The Road Commission for Oakland County made a nice little video in an attempt to explain their feeble attempt at clearing the roads during the snow storm we experienced beginning the weekend of December 12.
I find it interesting that they say they as a matter of practice, have a lower level of service on weekends.
I would have to agree as I didn't see a single truck on I-75 or any other major road for that matter on Sunday the 12th.
Supposedly they have a Snow Duty Officer who is to watch the weather reports and make decisions. I think this is where the problem begins. A person who is in this position should have the ability to review these reports and then the authority to take action based on the information.
For example - if it is snowing like crazy on Sunday and then the temperatures are predicted to drop to extreme levels during the evening hours - maybe that person should make an adjustment and consider calling in more trucks on a Sunday when they will be more effective rather than waiting until early Monday after 6 inches have frozen over and turned to ice and the salt will no longer work. It is simple common sense - something a "manager" or "Snow Duty Officer" should exhibit.
I really don't want to hear whining about how they have declining revenue when they aren't using the resources they have in an optimum manner.
By not taking a more aggressive approach on Sunday, I feel they were placing peoples lives in danger - including mine as I attempted to return from Indiana that day.
I also find the distinctive difference in the plowed and cleared roads maintained by Rochester Hills quite interesting.
The video of the RCOC storm response is below.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
2011, A New Year and a New Direction
The bustle of the holidays has slowed a bit allowing time to reflect on the past year and look forward to what the new year may bring.
I think one of the top words in our state for the new year will be optimism.
I can already feel the energy and excitement our new governor will bring.
The people of this state are looking forward to a commitment of business sense and principles to move the state in an upward direction.
I believe with the appointments already in place great things can be accomplishment. Snyder has already demonstrated bi-partisanship and a desire to reach out and work with those across the aisle. I believe he will work well with Bing in efforts to re-size and re-vitalize Detroit.
I will watch with anticipation as the new leadership of our state is sworn into office on January 1.
I think one of the top words in our state for the new year will be optimism.
I can already feel the energy and excitement our new governor will bring.
The people of this state are looking forward to a commitment of business sense and principles to move the state in an upward direction.
I believe with the appointments already in place great things can be accomplishment. Snyder has already demonstrated bi-partisanship and a desire to reach out and work with those across the aisle. I believe he will work well with Bing in efforts to re-size and re-vitalize Detroit.
I will watch with anticipation as the new leadership of our state is sworn into office on January 1.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Rochester Hills City Council Demonstrating Desire for Power and Control?
Based on the recent nominations and appointments to boards and commissions, it appears that a majority (the typical five of seven) of Rochester Hills city council members desire placing individuals that will be in step with their line of thinking. They wouldn't necessarily make a recommendation or vote for anyone who has background and expertise in a specific area.
These individuals don't seem to take kindly to being questioned, even when they are about to spend $20 million dollars of taxpayers money on a project without putting it to a taxpayer vote or supplying a quantifiable return on investment.
Then of course is the replacement of individuals on the Historic District Commission. Interesting how the folks who were against tearing down a home of historic significance so that a Planned Unit Development could be reworked to benefit a developer are now gone.
Council President Greg Hooper actually suggested disbanding the Historic Commission earlier in the year when they offered a different conclusion and recommendation than what was supported by the five.
If residents want to have individuals on the city council who think independently are there to truly represent them, they will have an opportunity to make changes in the upcoming election.
These individuals don't seem to take kindly to being questioned, even when they are about to spend $20 million dollars of taxpayers money on a project without putting it to a taxpayer vote or supplying a quantifiable return on investment.
Then of course is the replacement of individuals on the Historic District Commission. Interesting how the folks who were against tearing down a home of historic significance so that a Planned Unit Development could be reworked to benefit a developer are now gone.
Council President Greg Hooper actually suggested disbanding the Historic Commission earlier in the year when they offered a different conclusion and recommendation than what was supported by the five.
If residents want to have individuals on the city council who think independently are there to truly represent them, they will have an opportunity to make changes in the upcoming election.
Corruption in DSWD costs Rochester Hills Residents Money
Well, a federal grand jury recently handed down a pile of corruption charges in Detroit that include the indictment of the ex-Detroit water Director Victor Mercado.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
RCOC Fails to Clear Roads
Here we are three days after a major snow fall and the roads to be maintained by the RCOC are still an icy snowy mess.
Press releases and emails from Craig Bryson of the RCOC state that they are working hard and the salt isn't being used because it won't work at the low tempertures.
Baloney I say! Why is it that Brewster and Livernois are completely clean? The roads maintained by the city of Rochester Hills are clean. They obviously plowed and salted.
We went down to the DIA in Detroit for a function last night. The longest part of the trip was trying to get out of Rochester Hills. Walton was a mess.
Surprisingly, the Detroit roads were well maintained. I figure, with their budget problems, if they can clear their roads, Oakland County sure can, but they haven't.
Where were they on Sunday? I only saw one plow on our entire return trip from Indiana once we entered Michigan. It was crossing Lapeer at Dutton and it had its blade up.
If they had gotten out on Sunday and plowed and dropped salt while the temperatures were still hovering around 30 degrees, we wouldn't have this mess.
Perhaps the RCOC is playing games. Maybe they purposely are leaving the roads a mess in a effort to get more funding or taxes from us.
Those who have been around can recall what happened to former mayor Pat Sommerviille when she didn't allow for plowing before Christmas Eve a number of years back. She lost the confidence of voters and every person running for council that she supported lost.
The residents need to call for a stop to this nonsense. They are putting our lives in danger.
Press releases and emails from Craig Bryson of the RCOC state that they are working hard and the salt isn't being used because it won't work at the low tempertures.
Baloney I say! Why is it that Brewster and Livernois are completely clean? The roads maintained by the city of Rochester Hills are clean. They obviously plowed and salted.
We went down to the DIA in Detroit for a function last night. The longest part of the trip was trying to get out of Rochester Hills. Walton was a mess.
Surprisingly, the Detroit roads were well maintained. I figure, with their budget problems, if they can clear their roads, Oakland County sure can, but they haven't.
Where were they on Sunday? I only saw one plow on our entire return trip from Indiana once we entered Michigan. It was crossing Lapeer at Dutton and it had its blade up.
If they had gotten out on Sunday and plowed and dropped salt while the temperatures were still hovering around 30 degrees, we wouldn't have this mess.
Perhaps the RCOC is playing games. Maybe they purposely are leaving the roads a mess in a effort to get more funding or taxes from us.
Those who have been around can recall what happened to former mayor Pat Sommerviille when she didn't allow for plowing before Christmas Eve a number of years back. She lost the confidence of voters and every person running for council that she supported lost.
The residents need to call for a stop to this nonsense. They are putting our lives in danger.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Dangerous Snow Covered Roads in MI / RCOC
The RCOC sent out a press release on December 10 saying how they are spreading less salt this year by mixing it with brine and therefore are more efficient. It is supposed to save money and at the same time help keep roads safe.
I think that is nice, except you have to actually go out and plow and spread the mixture to be of any help in keeping roads safe.
Our return trip from South Bend, Indiana yesterday was an interesting indication to how our state and counties are run.
While in Indiana we saw countless plows loaded with salt on the I-80.
Once we entered Michigan it was a whole other story. After traveling slippery snow covered I-69 and I-75 at 35mph we finally saw the first plow in MI and with its blade up on Dutton crossing Lapeer Road.
By then we were almost home.
I think that is nice, except you have to actually go out and plow and spread the mixture to be of any help in keeping roads safe.
Our return trip from South Bend, Indiana yesterday was an interesting indication to how our state and counties are run.
While in Indiana we saw countless plows loaded with salt on the I-80.
Once we entered Michigan it was a whole other story. After traveling slippery snow covered I-69 and I-75 at 35mph we finally saw the first plow in MI and with its blade up on Dutton crossing Lapeer Road.
By then we were almost home.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Rochester Hills Resident Discord
This has been a week filled with discord.
First residents packed the Rochester Hills city council meeting on Monday expressing during Public Comment their disapproval of the proposed plan to build two 3 million gallon water reservoirs to the tune of approximately $20 million dollars.
The reasons for disapproval tended to be not only with the business case, but with the notion of placing one of these large 30' high and 130' wide "Tuna Cans" adjacent to a residential neighborhood on park property.
The mayor and some city council members who previously adamantly defended the business case back-peddled and offered to do additional analysis and bring it back to residents sometime in January or February.
Then on Tuesday night at the Planning Commission Meeting, Ed Anzyk submitted a last minute change to the M-59 sound wall design and asked the PC for their input. Scot Beaton and I both commented on the designs and questioned the the use of paint that will need continued maintenance.
Beaton asked why a timeless design of a red brick wasn't used like they use in other upscale communities.
I asked why this was brought up at the very last minute and why the entire city wasn't given an opportunity to weigh in on something so visual in the community. The PC seemed to agree with a number of issues that were raised.
Then on Thursday, residents showed up in large numbers to the Historic District Commission meeting to express their strong dissatisfaction with the Washington Road Paving plans put forward by the Road Commission of Oakland County.
Most agreed they would rather have the road remain gravel than proceed with the current plans. They asked that their city representatives abide by their wishes.
Hopefully, at some point it might occur to those currently in office, that they were elected by the residents and they should be representing the residents' interests. This next election should be interesting.
Read previous posts for more background on these topics.
First residents packed the Rochester Hills city council meeting on Monday expressing during Public Comment their disapproval of the proposed plan to build two 3 million gallon water reservoirs to the tune of approximately $20 million dollars.
The reasons for disapproval tended to be not only with the business case, but with the notion of placing one of these large 30' high and 130' wide "Tuna Cans" adjacent to a residential neighborhood on park property.
The mayor and some city council members who previously adamantly defended the business case back-peddled and offered to do additional analysis and bring it back to residents sometime in January or February.
Then on Tuesday night at the Planning Commission Meeting, Ed Anzyk submitted a last minute change to the M-59 sound wall design and asked the PC for their input. Scot Beaton and I both commented on the designs and questioned the the use of paint that will need continued maintenance.
Beaton asked why a timeless design of a red brick wasn't used like they use in other upscale communities.
I asked why this was brought up at the very last minute and why the entire city wasn't given an opportunity to weigh in on something so visual in the community. The PC seemed to agree with a number of issues that were raised.
Then on Thursday, residents showed up in large numbers to the Historic District Commission meeting to express their strong dissatisfaction with the Washington Road Paving plans put forward by the Road Commission of Oakland County.
Most agreed they would rather have the road remain gravel than proceed with the current plans. They asked that their city representatives abide by their wishes.
Hopefully, at some point it might occur to those currently in office, that they were elected by the residents and they should be representing the residents' interests. This next election should be interesting.
Read previous posts for more background on these topics.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Rochester Hills Bends to Pressure
It appears for most of the Rochester City Council members, that is the majority that seems to vote together all the time, that they only listen and change course when a storm hits.
A little thunder from a few residents expressing a concern or opposition to a topic seems to fall upon deaf ears, but let a storm blow in with a standing room only crowd at a council meeting and finally they hear the roar. This time it is ROAR - Residents Opposing All Reservoirs.
This has happened before with the deer shooting and the Tienken Road proposals. The city didn't respond until residents starting holding public meetings of their own, became organized and showed up in large numbers.
This does not seem like representative government to me. These council members are there to represent and to serve, not to speak rudely and dismiss residents when they take the time away from work or family to come to council and speak about something that is important to them.
Last night there was a standing room only crowd of residents at city council to express their dissatisfaction of the Proposed Water Reservoirs. Ironically, it was exactly six months since they awarded a half million dollar contract for an engineering study to the same company that was paid $50,000 to decide if they should do the study in the first place.
Now, after strongly impelling a sound business case for the reservoirs, they have agreed to go back and take a second look and consider some of the points residents have made over the past nine months.
The next storm to hit is the paving of Washington Road. Based on the resident feedback at the public information meeting last week, The Road Commission of Oakland County has again proposed a plan that residents are irate about. According to a RCOC employee 98% of those at the information meeting were against paving at all after seeing the RCOC plan. they were saying, "This is not what we asked for, just leave it dirt."
Basically, a quaint country road that runs along two historic districts will be changed to a thoroughfare with a 45 MPH speed limit with large trucks barreling through.
To read more about some of these topics and see see video visit the links below.
http://therochestercitizen.com/viewnews.php?newsid=654&id=1
http://www.freep.com/article/20101207/NEWS03/12070445/1005/news03/Water-tanks-Rochester-Hills-will-reconsider-after-residents-object-to-plan?GID=2t/YLy2oe5IJPNkiqjPlUwbp1iys3aJDpX8nmubVPiU%3D
http://rochester.patch.com/articles/rochester-hills-leaders-seek-answers-to-residents-concerns-about-water-reservoirs
A little thunder from a few residents expressing a concern or opposition to a topic seems to fall upon deaf ears, but let a storm blow in with a standing room only crowd at a council meeting and finally they hear the roar. This time it is ROAR - Residents Opposing All Reservoirs.
This has happened before with the deer shooting and the Tienken Road proposals. The city didn't respond until residents starting holding public meetings of their own, became organized and showed up in large numbers.
This does not seem like representative government to me. These council members are there to represent and to serve, not to speak rudely and dismiss residents when they take the time away from work or family to come to council and speak about something that is important to them.
Last night there was a standing room only crowd of residents at city council to express their dissatisfaction of the Proposed Water Reservoirs. Ironically, it was exactly six months since they awarded a half million dollar contract for an engineering study to the same company that was paid $50,000 to decide if they should do the study in the first place.
Now, after strongly impelling a sound business case for the reservoirs, they have agreed to go back and take a second look and consider some of the points residents have made over the past nine months.
The next storm to hit is the paving of Washington Road. Based on the resident feedback at the public information meeting last week, The Road Commission of Oakland County has again proposed a plan that residents are irate about. According to a RCOC employee 98% of those at the information meeting were against paving at all after seeing the RCOC plan. they were saying, "This is not what we asked for, just leave it dirt."
Basically, a quaint country road that runs along two historic districts will be changed to a thoroughfare with a 45 MPH speed limit with large trucks barreling through.
To read more about some of these topics and see see video visit the links below.
http://therochestercitizen.com/viewnews.php?newsid=654&id=1
http://www.freep.com/article/20101207/NEWS03/12070445/1005/news03/Water-tanks-Rochester-Hills-will-reconsider-after-residents-object-to-plan?GID=2t/YLy2oe5IJPNkiqjPlUwbp1iys3aJDpX8nmubVPiU%3D
http://rochester.patch.com/articles/rochester-hills-leaders-seek-answers-to-residents-concerns-about-water-reservoirs
Friday, December 3, 2010
Good News and Bad News - Funding for Avon Bridge Approved, but not Until 2013
The Road Commission of Oakland County announced today that funding has been awarded to pay for the replacement of the Avon Bridge over the Clinton Rover in Rochester Hills.
One lane of the east bound portion of the road has been closed since last year due to structure deterioration resulting in huge traffic tie ups.
The money was approved through the Local Bridge Program which is operated by MDOT and includes both state and federal funding.
This approval will cover 95% of the construction costs and the RCOC will cover the remaining 5%.
Additional costs such as design, additional right away, ect. will be paid by the city.
The BAD News is that it is not approved until 2013.
Perhaps the city could actually have the bridge repaired and be reimbursed by these funds once they are made available. The traffic delays due to the lane closure is a hardship to Rochester Hills residents.
One lane of the east bound portion of the road has been closed since last year due to structure deterioration resulting in huge traffic tie ups.
The money was approved through the Local Bridge Program which is operated by MDOT and includes both state and federal funding.
This approval will cover 95% of the construction costs and the RCOC will cover the remaining 5%.
Additional costs such as design, additional right away, ect. will be paid by the city.
The BAD News is that it is not approved until 2013.
Perhaps the city could actually have the bridge repaired and be reimbursed by these funds once they are made available. The traffic delays due to the lane closure is a hardship to Rochester Hills residents.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Residents are Riled in Rochester Hills
Well between the resident meeting at Adams High School last night concerning the water reservoirs and the Washington Road Public Hearing tonight at Stoney Creek High School, it is apparent that a growing number of residents are pretty riled in Rochester Hills.
Monday evening around 100 residents from the NW portion of the city showed up to learn more about the water reservoirs and to express their disdain with the project.
The overall consensus seemed to be that even though some city council members profess over and over again that this is a good project for the city, they don't buy it.
Simplistic analytical charts with what seems to have more variables than shades of lipstick are supposedly the basis for "A good business case."
No, there are business people in this community and they can not be fooled with fancy charts.
Numerous residents said if they recommended such a proposal at work they would be fired.
I have asked for something that shows a return on investment and have yet to see it. All that has been mentioned publicly is the existence of an email from a DWSD employee that states a reduction in the water rate from the DWSD for one year if the city built the water reservoirs. There are no guarantees after that.
$20 million and no return on investment after the first year. This could mean a major increase in water bills and/or a further reduction in city services.
I did find it interesting when city employee Paul Davis confirmed that Tetra Tech was hired for $50,000 to do a study to decide whether this would be a good project for the city. Of course their positive response provided the opportunity for them to receive an even greater contract to the tune of a half a million dollars.
So, why wouldn't they think it was a good idea? The whole concept sounds as plausible as having the fox guard the hen house.
Needless to say, residents plan to have their voices and concerns heard - stay tuned there is more on this coming.
As to the Washington Road paving. The RCOC just doesn't seem to get it. The initial meetings held with residents and the Historic District Commission weren't just an exercise to make people feel good. They took place so that the input given might be used in the planning.
There was a steady stream of people coming to the public hearing tonight from both Rochester and Rochester Hills as the road straddles both cities. According to RCOC staff the overwhelming response from residents in both of the cities is they are in strong opposition to the current plan. If major changes are not made, such as lowering the speed limit and banning the truck traffic, then they would like the road left unpaved.
Sadly, neither of these issues are being covered by the main stream media such as The Oakland Press. People are relying on blogs such as this, online citizen media, distributing fliers and sending emails to let the residents know what is going on.
For more information visit www.therochestercitizen.com and/or www.stopthetanks.org
Monday evening around 100 residents from the NW portion of the city showed up to learn more about the water reservoirs and to express their disdain with the project.
The overall consensus seemed to be that even though some city council members profess over and over again that this is a good project for the city, they don't buy it.
Simplistic analytical charts with what seems to have more variables than shades of lipstick are supposedly the basis for "A good business case."
No, there are business people in this community and they can not be fooled with fancy charts.
Numerous residents said if they recommended such a proposal at work they would be fired.
I have asked for something that shows a return on investment and have yet to see it. All that has been mentioned publicly is the existence of an email from a DWSD employee that states a reduction in the water rate from the DWSD for one year if the city built the water reservoirs. There are no guarantees after that.
$20 million and no return on investment after the first year. This could mean a major increase in water bills and/or a further reduction in city services.
I did find it interesting when city employee Paul Davis confirmed that Tetra Tech was hired for $50,000 to do a study to decide whether this would be a good project for the city. Of course their positive response provided the opportunity for them to receive an even greater contract to the tune of a half a million dollars.
So, why wouldn't they think it was a good idea? The whole concept sounds as plausible as having the fox guard the hen house.
Needless to say, residents plan to have their voices and concerns heard - stay tuned there is more on this coming.
As to the Washington Road paving. The RCOC just doesn't seem to get it. The initial meetings held with residents and the Historic District Commission weren't just an exercise to make people feel good. They took place so that the input given might be used in the planning.
There was a steady stream of people coming to the public hearing tonight from both Rochester and Rochester Hills as the road straddles both cities. According to RCOC staff the overwhelming response from residents in both of the cities is they are in strong opposition to the current plan. If major changes are not made, such as lowering the speed limit and banning the truck traffic, then they would like the road left unpaved.
Sadly, neither of these issues are being covered by the main stream media such as The Oakland Press. People are relying on blogs such as this, online citizen media, distributing fliers and sending emails to let the residents know what is going on.
For more information visit www.therochestercitizen.com and/or www.stopthetanks.org
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