11 November 2009 Gem Lake News - Laserfiche WebLink

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November, 2009 Volume 3, Issue 11 Gem Lake News Special Interest Articles: • Haven Lane Dries Out • New City Ordinances – See Page 4 • Reduce Strangers on Your Doorstep • Remembrances: Thanksgivings Of the Past Upcoming Recycling Dates: November 18 December 2 December 16 December 30 Gretchen Artig-Swomley, Newsletter Editor The Gem Lake City Council recently allocated funds to install a new storm sewer at the end of Haven Lane. After assessing the request, the council deemed the project to be essential. “For well over a decade, the neighbors at the end of the Haven Lane cul-de-sac have endured the results of a failed sewer system,” says Mayor Bob Uzpen. Unable to handle large volumes of water, heavy rains would flood the cul-de- sac. Repeatedly, adjacent driveways would be left with standing storm water, New Storm Sewer Designed for Haven Lane If You Like Strangers Knocking on Your Door—Don’t Read This… Gem Lake now has an ordinance specifically designed to regulate door-to-door sales people who knock at your door from time to time. City Ordinance #111 requires that peddlers of for-profit merchandise have to be licensed by the city. Certain organizations engaged in religious, social or political canvassing are exempt from licensing. However, as a property owner you can post an appropriate sign on your property denying entry to all peddlers, canvassers, solicitors, etc. This will allow law enforcement personnel to more sometimes up to a nearby garage door. Gem Lake Planning Commission member Beth Herzog volunteered to coordinate the project, thus saving the city money on management costs. Due to the slow economy, Gem Lake obtained additional savings from very competitive contractor bids. “We are very grateful that Beth volunteered her time and expertise for this important project,” added Bob Uzpen. After reviewing bids, the easily follow through in the case of nuisance visitors, trespassers and strangers who are just making you uncomfortable. For best results, the sign must follow guidelines spelled out in the ordinance. For instance, the sign must be at least four inches long, at least four inches wide, it must have at least 48 point size and it must have language that clearly states your intention. An example is “No Peddlers, Solicitors, or Transient Merchants Allowed.” Please feel free to give the Gem Lake City office a call for more information. City awarded the contract to Commercial Utilities Co. Beth anticipates that the Haven Lane project will be completed in early December, depending upon the weather.