Village Voice

Village of Lake Linden Newsletter

Edward R. Fisher, President                                                                                                                                 Phone: (906) 296-9911

Robert A. Poirier, Clerk                                                                                                                                                Fax: (906) 296-1044

Jill DuMonthier, Treasurer                                                                                                                               E-mail: vll@ lakelinden.net                                                                                                                                                                                    Web: www.lakelinden.net

 

SPECIAL EDITION, SPRING 2010

 

            This newsletter edition is being sent to address issues of concern brought up by the Council and some of our residents. As many already know, we have been without a Chief of Police for the past several weeks. Because of circumstances beyond the control of the Village Council we were unable to address this issue before now. But at its regular meeting on May 13th, the Council initiated the process of filling the Chief’s position. We continue to have two part-time officers that have been working extra hours and will continue to do so until the new Chief is brought up to speed and we hope to have a full complement of officers as we head into the summer months.

            As we go through this process we would like to assure residents that we will be enforcing our ordinances and following up on reports of problems throughout our community. The Michigan State Police and Houghton County Sheriff’s Department are both aware that the Village department is currently under-staffed and have been extremely diligent in patrolling and responding to resident’s concerns. It is appreciated and appropriate that residents continue to report problems they witness so that all three departments can follow up on these complaints.

            The following areas will be specifically addressed in the coming weeks as they continue to be problems and have solicited the most resident attention.

               4-Wheelers and Dirt bikes (Uniform Traffic Code, Series 11000, Chapter 11001; Nuisances, Series 14000, Chapter 14001.): Operators of dirt bikes and 4-wheelers within the village are subject to tickets for violation of the Uniform Traffic Code. Violations such as travelling in excess of 25 mph, riding without a helmet, underage operators, etc. can be fined under the Village Ordinance Code in addition to the traffic code. Also, violations of the Nuisance Ordinance (operating a motor vehicle after 10pm, before 7am, or having modified exhaust systems so as to cause excess noise during the day) are subject to fines up to $500.
               Motor Vehicles on the Village Sands (Parks, Series 3000, Chapter 3001):  ANY motor vehicles found to be in the Village Park on the nature trail WILL BE cited for a violation under this ordinance. Not only are vehicles prohibited on the nature trail but they present a danger to pedestrians and cyclists using the trail.

Village Park vandalism:  One of the great features of our community is the Village Park. The park has facilities for people of all ages and the village expends a lot of resources to keep the park clean, groomed and in good condition. At this time of year we always see an increased frequency of vandalism. We ask that if you see someone abusing park properties that you report it as soon as possible. If you catch someone “in the act” you can call 911 to report the incident. If there is a Village police officer on duty he will be dispatched immediately and if not one of the other agencies will get the message through the system. If it is during the day please report the incident and offenders to the clerk’s office. In addition to fines and/or criminal charges for such incidents, violators can be prohibited from entering the park in the future. Even though the park is publicly owned, the Village can prohibit access for violators and these people can be charged with trespassing on Village property if they enter the park again.

Burning Ordinance (Open Fires, Series 9000, Chapter 9028):  The burning of yard waste (leaves, branches, etc.) within the Village is prohibited. The burning of any garbage other than wood in small amounts in a screened container is prohibited. If residents are witnessed violating this ordinance provision please report it to the Village Clerk’s office. The residents will be cited and subject to a fine of up to $500. If a Village representative witnesses the violation the person will be cited and fined.

Speed limit enforcement:  The speed limit on all Village streets is 25 miles per hour. Enforcement will be vigorous while Village Police are on patrol, but residents can pay special attention to their own speed, especially during school day start (7:30 to 8:30 am) and school day end (2:45 to 3:45 pm.).

Cleaning up after and controlling pets (Animals, Series 9000, Chapter 9011):   If animals are found to be running loose in the Village, you can contact the Sheriff’s Dept Animal Control officer. If you are out walking your pet please clean up after it. You can be cited for failure to do so.  Take a plastic bag with you. There are several garbage cans along Calumet Street and your pets’ waste can be deposited on your way. Doggie bags are available at no charge at the Village Clerk’s office, which is also along your way.

Pets must be leashed at all times (cats are pets!). Pets in the Village park must be leashed at all times. The only difference is that in the park you are subject to fines under two ordinances.

 

 


PLEASE REPORT INCIDENTS OF VANDALISM OR SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR IN THE VILLAGE TO 9-1-1.

It is the fastest way to get help dispatched as soon as possible. Supply as much information as you can so that the problem can be investigated as thoroughly as possible.

 


PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS YEAR THE ACTIVITIES FOR THE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION ARE ALL MOVED UP ONE DAY.
The parade is typically not held on Sunday morning and so the events are all changed accordingly. The fireworks and music in the park will be on Friday evening, the parade at 9:30 am on Saturday, July 3rd and all the games and park activities will be held on Saturday.  The Lions Club pancake breakfast will be moved to Saturday too, as will the bike parade.

 
 

DONATIONS FOR THE 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION ARE STILL BEING SOUGHT BY THE LAKE LINDEN FIRE DEPARTMENT. COSTS TO HOST THESE EVENTS CONTINUE TO RISE AND YOUR SUPPORT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Please send donations to:      Lake Linden VFD
                                                   401 Calumet Street
                                                          Lake Linden, MI 49945
 
 
_________________________________                          ________________________________
Robert A. Poirier, Clerk                                                     Edward R. Fisher, President

 

 

 

 

[Posted on the website of the Village of Lake Linden]