📢 Petition Update #2: Standing Together for the Mill Pond

Dear Supporters,

Thank you for your continued dedication to preserving Stiffs Mill Pond. Here is the latest on our collective efforts:

🏛️ Village Leadership and Dam Committee Progress:

• Village President April Brandon is finalizing selections for the Dam Committee. These recommendations will be presented at the next regular board meeting on June 24th.
• President Brandon emphasizes that the Village is committed to addressing these issues and recognizes that this situation was unexpectedly thrust upon them, just as it was for us.
• The Village has submitted permits for the Mill Pond drawdown starting June 9th, at a depth of 6 feet, as mandated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This exceeds the 4-foot depth previously discussed in our informational meeting on May 27th. The Village stresses that this action is taken under duress due to EGLE's enforcement threats.

🔗 Learn more about EGLE’s role under Part 315, Dam Safety

📞 State Representative Engagement

• A recent conversation with a spokesperson from Representative Mike Mueller's office revealed that they are aware of the concerns from both Holly and Rose Township residents. Given that the Shiawassee River runs through his district, Rep. Mueller is looking into the situation.

⏳ Request for Time to Act

• We seek additional time to fundraise, conduct surveys, and advocate for our community. The current pressure from the State of Michigan places us in a challenging position. We believe we deserve the opportunity to explore alternatives.
• Our goal is to ensure safety by addressing the spillway and stoppage dam issues, in line with Michigan's Part 315 Dam Safety regulations.

🌿 Commitment to a Healthy Ecosystem

• Our vision includes a safe and thriving ecosystem for both residents and wildlife. We aim to balance environmental health with community needs.

☀️ Utilizing Summer for Advocacy

• The summer months are crucial for us to showcase the area's significance and advocate for its preservation. We believe this period is essential for raising awareness and garnering support.

🏛️ Seeking County and State Support

• We have yet to receive a response from Commissioner Bob Hoffman regarding his support for this petition or assistance in placing this matter on Oakland County's agenda.
• We also seek Governor Gretchen Whitmer's intervention to help us navigate this complex situation.
• We respectfully request a delay of the drawdown until at least Labor Day, allowing residents and officials who have only recently become aware of the issue to take appropriate action.

🤝 Community Solidarity

We are heartened by the community's response. It's inspiring to see residents from various areas come together, speak up, and advocate for our shared interests.
 
📣 Call to Action: Make Your Voice Heard

Time is of the essence. If each supporter contacts even just two officials, the collective impact could be monumental. Below are the contact details for key officials:

📬 Contact Information for Key Officials

State and Local Officials:

Rep. Mike Mueller (District 72)

📧 Email: MikeMueller@house.mi.gov
📞 Phone: (517) 373-0840

Governor Gretchen Whitmer

📧 Contact Form: michigan.gov/whitmer/contact
📞 Phone: (517) 335-7858

Commissioner Bob Hoffman (Oakland County, District 7)

📧 Email: hoffm2521@comcast.net
📞 Phone: (248) 363-0340

Commissioner David T. Woodward (Oakland County, District 1)

📧 Email: boc@oakgov.com
📞 Phone: (248) 858-0100

Attorney General Dana Nessel

📧 Email: miag@michigan.gov
📞 Phone: (517) 335-7622

Federal Officials:

Senator Elissa Slotkin

📧 Contact Form: slotkin.senate.gov/contact-your-senator
📞 Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 224-4822
📞 Detroit Office: (313) 961-4330

Senator Gary Peters

📧 Contact Form: peters.senate.gov/contact/email-gary
📞 Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 224-6221
📞 Detroit Office: (313) 226-6020

Senator Ruth Johnson (Michigan's 24th Senate District)

📧 Email: SenRJohnson@senate.michigan.gov
📞 Phone: (517) 373-1636
 
🗣️ Sample Message for Email or Phone Call
“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a resident concerned about the sudden mandated drawdown of the Mill Pond. We’re asking for more time — at least until Labor Day — to fundraise, explore alternatives, and organize community input. This affects multiple townships, and many residents only just learned about it in the last month. Please help us delay this action so that we can work together toward a safe, sustainable solution for everyone involved.”

Even a short message can make a big difference — thank you for standing with us.