News Archive

Extreme cold calls for extreme caution.

Flint, Michigan. ---

The Genesee County Road Commission is reminding drivers to use extreme caution during these upcoming days of extreme cold and additional snow. The salt and brine used to melt road ice is ineffective at these very low, below-zero temperatures, leaving many roads slick, and black ice a real possibility. And cold, dry snow can whip up suddenly in a gust, causing localized – and deadly – instant white-out conditions.

But another, even more deadly hazard lurks if you do happen to find yourself in a ditch or a snow bank, perhaps uninjured and undamaged but stuck, and all alone. Extremely cold temperatures can quickly turn this relatively minor inconvenience into a truly life threatening situation. Just ask the man who was rescued by a Road Commission driver on such a day last winter. He credits the Road Commission with saving him from freezing to death. The Road Commission would rather not have to rescue YOU.

1. Slow down! Then slow down some more. No sense hurrying to the scene of the accident…


2. Wear your seatbelt and allow even more time to reach your destination.


3. Dress as if you were going to have to be outside for an extended period of time. On foot. At least have cold-weather clothes in the vehicle. Hat, gloves, boots.


4. Carry appropriate winter safety equipment. At least a small shovel and some sand or kitty litter. A few of those disposable hand warmers can really be a comfort, too.


5. Carry some water and high energy snacks in the glove box.


6. Keep your cellphone with you – and fully charged. If you do get stuck, call 911.


7. Stay with the vehicle. Keep a window opened slightly. Run engine sparingly. Check to confirm tailpipe is clear of snow.


8. For more winter safety tips visit our website at www.gcrc.org

Remember…don't crowd the plow!

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Road Commission “Pumpkin Parade” preps for winter’s worst

Flint, Michigan. ---

The Genesee County Road Commission will be conducting its annual final inspection of winter maintenance equipment at its Oakley Street headquarters on Thursday, November 6th. Dubbed the “Pumpkin Parade” because the long line of cleaned and polished orange snow plows and salt trucks entering the facility bears a striking resembles a parade of pumpkins, this final inspection is only the most visible of the many activities the Road Commission conducts to ensure its trucks and its troops are ready for anything that the fast approaching winter can dish out.

According to Maintenance Director Anthony Branch, “this is the end of the preparation process, not the beginning. Each piece of equipment in the ‘parade’ has already had any routine maintenance items taken care of, has been through its inspections and should be ready to fight a storm. These vehicles are here for final inspection. We go over them one more time to make sure they are all in ‘fighting shape’ and ready to battle the elements.”

While the trucks are being inspected, the drivers are getting last minute instructions and updates on any new equipment and procedures, often directly from the manufacturers. “Our equipment operators are seasoned veterans with a lot of winters under their belts. But the equipment changes as new models with new capabilities come online, and procedures are updated accordingly. And of course it has been 7 months since we’ve dealt with snow and ice. So we take this opportunity to go over everything with them one more time, and the manufacturer reps are here to demonstrate and explain any changes in the equipment or their operating characteristics. Winter maintenance - snow and ice removal- is a hostile, dangerous environment, and we want to be sure that our operators and our equipment are as prepared as possible.”

For photos and video of the “Pumpkin Parade”, or to get the Road Commission’s winter maintenance policy and a host of tips, tricks, reminders and resources for safely coping with winter weather and winter driving, visit the Road Commission’s website at www.gcrc.org.

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$12.5-million Miller Road project to smooth path to shopping

FLINT TOWNSHIP
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Monday, October 29, 2007
Staff Report

FLINT TWP. - Just before the start of the 2008 holiday season, just after Halloween decorations come down, the Genesee County Road Commission will give merchants and their customers along one of the county's busiest thoroughfares a $12.5-million gift, according to The Flint Township News' Web site, www.mlive.com/flinttownship.

The gift: A new and improved Miller Road.

Construction on the 4.75-mile stretch of Miller Road, between the Flint city limits at Ballenger Highway west to the old Lansing Highway, should start sometime next spring, said John Daly, manager-director of the Genesee County Road Commission.

The project should be completed by late October, or early November at the latest, said Daly, who spoke at the October meeting of the West Flint Business Association.

"This project is kinda like a duck you see swimming in a pond," Daly said. While the duck may appear to be floating leisurely across the water, "you look underneath and the duck is paddling like hell."

The construction work will include not only rebuilding Miller Road, but the placement of curbside "cutouts" for buses that will enable them to pick up and drop off passengers without stopping traffic.

The logjam at the entry points onto I-75 will function more efficiently with the addition of dual turn lanes.

Traffic signals also will be replaced with a radio-controlled system that will respond "to traffic that is actually there, rather than the traffic we think is going there," Daly said.

The estimated price tag of $12.5 million makes the Miller Road project the most expensive in the history of the road commission, Daly said.

On Nov. 2, bids will be accepted for the reconstruction, and on Nov. 7 bids will be accepted for the replacement of signal lights along the road, Daly explained.

"We started looking at this in terms of the initial look in 2002, and started putting the pieces together, how we were going to break the project into sections ... in '03, '04 and really starting putting it together in '06," Daly said.

While landscaping of the street would be a nice addition, Daly said there is no room in the current budget for cosmetic improvements.

During the business meeting, Larry Ford, deputy director of the Flint Downtown Development Authority, suggested that construction work on Miller Road continue at night.

But Daly ruled out that possibility, saying there's not enough local personnel and equipment, such as lighting, to support such an approach.

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Miller Road hassles minimized

I completely agree with The Flint Journal editorial regarding the pending reconstruction of Miller Road between Ballenger Highway and Linden Road [Nov. 12, Page A10]. As you correctly assessed: " even under ideal circumstances, the price will include a major disruption to this county's prime commercial district ...." But let me take this opportunity to assure you and your readers that every person involved in this project is keenly aware of the crucial nature of this corridor and that every effort is being made to keep disruption to a minimum.

For one thing, the project is on an extremely tight construction schedule, with actual road work to begin in early May and be completed by mid-September, before the holiday rush begins. Also, the work will be done in stages. Phase I (the segment of Miller between I-75 and Lennon Road) will be completed by mid-June when Phase II (the segments from Lennon Road to Linden Road and from Ballenger to I-75) begins.

Further, three lanes of traffic (one lane in each direction and a center left-turn lane) will be kept open at all times during both phases.

We have also established a "Miller Road Program" page on our Web site (www.gcrc.org/miller_road.html), with project timelines, the latest news, funding information, video presentations, frequently asked questions and a link to contact us directly. It soon will also have a link to video cameras placed along Miller Road for a "live" look at construction progress and traffic conditions.

Perhaps most importantly, there is a link that enables users to be automatically notified by e-mail when the Web page is updated. Using this feature, you could be automatically notified when the next public meeting on this project is scheduled, for example.

Some disruption is inevitable on a project of this nature, but we intend to do all we can to make it as brief and painless as possible.

John H. Daly III

manager-director,

Genesee County Road Commission

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Rescue

Road commission rides to rescue
MT. MORRIS TOWNSHIP
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Friday, February 29, 2008
By Ron Fonger
rfonger@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6317

MT. MORRIS TWP. - A man stranded in his pickup on one of the coldest mornings this year says he might owe his life to a Genesee County Road Commission driver who stopped to help him. Scott St. Meyers, 33, of Saginaw County said he waited nearly two hours for someone to stop after his truck quit running on I-75, north of Pierson Road. Whipping winds of up to 40 mph made it feel like up to 30 degrees below zero early Feb. 11.

"I had tears in my eyes (when he stopped)," said Meyers, who had no cellphone on his way to work that morning. "Everything was numb ... I couldn't feel my legs or hands."
Road Commission driver Aaron Snider, 36, of Clio spotted Meyers, helped him to his truck and took him home. Snider had been on the job less than six months. "People nowadays don't take time to check (if someone is stranded, but) I think people need to do more things like that," Snider said.

Businesses, residents brace for mess during Miller Road reconstruction

FLINT TOWNSHIP
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Monday, May 05, 2008
By Ron Fonger
rfonger@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6317

FLINT TWP. - Betty Lawrence has seen a lot living 40 years on and around Miller Road, and she knows the big reconstruction that starts here today will be another sight to behold.

"Everyone who comes in talks about it," she said Friday from her home on Curtis Road, just north of Miller Road. "It's going to be a mess."

The Genesee County Road Commission, businesses and drivers who make Miller Road one of the busiest in the county hope that mess at least ends up being manageable.

They will start to find out today as Miller Road traffic shifted this morning from I-75 west to Manwaring Drive and the first chunks of road are torn up.

About 21,000 vehicles drive that stretch on an average day and now, they'll have to share one eastbound, one westbound and one turn lane for the next six weeks.

Also starting this week will be work in the intersection of Ballenger Highway and Miller.

As soon as that first phase of work is complete, contractor Zito Construction will move the work area from Manwaring to Linden Road before finishing work in the area from I-75 east toward Ballenger Highway.

John T. Plamondon, construction manager of the road commission, said that when traffic is shifted to the southern-most side of Miller today, work can start on tearing out concrete and asphalt in the northern-most lanes.

"Once we get it set up, things will go smoothly," said Plamondon, who said shoppers shouldn't be scared away from the township because of the job -even if it is the biggest the road commission ever has managed.

The work on Miller Road is expected to cost more than $10 million and continue until Sept. 15.

Those long months of slow going on Miller worries business owners such as Dave Barclay of Duke's Car Stereo. He's right in the heart of the project and already is worried about the potential for backups and frustration.

"Four months -that's an awful long time," Barclay said.

"My first hope was for a faster turnaround time."

Like others bracing for the reconstruction, Duke's will remind customers it has other Flint area locations that might be easier to get to.

Barclay said he knows most businesses don't have that luxury and believes the summerlong construction will cause some businesses to close before its over.

"It's definitely going to hurt, (and) it's tough enough already in this economy," he said.

At Dale's Natural Foods, Manager Deb Gustafson said some customers already are making plans for how to get to the health food store when Miller Road traffic slows.

Dale's is posting construction updates on its Web site, www.dalesnaturalfoods.net.

"We're really apprehensive, (but) exactly how it's going to affect us, we don't know," Gustafson said.

Area homeowners such as Lawrence, who live on Miller Road's remaining residential side streets, also have mixed feelings about the need to repair the road and the short-term aggravation.

Lawrence, 81, hasn't been driving a vehicle since a car accident in 2005, but she continues to walk on Curtis Road and has regular visitors. She moved her home here from Miller Road as property values soared because of the demand for retail property.

"I imagine we're going to get a lot of noise and smells," she said. "There's nothing much you can do about it but to be stuck."

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Officials break ground on Miller Road project

FLINT TOWNSHIP
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
By Ashley A. Smith
asmith@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6249

FLINT TWP. - Look out: Construction starts next week on busy Miller Road.

Federal, county and local officials donned yellow hard hats and grabbed shovels Monday to break ground and celebrate the beginning of construction on the commercial thoroughfare.

Although the project will cause lane closures, detours and traffic backups - the likelihood of which already is causing worries for some business owners - officials say the inconveniences will be offset by a smoother road, increased safety and better traffic flow when the project is completed.

"Thousands of people drive to work every day, go to stores and move from one end of the community to the other on this road," said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.

The $10-million project from Linden Road to Ballenger Highway is the largest ever for the Genesee County Road Commission. Construction is expected to last through September.

Roseanna Knoack, manager of Bob Evans Restaurant, 3267 Miller Road, said she hopes construction ends on time.

"It depends on weather conditions, if they run into problems and drivers," said Knack. "All businesses will be slightly affected, but we're excited and hopeful we will maintain sales."

While under construction, traffic will be reduced from two lanes in each direction to one.

A left-turn lane also will remain open.

The first phase of construction will begin east of Manwaring Drive to I-75. It will include the ramp to southbound I-75 and the intersection of Miller Road and Lennon and Ballenger roads.

The first phase is expected to be completed in June.

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Ottawa Hills paving won't come cheap

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Monday, April 07, 2008
Staff report

GRAND BLANC TWP. - The owners of 400 homes in the Ottawa Hills subdivision agree, as do township and Genesee County Road Commission officials: The roads in the township's second-largest subdivision absolutely need to be resurfaced.

The question is how the project - estimated at more than $6 million - should be funded.

Traditionally, the township has picked up 25 percent of the bill with the road commission covering the same amount and residents paying 50 percent through a special assessment district. But with the township's largest subdivision, Williamsburg Farms off Maple Avenue, slated to undergo the final phases of a two-year paving plan this summer, township officials can't offer an immediate guarantee of that level of contribution.

"I'm hoping we'll be able to contribute something, it just won't be as high as 25 percent. It's just where we are with our budget," said Clerk Linda Kingston.

The 25 percent contribution is not set in stone.

"Some townships in the county contribute nothing and never have. There's no legal requirement," said John H. Daly III, the road commission's manager-director.

The township is paying almost $1.3 million over 10 years for the Williamsburg Farms project.

About 150 Ottawa Hills residents attended the first of three required hearings on the matter March 25 at the township hall. Road commission officials provided a ballpark estimate of the cost and answered questions.

"Frankly, people were shocked by the estimate," said Jerry Bergler, Ottawa Hills Residents Association vice president.

The preliminary estimate is more than $6 million. If the township contributed nothing - the scenario laid out at the meeting by the road commission - homeowners would have to pay almost $5 million. A homeowner with 100 feet of property frontage would pay more than $11,000 over 10 years. That's an extra $92 a month, a potential burden especially for those on a fixed income.

"People were sticker-shocked by the amount," Bergler said.

When residents began their petition process in 2005 for a special assessment district, estimates were roughly $3.8 million, he said. But the price of everything is going up - Daly said prices for materials and labor are going up 6 percent to 8 percent annually.

Even so, some residents may circulate a counterpetition to stop the process. They have 45 days from the date of the March 25 hearing to file a petition and would need signatures from 51 percent of residents. Bergler said it took almost six months to complete the original petition for the special assessment district.

"My argument to them is, 'What's the solution?' You can stop this process ... what's the plan to fix the roads?"

There really is none.

The road commission will hold a second informational meeting for the special assessment district, followed by a third required public meeting to present official estimates.

"It's a very conservative process, and it takes some time," Daly said. "The reason it's set up that way is because potentially downstream, you're placing the property owners in a position to pay for something they may not want."

Or at least, may not want to pay for.

"I know that the board (wants) to help them as much as we possibly can," Kingston said.

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Businesses brace for blow on Miller Road

FLINT TOWNSHIP
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Monday, April 07, 2008
Staff report

FLINT TWP. - Business owners along Miller Road believe its reconstruction is a necessity, but one that will cause a decline in their profits this summer.

"I know they're trying to make it painless, but it's still going to be painful," said Daniel Andrews, owner of Fuddruckers, 2373 Austin Place. "The businesses still have to pay bills and taxes."

Andrews and others gathered last week at the final public meeting on the project to discuss the impact of the busy road's reconstruction. While he acknowledges the necessity and eventual benefits of the reconstruction, Andrews fears the short-term financial losses during his peak summer season.

"We market Miller Road with billboards," Andrews said. "That's how we draw that traffic," he said of I-75. "This is going to discourage that."

Fuddruckers has only one entrance and exit off of Miller Road.

The project will repair Miller Road between Linden Road and Ballenger Highway, a stretch of about two miles. The construction will be split into three phases from May 5 through Sept. 15.

"There is no convenient time to do a road. Short-term, there is going to be adverse impact of traffic flow," said John Daly, manager-director of the Genesee County Road Commission. "But the road will stay for 15 to 20 years."

Daly said the construction will be completed before the peak fall shopping season. The road commission will keep the public informed about the construction through a daily or weekly e-mail service, he added.

In a presentation outlining the reconstruction, construction manager John Plamondon promised three lanes of traffic - a single lane going in each direction plus a left-turn lane - at all times; open driveway access to all the businesses; changeable message signs on I-75; and weekly updates to the public through an e-mail notifier service.

"My main concern is customers getting to the stores," said Mark Kloeckner, owner of Oreck Vacuums, 4270 Miller Road. "I'm going to see how they're going to accommodate the customers so I could pass along the information to them."

Jay Wise, district manager of Northwest Tires and Service, 4545 Miller Road, said the project needs to take place, but he doesn't understand why it's in the summer.

The majority of Northwest's business is from walk-ins, and he's expecting it to suffer with diminished traffic flow.

"If they get it done in the manner they described, I don't see a problem, but there's a lot of 'ifs,'" Wise said. "You don't beat your car up and then get it repaired."

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Winter costs slash road repair budget

GENESEE COUNTY
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Monday, March 31, 2008
By Holly Klaft
hklaft@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6249

GENESEE COUNTY - Drivers may have to endure crumbling county roads awhile longer.

Harsh weather and high prices for petroleum products this winter has the Genesee County Road Commission planning cutbacks in summer maintenance projects to make up for the increased winter spending.

Efforts to repair guardrails and patch or replace small sections of roads, along with other regular maintenance projects, will be reduced.

"We're going to provide the same type of services, there's just going to be a curtailment on what's available and when we can do it," said John Daly, the Road Commission's manager-director. "We won't be cutting out any one thing, but there will be an impact across the board."

Soaring diesel fuel and asphalt costs and cuts in funding for roads are the culprits, Daly said.

The unusually snowy winter also played a part because plows and salt trucks were operating more often than in previous winters.

About 85 percent of the commission's fuel budget has been spent already, including $433,000 on diesel in January and February.

The biggest impact of the cuts will be on subdivision streets, rural roads and other areas with less traffic, Daly said. Crews also will spend fewer days during the week repairing roads, and weekend and holiday work may be saved only for emergencies, he said.

Roads with the most dangerous or potentially damaging potholes will be repaired, Daly said. But, drivers still may have to deal with some of the shallower pavement pits.

It's something Keisha Chandler, 20, isn't looking forward to.

The Flint resident said she spent nearly $1,000 to repair the damage potholes caused to her car about three years ago.

"It's upsetting," Chandler said. "I was driving 25 (mph), and it still did it."

Daly said drivers should travel at lower speeds on some roads to allow for the pulverized pavement.

"The bad part of it is, it doesn't mean that the work doesn't need to be done, it just gets postponed to some point in the future where you assume you'll have enough money," he said.

Other communities may face similar predicaments.

Swartz Creek already has exceeded its budget for snow removal, said City Manager Paul Bueche. Now the costs to keep the roads cleared and patched could come out of money normally set aside for maintenance projects.

But he assures residents that the city's potholes will be filled.

"We're going to have less money in the grand scheme of things for major repairs," he said. "The ripple effect of that is profound."

He said he's not sure when the city's residents could see the effect of this season's costs.

"Whether it's this summer or summers to come, it's hard to determine," Bueche said.

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Businesses in Miller Road contruction zone allowed to have temporary signage

FLINT TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Businesses along Miller Road will be allowed to use temporary signage to mark their presence during its reconstruction.

In a a special meeting Monday, Township Board members proposed an amendment to the sign ordinance to allow portable signs for business owners between Ballenger and Linden roads to advertise their entrances and locations.

"We're trying to anticipate the needs of the business community. We know that it's trying times for them," Trustee Brady Smith said. "We're going to do as much as we can to help. We want to make sure it's as painless as possible."

The amendment will take effect May 15, at which point businesses can submit a notice of intent to the building department to erect a sign along the road. Approved signs can be a maximum of 32-square-feet and must be removed by Sept. 15 or within 24 hours of the completion of the reconstruction project.

"It will give us help with our advertising. It won't kill us but it'll help," said Heshimu Williams, manager of Bob Evans, 3267 Miller Road.

Supervisor Douglas Carlton said the signs will help travelers on Miller Road determine entrances and driveways to the businesses they are searching for during the construction period.

"During tough economic times, we're being sensitive to the business community," Carlton said. "Because of the construction, they (commuters) won't be able to see the signs (of the businesses) but now they will be visible."

"They're going to have a lot of people put stuff out there then, especially now with the construction going on," said Janice Maldonado, kitchen manager at Old Country Buffet, 3583 Miller Road. "We can let people know that we are willing to give them a deal if they are willing to fight traffic."

Both Williams and Maldonado said they would consider portable signs for their businesses in the coming weeks.

"We're trying to make this as convenient as we can," Clerk Kim Courts said.

The amendment will have a second reading at Monday's Township Board meeting before a vote takes place.

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Work on Miller Road in Flint Township a pain -- but a 'necessity'

by RoNeisha Mullen
The Flint Journal
Friday May 09, 2008, 8:11 PM

FLINT TWP., Michigan -- Motorists sit there in narrow lanes, stuck in stop-and-go-traffic, only inching forward as red lights turn green and then red again.

Welcome to Miller Road.

One week into a $10-million road reconstruction project in Genesee County's commercial corridor, the side effects are evident in the lines of red brake lights.

Construction began Monday and is being done in sections. Crews are currently working on a strip between Ballenger Highway and Manwaring Drive, reducing the five-lane road to three -- one lane each way and a left-turn lane.

And, not everyone's complaining.

After all, residents have long complained about Miller Road and all its potholes.

"I'm OK with it. They absolutely need to do it," said Monalisa Bissonnette, who visits the area at least four or five times a week. "With all the traffic on this road, it's a necessity."

Bissonnette of Swartz Creek said that because she's familiar with the area, she's learned a few shortcuts that help her avoid some of the construction.

Work there is expected to be completed by June 13, with the exception of the area of Miller between Ballenger and I-75. Crews will begin work on that area and the area between Manwaring and Linden on June 14.

Crews are working directly in front of Yorkshire Plaza and business owners there weren't too worried.

Neighboring subdivisions bring in a lot of shoppers, and repeat customers already know how to get around the construction.

"Business has slowed a little, but for the most part, it's been pretty much the same," said Russ Meyers, manager of Steve's TV & VCR, a sales and repair shop.

Meyers said that on average the store would see 10 to 15 customers a day, but since the construction started foot traffic has been reduced to about eight to 10 people.

"We're only in the first week, though," Meyers said. "It may get worse, but I hope not."

John T. Plamondon, construction manager for the road commission said he's pleasantly surprised by the acceptance of the traffic shift by area businesses.

"I figured the first day we set this up, my phone would be ringing off the hook," Plamondon said. "But I haven't received one phone call."

Construction hasn't yet begun in the area where Rib City Grill is located, but since it began up the road Monday, business has slowed significantly, said Lori Hincka, assistant manager at the restaurant.

"Our sales are down tremendously," Hincka said. "Nobody wants to fight through that traffic to come eat here when they can go eat on a road with no traffic."

Hincka said business this weekend will set the tone for the remainder of the construction period.

"Tonight will be the true test," Hincka said. "We're usually packed on Friday and Saturday, and if we're not busy tonight, it's going to be a long five months."

Hours for the kitchen staff have already been cut, but Hincka said the employees will get them back, at least for Mother's Day.

"I think no matter what, we'll be busy for Mother's Day, she said. "It's a Sunday, so the everyday traffic won't be out, and we've had a lot of request for reservations for that day."

The work on Miller Road will continue until Sept. 15.

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SB I-75 ramp improvements necessitate temporary closure of ramps

In order to create 2 lanes on the ramp to southbound I-75 from Miller Road and improve the ramp from southbound I-75 onto Miller Road it will be necessary to temporarily close these ramps on Friday May 23rd from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
We suggest that motorists on southbound I-75 take the Corunna Rd. exit to Dutcher Road or Linden Road to access Miller Road. Miller Road traffic desiring to travel south on I-75 can take northbound I-75 to Corunna Road and get onto southbound I-75 from this entrance.

This is necessary in order to speed progress and ensure the best quality construction on this phase of the project.

Bob Slattery
Director of Information Systems and Planning
Genesee County Road Commission

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Genesee County shifts road funds to buy diesel, cutting basic summer road jobs

by Ron Fonger The Flint Journal Monday June 16, 2008, 10:05 AM

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- Diesel fuel is costing the Genesee County Road Commission so much more than expected that the agency is cutting back this summer on some of the most basic road work it does, leaving unfilled potholes and less gravel on dirt roads.

The commission has told townships it is withholding $179,000 that had been budgeted for a popular cost-sharing program that helped pay for ditch cleaning and other road maintenance when townships split the costs with the county.

That money will be used instead to pay for higher-than-expected fuel costs, said Manager-Director John Daly.

Shifting that money won't hurt seven townships in the county that already have committed to help pay for specific projects, Daly said, but those that have delayed locking in their plans are out of luck.

"(Money for fuel) has to come from someplace," Daly said. "Diesel is our lifeblood."

Although the county budgeted for a 30 percent increase in the price of fuel this fiscal year, prices have risen even faster.

Flint Township, which lost the most 50-50 money, was able to make up some of that loss by getting funding from two other townships that had leftover funds on committed projects.

Some townships aren't willing to pay half the cost of repairs and apparently wouldn't have spent all they were entitled to anyway because officials said they can't afford to match the county's road repair money this year.

But others say the decision to switch the $179,000 to pay for diesel isn't fair.

Vienna Township Supervisor Tony McKerchie said the decision came without warning.

"We're not going to be able to get any ditching done," McKerchie said. "I've been a supervisor for eight years. We didn't ever (commit to specific jobs) until August.
"These projects -- they've never had a hard deadline."

Vienna Township had an original matching pot of more than $27,000 to work with but lost more than $11,000.

Ditching is work the road commission does to help prevent flooding by redigging and cleaning brush, branches and overgrown weeds from ditches.

Grand Blanc Township Supervisor Jeff Zittel said his township's primary cost-sharing program this year came in under budget, leaving more than $20,000 uncommitted. That's being recaptured by the county for diesel.

"We've been able to prepare knowing that the 50-50 program wasn't as solid as in the past," Zittel said.

"It wasn't a big shock. It's not a good situation, but it's not unexpected."

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End is near for huge Miller Road reconstruction project in Flint Township

by RoNeisha Mullen | The Flint Journal
Tuesday September 02, 2008, 6:30 AM

FLINT TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Retailers along Miller Road are thrilled that construction crews are nearing the end of a five-month-long reconstruction project. Shelly Arceo, owner of Fit Zone for Women in the Somerset Town Centre plaza on Miller Road, said the construction, combined with warm weather, has slowed business."It's been very difficult," Arceo said. "Summer is a slow time for fitness anyway, and the road has really been an obstacle for people."
Most of the construction work on the $10-million project appears to be complete, leaving just the final paving, curbing and driveways to be completed. Crews are working on the north side of Miller Road between Ballenger Highway and the I-75 northbound entrance ramp. The road is down to three lanes in that area and from Best Buy to Linden Road, where turf restoration is being done and driveways are being poured.

John Plamondon, construction manager for the county Road Commission, said the project is scheduled to be completed on Sept. 15. Some entrances to stores and plazas are closed so that driveways can be reconstructed. The setup forces drivers to use service drives to get to their destinations. Plamondon said businesses should be easier to access during the final paving, which is scheduled to begin later this week.
"The top course of paving will be done at night," Plamondon said. "We don't want people driving over it and we want to help maintain access to businesses." Areco said crews have done a good job of keeping on schedule. "I'm impressed with the timeliness of it," Arceo said. "They've been amazing at keeping up and it's going to be great when it's done."
Right turns into some stores are almost impossible because barrels near the entrances are too close together, leaving barely enough space for cars to get through.

But the difficult setup hasn't deterred customers from traveling to the area to shop at their favorite stores. "I don't mind coming to Dale's Natural Foods because I like the products," said Ellen Morgan of Fenton. "Even with the construction, you go to the places where you know you're going to get good service and the products you want."
Several retailers on the strip are offering discounts and contests for customers who brave the construction. Don Wolfe, owner of Dale's Natural Foods, said business has been steady at the organic grocery market during the construction.
"Business is close to our normal pace," Wolfe said. "The store experienced a low period when cement was being poured right out front, but that was short lived and it had to happen." Arceo said she's also seeing her regular clients, but walk-ins have slowed. "People who aren't used to coming here get frustrated trying to get in the parking lot, so they just pass us by," Arceo said.
Geri Cummings still visits the area four of five times a month. But, the Lennon woman said she may have to find a new route to get to the area. "I used to take the back way, behind the store," Cummings said while shopping for computer software at Best Buy. "There's a line of traffic out there, so I guess everybody knows that way now."

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Flint Journal Editorial: It's campaign season again in Genesee County - make sure you put up your signs correctly, says Flint Journal guest columnist John Daly
by John Daly | Flint Journal guest columnist

Monday June 23, 2008, 9:18 AM

As I drive about Genesee County lately assessing the progress of the county Road Commission's construction and maintenance projects, I have noticed an increase in the number of signs advertising sales, political candidates and other commercial activities starting to appear in the public road right of way. What people need to know is other than for highway travel purposes, any activity within, or use of, the right of way along roads under the jurisdiction of the Road Commission is subject to a review and permitting process. This review and permit process has been established to help ensure safe travel on county roads by discouraging those activities or objects that may create a hazard. The process also controls those activities that may interfere with road maintenance, snow removal, drainage or future road improvement projects. Permits will not usually be issued where a reasonable alternative exists. The commission reserves the right to remove, at the owner's expense, non-permitted items placed or constructed within the road right of way. Permitted activities include: new or modifications to existing driveways or roads to access the road system; utilities; tree/brush removal; seismographic exploration; and oversize load transport. Activities not permitted include: The placement of signs (including political signs), fences, retaining walls, sprinkler systems, landscaping rocks, berms, trees, shrubs, bushes, lighting, structures, septic tanks, drain fields, or wells. Mailboxes are allowed within the right of way without a permit but must be installed in a manner to minimize any traffic hazard. Property owners should consult their local post office for postal standards for installation regarding height and distance from the road. It is suggested, however, that the actual structure be a single mailbox installed on a single, "break away" post. To minimize the possibility of liability should an errant vehicle strike the structure, mailbox owners must resist the urge to reinforce or strengthen the post. Further information on mailboxes can be found at the Road Commission's Web site. The road right of way is generally 66 feet (33 feet on each side of the "centerline" of the road), but could be wider in certain locations. Before proceeding with any activity along a public road, people should contact the Road Commission. Everyone's cooperation will help keep our roadsides free of obstacles and hazards and ensure safer travel and more efficient maintenance on the county roads. John Daly is the manager director for the Genesee County Road Commission.

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It takes a map to track funding for road repairs

The answers to those two questions are not simple, which is why so many taxpayers get frustrated with local officials whenever the topic of roads arises. Add the question of who has jurisdiction over which roads and it gets even more complicated.

Why are Michigan roads such a mess?

John Daly, manager-director of the Genesee County Road Commission, equates it to "a perfect storm."

"We have some of the highest weight limits of any state in the United States. The second thing is the freeze-thaw cycle. And the third thing is we are amongst the lowest states of money (from all sources) flowing into the road systems," Daly said.

Michigan has one of the lowest state gas taxes in the nation. And while the cost of road repairs has risen sharply, the gas tax hasn't been raised in a decade.

How are road repairs funded?

Through gas taxes and vehicle registration fees primarily.

Each gallon of gas carries an 18.4-cent federal tax, which goes to the Michigan Department of Transportation for state highways and bridges. MDOT gets 75 percent of the federal gas tax. The remaining 25 percent is split among all county road commissions, cities and villages in the state.

Michigan also has a state gas tax of 19 cents per gallon, one of the lowest in the nation. The tax hasn't been raised since 1997. It accounts for roughly 45 percent of the funding for roads. Vehicle registration fees account for another 45 percent of road funds and 11 percent comes from diesel fuel taxes and miscellaneous sources.

According to the County Road Association of Michigan, state funds are then distributed by law to the Bridge Fund and mass transit; 39 percent goes to MDOT (which has jurisdiction over 8 percent of Michigan's roads), 39 percent goes to county road commissions (which have jurisdiction over 75 percent of the state's roads) and just under 22 percent goes to cities and villages (which have jurisdiction over 17 percent of Michigan's roads). Townships do not receive money directly from the state for roads.

"Property taxes don't go to fix roads," Daly said.

Why isn't the county road commission fixing roads in my subdivision?

State law requires county road commissions to spend 70 percent of their funds on primary roads and 30 percent on local roads like those in subdivisions.

State law also requires the road commission to get at least a 50 percent match when it does construction and heavy maintenance on local roads. Usually the road commission asks for 75 percent. That money comes from local governments and from special assessments paid by residents.

Until last year, the commission initiated special assessments and floated the debt for construction projects in subdivisions. Now, local municipalities are responsible for those special assessments.

So when township residents want their subdivision roads resurfaced, they collect a petition asking for a special assessment district and take it to their township board. Homeowners cover 50 percent of the cost of the project through that assessment, paid over five years at no interest. Townships like Grand Blanc Township have paid for 25 percent of the construction costs and the road commission has paid the other 25 percent.

But with the large number of subdivisions in need of repair, Grand Blanc Township cannot afford to keep paying 25 percent of construction costs, board members say. That means homeowners would end up picking up more of the tab.

What if township residents approved a millage specifically

for roads?

"There is a provision under state law that would allow the township - once it had its millage in place for one year - to petition the road commission to take over the routine maintenance," Daly said.

The county road commission would then transfer authority for routine local road maintenance to the township. Routine maintenance does not include resurfacing, Daly said. The county would still be responsible for primary roads and for construction and heavy maintenance like resurfacing.

That millage money could also be used toward special assessment districts, enabling the township to keep paying 25 percent of those construction costs if it chooses.

Bottom line: Without an increase in the state gas tax, there is no additional funding for local road construction and resurfacing. While the Grand Blanc Township Board has not taken a position on a millage specifically for roads, it is one option being discussed. Such a millage could only be enacted through a ballot measure. Ultimately, the decision lies with voters, not the board.

For an explanation of how road repairs are funded in Michigan, go to www.micountyroads.org/pdf/roads_and_road_funding.pdf.

The Genesee County Road Commission's Web site also has information at www.gcrc.org.

***

Original Article
©2007 Flint Journal
© 2007 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.

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Letting locals borrow would narrow repair gap

THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Thursday, August 23, 2007
By Journal Editorial Board
Though no Flint-area bridge has collapsed to get our attention, at least 20 spans in Genesee County are degraded to the point where they need repair or replacement. It is work that should be done sooner rather than later for both safety and cost reasons.
Unfortunately, later is the only option for most of them with the current level of state funding, as Michigan's tax on fuel remains inadequate to keep roads in good repair.
However, pending legislation in Lansing would boost the available cash for bridge work, without a larger levy, by letting cities and local road commissions borrow against future revenues. The state Senate has passed this bill and the House should follow suit.
It really is a no-brainer, as Genesee road commission chief John Daly says. While borrowing money would cost 4 percent or a bit more in interest payments annually, construction prices are rising 6 to 8 percent a year. Therefore, the faster the bridges can be repaired, the cheaper it would be.
As it is, the county takes precautions with the bridges needing work by posting weight restrictions. In the two worst cases, bridges are closed, including one on Lovejoy Road in Argentine Township that has been shut for five years. In Lapeer County, three bridges are out of use, though the county has a small tax supporting their upkeep.
Clearly, this infrastructure decay will only grow worse. In Genesee County alone, the local bridge bill totals tens of millions or more. Repairs needed on state highway spans maintained by the Michigan Department of Transportation raise the total much higher. And for the nation, civil engineers put the tab at $188 billion.
Is it any wonder then that of the nearly 1,100 structurally deficient local bridges in Michigan that cities and road commissions maintain, only 50 to 60 annually get any funding.
Obviously, there's a strong case for giving cities and road commissions the ability to borrow to make a little headway on this backlog. However getting such useful authority from Lansing is but a small part of the remedy, as a large funding gap would remain that the present level of taxation will never span.
***

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Web site says 7 area bridges are in critical condition

GENESEE COUNTY
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Monday, August 20, 2007
By Ron Fonger
rfonger@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6317
GENESEE COUNTY - Even as the state launched a new Web site promoting the safety of large bridges in Michigan, counties are struggling to find the money to repair or replace dozens of small, often out-of-the way crossings in poor condition.
The Michigan Department of Transportation site - www.michigan.gov/highwaybridgereport - was up and running last week, listing information about the ratings of 4,402 state highway bridges across the state.
In the county, four state bridges are listed on the state's critical list, including two where repairs are being made this summer - I-75 at W. Court Street and Lahring Road at U.S. 23.
But 20 other smaller spans also need work or replacement and have weight restrictions because of condition. Two are closed and three are being repaired this summer, said John Daly, manager-director of the Genesee County Road Commission.
Gary Goulet of Davison Township said having the Oak Road bridge closed north of him has been both good and bad.
When the 130-foot bridge closed, Goulet said, some trips became more inconvenient, but the closing also cut down on traffic - a welcome change.
"It's a give-and-take thing," said Goulet, who has grown used to taking a slightly longer route to get his children to school since the bridge closed in 2003.
Daly said those living around the Oak Road bridge are fortunate. There is no timetable, for example, for fixing the Lovejoy Road bridge in Argentine Township, which has been closed for more than five years.
The county has responsibility for more than 160 bridges and culverts, and Daly said he supports legislation that would let road commissions borrow to get work done now rather than waiting for costs to rise.
"To me, that's a no-brainer to do. The cost of bridge repairs is going up 7 (percent) to 8 percent per year," Daly said.
In Lapeer County, three bridges are closed in North Branch, Marathon and Oregon townships, said Bill Meinz, the county's highway engineer.
Even though Lapeer County has a small tax that supports bridge repair, there isn't enough money to do all the work, Meinz said. Cities and villages are responsible for bridges within their borders.
"If the bridge is 20 feet or more, it's eligible for federal aid," he said. "If it's less than 20, we're all on our own."
Daly said it's worth considering the addition of tolls to large state bridges and the dedication of revenue to repairs, freeing up money that's dedicated to the job now and using it for local bridges.
He said the recent bridge collapse in Minneapolis most likely will bring more attention to bridge safety as well as more funding.
The state's new posting of bridge information went up Thursday.
Bridge ratings for spans on or over expressways and state roads can be found by county, showing the condition of the bridge deck, sub-structure and superstructure.
The superstructure is the portion of the bridge that supports the deck and connects one substructure element to another. The substructure is the portion of the bridge that supports the superstructure and distributes all bridge loads to below-ground bridge footings, according to MDOT.
Bridges are rated from zero (failed) to 9 (excellent) in each category.
The lowest rating in Genesee County was a "2" for the deck of the M-21 bridge over I-75. A rating that low means the deck is in critical condition with cracking in the concrete.
In Lapeer County, the lowest-rated bridge was M-24 over an abandoned Consolidated Rail line, which had a substructure rating of "2" also.
In Shiawassee County, three state bridges shared the lowest rating - all "3" scores for the bridge superstructures. The bridges are on M-71 at I-69, M-71 at the Holly Drain and old M-78 eastbound at Looking Glass River.
MDOT said in a news release that the state has increased funding to rehabilitate or replace bridges during the last 10 years and increased the number of bridge inspectors from six to 20 since 1996.
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Letter From Manager-Director Daly Regarding Funding Crisis

I am writing to share with you some of my concerns regarding the challenges we as local leaders face in trying to serve our constituents. As you know, road commissions in Michigan are charged with providing and maintaining a road system that is “safe and convenient” for the motoring public. This mandate is inescapable, regardless of the economic hardships the state might experience or financial stresses that the road commissions may find themselves facing as a result.

As you also know, however, the ability of road commissions, indeed of all road agencies and local governments in Michigan, to meet this challenge and comply with mandated responsibilities is becoming increasingly difficult, and unless adequate funding is restored, it will soon be completely impossible to maintain roads at an acceptable level. This trend was well documented in the report, “A Look at Local Roads in Genesee County, Michigan, 2004 – 2006”, which was distributed by the Genesee County Road Commission in March of this year. The report described a local road system in decline – not just in Genesee County, but across the state of Michigan – and identified inadequate funding as a primary cause.

County road commissions in Michigan are facing unprecedented challenges, with more than 90,000 miles of roads to maintain (compared to roughly 9,600 for MDOT) and flat revenues for the past decade. Throw in the state’s notorious freeze/thaw cycles, growing traffic levels and skyrocketing costs for materials, and it is apparent that the state’s county road system is headed for a crisis.

The chart shown in Figure 1 illustrates the first half of the gloomy equation, the stagnant revenue side, and the table in Figure 2 paints the other, equally appalling factor, the escalating cost side. Taken together, they describe a situation that simply does not compute. No enterprise, public or private, could long survive with such a divergence of revenues and expenditures.

Costs are rising across the board – and across the economy, with world crude oil prices fueling much of the increase in everything from asphalt to equipment to concrete, as reflected in Figure 2, but what accounts for the flat revenues reflected in Figure 1? More fuel efficient cars and consolidated trip-making explain a small portion of the reduction in gas tax revenue. And the eroded purchasing power of these tax dollars – down 42% since they were last raised in 1997, according to an April 2007 report from the Mackinaw Center - accounts for another portion.

But a more significant culprit is the debt service now required by the state’s attempts of the last decade to borrow its way out of an infrastructure crisis. Specifically, the bills for Build Michigan I, II and III, which did accomplish a good deal of necessary road improvements across the state, have come due and are now resulting in actual reduction in the MTF dollars coming to road commissions. The current Michigan Jobs Today program, while providing necessary funding and an opportunity to reconstruct some badly deteriorated corridors, will also likely result in further erosion of dollars available for road maintenance. And in a state that is already in the bottom 10 among all states in poor pavement conditions and high repair costs, that is a most unwelcome prospect indeed.

As John Niemela, Executive Director of the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) put it, “The continued (inadequacy) of funding has finally come to rest on more and more road commissions as they leave positions vacant, delay the replacement of equipment purchases and worst of all, actually lay-off employees — all of which will have a negative impact on the timeliness of our services.”

The bottom line is that without a significant infusion of new, adequate funding the best efforts of road agencies and local governments to do more with less will be insufficient, and the downward trend in the condition of Michigan roads will continue, negatively impacting the lifestyles - and lives - of all Michigan residents. But where this funding will come from is uncertain. A gas tax increase, perhaps the most equitable means of financing road improvements, has proven not to be a very popular idea. But shifting the burden downward, to residents as many townships, cities and villages have been doing increasingly for years, is equally unpopular, is less fair and has its limits as well.

I am writing not to propose a specific solution, but to invite you to join me in considering all options. Only by working in concert, with open minds and exercising all our creative faculties can we hope to meet the great challenges we face. And our citizens expect, demand and deserve no less.

Sincerely,

John H. Daly III, PhD
Manager-Director
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New Road Department Eyed

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP
GENESEE COUNTY THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Saturday, July 07, 2007
By Sally York
syork@flintjournal.com
810.766.6322

GRAND BLANC TWP. - Deteriorating roads are residents' top complaint, but are they willing to pay an additional 1.5 mills to create a township road department?

No, said Margaret Martin, a retiree on a fixed income who has lived in the township since 1951.

"We've got a high enough millage rate now," she said of the 33 mills taxpayers currently pay.

But local officials say they are running out of options for fixing the township's 162 miles of roads, now under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Genesee County Road Commission.

The county doesn't have enough money to do the $6.5 million in repairs desperately needed, officials say. And last year, residents voted not to merge the township with the city of Grand Blanc, a move that would have entitled the community to negotiate with the county to take over local roads and receive road money directly from the state.

Another idea, for the township to become a home-rule city on its own, never got past the discussion stage.

But before officials put a millage proposal on the ballot, they want feedback from residents. A second informational session is set for 6 p.m. July 19 at Township Hall, 5375 S. Saginaw Road.

Only a handful of residents came to the first meeting on June 13.

"They showed some interest," said Roger Buell, director of public services, "but 10 people is not representative."

The plan, subject to tweaking based on residents' input, would accomplish the following:

• Funding, staffing and equipping a road department to perform maintenance of streets, patching, guard rails, ditching, etc.

The township would take over maintenance of local roads from the Road Commission through a contract, though the county would remain legally responsible. State law requires the deal to include a road tax of at least 1 mill to ensure that the township has sufficient money to cover repair costs.

• Repaving subdivision roads would still be done through special assessment districts, in which benefiting residents pay for a portion of the work. In the past, the township has picked up 25 percent of the tab, but officials say there aren't sufficient funds to continue the practice. If a road millage is approved, the township would use proceeds to pay 50 percent of costs.
• Building more sidewalks and pathways. To date, the township's pathway plan has produced one short path on Grand Blanc Road, from the city limits to Creasey Bicentennial Park.
• Accelerating projects - funded by federal and county dollars - to improve such primary roads as Hill, Saginaw, Holly, Porter and Perry. The township would use millage funds to pay half of the county's share, pushing local projects up on the priority list.

A township flier spells out consequences if the proposal is rejected: Roads would continue to crumble, township snow plowing could stop, the township would pay for no new sidewalks or pathways, residents would be billed directly for sidewalk repair and installation, and special assessment districts would be funded solely by property owners.

But resident Ed Erdt, who has served on the township's pathway committee, remains opposed to a road millage. He said he doesn't want to pay more taxes and that the county has always been responsive to his requests for road maintenance.

"If we create a big department, we'll be sorry in the future," he said.

***
©2007 Flint Journal
© 2007 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.

This article ws originally posted on Mlive.com. Read it here

Goodrich hears pitch from county road commission boss


GOODRICH
THE GRAND BLANC NEWS
Sunday, August 19, 2007
By Theresa Roach
troach@grandblancnews.com • 810.766.6335


GOODRICH - Village Council members remain uncertain about a Genesee County Road Commission offer that could save the village money, end the village's Department of Public Works and leave three people unemployed.
During Monday's council meeting, John H. Daly III, manager-director of the Road Commission, discussed taking control of roads in the county's three villages.
Gaines has turned down the offer, and Daly will meet with Otisville Village Council in September.
Goodrich council members will discuss the offer again at its Sept. 10 meeting at 7 p.m. in the lower level of the village office, 7338 S. State Road.
"I was a village manager for three years in northern Ohio (Lafayette), so I have an inkling of what goes on down in the trenches," Daly told the council.
"There's not always enough money to cover everything. Sometimes you have to import money from the general fund."
Villages and cities receive money for streets from Michigan's Public Act 51. The village received $99,300 for the 2007-08 fiscal year in Act 51 funds, said village Administrator Jakki Sidge.
When Act 51 money runs out, the village must use its general fund to cover the road bills. If jurisdiction is transferred to the Road Commission, the county would receive about $33,000 in Act 51 money for Goodrich and responsibility of covering costs after funds are depleted also will transfer, said Daly.
"Everything is going up, revenue sharing is at risk. Can we get through this year? Probably yes, but in four years we're going to start seeing problems. Some hard roads might need to change to gravel roads, and that would be a huge liability shift if jurisdiction transferred to the Road Commission from the village," he said. Resident Greg Tankersley urged council members to consider the option, and ask more questions before making a decision.
"I'm not saying to get rid of the DPW or to make any decisions right now. I think you should sit down and take a look at the information. Are there things that the county can provide for less money? Is there a way to work together?" he said during public comment.
Resident Norman Bass agreed that serious thought should go into the decision for the sake of the DPW employees, and the quality of service the village receives.
"This is a deep subject," he said. "We do have a DPW staff and they do more than manage the roads. How much are we losing if we do this? If it's under our control, we decide when to act. A lot of hard thought needs to go into this."
Village DPW employees also manage the parks, beautification, maintenance of public buildings, plow snow from business parking lots and sidewalks in the village.
The quality and timeliness of road service is a concern for council members David Lucik and Peter Morey, who asked about services and where Goodrich would land as a priority for the Road Commission.
Subdivisions are the lowest priority in receiving service, while main strips such as M-15/State Road would receive service first, said Daly. Hegel Road would qualify as a step above a subdivision, he said. The Road Commission will not plow or salt sidewalks or business parking lots, he said.
The village could negotiate specific details about snowplowing, salting, dams, emergency road service and other scenarios into the contract.
Daly suggested the village also consider a maintenance contract, which allows more flexibility than a transfer of jurisdiction.
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County offers to pay half of bridge fix

County offers to pay half of bridge fix
SWARTZ CREEK
THE SWARTZ CREEK NEWS
Sunday, August 12, 2007
By Robyn Rosenthal
rrosenthal@swartzcreeknews.com • 810.766.6310

SWARTZ CREEK - Just when the city thought they crossed that bridge, they're crossing it again.
Months after the city voted to refuse a state grant to fix the Raubinger Road bridge, which required a $145,000 to $160,000 match from the city, the county is raising the issue for discussion yet again.
In a letter to Swartz Creek, the county is proposing that the city turn jurisdiction of the bridge over to the county and pay half of the matching portion. In turn, the county would pay the other half, along with Gaines Township, whose residents also use the bridge.
The letter asks that the city to respond by Sept. 7.
"The winner will be both," John Daly, manager/director of the Genesee County Road Commission, said about Swartz Creek and Gaines Township. "It seems like it's in the best interest of residents in Swartz Creek and residents in Gaines Township that it be fixed."
The city received a $550,000 state grant to fix the bridge, which borders the city and Gaines Township. The grant expires in September 2008. City officials have argued that the bridge primarily serves township residents and the township should equally share in the cost to repair it.
But for two years, city officials said, the township has refused to weigh in on the issue. Earlier this year the city suggested the two municipalities consider sharing the cost equally, but the Township Board never voted on the issue. On April 23, in a split vote, the City Council voted to refuse the grant money.
"We could never get them to give us any answers, so we decided to shut down the project," said City Manager Paul Bueche, adding that the city hasn't contacted the state to refuse the grant.
The city earlier this year held a public meeting on the issue, requesting input from both township and city residents. Nancy Ocenasek, who lives in the city, said some residents never were notified of the meeting.
She's among some residents on the road who support keeping the bridge open, saying if it closes motorists would have to take Morrish or Elms roads into town. She said the bridge also helps the local economy.
"They come into town, use our local grocery stores, the parishes," she said. "The township contributes to the economic value of the city."
Township Supervisor Paul Fortino also supports the county's proposal.
"Of course we want it open. It puts a lot of pressure on other roads," he said.
If the proposal is approved by the city, the township would pay a percentage of the match under a formula calculated by the county.
"There are four places you can go north/south. When you reduce the Raubinger Road bridge, you reduce it by a quarter," Fortino said.
But city leaders aren't as enthusiastic about the plan.
"It would take some new news to change my mind on it," said Mayor Pro-Tem Jason Christie, who voted in April to refuse the grant. He said the city's matching portion instead could be used to fix local roads. "I feel strongly the bridge issue is dead."
The bridge became part of the city when it incorporated in 1959, according to Bueche. The city also owns about 300 yards south of the bridge to the railroad tracks, which the county is proposing also be transferred to the county so that the bridge is contiguous to the Genesee County road system.
Daly said the county by law can only spend money on roads in its jurisdiction, therefore, couldn't contribute to the Raubinger Road Bridge unless it was transferred to the county.
Daly said the county's proposal is unusual, however, he said the Raubinger Road Bridge, like bridges across the state, are crucial to the economy.
"You don't want to see any bridge not repaired," he said, adding that the county did not have a traffic count for the bridge. "It's extremely important to the economy of this county. It controls access to the southeast side of town."
Christie said the county should have intervened earlier.
"It's a little disappointing for the county to come to us with a proposal now," he said. "We've been trying to get (the issue resolved) for two years to no avail."
Daly said if the city refuses the grant, it's unlikely the bridge will ever be repaired and eventually would close.
"If you turn the bridge money back in, the chances at any point of the bridge getting funding is virtually zero."
City officials have invited Daly to attend the Aug. 27 City Council meeting.
"Other than fixing the bridge, there is no ulterior motive," Daly said, adding that he did plan to address the council on the proposal.

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Better roads appealing; taxes aren't

Better roads appealing; taxes aren't
FLINT JOURNAL COLUMN
GRAND BLANC
THE GRAND BLANC NEWS
Sunday, July 29, 2007
By Andrew Heller
Community Columnist
There is perhaps no more emotional topic in Grand Blanc Township than roads.
Simply put: We hate them. We hate the potholes, the ruts, the near-Third-World condition of many of them. We want 'em all fixed, and we want it done now. But are we willing to pay for it?

When the township held an informational meeting recently to gauge interest in a proposed 10-year, $2.2-million township road millage - which would cost the owner of a $200,000 home about $150 a year - 60 people showed up.
The predominant view: Yes to road improvements, no to new taxes.
After the meeting, I played a little 20 questions on the township's road situation with Public Services Director Roger Buell. Among them:

Q.: What was the top concern at the meeting?
A.: "Some people say they are already paying taxes and want the taxes to go to roads. The real concern in any general public informational meeting is that those opposed to a particular issue tend to be the loudest, most vocal or want to keep the supporters in hiding. Those in favor of an issue tend to not speak for fear of being caught in an open debate or fight. Our general direction is to get the right information out to the public and then ask for their input. We feel that an educated electorate will make the decision that is right for the community."

Q.: Is a tax likely, in your opinion?
A.: "We have many pockets of support for individual projects throughout our community, from sidewalks on Saginaw and Porter roads to fixing individual subdivision roads. Our job is to provide the facts of funding and allocation so that the residents can make an educated decision."

Q.: What if voters don't approve a tax?
A.: "We won't be able to address that until the Township Board has a final report. Each year the snow-plowing and the SAD program (by which the township pays a portion of subdivision road work) take a toll on the general fund, and there are no guarantees that either can continue."

Q.: What's the future for local roads?
A.: "The (Genesee County Road Commission) director said it very well: 'Local roads are headed for a crisis. Inadequate funding is a primary reason, and this is having an adverse impact on the convenience, safety and pocketbook of every motorist.'"

Q.: What don't people understand about the local road situation?
A.: "Your property taxes don't pay for roads like in a city. It appears that most residents think that because the township collects all of the taxes that we are responsible for all of the issues that those taxes cover. We collect the airport tax, health care tax, school tax, drain tax, special ed tax, bus tax, county operating tax, etc., but don't have a direct influence in how those taxes are spent."

Q.: Goodrich is considering doing away with its road department and letting the county take over. Some township officials are leaning the other way. What are the pros and cons of each approach?
A.: "Each situation needs to be evaluated on its own merits. In general, most road departments benefit from a portion of the work going to in-house forces and a portion going to outside or private forces."

Q.: What major projects are coming up?
A.: "Major projects for roads included in this year's program are Hill Road from Center Road to Genesee Road, where the intersection will have its left turn lanes lined up and the road widened to three lanes. Next year, we're looking at Belsay Road from Perry Road to Maple Road being resurfaced with no widening."
Andrew Heller has lived in Grand Blanc Township since 1996 and has the worn- out shocks and struts to prove it. Have a question or comment? Write to him at aheller@grandblancnews.com. ***

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Goodrich Village mulling county road service offer

GOODRICH -- The Village Council had more questions than answers last week in considering an offer from the Genesee County Road Commission to service the village's roads.

During Monday's council meeting, members discussed the offer that appeared in a June 26 letter to Council President Edward York from Road Commission manager-director John H. Daly III.

Daly said the move could create more efficiency, because county crews already are working on state and township roads that surround villages.

"This is an intent to offer villages an alternative they haven't had before. It's solely at their discretion," he said.

Council member Patricia Wartella said accepting the Road Commission offer would save the village money because it would eliminate the need for a Department of Public Works.

"I applaud (Daly) for offering us this olive branch," said Wartella. "If we could eliminate the DPW, we could eliminate wages, fringes, equipment. That is a substantial amount of money."

Others on the council said it could slow response time, while still others said they know of communities unhappy county-run road service.

"They're (Road Commission) looking for money and they're saying 'If you give us your Act 51 money, we'll take care of the roads.' That means we wouldn't have a need for DPW workers, but there are other factors we need to consider," said York.

"Are they going to be as responsive? Are they going to clean the roads that night or the next day? Where are we going to be on their priority list? There was no information in the letter, just the offer."

Villages and cities receive money to pay for streets from Michigan's Public Act 51. The village would use those funds to pay for the Road Commission service. Goodrich receives $99,300 annually in Act 51 money, said Village Administrator Jakki Sidge

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