Sponsored by the Sylvan Lake Garden Club, this is one of Sylvan Lake’s most popular events. It will be held on Thursday, August 20th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Community Center lawn. The ice cream and cake can be served to you for only $1. You may want to bring a lawn chair or a blanket in case the tables are filled.

The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society will be bringing old-fashioned toys and Bill McIsaac’s pre-war outboards and related memorabilia. Children always have a good time using these old toys and games. Helen Jane Peters will show Sylvan Lake’s historical display. If you would like to volunteer to bake a cake or serve ice cream and cake, please call Helen McAllister at 248-682-1082.

News/Announcements

Charter/Ordinances

In a continuing effort to make important information more easily accessible to all of our residents and business owners, an electronic version of the Sylvan Lake Code of Ordinances is now available online. You may access the documents on the city’s website www.sylvanlake.org via a new link labeled, “Code of Ordinances”. The ordinance documents are externally hosted, so please be aware that clicking on the link will redirect your web browser to another company’s website (MuniCode.com).

Comcast Customers

Comcast is going to be digitally enhancing its cable system in our Community. Company representatives have visited us to provide information on what this means to cable viewing and our residents. Comcast customers who will be affected by this digital network enhancement have started receiving information from Comcast on what actions they will need to take to retain the channels they currently view. Standard Basic channels (channels 29-72), will be converted to a digital transmission to improve picture quality and sound, and to allow Comcast to provide more digital and High Definition (HD) programming, larger video on demand (VOD) libraries, faster Internet speeds and other innovative advanced services. Customers with only Limited Basic service (channels 2-24, 95, 96, 99) are not affected by Comcast’s digital network enhancement.

Customer television sets which already have Comcast digital equipment connected will not be affected by this change. In addition, Customers having a digital QAM tuner television will not be affected until the completion of the project.

Comcast is offering customers who now receive Standard Basic channels and do not have any digital equipment, one digital receiver and up to two digital transport adapters (DTAs) at no additional cost. This equipment will allow customers to continue seeing the programming they currently receive, at no additional cost for the first 3 TV sets (national average is 2.8 TV sets per household). Instructions on how to obtain this equipment have been mailed to all affected customers.

The world is going digital and this technology is allowing Comcast to provide a world of more innovation to its customers. For more information, or to see if you will be affected, please call 1-877-634-4434.

Millage Information

The City of Sylvan Lake has one of the lowest millage rates for general operating in Oakland County. Our City Charter limits us to spreading a maximum of 10 mills on tax bills. (10 mills = $10 per $1,000 of taxable value of property). Most other communities have a maximum of 20 mills to spread. The City has been discussing the funding shortfall due to the Headlee Amendment since 1994. It is not something new and it is not something that was just decided to be acted upon. Since 1979, our millage rate has dropped from 10 mills to 6.8941.

The explanations below are generalizations for general operating millages and similar. I am attempting to make them as easy as possible to understand.

The Headlee amendment that was passed in 1978 and proposal A that was passed in 1994 have had large impacts on local governments. (Proposal A will be discussed at a later time) The Headlee amendment states that if the assessed value of the City’s total taxable property, excluding new construction and improvements, increases by more than the inflation rate, the millage rate must be reduced so that the total property tax received is the same as the prior year, adjusted for inflation.

For Example: If the total taxable value in the City was $100,000,000 with a millage rate of 1.0 mill ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value), it would generate, $100,000 in taxes ($100,000,000 / 1,000 x $1.00). If the taxable value increased to $110,000,000, and the inflation rate was 2%, the millage would have to be reduced to 0.9272 ($100,000,000 x 1.02 (inflation) / $110,000,000). In this example, the City would see an increase of $1,992 in taxes received.

Q:    Over the past few years when the house values increased so much, didn’t the City receive big increases in tax dollars?

A:    No. As you can see in the example, with the exception of new construction, even with the big housing boom over the past several years that saw housing values increase by huge percentages, the City did not realize an increase in taxable value other than the rate of inflation. It just lowered the millage rate.

Q:    Will the City get more income from taxes when the housing values go back to where they were?

A:    No. If the housing values increase, the millage rate will drop again. The City would only see the increase due to inflation.

Q:    If the Whitfield Property was sold and developed would we see a large increase in taxes?

A:    We would see an increase, but not as much as you might think. If the property were developed with a value of 10-million dollars, the City would generate approximately $34,500 in taxes for general operating.

Q:    Then why does my tax bill increase?

A:    There are many items on your tax bill in addition to the City’s general operating. State Education for example stays at 6 mills and is not reduced due to Headlee. Some items, such as “debt,” fluctuate. Still other items may be reduced, but at a lower percentage rate than the City’s general operating millage.

Q:    How much of the total taxes that are paid go to the City’s General Operating?

A:    For the Pontiac School District it is about 21.7% of the total bill (13.8% if not homestead). For West Bloomfield it is about 17.3% of the total bill (12.8% if no homestead)

Once the millage rate is decreased, it cannot be increased without a vote of the people. Even though our Charter states a maximum of 10 mills, we cannot levy that without a vote. Because our millage rate was small to begin with, it is that much more difficult to make the finances work.

Watch for more information on taxes, proposal A, the City’s staff and services provided in future mailings and newsbytes.

Parks & Recreation Committee Members needed

We are still looking for volunteers to sit on this active committee. This will be a working committee to help organize events in the parks and the Community Center along with enhancing our facilities. If you are interested, please call or email City Hall.

Cable Advisory Board Opening

This is a three-year term running from July 1st through June 30th. If you are interested, please submit a letter to City Hall and fill out the application for Boards and Commissions. If you have questions, please call and we will have one of our current Board members get in touch with you.

Rewards for Recycling

Information on this initiative and different available bin sizes will be mailed separately along with a “chip” to be placed on your recycling bin for monitoring. This is an affinity program that is designed to increase the number of households and amount of recycling collect within our community. Once you sign up at the web site and become a member you will be able to access Rewards and Promotions offered by local merchants. If you set out a recycling bin, the recycling truck will detect it and you will automatically become a Green Club Member of the program. All these Green members, as active recyclers, will be able to access a second level of Rewards and Promotions provided by local and national merchants. Watch for more information.

Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 4th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center. On the agenda will be the continued discussion on the noise ordinance.

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 by 4:00 p.m. on August 11th, 2009. If you would like more information, please call City Hall.

City Council Meeting

The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on August 12th. Tentative items on the agenda will be the discussion of the millage proposal for the November election, approval of the revised fence ordinance, and discussion of a joint meeting with Keego Harbor to discuss Police Services (tentatively set for August 18th). Please check the website and electronic newsbytes for additional information.

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 without having to pay for the sewage fee. For example, 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 for sewage disposal.

Lowering Property Values

The property values in Oakland County are expected to decrease again next year. If that happens, those of you that have an assessed value equal or close to your taxable value will probably see your property taxes decrease.

Summer Tax Time Is Here!

Keep an eye out for your tax bill. They gave been mailed, so if you have not received your bill within two weeks, please contact City Hall. Summer taxes are due and payable from July 1st through September 14th, 2009 at City Hall.

Consumers Power Lawn Repair

If Consumers has replaced your meter and damaged the road or your yard in the process, Consumers requires that you call customer service with your name, address, and your account number. Please let them know when the damage occurred and the repairs required. They will give you a notification number for your repair. Do not lose this number. Call 1-800-477-5050, refer to customer service - lawn repair. If they still do not respond satisfactorily, please call City Hall with the same information and we will attempt to get the work completed.

Cable Issues or Complaints

Residents should first attempt to resolve your issue with the company. You may contact the Michigan Public Service Commission to assist you by calling 866-552-7725. Visit their website at www.michigan.gov/mpsc and click on the video/cable button for further information.

"Help Wanted" List

We are updating our handyman list. Often residents call asking if we know of somebody they can hire to do odd jobs, babysitting, driver, rake leaves, shovel snow, etc. for them. If you would like to be on our list of names to give to people, please call City Hall and let us know what type of work you can do. Thank you for those that have responded. The City does not endorse the people on the list, we simply pass the names on.

Beach Water Sampling Season

The Oakland County Health Division has begun testing for E. Coli bacteria. Samples are taken June through August. If test results exceed the limits, notices will be posted at the beach. Also, all sample results will be on the MDEQ’s website at http://www.deq.state.mi.us/beach/.

Yard Waste Program

Yard waste will be picked up on the same day (Wednesday) as your trash, but in a separate yard waste truck. Pick up is on a weekly basis. Please place your trash and yard waste a few feet away from each other for pick up so it can be easily seen. Yard Waste Includes - cut grass, leaves, cut weeds, shrub trimmings, brush, twigs, small branches, sod, and similar items.

Yard waste will be accepted only in brown paper yard waste bags (from retail stores) or trash cans clearly marked compost or yard waste. Yard Waste stickers are available at no charge at City Hall.

SMALL BRANCHES 3 inches in diameter or smaller will be accepted if securely tied in manageable bundles, no more than four-feet in length.

Yard waste in any type of plastic bag will not be accepted!

Yard waste may not be placed at the street earlier than 5:00 p.m. the night before collection day.

Bikers 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 to ride your bike or walk at night, please wear reflective clothing so that drivers can clearly see you. Parents, please make your children aware of these laws. Everyone should stop at all stop signs (walkers and especially bikers), including on the trail. Bikers are required to follow the same laws as motorists when on the street.

Park Rangers

The park rangers are checking for park tags, sports tags, and stickers on watercraft being launched. Please respect them and realize they are providing an important service for the safety of Sylvan Lake residents.

Boat Ramp Stickers

These stickers are required on all watercraft launched at our ramp, with the exception of the “guest ramp pass” defined below. Therefore, if you have a second boat, you must purchase an additional sticker in order to launch that watercraft. They are available at City Hall for a cost of $10. You must be a resident and show your original boat registration. You do not need a sticker to have your boat at your dock, but for ramp use only.

Guest Ramp Pass

A guest ramp pass will be issued to a resident (only) for the purpose of allowing a specific guest to use the boat ramp. The cost for the guest pass is $25 for one day, for one watercraft. To obtain a guest pass, a resident must fill out a very short form indicating the type of watercraft along with the MC# that will be using our boat ramp. Guest ramp passes may be picked up at the City Hall during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Park Ranger will have the ability to sell a Guest Ramp Pass if you are unable to get to City Hall during regular business hours.

Boat Dock Waiting List

The list has been updated with those who have submitted their application and paid the required $100 fee. There are currently about 65 people on the wait list. Now is the time to move significantly up the list. To be added to the list, you must turn in your application along with the $100 fee. Names will be added to the list in the order they are received. you can see the dock wait list on our website under "downloadable forms."

Rack Storage

The rack storage for non-motorized boats at the Community Center is available for $25 a space. A boat launch sticker will be provided for these watercraft and they may only be stored on the rack from April 1st to November 15th of each year.

Recreational Vehicle Storage

Please remember that you must keep your RV’s at least 45 feet from the edge of the road and three feet from the side and rear property lines. Boats and/or boat trailers (only) may be in the driveway within 45 feet from the edge of the road for the summer (April 1st to October 31st). RV’s and/or boat trailers cannot be parked in the road right-of-way at anytime. Only two RV’s are allowed on one property at a time.

Boat Dock Applicants

All applicants must make sure City Hall has your current cell phone number and email address. Cell phones are being used instead of land lines and City Hall may not be able to get a hold of you. You may supply City Hall with both of those pieces of information by emailing them to City Hall at sylvanlakecityhall@comcast.net. Please give your name, mailing address email address and phone number. We will then be able to email you pertinent information and reminders.

Boat Ramp Keys/Park and Sports Tags

These items are now on sale. Only one of each tag or key will be sold per household. Along with the purchase of any tags or key, the resident must pay a one time park registration fee of $30. This fee helps to pay the property taxes to keep our parks private.



The park tag is $20 ($15 for seniors) and will allow your family and eight (8) guests to use our park facilities. You must have the park tag with you at all times. The Park Ranger will be checking to make sure residents have a tag.

The sports tag cost is $10 and will allow you and up to three (3) guests to use the tennis, bocce, and volleyball courts. All guests must be accompanied by the resident. Please abide by the rules that are posted at each court. If you have more than three guests, you must borrow a sports tag from a Sylvan Lake resident to make sure you have one tag for every three guests.



A boat ramp key is $20. Your original boat registration and proof of Sylvan Lake residency must be provided to purchase a key. Along with the ramp key, one boat ramp sticker will be provided. When using the boat ramp, be sure to lock the gate when you are done. There will be no replacement ramp keys sold if you lose yours.

Ferndale Park Restrooms

The restrooms at Ferndale Park are open. Any resident can use them from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Residents do not need a park tag to use them.

Park Rules

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.

Do Not Feed Ducks and Geese

Watch the waterfowl instead of feeding them. Feeding the waterfowl may seem harmless, yet it can be a nuisance to neighbors and to our water. Feeding the waterfowl also causes them to become dependent on humans. This, in turn, creates unnaturally high populations and further problems in our parks and lake. Keep in mind that waterfowl waste can pollute our waters with harmful bacteria resulting in beach closings.

Don't Drive on the Grass!!

Our parks are being destroyed by people driving across the grass to access dock spaces to install their docks and/or hoists. We try very hard to maintain the beauty of our parks and we need your help. Do not drive in the parks under any circumstances! Doing so may result in a ticket. You will also be charged for any necessary repairs. It is the responsibility of the dock holder to inform anyone sharing your space or a company installing your dock of this rule.

Budget Deficit

Since the millage proposal was not passed at the last election, City Council is continuing their discussion on how to address the budget deficit. They are asking residents to come to the meetings and voice their opinions, to learn what is going on, and to know what is being done. The City has been proactive in making cuts in expenses, including cutting employees and changing medical benefits, but the budget is still not balanced. Some of the items being discussed are:

Increase in summer fees (docks, parks, etc.) (dock's done for 2010)

Increase the fee for the RV storage lot (done)

Sell some city property

Open the rental of the Community Center to nonresidents

Open the Parks to the public at an increased fee for an annual park tag

Eliminate the park ranger

Eliminate extra summer park patrol by the police department (done)

Reduce the frequency of lawn mowing

Outsourcing the Police Department if economically advantageous (being investigated)

Combining Police Departments or sharing staff if economically advantageous (being investigated)

Reduce the hours of the Ordinance Enforcement Officer by half (done)

Close City Hall one day per week (done)

No capital improvements in the City (done)

Unfortunately, most of these items are not long-term cost-effective solutions and the City cannot continue to operate at the current level of service on the current income.

Minutes are on the Sylvan Lake Web Site for residents to review. Council voted to put a millage proposal on the November 3rd, 2009 ballot, with the exact language to be determined at the July Council meeting.

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Dogs

When walking your dog, they must be on a leash that is no more than 10 feet long and being held by the owner/walker. The dog must be picked up after. These same rules apply to dogs being walked anywhere in the City.

Leashed dogs are allowed at the Community Center Park east of Pontiac Drive. That is the side of Pontiac Drive toward the Community Center, not the side toward the lake and boat docks. This is the only park where dogs will be allowed. The police will be issuing tickets for unleashed dogs, not cleaning up after the dog, and unlicensed dogs. The penalty for violating this ordinance is a misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $150. Dogs may be walked on a leash directly to your boat.

Golfing in the Parks

No golfing is allowed in our parks. It is dangerous and destroys the grass.

Tennis Courts

The tennis courts are officially closed for safety reasons. However, there are some interested in raising funds for a temporary fix to get them back open. Talk to you friends and neighbors to spark interest.

Scrapbook Volunteer Needed

We are in need of a new person to be in charge of the city scrapbook. Duties involve requesting and gathering photos from neighbors, possibly taking photos at City events, and completing scrapbook pages on his or her own or with other City volunteers. Time required is only a few hours every couple of months. Please contact Carrie MacGillis to receive the current scrapbook, supplies and photos, 248-683-9118 or carriemacgillis1@comcast.net.

Community Center Rental

Many residents have already reserved dates for next year to rent the Community Center. If you would like to reserve the Community Center, you need to fill out an application form and provide a deposit. The application, along with rules and regulations, are on the website under "calendar." If you do not have internet access, you can come into City Hall and receive a copy.

Website

Make sure you visit our website at www.sylvanlake.org for regular and current information.

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From The Police Chief

If you have a concern or a complaint that the Police Department should know about, please send an e-mail to slpdchief@comcast.net.

*Make sure you keep your homes, cars, and garages locked.

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Recycling - Be watching for our new Rewards for Recycling Program!

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.

You can use a plastic "storage" type container or a cardboard box.

Make sure it is marked RECYCLING so the contents are not disposed with the regular trash.

Newspapers, magazines, and ads should be tied securely with a string or placed in a brown paper bag.

Telephone books do not have to be bundled.

Plastic jugs, bottles, glass bottles, and jars must be washed out.

Only plastic jugs and bottles marked with a 1 or 2 on the bottom will be accepted.

Plastic containers marked with a 3 through 7 will be accepted

Metal cans need to be clean.

Pots and pans.

If any recycling is dirty, it will be thrown out with the regular trash.

Click here to view a flier for RESIDENTIAL HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE and ELECTRONIC RECYCLING.

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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.

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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

Sylvan Lake History

We would greatly appreciate any assistance you could offer to expand this important and interesting section of the newsletter. We are looking for any interesting articles relating to the City's history. We are also looking for photos relating to the City, such as:

the Oakland County Boat Club,

Memorial or Veterans Park,

Ferndale Park,

the beach on Lakeview,

the Interurban,

City Hall,

Free Press Fresh Air Camp,

the Community Center, and

the Daniel Whitfield School.

Family photos and any and all events around Sylvan Lake will also be accepted and reviewed. Please label your photos and bring them to City Hall. They will be scanned and returned promptly. There are also two City Council Meeting Minute books missing. The book that dates before 1928 is the first City Council book. It would be interesting to read about how Sylvan Lake became a Village. Another missing book is for the years from 1946 to 1950, when Sylvan Lake became a City. Please look around your home for these missing books and return them to City Hall.

Tower Beach

Sylvan Lake, Oakland Co., Mich. August 18th, 1918

When the Detroit and United Railway plotted its course through the Sylvan Lake area on its route between Pontiac and Detroit, local residents became more interested in the development of recreation. An amusement park called Tower Beach and a picnic spot called Happy Home in Voorhees Grove were developed. It became the “in” thing to pack up the whole family, a large picnic basket, mount the trolley car and spend the entire day fishing, swimming, bathing and enjoying their picnic lunch. The big day was climaxed by the trolley car ride back home.
Oakland County Book of History,
The Sesqui-Centennial Publication 1820 – 1970; Arthur A. Hagman, Editor

October 7th, 1931         Village Council Minutes

Resolved by Trustee Cox, supported by Trustee Mitchell: that the Clerk be authorized to correspond with the proper authorities of the Michigan Eastern Railways in regard to getting information relative to securing the Tower Beach Bridge for the Village.
Yeas: Sener, Cox, Mitchell, Woodbridge

Resolution adopted.

The late Daisy Worley remembered that the late Roy Durfee owned concessions at Tower Beach at the north end of the Lake. At the beach, people could rent a little cabin in which to change into their rented swimming suits. Boats were available for fishing. Visitors entertained themselves by taking a board to the top of the tall slide and sliding down into the lake. There were numerous injuries as the boards and people collided.

Daniel Whitfield School Reunion
The reunion will take place on Sunday, August 2nd, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sylvan Lake Community Center. If you or your children attended Whitfield School, we invite you to attend and please invite your classmates. Please bring photos from Whitfield/Sylvan Lake. Contact Helen Jane Peters for more information.

Pontiac High School Alumni Party
The party will be on Saturday, August 1st, 2009, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Saturday evening. The location is at the Pontiac/Waterford Elks Club on Scott Lake Road in Waterford.

Special Thanks/Kudos

To the Oakland County Boat Club for putting on an excellent Fireworks Display this 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.

Cat Trap-Neuter-Return Program Update

This program is NOT intended as an animal control service. The intent is to reduce the population of stray cats in Sylvan Lake. Feral or unsociable cats are trapped, sterilized and vaccinated, then returned and maintained in the community. Sociable and adoptable cats are sterilized and vaccinated and placed in good homes with the help of neighbors. If you are interested in participating in this program contact Linda Wasche at 248-253-0300 or Lindaw@LWmarketworks.com.

Pet Supplies Plus of West Bloomfield was involved in the cat trapping program of our City. They are also working together with the Nooters Club on how to prevent littering.

To read more about how to prevent littering and help improve the environment, click here.

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT BECOMING A NEW MEMBER OF NOOTERS CLUB!

CAN YOU FIND A HOME FOR TWO KITTENS? CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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August Calender Of Events

4th    - Planning Commission meeting at 7:00 p.m.

11th   - Last day to file petitions for City Council Seat, 4:00 p.m.

12th   - City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m.

20th   - Annual Ice Cream Social at the Community Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

20th   - Water bills due

27th   - City Council Study Session at 5:00 p.m.

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.

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.

And don't forget to visit the Sylvan lake Website.

-- John Martin, City Manager

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:

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.

The alleged practical difficulty must be more than a mere inconvenience or need for financial gain or financial savings.

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.

The variance is the minimum necessary to permit reasonable use of the land and building for activities permitted in the zoning ordinance.

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

Sylvanlakenmailto: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 12^th of the month preceding the issue (For example, information for the December issue would be due November 12th and so on.)

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..

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