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

 

December 2010

           

            Before I get into the topics for this edition I wanted to comment on a call I received from a Village resident. Not the actual conversation but the fact that it originated FROM A CELL PHONE IN A HOUSE IN THE VILLAGE OF LAKE LINDEN!      As I am sure everyone knows by now, cell phone reception in town is a reality. Unfortunately, for the time being, it is only for AT & T customers. But the fact that the service is on-line makes me feel that the Verizon service is probably only a winter away. My information is that Verizon has lease space on the new tower and will also be on-line in the near future. If you have heard this before at least now you know that it can happen.

Lake Linden Campground for July 4th, 2011:  There will be no advanced reservations for 4th of July camping on January 3rd. Please DO NOT come to the Village Hall on Monday, January 3rd for reservation cards! A review of current procedures is being conducted by the Village Council and a new procedure will be determined at the regular meeting at 6:30pm on Thursday, January 13th. If you have any questions please contact the Village Clerk’s office. 

Wood-burning stove:  Many of our residents have heard about the issue of an outside wood-burning stove in the village.   The concern is with smoky emissions from the stove that cause personal irritation to nearby residents. The Village Council and the President are also very concerned about this issue and are diligently working to reach a short term and a longer term solution. The village and many residents are supportive of the new De La Terre Bistro but are equally committed to eliminating the smoke from their community. The leadership of the village is also committed to these goals. 

Police Department Millage Request:  As most everyone knows by now the question on the November ballot for an additional police millage for the Village was defeated. Though the vote was actually a tie since a majority of voters did not pass the measure, the change cannot be implemented. Turnout for the election was very good as voters had a number of important issues (local, regional and national) to decide. While there has been no decision on whether or not to hold another millage election in the spring, the Village Council will continue to try to find ways to increase revenue and hold expenses down as much as possible.

The only way for municipalities to significantly increase general fund revenue is to ask its residents for a raise (millage vote). This is as it should be as the residents are the ones who benefit from the services provided. However, in these times of burgeoning expenses, it becomes increasingly more difficult to find ways to balance already-stressed budgets, which in the best of times survive on razor-thin margins. The Council has renewed its resolve to continue providing all essential Village services at current levels to our residents. But fiscal conditions for the coming year for Michigan municipalities present very stark realities. As the nation and particularly the state, from whom the Village gets more than 85% of our revenue, continue to struggle, these fiscal problems trickle down to cities, towns and villages and will not get better in the near future.

I can assure residents that the Village Council has not taken for granted that the request for millage would be successful or that the additional revenue is forthcoming. Measures have been taken to curtail discretionary spending and through this fiscal year (end of February) the general fund budget will be balanced. We, like everyone else, are awaiting whatever measures the State will take to close its budget deficit.

Water Rates for January:  In order to balance the water fund budget, a water rate increase has been approved by the Village Council, effective on the January 1st billing. The base rates and the rate charged per thousand gallons will be as follows:

 

Resident Rate            s                                   Non-resident Rates

Current base rate:                    $33.25                                                 $41.25

New base rate:                                    $34.25                                                 $42.50

Current 1000/Gal. rate:           $  3.80                                                 $  4.70

New 1000/gal rate:                  $  3.90                                                 $  4.85

 

For an average two-month water bill (approximately 6000 gallons) the increase would be $1.20 per billing for residents and $1.55 for non-residents. If you have questions regarding this increase please contact the Village Clerk’s office.

Michigan Tech 2011 Mini-Baja:  The extremely-popular MTU Mini-Baja will be held on Saturday, February 19th. Last year’s extended track added some extra excitement for those in attendance. This year, more teams from around the country are expected to compete and also participate in the super-popular Big Air Competition. Look for times and details for the event on our website, posters around the community and in radio advertising up through the date of the event. If you have never attended, see a video of last year’s races at the following link:   http://www.doe.mtu.edu/slides/  Ladies and gentlemen start your engines!

Village Council Meeting Dates:  The Lake Linden Village Council will meet on the following dates in 2011. All meetings are scheduled on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30pm and are to be held at the Lake Linden Village Hall.

 

EPA GLRI Grant project:  The EPA grant to pave our two main parking areas in the park is under way with final parking layouts under review. It is planned to have asphalt paving in the area by the beach and in the larger area by the main park.    An ice skating area in the winter and a skateboarding area in the summer are also part of village plans. The work is being directed by OHM-Hitch in coordination with village staff. It is anticipated that paving will be completed by early summer.

Ice Rink in the Park: We are looking for volunteers to man the ice rink this winter. The guys have been flooding but I’m afraid some very warm weather over New Year’s and next week may put it on hold for awhile. If you are interested in helping out when it does get started please give me a call at the Village Clerk’s office at 296-9911 or email at vll@lakelinden.net.

Events at the little Gem: This January there will be a series of events held at the Little Gem Theatre in the E-Center on Calumet Street. Every Tuesday is movie night. The cost is $5 and movies will be announced on the marquee. On Friday, January 14th, there will be Karaoke with music by Jams By John ($10 cover). On Friday, January 21st, Jazz In January will be held from 8-12pm with music by various local artists. More events and activities will be announced throughout the coming year so please check our website for an updated calendar.

We hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!

 

 

 

 

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