FYI Visitors!
June 24, 2008
HARBOR SPRINGS REMINDERS
Keep Your Pets Under Control
We annually try to remind you that Harbor Springs does have a leash law, and you have an obligation to pick up after your dogs messes.
The leash law basically says confine your dog to your own yard - either with an electronic fence, a chain or rope, or by awfully good training. If your dog, no matter how friendly you know it is, can run out to a pedestrian passing by on a sidewalk or in the street, you are in violation of the law. You see, the pedestrian does not know your dog, or may be walking a dog on a leash, and it is not right (or legal) that your dog can run up and cause a commotion. Dogs left outside that are constantly barking at anything, everything and even nothing are also a problem, not to mention rude to your neighborhood. I know we’re “up north,” but we’re not out in the wilds.
We also have a law that says you must pick up what your dog leaves behind, unless it’s on your own property, in which case you are welcome to step in it. But when you take “Fido” for a walk, bring a baggie (size optional) which can be turned inside out to pick up the mess and then deposit it properly in a garbage can. On the waterfront, at Zoll Street and up by the Ball Diamonds, we have supplied “Mutt Mitts”, a very sophisticated baggie designed with that one purpose in mind. Please help us all out!
Ford Park Launch Ramp Fees
Effective Now thru Labor Day
Launching a boat at the Ford Park Launch Ramp will again require a daily permit or a seasonal permit. For the daily fee, there will be envelopes available at the deposit box. If you want a seasonal pass, one can be obtained at City Hall during regular business hours after. The daily fee is $5; the seasonal fee is $25 or $50. Commercial Users of the Launch Ramp who plan to either launch boats or deliver personal watercraft should contact the City Manager.
We also would remind you to carefully read all the parking restrictions where you park at Ford Park, and you should be reminded that there is no parking on the grass areas.
You should also be aware that on weekends again this summer, the City will have an attendant on duty to keep the ramp operating in an efficient and fair manner. We continue to receive a lot of positive feedback on this program.
Know the Laws On
Alcohol Use
With so many visitors to the area, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind visitors, as well as our own summer residents, of several very important state and local laws regarding the use of alcohol.
The minimum age for drinking in the State of Michigan is 21 years of age. There are no exceptions to this law. You should also be aware that open alcoholic containers in vehicles are prohibited while driving, for both the driver and passengers alike.
In the City of Harbor Springs, use of alcoholic beverages on sidewalks, streets or public property is prohibited. This includes all City parks. Possession of open alcoholic containers in these same public areas is also prohibited.
We want everyone to enjoy a safe and fun summer, so your cooperation is appreciated.
Watch the Parking Signs
As you of course know, parking in the downtown area of Harbor Springs is at a premium during the summer season. Please check for any parking restrictions that may be on signs in the location you are parking. You may be ticketed if you are in violation of the posted restrictions.
General State of Michigan traffic code regulations are also in effect. So don’t block a fire hydrant, a driveway, or park where curbs are painted yellow. You may be ticketed and possibly have your vehicle towed away.
The City was able to negotiate a lease with Holy Childhood Church to use the former Parish Hall site as a parking area. There will be no time restrictions during the day, so feel free to use this parking area, entering from West Third Street. There will be “No Overnight Parking” however.
If you have questions on parking regulations, please feel free to ask a Police Officer or call the Police Department at 526-6211. Enforcement of parking regulations creates “vehicle turnover”, so everyone has a chance to enjoy the shopping, dining and entertainment experiences downtown.
Garbage Collection Day Can Be Messy
Tuesday is the primary day for pick-up of both garbage and re-cyclables in Harbor Springs. If you are a regular “weekend” resident, and go back home on Sunday afternoon or evening, please ask your neighbor who may be here all week to put your recycle container or garbage can(s) back by your house or on your porch.
Waste Management and Little Traverse Disposal have residential pick-up on Tuesdays, so it would be even more helpful if residents used a garbage can to place their yellow bags out by the curb. Unfortunately birds, dogs or other animals have a tendency to tear the bags open before the pick-up occurs, and with the date moved back to Tuesday, this could become a growing problem. Hopefully you have a neighbor who would help you by moving the container back to your house or porch, or hopefully you can be the good neighbor who helps out. But please be aware that you are responsible for the mess created by garbage that is thrown about by animals getting into bags. The City can charge you for any clean-up that may be needed because of a garbage mess.
Keep Harbor Springs beautiful!!
Garage Sales in the City Require a Permit
The City has set limitations on garage sales in the City, in order to keep those “permanent” garage sales that you sometimes see out. A location is limited to no more than two (2) three-day sales per year, and a permit is required. The permit does not cost you anything and can be picked up at the Police Department, 170 Zoll Street, during regular business hours. The permit application tells you the limits on signs also, and it can cost you if you leave one of them up when the sale is over.
City Offers Automatic Debit
for Utility Bills
The City of Harbor Springs offers an automatic debit service from your bank account to pay for City of Harbor Springs utility bills. Customers who have electric, water and/or sewer accounts with the City can sign up to have their monthly payment automatically deducted from a bank account.
A number of customers have already signed up for this service, and it has been working very well.
Customers are welcome to come into City Hall, at 160 Zoll Street, to fill out an Authorization Agreement in order to initiate this service. Customers must have their Bank Name, Routing Number (found on a check) as well as their Account Number at that bank.
Customers can also request that an Authorization form be sent to them by calling City Hall at 526-2104. Customers would then need to return the form to City Hall in person before it can take effect.
Camping Prohibited on City Property
Pursuant to Chapter 30, Section 30.104 of the City Code of the City of Harbor Springs, and in order to preserve, promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, the City Manager of Harbor Springs hereby prohibits camping (whether in a tent, a recreational vehicle, any vehicle, or in open air) on any City-owned property from January 1st to December 31st of each year; provided that with the express prior approval of the City Manager, a group or organization may be granted a camping permit for a special event.
Time to Keep Lawns Mowed
City Code requires that you cut your lawn at least once a month from now through September, OR when your grass or weeds exceed 12 inches in height.
On a weekly basis, we will be looking around town for tall grass or weeds, and you can be issued a violation notice. The City Code requires that a property owner/occupant be given three (3) days notice of a violation. If the grass and/or weeds are not cut within those three (3) days, the City can without further notice come in, cut the lawn or weeds, and bill the cost to the property owner. It will cost you substantially MORE if the City has to mow your lawn. We will appreciate your cooperation.
Construction Work Limited On
Public Rights-of-Way
June 15-Labor Day
During the peak season of June 15th to Labor Day, the City limits construction and repair activities in the City rights-of-way.
This policy, adopted by Ordinance, came about as a result of concerns that downtown sidewalks were being obstructed or closed during the busiest part of the summer season, at a time when many merchants do a majority of their business. This ordinance does not prohibit continuing construction on private property, but only limits work done in the right-of-way, which includes sidewalks and streets.
Any work done within the public right-of-way or a temporary closure of a street or sidewalk does require City approval. Emergency repairs by the City or other utilities can be performed as needed however.
For Police, Fire or Ambulance Emergencies, dial 9-1-1
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