From the City's Community Affairs Department...

The Troy Public Library web site now includes an on-demand video service called “MyLibraryDV” with more than 600 movies and television shows available to “checkout” by downloading them right to your computer.   

“Your library card now gives your computer access not only to classic movies, literature and documentaries, but also to ‘how-to’s’ on topics such as travel, food, and health,” Library Director Cathy Russ said.  “You can find an episode of ‘Today’s Homeowner,’ for example, to see how to finish up that flooring project before the holidays.”

The “MyLibraryDV” downloads up to 10 programs at any one time to be viewed at the user’s leisure over a seven-day checkout period.

“You’ll find favorites such as the ‘Antiques Roadshow’ and ‘Rick Steve’s European Travel’ series,” Russ said.  “There’s also a great lineup of classics including ‘The Great Train Robbery,’ ‘House on Haunted Hill,’ and ‘Thief of Baghdad.’  And you can watch any of these on your big screen television by connecting your computer to it.”

The program can be accessed at www.libcoop.net/troy by clicking on the “MyLibraryDV” logo.  To get started, users must first download a file-transfer program to securely download MyLibrary DV files.  The program only needs to be installed one time and the site offers step-by-step instructions for downloading the movies and television shows. 

From SOCRRA...

Effective December 15, 2007, you can recycle so much more!  SOCRRA is adding several new items to those already accepted at the MRF Recycling Drop-off Center at 995 Coolidge (between 14 & 15 Mile Roads – right across from Meijer).  Please remember that these new items cannot be placed in your curbside bin, but can be brought to the Drop-off Center for recycling!

For more information go to... http://www.socrra.org/pdf/Press%20Release%20-%20December%202007.pdf

From the City's Community Affairs Department...

‘Tis the season for the City of Troy's Department of Public Works to gear up to tackle the challenge of minimizing snow and ice hazards throughout Troy.

According to Tim Richnak, Public Works Director, the City’s snow and ice control procedure is the basis for enabling his team to take on the task. 

"The Department of Public Works is responsible for clearing over 360 miles of roads in Troy -- the same distance as driving from Detroit to Sault Ste. Marie," Richnak said.  "The City’s procedure provides the basis for managing our snow and ice control operation in both an effective and fiscally responsible manner."

The procedure for the City of Troy is based on the following:

· First Priority - Major City and County Roads

· Second Priority - City Industrial Roads

· Third Priority - School Entry Roads

After those roads are cleared, plowing operations on local/subdivision streets are initiated only when snow accumulates to more than four inches on a paved surface. 

"After a snowstorm passes, it takes crews at least 24 hours to clear the local streets of a four-inch snow fall," Richnak said.  "For snowfalls of less than 4 inches, the City salts and sands hills, intersections and curves, as needed."

The City also rotates which local neighborhood roads get plowed first.

"If your section was plowed early in the most recent snow storm, then it may be near the end of the plowing operation for the next one," Richnak said.  "As always, we appreciate your patience during winter storms and your help in supporting us as we clear roadways.  It really is a team effort."

Residents and businesses are responsible for clearing their own driveways, sidewalks and privately owned parking lot areas (i.e. lots at apartment complexes and shopping centers).

What can residents do to assist the plow crews in keeping the streets clear?  The following can help maintain clearer streets in winter:

· Don't park on the street after a snowstorm.

· Don't shovel/blow snow from driveways and sidewalks back onto the streets because it creates dangerous ice patches.

· Clear the lump of snow at the end of your driveway (but not back into the street).

· Keep fire hydrants in front of your property clear of snow and ice.

· When driving, give salt trucks extra room.

· Beware of approaching snowplows as snow can be thrown and may contain rocks or road debris.

· Allow for extra driving time in inclement weather.

· Be a good neighbor and lend a hand to those in need!

Questions about the snow removal procedures can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 248.524.3392.