouse building, 215 S. Ninth St, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda includes:
6. Reports from Commissioners and Staff:
a. Report on NACo Conference – Commissioner Harris
7. CONSENT AGENDA:
a. Minutes of Commission Meeting July 27, 2009
b. Ratify and Approve Claims & Procurement Card Purchases
c. Announcement of Board Appointments
8.  OLD BUSINESS:
9.  NEW BUSINESS:
a. Comprehensive Development Strategies Proposal – Commissioner Harris
b. Grant Funding Initiative Process – Commissioner Lawrence
c. Railroad Crossing Improvement Agreement on Lee Road 676- Neal Hall
d.Pre-clearance of Act No. 2009-329 & Act No. 2009-381 – Roger Rendleman
e. Alternative Sentencing Board Establishment – Roger Rendleman
f. Schedule Budget Work Sessions – Roger Rendleman
g. EECBG Solicitation II Resolution/JC Solar Hot Water Project-Wendy Swann
h. AU-Auburn/Opelika Area Community Profile Advertisement Request-Wendy Swann
10. Executive Session
11. Adjourn

AGENDA DETAILS / TOMORROW’S AUBURN BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, AUG 11  – 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.
Agenda includes:
I.    CALL TO ORDER
II.    ROLL CALL
III.   APPROVE  AGENDA
IV.   HEAR DELEGATIONS
V.    APPROVE MINUTES
July 14, 2009, Regular Session
July 30, 2009, Special Session
VI.    COMMUNICATIONS
VII.   APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS & SALARIES – JULY 2009
VIII.   UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1.  Annual Discipline Report – Clarification of Information
IX.    SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT AND NEW BUSINESS
1.    Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Report, Dr. Janet Womack
2.    Enrollment Update
3.    Auburn City Schools Policy Manual -
Policy Revision: GAMC Drug Free Workplace
and Drug and Alcohol Testing Administrative Procedure
4.    Medicaid Administrative Claim Program Contract
5.    Purchasing Card Agreement
6.    Energy Star Certification – Yarbrough Elementary School
X.    PERSONNEL
1.    Resignations
2.    Leave Requests
3.    Summer Employment
4.    Employment
5.    Exit Surveys
XI.    OTHER
** The first public hearing for the FY 2010 budget will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, from 8 – 9 a.m. in the Multi-Media Room at Auburn High School.
** The Board of Education will meet for its next regular session and the second public hearing for the FY 2010 budget on September 8, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. in the Multi-Media Room at Auburn High School.

SATURDAY, AUG. 15, 5:00 PM — OTAKU FUSION BELLYDANCE / AT THE GNU’S ROOM  www.thegnusroom.com
Held at The Gnu’s Room Bookstore & Coffee House, 414 S. Gay Street, Auburn. More info: Tina Tatum, tina@thegnusroom.com or 334-821- 5550.
No admission fee, but donations for the performer are appreciated.
Presentation of Otaku Fusion Bellydance by local performer Seraphina. Members of the new Auburn troupe, Gypsy Blues Bellydance, will also be in attendance.

SATURDAY, AUG. 15, 7:00 – 9:00 PM — SINGER-SONGWRITER JOHN PETERSON / AT THE GNU’S ROOM  www.thegnusroom.com
Held at The Gnu’s Room Bookstore & Coffee House, 414 S. Gay Street, Auburn. More info: Tina Tatum, tina@thegnusroom.com or 334-821- 5550.
No admission fee but $5 suggested donation for the performer is appreciated.
Local singer/songwriter and Gnu’s Room favorite John Peterson will be in concert. He will perform some new tunes from his upcoming CD as well as songs from his previous recordings.

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INFORMATION COURTESY OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE U.S.
Your Senators and Representative are in their district offices for Congressional recess.  Now is the time to contact them on the issues that are most important to you.  Health care and climate change, the League’s highest priority issues, lie in the balance.  When they return to Washington in September, your elected officials will determine how these issues take shape in ways that will affect our country forever.  Opponents are ramping up their efforts to fight quality reform-your voice is needed more than ever.   The League has been on the front lines on these issues. Health Care:  Contact your Senators and Representative on health care by clicking here and entering your zip code. Click here to visit the League’s main health care page to learn more, and here to read the letter LWVUS sent to the House of Representatives urging reform.   Climate Change: Contact your Senators on climate change by clicking here and entering your zip code.  LWVUS recently sent a letter to the House of Representatives and the Senate urging reform.  Click here to visit the League’s main climate change page to learn more.
To contact your Senators and Representative by phone or mail, click here and enter your zip code to find their contact information, including locations of their offices.
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Thanks for your interest and support.

PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
Aug. 10, 2009

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Especially during the summer, meeting dates and/or locations are subject to change, sometimes with little notice. When possible, such changes will be sent via PLACE email and/or posted on the PLACE website http://placeforum.org/blog/.

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ROAD UPDATES – AUBURN
Citizens are encouraged to visit the City of Auburn’s website at www.auburnalabama.org to view the latest news on traffic updates and street closings. For more information, please contact the City of Auburn Public Works Department at 501-3000.

Milling and Repaving Work Along Magnolia Avenue Between College Street and Cox Street to Begin Immediately
http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pw080709.asp
The City of Auburn has just received notice from the contractor for the Donahue Drive – Magnolia Avenue Intersection Improvement Project that milling and repaving work along the portion of Magnolia Avenue between College Street and Cox Street will begin immediately. Magnolia Avenue will remain open to traffic. Motorists are advised to be alert for flagmen directing traffic. As a reminder, the intersection of Donahue Drive and Magnolia Avenue will be closed intermittently on Saturday, August 8 and Monday and Tuesday, August 10 and 11, while crews complete work in preparation for the reopening of Magnolia Avenue.

Magnolia Avenue Update
http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pw0806092.asp
The contractor for the Donahue Drive – Magnolia Avenue Intersection Improvement Project will be working in the intersection on Saturday, August 8. The intersection may also be subject to intermittent closures on Monday, August 10 and Tuesday, August 11 as construction continues. Motorists are advised to exercise caution in the area and be alert for flagmen directing traffic. The portion of Magnolia Avenue that has been closed for work is expected to reopen by Friday, August 14. Despite weather delays, work on the Donahue – Magnolia project is on track for completion in the next two weeks.
The City of Auburn appreciates citizens’ and businesses’ patience as crews work to complete this project in time for the start of Auburn University’s fall semester.

Portion of Cox Street to Convert to Two-Way Traffic
http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pw080609.asp
In response to requests from citizens and businesses in the area, the Auburn City Council has authorized the conversion of Cox Street between Glenn Avenue and Magnolia Avenue to two-way traffic. The new traffic flow will be in effect once striping is in place. As part of this measure, the City Council also authorized the elimination of parking along Cox Street. Crews will be painting yellow curb in the next few days. Citizens are asked to move any cars parked along Cox Street to comply with the new law and to allow for restriping. Motorists are advised to exercise caution in the area and be alert to the change in traffic flow.
Map of Cox Street Two-Way Traffic (PDF) http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pw080609.pdf

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THROUGH FRIDAY, AUG. 14 — FREE METERED PARKING IN DOWNTOWN AUBURN
http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/rev072209.asp
In conjunction with the Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, the Auburn City Council has suspended parking meter operations in downtown on Friday, August 7. Due to the Auburn University semester break, everyone may enjoy free parking in metered spaces from August 7 – 14. A map of all metered spaces in the downtown area is available on the City’s website at www.auburnalabama.org/maps/Gallery. Click on the downtown parking map to view all available metered spaces.

THROUGH FRIDAY, AUG. 28 — AU’S DUDLEY GALLERY EXHIBIT / CRAFT, THE SLOW FOOD OF DESIGN
Held in AU’s Dudley Gallery, hours 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Mon-Fri. Free & open to all.
The College of Architecture, Design and Construction’s Dudley Gallery will feature the exhibit, “Craft, the Slow Food of Design,” Aug. 3-28. The exhibit will feature work from the 2009 interior architecture thesis studio which focused on materials and the craft of making as a generative mechanism for the form and use of the design work. The craft of experience and procedure was enhanced through research of design/craft workshops. Slow design, a derivative of the Slow Food International movement, places emphasis on design that supports small-scale production, artisan expertise and regional culture. The students’ design work was inspired by slow design concepts such as natural time cycles, human behavior and environmental responsibility. More info: Sheri Schumacher at 844-5440 or schumsl@auburn.edu.

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MONDAY, AUG. 10, 7:30 am — AUBURN-OPELIKA ROBERT G. PITT’S AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD
Held in the Meeting Room located of the Hampton Inn & Suites, 3000 Capps Way, Opelika. Open to all.
The Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport’s Advisory Board will hold a meeting to discuss airport related issues.

MONDAY, AUG. 10, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm  —  OLLI AT Auburn / Summer Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Programs – Terry Ley “Writing Our Lives”
Held at the Health Resource Center (HRC), 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. No charge; all are welcome to attend.
Everyone is invited to bring a lunch and drink.  http://www.olliatauburn.org/
OLLI at Auburn summer schedule:  http://olliatauburn.org/documents/summerseries.pdf
Upcoming programs:
August 17 – Bob Couch and Joe Harrington – “Enduring Spiritual Legacies: 100 years old Alabama Wooden Churches”
August 24 -  Emily Mann and Kimberly Braxton-Lloyd -  “AU Pharmaceutical Care Center- Pharmacists Caring for Your Health”

MONDAY, AUG. 10, NOON – AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION PACKET MEETING (AGENDA DISCUSSION)
Held in the conference room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.  [note: regular Planning Commission meeting will be held Thursday, Aug. 13, 5:00 pm, in the council chambers 141 N. Ross St.]
Agenda & full packet: www.auburnalabama.org/pc/agenda.asp
Agenda includes:
CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATION
OLD BUSINESS
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Ward-Pace Annexation   PL-2009-00393
Applicant: Thomas L. Pace, III
General Location: South of Sandhill Road and west of Lee Road 023
Zoning District: Outside of City limits
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for annexation of approximately 151.2 acres
2. University Station Annexation  PL-2009-00482
Applicant: Mathan and Jill Holt
General Location: 3160 Martin Luther King Drive
Zoning District: Outside of City limits
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for annexation of approximately 10.70 acres
NEW BUSINESS
3. God’s House of Prayer  PUBLIC HEARING   PL-2009-00436
Applicant: Bishop Frank McLeod
General Location: 573 Harper Avenue
Zoning District: Redevelopment District (RDD)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for an amendment Resolution 07-04 that granted conditional use approval for the expansion of the existing church building in order to allow conditional use approval for the expansion of the church property to be used for a parking lot
4. Advanced Graphics  PUBLIC HEARING   PL-2009-00487
Applicant: Sean Snow for Diane Cooper (Phillips Family Partnership)
General Location: 939 Opelika Road
Zoning District: Commercial Conservation (CC)
Action Requested: Recommendation to City Council for conditional use approval for a commercial and entertainment use (graphic design studio)
OTHER BUSINESS. CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION. STAFF COMMUNICATION. ADJOURNMENT

MONDAY, AUG. 10, 2:00 – 4:00 PM — AU GRADUATION
Held at AU’s Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum.
Details: http://www.auburn.edu/administration/registrar/helpful-resources/graduation/

MONDAY, AUG. 10 – LEE COUNTY COMMISSION  www.leeco.us
4:00 pm – work session / 6:00 pm – regular session
Held in the commission chambers, historic courthouse building, 215 S. Ninth St, Opelika. Open to all. Agenda to be posted Monday at www.leeco.us.

TUESDAY, AUG. 11, 11:30 am – AUBURN GREENSPACE ADVISORY BOARD
Held in the city of Auburn meeting room, 122 Tichenor Ave. (entrance off side of building, across from rear entrance to Cheeburger Cheeburger.) Open to all.

TUESDAY, AUG. 11, NOON – 1:00 PM  —- OPELIKA PUBLIC LIBRARY BROWN BAG SERIES / Dr. Glen Browder
Held in the Library Board room, Lewis Cooper Memorial Library, 200 South 6th Street, Opelika.  http://www.opelika.org/Default.asp?ID=435
Dr. Glen Browder: former congressman, Alabama Secretary of State, and Alabama legislator; author of The South’s New Racial Politics: Inside the Race Game of Southern History.
Bring your lunch; lemonade, water & coffee provided. Open to all.  Limited seating requires reservations: call 705-5380.

TUESDAY, AUG. 11, 1:00 – 5:00 PM – AUBURN BOARD OF EDUCATION / Special meeting: budget work session
Held at the Board of Education office, 855 East Samford Ave.  Open to all.
Agenda: budget work session  www.auburnschools.org

TUESDAY, AUG. 11, 3:00 – 6:00 PM — OPELIKA MAIN STREET FARMERS’ MARKET
Held on South Railroad Ave, downtown Opelika. Open to all.
This market is open every Tuesday throughout the summer. Produce is grown by local farmers. More info: Velinda, 334.745.0466, opelikamainstreet@aol.com

TUESDAY, AUG. 11, 4:00 pm – AUBURN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Held in the Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda:  http://www.auburnalabama.org/hpc/agenda.aspx

TUESDAY, AUG 11  – AUBURN BOARD OF EDUCATION  www.auburnschools.org / http://www.auburnschools.org/about.htm
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, AUG. 12, 5:30 – 7:00 PM — WEEKLY ECO HAPPY HOUR & GREEN DRINKS
Held in the back room of Zazu’s Eclectic Eatery (formerly Buffalo’s), E. Magnolia, downtown Auburn. Open to all.
This is a time and location for people to gather and discuss “Green”/”Eco”/sustainability-related issues while socializing at a locally-owned venue.  Everyone from “professionals” to those who are just curious are welcome. This will be a child-friendly gathering for those with little ones (or even medium-sized ones), with a large space and table/floor space for them to play and still be in direct eyesight/earshot.  Feel free to spread the word to others who might be interested.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12, 6:00 – 8:00 PM — AUBURN CITY COUNCIL / MID-BIENNIUM BUDGET WORK SESSION
http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/ocm080709.asp
The Auburn City Council will hold its Mid-Biennium Budget Work Session on Wednesday, August 12 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the City of Auburn Meeting Room, located at 122 Tichenor Avenue. Council members will evaluate the FY 2009 & FY 2010 Biennial Budget at its mid-point. The public is invited to attend. The first reading and public hearing for the Mid-Biennium Budget Ordinance is scheduled for the Tuesday, September 8 City Council meeting.
For more information, please contact the Office of the City Manager at 501-7260.
City of Auburn Budget Documents: http://www.auburnalabama.org/budget/
Auburn City Council Agenda & e-Packet: http://www.auburnalabama.org/agenda/

THURSDAY, AUG. 13, 8:00 am  — DOWNTOWN AUBURN MERCHANT ASSOCIATION (DAMA)  http://www.downtownauburnal.org/
Held in the City of Auburn meeting room, 122 Tichenor Ave (entrance is at side of building, across from rear entrance of Cheeburger Cheeburger).

THURSDAY, AUG. 13, 3:00 – 6:00 PM — AUBURN FARMERS’ MARKET AT AG HERITAGE PARK
Held at AU’s Ag Heritage Park, Samford Avenue.  http://www.ag.auburn.edu/adm/comm/themarket/
The Auburn Farmer’s Market will be held Thursdays, 3:00 pm-6:00 pm, May 21-Aug. 27.  Check out the farmers’ market, a seasonal market which gives local farmers and producers an opportunity to sell directly to their customers, and which gives us all a chance to buy fresh, tasty, locally produced food. Entrance is free, so if you haven’t been before, come and have a look! For more information and directions, visit http://www.ag.auburn.edu/adm/comm/themarket/ .  For more info on the market, contact market manager Dani Carroll 334-749-3353 or carrodl@auburn.edu. [Note the market has moved from its previous location on Samford Ave across from the Athletic Complex to the greenspace on the opposite side of the park's pond, near the Alfa Farmers Pavilion. The entrance will be on Donahue Drive.]

THURSDAY, AUG. 13, 4:30 pm – OPELIKA HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Held in the Planning Chambers, Opelika Public Works Bldg, 700 Fox Trail, Opelika. Open to all.

THURSDAY, AUG. 13, 5:00 pm – AUBURN PLANNING COMMISSION
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet: http://www.auburnalabama.org/pc/agenda.aspx (For details, see  above, Monday, noon, Aug. 10, PC packet meeting)

FRIDAY, AUG. 14, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM — SUMMER TREE WORKSHOP / ALABAMA URBAN FORESTRY ASSOCIATION
Held at the Nunn-Winston House at Keisel Park.  All are invited to attend. Lunch is provided. Info: contact James Jennings, City of Auburn/Beautification and Urban Forestry, (334) 501-2938, jjennings@auburnalabama.org.
The workshop will feature 1-hr presentations on soils, diseases and insects, protecting trees from construction.
Topics:
*Underground Research at the National Soil Dynamics Laboratory – Dr.
Steve Prior, National Soil Dynamics Laboratory
*Common Disease, Insect and Cultural Problems of Urban Trees – Dr. Scott
Enebak, Associate Professor& Director/Auburn University Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
*Tree Protection During Construction & Landscaping – Chris Francis,
Chris Frances Landscapes
*Using the Resistograph for Structural Analysis of Trees – Gary Ickes,
Ickes Tree Service

SATURDAY, AUG. 15 — SUMMER 2009 ALABAMA WATER WATCH (AWW) WATER QUALITY MONITORING WORKSHOPS / Chemistry & Bacteria
General AWW info: www.alabamawaterwatch.org
Workshop registration & info: https://fp.auburn.edu/icaae/WorkShopRegC.aspx
Chemistry Monitoring — 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Workshop Location: 246 Upchurch Hall, AU
Workshop Contact Phone: 334-844-4785
Please wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty because we will go to the Arboretum Pond (weather permitting) to practice water sampling techniques. You might want to wear sunscreen and a hat as well. We will have a short lunch break, but you might want to bring water or pack a lunch/snack.
Bacteria Monitoring — 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Workshop Location: 246 Upchurch Hall, AU
Workshop Contact Phone: 334-844-4785

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CITY OF AUBURN BOARD VACANCY:
Lee County Youth Development Center Board – one vacancy to be filled at the September 15 City Council meeting.
Citizens interested in serving are encouraged to contact their City Council member, the entire City Council (coagbemail@auburnalabama.org) or notify the City Manager’s Office at webocm@auburnalabama.org or 501-7260. Information on the city’s boards and commissions, including current members and their terms, 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

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Thanks for your interest and support.

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

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Update:  corrections & additions  — Aug. 3, 2009

CORRECTION – AUBURN BZA AGENDA
The BZA agenda shown in the previous PLACE email was incorrect. Below is the correct agenda for this Wednesday’s meeting. Apologies for the error.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 4:30 pm – AUBURN BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT / BZA
Held in the city council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda: www.auburnalabama.org/bza/agenda.asp
Agenda includes:
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Variance to Section 605.01(A) of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2009-00453
Applicant: Jones Sign Shop for Sun South Properties, LLC
General Location:  1780 East Glenn Avenue
Zoning District:  Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: Variance to allow two (2) freestanding signs on one (1) parcel and to allow the combined freestanding signs to exceed the 100 square foot maximum of freestanding signs
Variance to Section 515.02, Table 5-3 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2009-00459
Applicant: B.D.B. Capital
General Location:  121 North College Street
Zoning District: College Edge Overlay District (CEOD) with Urban Core (UC) underlying
Action Requested: Variance of 4.07 square feet to the maximum signage allowance of 23 square feet in order to allow 27.07 feet of building signage
Variance to Section 502.02(A) of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance  PL-2009-00466
Applicant: Emil and Chadwick Jordan
General Location:  674 Carpenter Way
Zoning District:  Planned Development District (PDD) with Limited Development District (LDD) underlying
Action Requested: Variance of 12′ to the required 20′ rear setback to allow a rear setback of 8′ for an elevated rear deck and stairs
OTHER BUSINESS
CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION
ADJOURNMENT

2009 AUBURN CITIZENS’ PLANNING ACADEMY FULL
http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pl080309.asp
Due to an overwhelming response, all spaces in the City of Auburn Planning Department’s 2009 Citizens’ Planning Academy have been filled. The Planning Department will accept names for a waiting list on a first come, first serve basis in the event that a participant cancels their reservation prior to the first class on September 17. City staff will explore the possibility of offering additional academies in the future because of the positive response from citizens. More info: Erin Swindall, City of Auburn Planning Department,  501-3036.

AUBURN SCHOOLS PREPARE FOR MORE BUDGET CUTS
http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/local/article/auburn_schools_prepare_for_more_budget_cuts/85699/
The Auburn City Schools Board of Education is preparing to face more budget reductions before the fiscal year is over.
After a brief special session Thursday to approve personnel requests before the school year begins Aug. 10, assistant superintendent and chief financial officer Dennis Veronese said the board will spend a planned budget work session on Aug. 11 discussing its options to reduce its existing budget before Oct. 1, as well as its options for the 2010 fiscal budget.
Both budgets face reductions because of proration, the process of cutting appropriations when revenues fall short of projections. Gov. Bob Riley recently increased the level of proration from 9 percent to 11 percent for the remainder of the fiscal year. Veronese said he expects the 2010 budget to be hit with a 6 percent cut from the onset.
The work session is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. in the board office. The board’s regular meeting will follow at 6 p.m. in the multi-media room at Auburn High School.

STRESSING THE RULES: COUNTY BOARDS MEET TO DISCUSS ETHICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS
PLACE editorial note: This article from the Press-Register describes the ongoing, annual ethics and environmental regulations training given to volunteer members of Baldwin county groups such as the Planning and Zoning Commission, boards of adjustment, Environmental Advisory Board and the Architectural and Preservation Review Board. Such training updates on environmental and ethics regulations would benefit board & commission members in all counties.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/baldwin.ssf?/base/news/1249204540200130.xml&coll=

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Thanks for your interest and support.

PLACE Forum
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
Aug. 3, 2009

Comments Off

Week of Aug. 4, 2009

MAGNOLIA AVENUE UPDATE — http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pw072909.asp

ONGOING – THROUGH FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 — ART EXHIBIT / SUMMER INVITATIONAL 2009
Held at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn Arts Association gallery. Free & open to all.  Monochromatic works in a variety of media by local and regional artists.

MONDAY, AUG. 3,  11:30 am – 1:30 pm  —  OLLI AT Auburn / Summer Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Programs — John Carvalho – “Sports and Media: Teammates or Adversaries?”
Held at the Health Resource Center (HRC), 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. No charge; all are welcome to attend.
Everyone is invited to bring a lunch and drink.  http://www.olliatauburn.org/
OLLI at Auburn summer schedule:  http://olliatauburn.org/documents/summerseries.pdf
Upcoming programs:
*August 10 Terry Ley- “Writing Our Lives”
*August 17 – Bob Couch and Joe Harrington – “Enduring Spiritual Legacies: 100 years old Alabama Wooden Churches”
*August 24 -  Emily Mann and Kimberly Braxton-Lloyd -  “AU Pharmaceutical Care Center- Pharmacists Caring for Your Health”

MONDAY, AUG. 3, 3:00 – 5:00 PM  — RECEPTION / ART EXHIBIT
MONDAY, AUG. 3 – FRIDAY, AUG. 28 — AU’S DUDLEY GALLERY EXHIBIT / CRAFT, THE SLOW FOOD OF DESIGN
Held in AU’s Dudley Gallery, hours 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Mon-Fri. Free & open to all.
The College of Architecture, Design and Construction’s Dudley Gallery will feature the exhibit, “Craft, the Slow Food of Design,” Aug. 3-28. The exhibit will open with a reception Monday, Aug. 3, from 3-5 p.m. and will feature work from the 2009 interior architecture thesis studio which focused on materials and the craft of making as a generative mechanism for the form and use of the design work. The craft of experience and procedure was enhanced through research of design/craft workshops. Slow design, a derivative of the Slow Food International movement, places emphasis on design that supports small-scale production, artisan expertise and regional culture. The students’ design work was inspired by slow design concepts such as natural time cycles, human behavior and environmental responsibility. More info: Sheri Schumacher at 844-5440 or schumsl@auburn.edu.

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

TUESDAY, AUG 4 — OLD NEWSBOYS DAY / BENEFIT FOR THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF LEE COUNTY
Old Newsboys Day is a one day fundraising event during which local volunteers serve as ” Old Newsboys” by selling a special edition of the Opelika-Auburn News. This special edition will feature Back-to-School news, coupons and other specials, discounts, and fall school information. Volunteers need only donatea few hours of time on August 4, 2009. This Fundaraising opportunity allows all of Lee county to become involved in supporting The Boys& Girls Clubs of Lee County for only a $2 donation. To volunteer , call 334.502.1311 or e-mail oldnewsboysdayvolunteer@gmail.com or to have your business as a selling location for this special edition email erinstephens@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, AUG. 4, 8:30 am  — SUMMER DISCOVERY HIKES FOR CHILDREN /  FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE
Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve, located off Highway 147 North, past the Auburn University fish ponds.
For children aged 5-12 years. Meet at the Pavilion. No fee or registration required.  Cancelled in event of rain.
Info & directions: http://www.auburn.edu/preserve or contact Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512.
Children can spend the hour discovering birds, bugs, reptiles and other amazing and interesting features of the preserve with a trained naturalist.

TUESDAY, AUG. 4, 3:00 – 6:00 PM — OPELIKA MAIN STREET FARMERS’ MARKET
Held on South Railroad Ave, downtown Opelika. Open to all.
This market is open every Tuesday throughout the summer. Produce is grown by local farmers. Please call Velinda at 334.745.0466 or e-mail opelikamainstreet@aol.com for more information.

TUESDAY, AUG. 4, 4:00 pm  – AUBURN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB)
Held in the City Manager’s Conference Room, Auburn City Hall, 144 Tichenor Ave. Open to all.

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

TUESDAY, AUG. 4, 6:00 PM — PAUL REED SMITH with David Grissom & Emil Werstler
Held at the Auburn Guitar Shoppe. Contact the Guitar Shoppe at 334-821-6818 if you are interested in attending.

TUESDAY, AUG. 4, 6:30 PM – AUBURN PRESERVATION LEAGUE / Board Meeting
Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave.  Open to the public. www.auburnpreservationleague.org
The APL board meets the first Tuesday of each month. All meetings are open to the public and members are encouraged to attend.

TUESDAY, AUG. 4, 7:00 – 8:30 pm — ALLIANCE FOR PEACE & JUSTICE (APJ)    www.peaceeagle.org
Held at the Busch Center, 508 Auburn Drive (the 2nd house behind the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 450 E. Thatch Ave). Park behind the Fellowship.  The Busch Center is the small building to the left.  Open to all.

TUESDAY, AUG. 4 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
6:10 pm – work session  / 7:00 pm – regular meeting
Held at 204 S. 7th St, Opelika. Open to all.
Agenda:   www.opelika.org
Work session agenda includes:
(1) -  a.  Overview of the City’s 2010 Budget -.Mayor Fuller, John Seymour
(2) -  a.  Resolution/contract, applicant tracking system – Lisa McLeod.
(3) -  a.  Request to advertise for public hearing -
-  rezoning Hamilton Gables property, R3 to Pud.
-  rezoning 1419 2nd Ave. property, C2 to C3  -  Jerry Kelley
(4) -  a.  General updates  -   Mayor Fuller, John Seymour
(5) -  Discuss/review CM agenda items of 8/04/09 -  Mayor Fuller
Remarks by Mayor; General business; Bids; Resolutions; Ordinances; Board Appointments
(6) -  Discussion  -  City Council
New / Old Business;  Board appointments; Other City business.
Regular meeting agenda includes:
6)   UNFINISHED BUSINESS  -
7)   REMARKS BY THE MAYOR -  Gary Fuller
8)   CITIZENS COMMUNICATIONS – (Limit comments to five minutes or less)  – Bob Shuman
9)   REPORT OF DISBURSEMENTS
10) COMMITTEE REPORTS
11) GENERAL BUSINESS -  Bob Shuman
1.  Request by Parkway Package Store for a retail beer off-premise license.
12) AWARDING OF BIDS -  Shirley Washington
1.  Heavy duty truck / loader and trash trailer for the Solid Waste division.
13)  RESOLUTIONS -  Guy Gunter
1.  Travel advance for an OPD officer.
2.  Travel advance for an OPD officer.
3.  Contract, OPD services during special events on AU campus.
4.  Refund request for sewer fees from P/W.
5.  Authorize demolition 409 Fair Avenue.
6.  Authorize demolition 302 3rd Street.
7.  Authorize demolition 17 Oak Court.
8.  Authorize demolition 106 Dover Street.
9.  Authorize demolition 1300 Lowndes Street.
10.  Set public hearing to fix and assess cost of demolition at 3409 Chilton Avenue.
11.  Set public hearing to fix and assess cost of demolition at 621 Martin Luther King Blvd.
12.  Set public hearing to fix and assess cost of demolition at 1718 Bulloch Street.
13.  Settlement agreement with URVI Corporation and Auburn Bank.
14.  Agreement with AL DOT, North RR Ave. Streetscape Phase 2.
15.  Agreement for road construction on N/S Uniroyal Rd.
16.  CDBG PY 2009 Action Plan
17.  Agreement with Tiger Town TIF / Bank Trust.
14)  ORDINANCES -   Guy Gunter    (none)
1.  Lease agreement with Scenic Oaks Development – 1st Reading.
15)  APPOINTMENTS
16)  ADJOURN

TUESDAY, AUG. 4 — AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
6:55 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:
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS.   Nominations.
a. Greenspace Advisory Board.  One Vacancy.  Incumbent:  Cliff Webber (has served one partial term).  Four Year Term Expires  August 7, 2013.
b. Water Works Board.  One Vacancy.  Incumbent: James Baird, Jr. (has served one partial term). Six Year Term Expires August 7, 2015.
Regular meeting agenda includes:
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS.  City Manager Duggan.
a.  Announcement of Board Vacancy.  Greenspace Advisory Board. One Position.  Unexpired Term Ends August 7, 2011.
9. ORDINANCES.
a. Annexations.  Planning Commission Recommendations.  Unanimous Consent Necessary.
(1) Donahue Land, LLC.  Terry Holdridge (Authorized Representative). Property Located off North Donahue Drive, east of Camden Ridge Subdivision and south of West Farmville Road.
(a) 33.63 Acres.
(b) 13.8 Acres.
(2) West Pace, LLC.  Terry Holdridge (Authorized Representative). Property Located between Interstate 85 and Shell Toomer Parkway, East of South College Street (US Highway 29).  150.89 Acres.
[Place editorial note: This West Pace annexation request includes the same parcels/acreage as previously submitted. The West Pace LLC parcel adjacent to Whippoorwill Subd still is not included for annexation.]
b. Zoning.  Donahue Land, LLC.  Terry Holdridge (Authorized Representative). Property Located off North Donahue Drive, east of Camden Ridge Subdivision and south of West Farmville Road.  Rezone from Rural (R) (pending annexation) to
Development District Housing (DDH).  33.63 Acres.  Planning Commission Recommendation.  Unanimous Consent Necessary.
c. Cox Street.  Convert One-Way to Two-Way Street and Establish Traffic Control Signs and Devices.  Eliminate Parallel Parking and Install No Parking Signs.  Unanimous Consent Necessary.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Water Resource Management Department.  Stream Gauging Station on Saugahatchee Creek at County Road 188 and Chewacla Creek.  2009-2010. $30,900.  Joint Project with Water Works Board and City of Opelika.  Contract. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
b. Auburn University.  Student Government Association.  Close City Streets. Toomer’s Corner.  Tiger Paw Painting.
c. Industrial Development Board.  Cylpro Auburn, Inc.  2175 Pumphrey Avenue. Industry Incentive Loan.  Concurring Resolution.
d. Temporary Construction Easements and Sidewalk Easements.  Acceptance and Conveyance.
(1) Temporary Construction Easements.
(a) Cary and Amy Way.  306 Oak Street.  Oak Street Sidewalk Project.
Acceptance.
(b) Don Allen Development, Inc.  Grading in Felton Little Park for  Parkside Apartments.    Conveyance.
(2) Sidewalk Easements.  Acceptance.
(a) Stephen and Dorothy Marcinko.  843 Sanders Street. Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Project.
(b) John and Donna Duran.  101 Bridle Court.  Lot 47A Woodland Park Subdivision, Phase One.  Woodland Park Sidewalk Project.
e. Boards and Commissions.  Appointments.
(1) Greenspace Advisory Board.  One Position.  Four Year Term Expires August 7, 2013.
(2) Water Works Board.  One Position.  Six Year Term Expires August 7, 2015.
11. OTHER BUSINESS.
12. ADJOURNMENT.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 5, 9:30 AM – ALABAMA ETHICS COMMISSION
Held in the 9th floor PSC Hearing Room, RSA Union Building, 100 N. Union Street, 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, AUG. 5,, 4:30 pm – AUBURN BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT / BZA
Held in the city council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda: www.auburnalabama.org/bza/agenda.asp
Agenda includes: SEE AGENDA DETAILS IN UPDATE POST OF AUG. 3
OLD BUSINESS
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
NEW BUSINESS
Variance to Section 502.02A of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2009-00229
Applicant: JoAnn Perkins
General Location: 680 Kalypso Circle
Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: Variance of 12 feet to the required 20 foot rear setback in order to allow a rear setback of 8 feet for a single-family residence
Variance to Section 502.02A of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2009-00230
Applicant: Lane Pearce
General Location: 159 Solamere Lane
Zoning District: Development District Housing (DDH)
Action Requested: Variance of 14 feet to the required 20 foot rear setback in order to allow a rear setback of 6 feet for a single-family residence
OTHER BUSINESS
CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION
ADJOURNMENT

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 5, 5:30 – 7:00 PM — WEEKLY ECO HAPPY HOUR & GREEN DRINKS
Held in the back room of Zazu’s Eclectic Eatery (formerly Buffalo’s), E. Magnolia, downtown Auburn. Open to all.
This is a time and location for people to gather and discuss “Green”/”Eco”/sustainability-related issues while socializing at a locally-owned venue.  Everyone from “professionals” to those who are just curious are welcome. This will be a child-friendly gathering for those with little ones (or even medium-sized ones), with a large space and table/floor space for them to play and still be in direct eyesight/earshot.  Feel free to spread the word to others who might be interested.

THURSDAY, AUG. 6, 8:30 am  — SUMMER WALKS! /  FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE http://www.auburn.edu/preserve
Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve. Meet at the Pavilion. No fee or registration required.  Cancelled only for rain.
Starting July 7, 2009, join us for walks every Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. Enjoy some exercise and observe the Preserve as the beauty of spring unfolds on this one-hour walk with a trained naturalist on the preserve’s beautiful property.  More info: Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512 or go to the Forest Ecology Preserve website  http://www.auburn.edu/preserve.

THURSDAY, AUG. 6, 3:00 – 6:00 PM — AUBURN FARMERS’ MARKET AT AG HERITAGE PARK
Held at AU’s Ag Heritage Park, Samford Avenue.  http://www.ag.auburn.edu/adm/comm/themarket/
The Auburn Farmer’s Market will be held Thursdays, 3:00 pm-6:00 pm, May 21-Aug. 27.  Check out the farmers’ market, a seasonal market which gives local farmers and producers an opportunity to sell directly to their customers, and which gives us all a chance to buy fresh, tasty, locally produced food. Entrance is free, so if you haven’t been before, come and have a look! For more information and directions, visit the website http://www.ag.auburn.edu/adm/comm/themarket/ . For more info on the market, contact market manager Dani Carroll 334-749-3353 or carrodl@auburn.edu. [Note the market has moved from its previous location on Samford Ave across from the Athletic Complex to the greenspace on the opposite side of the park's pond, near the Alfa Farmers Pavilion. The entrance will be on Donahue Drive.]

AUG. 7 – AUG. 14 — FREE METERED PARKING IN DOWNTOWN AUBURN
http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/rev072209.asp
In conjunction with the Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, the Auburn City Council has suspended parking meter operations in downtown on Friday, August 7. Due to the Auburn University semester break, everyone may enjoy free parking in metered spaces from August 7 – 14.
**A map of all metered spaces in the downtown area is available on the City’s website at www.auburnalabama.org/maps/Gallery. Click on the downtown parking map to view all available metered spaces.**

FRIDAY, AUG. 7 – SUNDAY, AUG. 9 — AUBURN SALES TAX HOLIDAY WEEKEND
The Auburn City Council has authorized this sales tax holiday weekend. A complete list of items exempt from sales tax during the weekend, go to www.auburnalabama.org/taxholiday. More info: City of Auburn Revenue Office 334-501-7239.

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

FRIDAY, AUG.7, 7:00 PM – EXPRESSIONS CAFÉ  / AT THE GNU’S ROOM www.thegnusroom.com
Held at The Gnu’s Room Bookstore & Coffee House, 414 S. Gay Street, Auburn. More info: Tina Tatum, tina@thegnusroom.com or 334-821- 5550.  Free & open to all. Held the first Friday of each month.
Poets, authors, musicians, and storytellers are invited to perform their work for an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. The event is open to all and there is no charge for the event.

FRIDAY, AUG.7, 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.  For further information and directions to the Fire Ant Lab, please contact Vince Cammarata, cammavx@bellsouth.net or Julia Bartosh, bartojl@auburn.edu.

FRIDAY, AUG. 7 & SATURDAY, AUG. 8, 8:00 pm — FOLK FESTIVAL / SONG WRITERS SHOWCASE
Festival to be held at the Strutting Duck, Auburn. www.myspace.com/struttingduckpub
Tickets are on sale now for the Strutting Duck Pub’s first Folk Festival and Songwriters Showcase. The event features Todd Snider, David Olney, Sergio Webb, Will Kimbrough, Ralph Roddenberry, Gary Nichols, Tony Brook and Will Dooley. Weekend passes are on sale at the Duck and the Auburn Guitar Shoppe in the Glenn Dean Shopping Center. Get your weekend passes before Friday, August 7 for $27. Day passes will be available at the door. Call 334-821-7277 for more information.

SATURDAY, AUG. 8, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm — LEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY / SECOND SATURDAYS – Living History & Whistle Stop Pickers Dulcimer Group
Held at the LCHS Museum, 6500 Stage Road (Hwy 14) Loachapoka; the museum and its grounds are located about half way between Auburn and Notasulga.
Free & open to all.  http://leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/
LCHS event calendar: http://leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/calendar.html
On the second Saturday of every month, a group of history re-enactors gather at the LCHS Museum in period attire to demonstrate their arts and crafts.  Blacksmiths are usually working at the forge, spinners and weavers are in the log cabin, and someone is always cooking up a meal in the fireplace or outdoors. The Museum is always open on Second Saturdays.  Also on Secord Saturdays, the Whistle Stop Pickers dulcimer group meets at the Museum at 11:00am. Anyone interested in joining the group is welcomed. Bring your dulcimer or other instrument and join in the pickin’.

SATURDAY, AUG. 8, 2:00 – 3:30 PM — 47TH ANNUAL ANN ARBOR FILM FESTIVAL TOUR / at the Capri Theatre
Held at the Capri Theatre, Mont.  http://capritheatre.org
One show only. Tickets: $5/Capri members;  $7/non-members.
Featuring 7 of the best entries from the Ann Arbor Film Festival, the Festival will tour the globe visiting theaters, art house cinemas, museums, universities and microcinemas. The AAFF tour is a collection of the finest cutting-edge, independent and artistically-inspired short films from the 47th Ann Arbor Film Festival across all genres: experimental, documentary, animation and narrative. For more info: Capri Theatre at 334.262.4858 or online at http://capritheatre.org. To learn more about the Ann Arbor Film Festival Tour, go online at http://www.aafilmfest.org/tour/.

SATURDAY, AUG. 8, 6:00 PM — WeHELP COALITION SPONSORS GOSPEL SING / Benefit for Habitat for Humanity
Held at True Deliverance Holiness Church, North Donahue, Auburn.
No admission charged, but all donations to support WeHelp Coaltion of Churches of Habitat for Humanity.
Come enjoy the singing and deserts afterward (including ice cream and blueberries). Several Habitat Homeowners organize the program and will talk about what a Habitat House has meant to them and their families.

SATURDAY, AUG. 8, 8:00 pm — FOLK FESTIVAL / SONG WRITERS SHOWCASE
Festival to be held at the Strutting Duck, Auburn. www.myspace.com/struttingduckpub
See additional details above, Friday, Aug 7.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

THURSDAY, AUG. 27, 11:30 – 1:00 pm — THIRD ANNUAL BAILEY THOMSON AWARDS LUNCHEON / Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform
Held at the Von Braun Center, South Hall Ballroom, 700 Monroe St, Huntsville.
Keynote Speaker: Pulitzer Prize winning author Rick Bragg
Tickets: $50. Purchase via check to ACCR Foundation, PO BOX 10746, Birmingham AL 35202, or via secure site online https://www.constitutionalreform.org. If you are not able to come to the Awards Luncheon, the ACCR Foundation Board hopes that you will make a tax deductible contribution in support of our grassroots efforts so critical to the success of the Constitutional Reform Movement.  Any amount-especially given our tight economic times-would be greatly appreciated and wisely spent.

UPCOMING EVENT / REGISTER NOW
2009 AUBURN CITIZENS’ PLANNING ACADEMY BEGINS SEPT. 17
Held in the conference room, Development Services Bldg, 171 N. Ross Street, Auburn. Open to Auburn residents. Free, but limited seating; register early.
The City of Auburn’s Planning Department will begin the 2009 Citizens’ Planning Academy on Thursday, September 17. The class will consist of six Thursday evening sessions, from 5:30 – 7 p.m, on Sept. 17, Sept 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8 (Planning Commission meeting), Oct. 22 and Nov. 5.
During the training period, participants will learn how different departments, developers, and individuals interact in the planning process. Participants will also learn about the City of Auburn’s comprehensive planning process (CompPlan 2030) and other ongoing projects. Topics include:
–Planning in Auburn (Requirements and Responsibilities of the Planning Department)
–The Roles and Responsibilities of Auburn’s Planning Related Boards (Planning Commission, Board of –Zoning Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission)
–Long-Range Planning in the City of Auburn
–The Role of Other City Departments in Planning
–A Professional Engineer’s View of Planning in Auburn
–Auburn University Planning
–Historic Preservation
–Zoning Enforcement
For more information, including an application, go to http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2009/pl070609.pdf or contact Erin Swindall in the City of Auburn Planning Department at 501-3036 or  eswindall@auburnalabama.org.

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Articles re:  Proposed White Rock Quarry in Vincent

VINCENT QUARRY SINKHOLE THREAT
http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/story/Vincent-Quarry-Sinkhole-Threat/1cZpCaZdLEeg3vZzkPL6yw.cspx
(includes short news video clip)

EBSCO EXPLAINS INITIAL QUARRY POSITION (includes comments re: risk of sinkholes)
http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/news/2009/jul/28/ebsco-explains-initial-quarry-position/

VINCENT QUARRY OPPONENT GROUP HOSTS PANEL OF EXPERTS
http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/news/2009/jul/31/vincent-quarry-opponents-host-panel-experts/

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Articles re: Child Poverty Rates in Alabama

KIDS COUNT / RECENT DATA RE: CHILD POVERTY IN ALABAMA
http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/bystate/StateLanding.aspx?state=AL

24% OF ALABAMA KIDS LIVING IN POVERTY
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20090729/NEWS/907289915/1007?Title=24-of-Alabama-kids-living-in-poverty

POVERTY LEVELS IN ALABAMA ARE UNACCEPTABLE
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20090730/NEWS/907299953/1012/OPINION?Title=Poverty-levels-in-Alabama-are-unacceptable

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Articles re: Sustainablility & Clean Energy issues

BuidingGreen and USGBC Launch LEEDuser Website
LEEDuser.com provides credit-by-credit guidance for anyone working on LEED certification.
http://www.interiordesign.net/article/CA6672704.html?nid=2068

NRDC Map details number of jobs created by the American Clean Energy and Security Act
http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/paltman/media/Job%20creation%20map1.pdf

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LEE COUNTY FORMS ‘COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE’ FOR 2010 CENSUS www.leeco.us
The 2010 Census is quickly approaching and to help spread the word about the Census’ importance, the Lee County Commission announces the formation of a Complete County Committee. The CCC will be comprised of citizens and public agencies and will assist with outreach efforts within the community. Having an accurate count of Lee County citizens is vital to federal funding the county may receive to assist with improving and expanding services. Interested citizens may contact Wendy Swann at 334-737-3674 or wswann@leeco.us for more information. www.leeco.us

CITY OF AUBURN BOARD VACANCIES:
* Greenspace Advisory Board – one vacancy will be filled at the August 4 City Council meeting. (Incumbent Cliff Webber has served one partial term & is eligible for reappointment.)
* Water Works Board – one vacancy will be filled at the August 4 City Council meeting. (Incumbent James Baird has served one partial term & is eligble for reappointment.)
Citizens interested in serving are encouraged to contact their City Council member, the entire City Council (coagbemail@auburnalabama.org) or notify the City Manager’s Office at webocm@auburnalabama.org or 501-7260. Information on the city’s boards and commissions, including current members and their terms, 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

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Thanks for your interest and support.

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

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