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For those of you who do not want to read through the extra information provided by the electronic newsletter, here is the paper newsletter.
 
 
 
   CRWC
   Recycling
   Tax Time
    
  
         
             
   
      
 
 
 
   
 
 Contact Sylvan Lake
 
City Hall Address
1820 Inverness
Sylvan Lake, MI 48320
 
City Hall Phone:
248-682-1440
 
Fax:
248-682-7721
 
Email City Hall
Click here to email City Hall
Welcome To The Sylvan Lake Spotlight
 
Forward this E-Newsletter to your friends!
 
WELCOME TO OUR 
SPOTLIGHT ON THE COMMUNITY!
 
We want and need your input.  It is very important to help keep our newsletter different and exciting each month.
 
Would you like to let your neighbors know more about what your committee is up to?  Or maybe you have news and information you would like to share, such as family announcements, recipes, decorating ideas, or crafts.  We invite you to submit content that you think your neighbors will want to know about.   We will include information as space allows.  All submissions must follow the Newsletter Guidelines for Outside Submissions at the end of this newsletter.  
 
Please encourage neighbors who have not signed up for this newsletter to do so.  While those not on our email list will receive a print version of the newsletter, it will be in black and white, only contain basic information, and they will not receive our reminders and updates.
 
And don't forget to visit the Sylvan lake Website.
 
-- John Martin, City Manager
 
We need your photographs!
 
If you have any photos related to the City that you would like to share, please forward them following the guidelines in this newsletter.  The photos can be from a special event, sunset, or just a "nature" photo. Click on  "Newsletter Guidelines for Outside Submissions" above to see how to do it. 
 
 
 

The Oakland County Boat Club hopes everyone enjoyed the fireworks! Many thanks to the "proud supporters" which allowed them to present this event.  Anyone that still has a sign and wishes to return it may do so at the Boat Club.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Community Events 
 
Home And Garden Tour Recap
The 2007 Home and Garden Tour was such a huge success that we are confident it will be repeated in 2008.  Some big plans are in the works, such as a new chairperson (to be announced later) taking over, and we need all of the help we can get.  There will be Home & Garden Committee members at the Ice Cream Social/60th Anniversary event on August 16th to answer any questions and sign up new volunteers.  It is a lot of fun and a great way to actively participate in the community.  We welcome your comments and suggestions.  Look for more updates in future newsletters.
 
Thank you to all of our generous home and garden owners and all of the people who volunteered their time and efforts.  The whole city came alive and looked amazing.  Even the weather cooperated!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Ice Cream Social
The Annual Ice Cream Social will be a three part celebration this year!  Set aside Thursday, August 16th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. for a great time at the Community Center.  In addition to the Sylvan Lake Garden Club Ice Cream Social, the City will celebrate its 60th anniversary as a city, and will say farewell to the Community Center.

Bring your family and friends and enjoy ice cream and cake for $1.00 a plate.  Beverages are available for 50 cents to $1.00.  Anyone who can donate a cake or dip ice cream should call Lisa Brownlee at 248-681-3875.

The City of Sylvan Lake is 60 years old this year and we are taking this time to celebrate its birthday.  The city will honor those who have lived in Sylvan Lake for 60 years or more.  Please contact Helen Jane Peters if you have lived in Sylvan Lake for 60 years or more.  Also, please call her if you have pictures or stories about Sylvan Lake from the "early days" until the present.  Her phone number is 248-681-9568.

We will also have a short program to say good bye to the Community Center. This is the last event to be held at the Community Center before it is razed for the new Community Center.  The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society will be present with pictures and historical  articles about Sylvan Lake. Last year this was a very popular display.
 
There are other plans and activities that are in the works that should be fun for everyone.  Keep in mind that the seating is limited, so you might want to bring your own chairs or blankets.
 
Community Center Demolition
The Community Center will be demolished soon, and some residents have expressed a desire to retrieve certain mementos out of the Community Center.  If there is anything you want, you must submit a written request to City Hall.  The request must have the name of the item or items, and it must have your name and phone number.  Items will be given at a first come-first serve basis.  All requests must be submitted by August 15th.
 
Community Center Rental Committee
City Council is looking for individuals interested in being on a committee to discuss administration of the rules and regulations for the new Community Center once it is up and running.  They will be discussing such things as how it should be rented, renting to non-residents, cost scale for different events, advertising, cleanup, smoking policy, alcohol policy, etc. If you are interested, please send a letter of qualification to City Hall.
 
Clinton River Trail 
Use of the Clinton River trail is increasing.  It's great to see so many people enjoying it.  Mike Schwanitz continues to volunteer his time patrolling the trail from Orchard Lake Road to Inverness picking up trash and making sure everything is OK.  If someone would like to help Mike by policing another part of the trail, that would be great!  Please call City Hall if you are interested. 
Sharon Hughes continues to lead a planting program on the trail near Pontiac Drive.  She would appreciate help planting and maintaining the area.s   If you have something you would like to donate, please call Sharon at 248-681-5557, or email her at Slynnhughes@netzero.net.
 
Trail Meeting
If anyone is interested in giving or receiving feedback about the trail, there will be a meeting at the trail by City Hall on Thursday, August 23rd, at 6:00 p.m.
  
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 News/Announcements 
 
Tax Time!!
Tax bills have been mailed, so if you don't receive yours within two weeks, please call City Hall.  Summer taxes are due and payable July 1st through September 14th, 2007 at City Hall or by mail.  Again this year, residents will have another option to pay their taxes by credit card (Visa or Mastercard).  Via internet only, Oakland County will be processing these payments.  Instructions will be on the back of your tax bill.  A link is set up on our website.  You will need your parcel I.D. #, property address, and the Code # from the front of your tax bill.  You will be charged a convenience fee based upon the amount of your tax.  For those who do not have internet access, City Hall will access it for you.  Call City Hall if you have any further questions.  

Why has your tax increased?  Remember the tax shift of the County tax collection.  100% of the County operating taxes is now on your summer tax bill.  Your winter bill will be very small with only County Parks & Rec and HCMA (Huron Clinton Metro Authority).  We are working with them to change this small portion to the summer also.  Hopefully in 2008, you will only have one tax bill.
 
Water Bills
Your water bills have been sent out.  During the summer billing periods we discount your sewage usage based on what you used over the winter.  This allows you to water your lawn and/or flowers.  So if you used 5,000 gallons during the winter (average) and now you are using 25,000 gallons for this period, you will be charged for the 25,000 gallons of water used, but only for 5,000 gallons of sewer.
 
DTE Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing and Site Plan Review
Watch the Newsletter for dates when these hearings are to be held in Sylvan Lake and Bloomfield Township.  DTE is proposing to construct additional parking bays in the rear of their property.  The DTE property is split between Bloomfield Township and Sylvan Lake.  In order to construct the parking bays, DTE needs Zoning Board of Appeals approval in
Bloomfield Township, and Site Plan Review and special use approval in Sylvan Lake. 
 
There have been several complaints about the increase in heavy truck traffic and overall use of the property over the past several months.  
Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing at the Sylvan Lutheran Church at 7:00 p.m. on August 7th to receive public input for proposed zoning text amendments.  The proposed changes are for defining "setback", describing the location of air conditioning units and generators, and the discussion for the improvement, modification, and/or maintenance of certain existing single-family residential non-conforming structures with certain limitations.
 
The regular meeting will immediately follow the public hearing.  On the regular agenda will be the further discussion of the Orchard Lake Road Corridor.
 
City Council Meeting
The City Council meeting will be held on August 8th at the Sylvan Lutheran Church at 7:30 p.m.  Tentative items on the agenda will be the discussion of the road right-of-way policy, park gates, and the boat dock policy.
 
City Council Seat Petitions
There will be two openings for City Council this November.  If you are interested in serving on the City Council for a three-year term, you must have your petition signed and returned to City Hall no later than 4:00 p.m. on August 14th, 2007 (date corrected from last month).  If you would like more information, please contact City Hall.
 
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Police Department
The police department is reminding you again to keep your cars, garages, and homes locked.  Don't leave your keys or valuable items in your car.  Numerous households and cars were not locked up and had items stolen from their cars and garages.  Thank you to our police department who caught the criminals.
 
You may have noticed the new four-wheeler/golf cart.  Magnum Power Sports loaned this vehicle to the city.  This loan program entitles the City to use the four-wheeler for a period of 90 days at which time the vehicle will be returned.  This program will have no cost to the city.  It will be used by the Police, DPW, and Park Ranger.  
 
Pilot Tuition Program 
Families of students entering grades 6, 8, 9, or 10 who do not reside in the district have a new opportunity for their children to attend West Bloomfield Schools through a pilot parent-paid tuition program recently approved by the Board of Education.  Click here to read more.
 
Code Enforcement
There will be violation notices and tickets given to anyone violating the City's ordinances.  This includes common violations such as:
NO VEHICLES ON THE GRASS!!
Do not drive your vehicles into any of the parks to pull out or put in boat lifts, docks, or for any other reason.  This has been a constant problem and ruins the grass and creates ruts.  Failure to comply will result in a citation and the cost being charged to you to repair park property.  It is also the responsibility of the dock holder to inform anyone sharing your space, or a company installing your dock, of this rule. 
 
Bicyclists And Walkers
Please remember when walking to walk on the left side of the street, facing traffic, and bikers should ride on the right side of the street, with traffic.  If you plan on riding your bike or walking at night, please wear reflective clothing so that drivers can see you better. Parents, make sure your children are aware of the laws.  Everyone should stop at all stop signs, including on the trail. 
 
Bicycle Safety Day
The Police Department was pleased with the turnout they had for Bicycle Safety Day on June 23rd.  It was held at City Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  They had 30 children ages two to 12 come to learn the rules for safe bicycling.  The kids also took a ride in the police car and the new four-wheeler.  Two bikes were raffled off at the event and the winners were Meredith Parker and Kelton Lovell.
*The police would like to hear your suggestions on how the program can be improved for next year.  
Park Rangers
The park rangers have begun checking for park tags, sports tags, and stickers on watercraft being launched.  Please respect them and realize they are providing an important service.  They are working very hard with keeping the parks safe and clean for our residents.  Please remember that children 12 years of age or younger are not allowed in the parks unattended.  
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Park Rules
Please keep these rules in mind while enjoying our parks:
  • The boat ramp chain and lock must be securely locked after each use in order to prevent unauthorized use of the boat ramp facility.
  • Docking and/or Mooring of Boats Prohibited:   There will be no docking or mooring of any water craft in those areas where signs are posted.
  • Motorized Vehicles Prohibited: No motorized vehicles of any kind are allowed in any park area except those areas designated for parking with the exception of emergency or city vehicle use as authorized by the City Administration. 
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Rubbish Collection
As you have probably noticed, Richfield Equities start early and are finished early, so make sure your trash is out no later than 7:00 a.m.  You can continue to set out bulk items, but you will need to call the hauler for a special pick-up.
*If you have any items that need to be picked up, please call Richfield Management at 877-609-6753. 
Building Permits
Building permits must be obtained if you are going to do any repairs, remodeling, renovating, building, plumbing, or electrical work on your home.  Always check with City Hall before starting any project.  Permits are also required for any improvements made in the road right-of-way.  A zoning permit is required for fences, driveways, parking areas, etc.
 
Permits are required for a few reasons, safety being the primary reason.  It is very important that work performed in your home meets the current codes and regulations.  Even something as small as adding a circuit to your electrical panel or installing a water heater needs to be inspected.  Both could have disastrous consequences if installed improperly.  If you have a contractor do the work for you, make sure they have pulled the appropriate permits.  Also, part of the permit fee is a bond that is refunded if the work is completed properly and all applicable inspection fees were paid.  We want you to be aware of this so a contractor doesn't’t add this “bond” fee to the cost of your project and then they get the bond refunded to them when it is completed.  If you have questions on how the permit process works, please call City Hall. 
 
 
Recycling
Only 10 percent of Sylvan Lake residents recycle.  Recycling is included as a part of your normal trash collection.  Bins are available at City Hall.  It is not necessary to use their recycling bin.  Your first recycling bin is free, but if you like more, they are $10 each.
  1. You can use a plastic "storage" type container or a cardboard box.
  2. Make sure it is marked RECYCLING so the contents are not disposed with the regular trash.
  3. Newspapers, magazines, and ads should be tied securely with a string or placed in a brown paper bag.
  4. Telephone books do not have to be bundled.
  5. Plastic jugs, bottles, glass bottles, and jars must be washed out.
  6. Only bottles marked with a 1 or 2 on the bottom will be accepted.
  7. Metal cans need to be clean and the label must be removed.
  8. If any recycling is dirty, it will be thrown out with the regular trash.
 
 
Road Right-Of-Way
Rocks, boulders, wood chips, logs, and reflectors are not allowed in the road right-of-way (ROW).  This means that all above-grade rocks (other than gravel) and reflectors that are closer than eight from the edge of the street must be removed.  Any of these items found in the ROW will be picked up by the City.  If the rocks are too large to remove easily, a violation notice will be issued and it will be the responsibility of the homeowner to remove them.
 
 
What is a variance?  Click to read about the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), how the appeal process works, and how the ZBA tries to relieve property owners from ordinances uniquely affecting them.
 
CRWC
The Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) is a non-profit organization to help protect and improve the health of the Clinton River.  The CRWC also wants to assure that the river's natural, economical, and recreational attributes enhance the quality of life for those who are directly affected by it.  The CRWC is made up of four full-time and two part-time staff along with a 15-member board of directors.  They provide programs in areas of watershed management, such as Stream Leaders, Adopt-A-Stream, River Day, and Clinton Clean-Up Programs.  The Clinton River, as some may know, runs through Sylvan Lake.  Click here to learn how the CRWC has such an impact on Sylvan Lake.   
*Consider becoming a CRWC Adopt-A-Stream volunteer!!  There will be a new Adopt-A-Stream Volunteer training class on August 21st, 2007.  Click here to read more if you are interested.
 
 
Clinton River Trail Website
The old railroad that is now a trail that goes through Sylvan Lake is part of the Clinton River Trail system.  For all of you trail users and enthusiasts, the Clinton River Trail's website is full of news and updated features.  It is updated by the Friends of Clinton River Trail (FCRT).  Thanks to John Hensler, and FCRT member, the website is getting better and better.  For any words of appreciation or any suggestions, please contact John at john@sunkenanchor.com
 
  
 
 Special Thanks/Kudos
A big thank you to all of those who supported the fireworks this year.  They were a great display, so let's support it even more next year!
 
  
 Project Updates
 
 
Community Programs 
 
 
 Fur-e-tails Newsletter
A new electronic newsletter for pet lovers, fur-e-tails, has been launched by Sylvan Lake resident Linda Wasche.  Every monthly issue contains information and news covering all topics ranging from pet care and nutrition to the latest in pet products and pet lover events.  For your FREE subscription contact editor-fur-e-tails@oaklandpetfund.org.  All proceeds from fur-e-tails advertising will go to benefit Oakland pet fund, bringing the No-More-Homeless Pets movement to Oakland County. 
 
August Calender Of Events
  •  7th   - Public Hearing and Planning Commission meeting at Sylvan Lutheran Church beginning at 7:00 p.m.
  •  8th   - City Council meeting at the Sylvan Lutheran Church at 7:30 p.m.
  • 14th  - Last day to file petitions for City Council seat, 4:00 p.m.
  • 16th  - Annual Ice Cream Social at the Community Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • 20th  - Water bills due.
  • 23rd  - Trail meeting at the trail by City Hall at 6:00 p.m.  
  • 26th  - City Council Study Session at 7:00 p.m. at the Sylvan Lutheran Church.

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Variances
 
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has the power to grant variances upon appeal, from the strict application of the zoning ordinance.  An appeal may be filed when there is a practical difficulty or hardship preventing the property owner from conforming to the strict letter of the ordinance.  The ZBA will consider the request for a variance and determine whether it may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of the ordinance.
 
The authority of the ZBA is designed to provide relief to a property owner from an ordinance that is uniquely affecting him/her.  The problem the property owner faces must be created by circumstances unique to the property and not shared by surrounding parcels and the problem cannot be self-created.  Typically, the following situations must exist:
  1. The alleged practical difficulty is exceptional and peculiar to the property and generally does not exist throughout the City.  An irregular shaped lot or odd natural characteristics of the land are possible examples of this.
  2. The alleged practical difficulty must be more than a mere inconvenience or need for financial gain or financial savings.
  3. The practical difficulty was not created by an action of the applicant and either existed at the time of the adoption of the requirement from which the variance is requested, or is necessary as the result of governmental action such as road widening.  A self-created hardship is typically not a valid basis for a variance.
  4. The variance is the minimum necessary to permit reasonable use of the land and building for activities permitted in the zoning ordinance.
  5. Justice considering: Public benefits specifically defined by zoning rules, AND individual hardship suffered by not granting variance, AND the rights of affected property owners.
The appellant presents information usually showing that the requested variance:
  • Will not be contrary with the intent and purpose of the zoning ordinance,
  • Will not cause a substantially adverse affect upon adjacent properties,
  • Will relate only to the property under control of the appellant,
  • Will not essentially alter the character of the surrounding area,
  • Will not increase the hazard of fire, flood, or other similar dangers; and
  • Will not increase traffic congestion.
 
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Newsletter Guidelines for Outside Submissions

 

The City of Sylvan Lake welcomes articles, news and updates from members of the community. Such information should be relevant to Sylvan Lake, to its residents and to living in the community.  The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any such information.  All such information will also be edited for style and space. 

 

In submitting information, please follow the guidelines below. 

 Submit your information, preferably in electronic form, to:

 

            Newsletter Editor

            Sylvanlakenewsletter@gmail.com

            248-682-1440

 

1.  Articles and updates
Limit articles, updates and other information to no more than 200 words. Such items must be written from the perspective of an outside objective third party.  We do NOT accept editorials or opinion pieces.  Let readers know where they can go for more information, where appropriate, by including a phone number, email address or website.  Also, be sure to include your contact information in case we have questions.

 

2.  News releases
We welcome news releases on upcoming events and programs, but cannot run releases in their entirety due to space limitations.  Be sure to include contact information.

 

3.  Photos
Color photos are welcome IF THEY ACCOMPANY ABOVE DESCRIBED NEWS OR  INFORMATION.   All photos MUST be in ELECTRONIC format as a .gif or .jpg.  If photos include human subjects, be sure you have their permission to submit the photo.  Be sure to include a caption explaining what is in the photo as well as a name and contact information for the person submitting the photo.  If a photo was taken by someone other the person submitting it, you will need his or her written permission to  allow us to use the photo. 

 

4.  Deadlines
Information for the newsletter is due as follows:
The 12th of the month preceding the issue  (For example, information for the December issue would be due November 12th and so on.)
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Sylvan Lake Spotlight
Sylvan Lake Spotlight is published by the City of Sylvan Lake, 1820 Inverness, Sylvan Lake, MI 48320. Resident news and information are welcome, but must follow newsletter editorial guidelines. To request a copy of the Editorial Guidelines, contact City Manager John Martin at martinsylvanlk@comcast.net.
 
In the future, Advertising may be accepted from residents and local businesses. Please watch future newsletters to obtain advertising rate information, or to place an ad in the Community Service Directory or Classified Advertising section..
 
LEGAL NOTICE:  This email may be considered an advertising or promotional message.  If you no longer wish to receive this email, please unsubscribe using the link found at the top of this newsletter.  Views expressed or implied herein are not necessarily those of the City of Sylvan Lake, City Council or its affiliates.