Snow Removal

So far this winter we had lots of rain, ice and snow. It seems like a harder winter then the past couple of years. The City has maintained an adequate salt supply at our DPW depot, and the reserves should meet our needs till the end of the winter season. In some instances, the winter temperatures have been so low, that the salt does not melt the snow or ice. When the temperature goes below 15 degrees, then salt is less effective. We do mix our salt with sand, and the sand is be effective for vehicle traffic, but does not melt the snow.

Since the winter weather arrived, the city has sent a number of friendly notices to several of business and residential property owners, for failure to remove snow and ice on the sidewalks. In some instances, these are the same properties, that each year, fail to properly remove snow from their sidewalks. In a few examples, we have a property that is vacant or abandoned, or is in the process of being foreclosed. The fact that a house is in foreclosure does not eliminate the requirement to remove snow, ice or mow lawn during the spring and summer. We do send letters to the mortgage companies or HUD on these vacant properties, to inform them of their obligation. As a result, our DPW clears the sidewalk, and the property owner or mortgage holder is charged a fee for the city to do the snow removal.

In some instances, the property owner will shovel directly in front of their house and drive, and then leave most of the sidewalk untouched, especially if it is a corner lot. The sidewalks in the city are used heavily, especially in the downtown area, and not shoveling poses a risk to pedestrians. The City really does not want to be shoveling snow in residential or business areas, as it takes away time for street maintenance on city streets, parking areas, etc.

I know that students and other walkers using city sidewalks regularly appreciate the efforts of property owners to timely remove snow and ice.  

Patriots Fund

The response to the patriots’ project has been wonderful. To date, $19,950.00 has been received for the project. A large monument will be placed near the corner of Lane and Main Street. The monument will be black marble, with the seal of the United States engraved, and wording that recognizes those from our community that have served our nation. The monument will be 56”x 96’ (8 feet) and 10 inches thick. The Black marble will rest on a polished base. The monument and a flag pole will be lighted, and a bench and shrubbery will complete the site. The marble for the monument has been ordered, and it will take 2-3 month to have it delivered the organizing committee has been spearheaded by Jim Findley and Bruce Coleman. Contributions have been received from business, industries and generous individuals and families.

The committee plans to have the monument in place and ready for dedication in time for the Heritage Festival in September, 2008. The idea of having a suitable monument for patriots, originated with Jim Findley back in May, 2007. It began as a dream, and reality is that others in our community and those from afar have responded with so much generosity. Any money that is received that exceeds the cost of the monument site will be held for the future upkeep and maintenance of the monument.  

Hudson Food Pantry

The Hudson Ministerial Association operates the Food pantry, which is located on Mechanic St., next to Sacred Heart Church. The pantry is intended for families and individuals that live within the boundaries of the Hudson Area schools. The pantry is open on Tuesday and Thursdays, 11-1, and is entirely a volunteer organization.

In 2007, the various churches, businesses, and individuals were especially generous in donating food, sundry items and money to support the pantry operation. In addition, the pantry has a solid core of very dedicated volunteer workers coordinate and maintain the pantry. 

There are some items that are always in short supply and are regularly needed. Items such as sugar, canned fruit, tooth paste, tuna, catsup, mustard, canned gravy, and pancake syrup. Hygiene products are always in short supply, such as bar soap, shampoo, shaving cream. Perhaps you travel a bit and collect soaps, shampoo and coffee at motels and hotels, we can use them as well. While the community has been very giving this past year, the needs are continuing to grow. More families and individuals seek assistance on an ongoing basis. Please consider helping.  

Web Sites

New web sites are constantly coming online, but here are a few that may be of interest to you.  Questions concerning federal government benefits can be answered at www.govtbenefits.com . Information concerning medical services, price comparisons can be obtained thru www.carol.com , this is a fairly new site, and is still under construction.

For real estate information, including information on specific properties nationwide and property values can be researched at www.zillow.com this is a really fun site, and providing excellent information to property owners and those planning to purchase real estate. You can look up property that you formerly owned the house down the street, or one that you may be interested in purchasing.

For those seeking information concerning state government, the various programs that are offered by the state, and for information concerning each branch of state government, the starting point is www.michigan.gov. This would be the site that can provide various information, from employment opportunities, housing and the prevention of foreclosures, information concerning parks, hunting, and tourism. For information concerning highways, roads, and bridges, then the Michigan site is www.michigan.gov/mdot, this will bring you to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

And finally, for local information concerning Hudson, the City web site is www.hudsonmich.com.

Going Digital-TV

In February 2009, All TV broadcasting stations will convert from analog to full digital broadcasting. Those that have cable or satellite services will not need to do anything. The conversion will be seamless, and a clearer and sharper picture is expected with Digital. Those that rely on an outside antenna or even rabbit ears, your TV will require a converter box for each TV set, or you can purchase a digital model TV. To help with the cost of purchasing converter boxes, the federal government will provide up to 2 coupons to help pay for converter boxes.

All of the details on the Digital conversion and how it will affect you can be obtained at www.dtv2009@gov. At this site, you can order coupons, which will begin being mailed out this spring. Even if you subscribe to cable or satellite paid services, you still may want to learn more about the conversion, and how it will affect TV reception.  

Hudson Thriller’s Book Club

A book club for adults interested in reading mysteries and other fiction will hold its next meeting on Thursday, February 21st at 7pm. The club meets at Lydia’s Book store, located at 114 N. Market Street in Hudson. The next book club selection is The Bone Garden, by Tess Gerritsen.

Future meetings will be held on:

February 21st. - The Bone Garden, by Tess Gerritsen

March 20th     - Ice Run -Steve Hamilton, a Michigan author
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