Return-Path: anonymous@web01.hosting.core3solutions.com Received: from imta15.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net (LHLO IMTA15.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net) (76.96.62.54) by sz0102.ev.mail.comcast.net with LMTP; Tue, 3 Feb 2009 18:07:34 +0000 (UTC) Received: from web01.hosting.core3solutions.com ([208.64.36.198]) by IMTA15.westchester.pa.mail.comcast.net with comcast id BW7V1b01n4GW6qw0FW7Y79; Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:07:32 +0000 X-Authority-Analysis: v=1.0 c=1 a=RJdA1lmOAAAA:8 a=JyohRUa0AAAA:8 a=grsapEZ8AAAA:8 a=U7NJakrLuFn38v950TsA:9 a=IaxtDKA1i4m5DdvtFToA:7 a=D_RbXicTq6jm5XTcbb2-VReLTMAA:4 a=BMUHMS3u0ToA:10 a=pCzNvZoQGt4A:10 a=dHbXZybMLVAA:10 a=1McT-k7ZqacA:10 a=4XYcfgEWLI8A:10 a=RCtJgjIuGNIA:10 a=JsRfk8n62GkA:10 a=KwvGldvpOOgA:10 a=jDJr2yHj9j8A:10 a=hW5kzeoV7NDYZWyL:21 a=nWUP53H8wAWiGvzp:21 Received: (qmail 13325 invoked by uid 65534); 3 Feb 2009 18:07:27 -0000 Date: 3 Feb 2009 18:07:27 -0000 Message-ID: <20090203180727.13324.qmail@web01.hosting.core3solutions.com> To: clippertsylvanlk@comcast.net Subject: February 2009 Spotlight From: Sylvan Lake Spotlight Subject: February 2009 Spotlight MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1
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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
   SEMCOG
   Tax Time
   Website
   
         
   Ice Skating Rink            
   Alumnae Party         
   
      
 
 
 
   
 
 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.   
 
 
 HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Community Events 

Ice Skating Rink up and Running!
The ice rink, purchased through donations by the Parks and Recreation Committee is up and frozen! It is on the tennis courts next to the Community Center.  It is open during normal park hours (closed at 11:00 p.m.) for Sylvan Lake residents and their guests.  There are no fires allowed.

It's been a great year for ice because it has been cold so long, but the amount of snow we've gotten has made it a lot of work to keep the rink clear.  So your help is needed!  If you have a snow blower or shovel and are willing to help keep the rink clear, please call Mitch Black at 248-683-8387.

Watch the web site and for email newsbytes for dates for "skate nights."

 
Garden Club - Think Gardening!!
Ruth Vrbensky from Oakland Wildflower Farm is going to talk about Native Plants and Wild Flowers on Thursday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center. Everyone is welcome. Come to get some new ideas about what to plant along our trails, in our parks, and in our yards. If you plan to attend, please call Helen McAllister at 248-682-1082.  
 

News/Announcements  
City Hall Closed Mondays
Council has approved closing City Hall on Mondays in order to save money. Full-time staff is still working, but there will be no front counter help and City Hall is not open to the public. If you need the Police or Fire for an emergency, call 911. If you need the Police for a non-emergency, or if there is a DPW emergency (e.g., sewer back up, water main break), please call 248-682-2104 and that will connect you with West Bloomfield Dispatch who can then inform our police of the issue.
 
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:  

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. 

 
Skateboarders
This probably will not be a big problem again until Spring, but we want to bring it to your attention. There have been a number of instances where people have been using their skateboards and grinding on the fireplace hearth outside the Community Center. This is causing quite a bit of damage. Please talk to your young adults and ask them and their friends to not ride their skateboards around the community center building. This building is brand new, and we want to keep the building looking this way for as long as possible.
 
Tax Time
Tax bills have been mailed. Taxes are payable through February 14th, 2009 without a penalty. Please note that due to the new tax system, the due date is the due date. If the due date falls on a weekend, it WILL NOT be extended to Monday. Please call City Hall immediately if you have not received your tax bill.
 
On February 15th, penalties are applied - no exceptions! Also, no postmarks will be accepted. Please pay by check, cash, or sign up to have them automatically debited. Instructions to use a credit card online are on your tax bill. You can also drop your payment off at the mail slot next to the front door of City Hall.  Payments dropped off at City Hall will be picked up by the Police Officer at midnight February 14th.
 
Water/Sewer Bills
Water and sewer bills are being mailed out this month. They are due February 20th.
 
Assessment Notices and Board of Review
These notices will be mailed the last week of February. If you feel the assessment of your property is incorrect and would like to make an appointment to meet with our Board of Review to request a change, please do so by contacting:  Oakland County Equalization Division, toll-free 1-888-350-0900 ext. 80768.

The Board of Review will be in the Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive on the following dates:
Wednesday, March 4th - 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday, March 9th - 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11th - 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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.
 
Community Center Volunteers
We are still looking for volunteers to spend time at the Community Center during the day or evening so it can remain open for others to use. So far we have one.  Once we know how many volunteers are willing to do this, we will publish a schedule of times it will be open for residents to relax, play cards, etc. Please contact City Hall if you are interested.
 
Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission Meeting will be held Tuesday, February 3rd, at 7:30 p.m. They will continue their discussion on changes to the fence ordinance. They are currently discussing the allowance of fences in the side yard with a height limit of four feet and the fence must be an “open”  style fence.  The current ordinance only allows fences to be placed in the rear yard. Fences would still not be allowed in the front yard.
City Council Meeting
City Council will be holding their next meeting on Wednesday, February 11th, at 7:30 p.m. Discussions will continue about the budget deficit. 
 
Snow Removal
Please try not to park your car in the street during poor weather. It is very challenging to maneuver the plow trucks around parked cars. Remember, there is no parking on any street between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

When shoveling your driveway, please be sure to shovel the snow to the sides of the driveway. Do not put your snow in the street. It is a hazard and also illegal. If you have a sidewalk in front of your house or business, it is your responsibility to keep it clean.

 
Boat Dock Renewal
Applications have already been sent out. The renewal fee is $365. This includes your park registration, ramp key, park tags, and sports tags. You must have ALL of the required information and documentation with you when submitting your application. We will not accept partial information. Just to refresh you on some of the requirements, they are:
  • At least one watercraft at each dock space must be owned by the dock space holder.
  • Original registration for proof of ownership of watercraft must be present.
  • Proof of PL & PD insurance for the dock  and all water craft that will be placed in the dock space. Proof must be submitted with application. 
The deadline for submitting a dock license application and all information is March 1st. If we do not receive your application by March 1st, you may lose your space.
 
Boat Dock Waiting List

On November 12th, 2008, the City Council voted to amend the Docking Ordinance No. 78 (2.13) to include a one-time, non-refundable $100 administration fee for all current and future wait list applicants. Current wait list applicants will remain in their current position on the wait list with payment of the administration fee. Payments must be made by February 13th, 2009 to remain in your current position on the wait list.

 

The top 25 people on the wait list must notify City Hall by February 15th of each year, on whether they will accept a permanent dock space if one becomes available. Applicants on this list can waive the space for one year.  If they decide to decline the space for a second year, they will be removed from the list. They may then reapply for a dock space, pay the applicable fee and will be placed at the bottom of the list.


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. The detailed policy will be included in the boat dock renewal letter. A separate letter will be sent to all those on the boat dock waiting list. If you are interested in the rack storage and do not have a dock and are not on the waiting list, please contact City Hall.

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.
 
Street Lighting
The City has been working with Detroit Edison's Community Lighting group to expedite the repair and maintenance of streetlights.  If you see a problem with a street light, please call City Hall with the following information:
  • Specific streetlight location,
  • wooden or metal pole,
  • streetlight pole number (metal pole - at base of pole, Wood poles - it is located eight feet up the pole),
  • details about outage (intermittent, off, flashing, etc.).
If there is a case where a pole has been knocked down or any other emergency, please call 1-800-477-4747. 
Recycling
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 plastic jugs and bottles marked with a 1 or 2 on the bottom will be accepted.
  7. Plastic containers marked with a 3 through 7 will be accepted
  8. Metal cans need to be clean.
  9. Pots and pans.
  10. 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.
 
SEMCOG
SEMCOG has released some excellent information about the amount of accidents are caused by deer. Click here to read more about these staggering figures.
 
Also, click here to view SEMCOG's 2008 Regional Update.
 
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.   
 
Protect Our Lake - Deicing Driveways and Sidewalks (From the CRWC)
Winter brings with it lots of fun outdoor activities, like sledding, ice skating, and skiing. But winter also means mounds of snow to shovel and layers of slippery ice to remove from our sidewalks and driveways. We often attempt to make the job easier by using various products to melt the snow and ice. However, many people do not realize that many of these products have hidden impacts. When the ice melts, the salt and chemicals dissolve and flow into street drains that lead directly to a lake or stream, such as the Clinton River Watershed, which leads directly into Sylvan Lake, the Clinton River, and Lake St. Clair.

Does snow or ice need to be removed? If so, how much? We do not always need to see bare concrete to have a safe winter surface. Here are some tips to help you this winter.

Shovel early and often.
When it comes to snow removal, there is no substitute for muscle and elbow grease! Deicers work best when only a thin layer of snow or ice must be melted. So head out and shovel and move as much snow as you can during the storm if possible. You can also use a hoe to scrape ice off the surface before putting down a deicer.
 
Reduce your use of deicing products.
The most important step in deicing is to physically remove as much snow and ice as possible before applying a deicer. Use a shovel to break up the ice before you add deicer to your sidewalk. Adding more deicer without removing the ice that has melted can result in over-application, meaning more salt and chemicals end up in the Lake.
 
Reduce deicer use by limiting access to your home to one entrance.
For every doorway that is not used, there will be less deicer washing into your street’s ditches and catch basins. Even if the surface you are applying a deicer to is relatively far from a street or stream, much of the product will not soak into the soil because the ground is frozen. It will instead runoff as the snow melts and as rain falls in early spring.
 
Avoid fertilizers.
Fertilizers, including those with urea (carbamide, ammonium, carbonyldiamide, etc.) do not contain chlorides, but they contain nutrients. Potassium chloride (Potash) is another fertilizer used to combat snow and ice. Potassium chloride typically costs three to five times as much as sodium chloride and does not work as well at low temperatures.
 
Limit your use of sand.
Sand doesn't melt ice. Sand provides traction. When sand is washed off of our driveways and sidewalks into storm drains, it ends up in our lakes, rivers, and streams, increasing the amount of sediment there. This extra sediment degrades and even eliminates important habitat for aquatic organisms. Sand is often used by municipalities on roads to help maintain traction. However, ice removal is more typically the concern of homeowners and businesses and therefore proper use of chemical alternatives may be more appropriate.
 
Try an alternative.
Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) has fewer adverse environmental impacts than salt and does not cause corrosion. CMA is recommended for environmentally sensitive areas but is very expensive. Early studies indicate that sugar and corn products may have minimal negative environmental effects and are safe for surfaces. While these products are available to road commissions and municipalities, access to these products by the general public is limited in Southeast Michigan. Begin asking your local stores to stock these safer products.
 
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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.  
 
Daniel Whitfield School
The first school to service Sylvan Lake was a small white frame building with a drab interior, built at a cost not to exceed $300. May 22nd, 1852, was the first day of school. The teacher, Samuel Rood, was hired for $18 a month.
When a new building was erected in 1894, the first school was sold for $13. The new one-room school contained only one item from the first school - the bell. Miss Edith Brandan, the teacher, taught grades one through eight for $20 a month. In September of 1920 the name of the school was changed from Skae or Hammond to Daniel Whitfield School.
Designed by Charles Fisher, the third and final school was completed in 1927. Its original design included seven classrooms, an office and a clinic. In October of 1929, a library, music room, and gym were added. There were approximately 180 pupils enrolled in 1947 when Whitfield was annexed to the Pontiac School District.

Second school erected, 1894

 
 
 
Whitfield School Postcard, 1950's
 
 
 
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 Public Works Department for their excellent job in keeping the Streets clear.

Mitch Black and Parks and Rec group for funding and setting up the Ice Skating Rink.
 
 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. 
 
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.
February Calender Of Events
  • 3rd     - Planning Commission meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Center.
  • 11th   - City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Center.
  • 13th   - Fee due for Boat Dock Waiting List.
  • 14th   - Taxes due; Happy Valentine's Day.
  • 15th   - Top 25 on Wait List acknowledge acceptance of dock space.
  • 16th   - City Hall closed for President's Day.
  • 20th   - Water/Sewer bills due.
  • 26th   - City Council Study Session at  7:00 p.m.
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:
 
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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.