Congratulations to the following Holiday Display Contest winners!!

 

First Place Lights:   2404 Avondale W. - Garska; honorable mention:   2239 Pontiac Dr.

 

Christmas Theme:   1756 Stratford - Duschinske; honorable mention:   1795 Lakeland

 

Most artistic:   1470 Glenwood - Wozniak

 

Multicolored Lights:   2239 Pontiac Dr. - Kaminski; honorable mentions - 2011 Woodland, 2506 Garland

 

Living Christmas Card:   1440 Rosedale - Hoover; honorable mention - 2189 Ferndale

 

Religious:   2155 Pontiac Dr. - Blair; honorable mention - 1965 Lakeland

 

Best Tree:   1859 Sherwood - Baumkel; honorable mention - 1439 Oakwood

 

Best Street:   Pontiac Dr.; honorable mention - Beverly

 

White Lights:   1715 Beverly - Houle; honorable mention - 1690 Warwick

 

Thank you to the judges:   Sharon and Lauren Maurina,

Linda Shepp, and Marge Kumar!

 

 

 

Community Events

 

Berkley High School Thanks Sylvan Lake

 

"Thank you Sylvan Lake neighbors for your support and donations at the "Holiday Caroling" on Dec. 23 toward the Berkley High School A Capella Choir's trip to Carnegie Hall especially since the weather was unfavorable.  Thank you also to all of you at the City Council meeting for your efforts in making this happen.  You are all greatly appreciated.  Dean and Charlene Zink, parents of Allison Zink."

 

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News/Announcements

 

 

Snow Is On The Way!

Please try not to park your vehicle on the street during the stormy weather.  It is very difficult to maneuver the plow trucks around the parked vehicles.  Reminder: There is no parking on the streets between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

 

Snow Shoveling

When shoveling your driveway, please make sure to shovel the snow to the sides of your driveway.  It is both hazardous and illegal to shovel snow into, the street, so make sure this does not occur.  Also, if you have a sidewalk in front of your house or business, it is your responsibility to make sure it is clear.

 

Snowmobilers

You are reminded that state law prohibits the use of City roads and the road Right-of-way as well as our City parks.

 

 Planning Commission 

The Planning Commission meeting has been pushed back a week due to the holidays.  The meeting date is January 9th at 7:30 p.m. in the Sylvan Lutheran Church.  Tentatively on the agenda will be continued discussion of our fence ordinance, total lot coverage, parking and allowing improvements to existing non-conforming structures.

 

The draft of the Master Plan was approved by the Planning Commission at their November meeting and was approved for distribution by City Council at their December meeting.  It has been sent to neighboring municipalities and Oakland County for their review and comments.  A copy of the draft Master Plan is available for review at City Hall. 

 

Planning Commission will soon begin reviewing the zoning ordinance to implement some of the zoning changes proposed in the Master Plan.  

*Click here to see Master Plan projects and funding.

 

City Council meeting and Public Hearing

City Council will hold a brief public hearing at 7:15 p.m. in the Sylvan Lutheran Church on Wednesday, January 10th.  The public hearing is to hear comment on the City's proposed programming of the 2007 Community Development Block Grant funds.  The City is proposing to allocate $4,000 for the Home Chore program, $3,600 for the Minor Home Repair and $400 for administration.

 

The regular meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.  Tentatively on the agenda will be discussion to allow dogs in certain areas of one or more of the parks, updating our current zoning ordinance and continued discussion of the request for a resort tavern license for a new restaurant where The Lodge used to be.  

 

Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem

Congratulations to Aron Lorenz for again being elected Mayor and to Paul Hungerman for being elected Mayor Pro-Tem for 2007 at the December 13th City Council meeting!  Thank you Brad Conkey for serving as Mayor Pro-Tem last year and Mayor the year before.

 

Winter Absence

Are you going away for the winter?  If so, please notify City Hall and the City will keep a close eye on your home while you are gone.  City Hall can also send you your absentee ballot for the election.  Also, if nobody will be at your home while you are away, you can save money by having your water shut off.  Please call City Hall for details. 

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Board Of Review

We need a resident to sit on the board of review.  This is a two-year term running from February 1st to January 31st.  If you are interested, please submit a letter to City Hall soon.  If you have questions about what the responsibilities of a board member are, please call City Hall.

From The Police Chief

Thank you residents for obeying the traffic laws to make Sylvan Lake a safer place.

 

This is a reminder for residents to call in with any ordinance violations you may see.  An ordinance hotline has been created for residents to call.  You do not have to identify yourself, but we need you to provide an address and description of the problem.  Call 248-682-1440 extension 6 after hours.  If you have solicitors in your area or that come to your door, or if you see a suspicious person, contact the police immediately by calling 248-681-1911.  That will go directly to the West Bloomfield dispatch, day or night, and they will have a Sylvan Lake police officer respond to your call.

 

Police Department

The police department is reminding you to keep your cars, garages, and homes locked.  There have been no recently reported incidents, but be sure to take precautionary measures.

 

Code Enforcement

There will be violation notices and tickets given to anyone violating the City's ordinances.  This includes common violations such as:

• long grass/weeds,
• junk cars,
• storage of garbage cans (cannot be visible from the street),
• brush,
• trash,
• incorrect storage of RV's,
• illegal parking on the road or in the front yard,
• rocks in the road right-of-way, and
• missing addresses on your homes. 

Bocce Ball

It's not too late to be thinking about Bocce Ball.  There is always next year!  If you are interested in organizing a league for a second night of the week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday are available.  Mike Grasser will help you get the organization process started.  If you have any questions, contact Mike at 248-681-9022 or 248-505-4744.

 

Cable Advisory Board

There is still one opening on the Cable Advisory Board.  This is a three-year term running from July 1st through June 30th.  If you are interested or have any questions, please call/submit a letter to City Hall. 

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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.

 

Leaf Collection Reminder

The leaf collection program and yard waste collection have ended for the season.  If you have yard waste, you must keep it on your property (back yard or garage) until next spring.  Richfield management will be picking up Christmas trees until January 10th, but the trees must be cut into four feet sections.

 

Dead Trees

We have been receiving complaints about about dead trees and the ill-maintenance of trees.  This can be dangerous to not only your household, but your neighbor's as well.  Dead trees allow animals to harbor in them and it could eventually fall on a house.  Please take care of them properly.

 

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.

 

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.

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Road Right-Of-Way

Rocks, boulders, 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.

 

Taxes Due!

Tax bills have already been mailed out.  They are payable through February 14th, 2007 with no penalty.  Please call City Hall immediately if you have not received your tax bill.

 

24-hour Tax Hotline

Property tax information is now available on the Oakland County 24-hour tax hotline by calling 248-858-0025.  To access tax information, you will need to enter your 10-digit parcel ID number. There is no charge for this service.

 

     

City of Sylvan Lake Water Quality Report

Make sure you read the entire Water Quality Report on the Sylvan Lake website.  It is found on the left column of the home page titled 2005 CCR (Consumer Confidence Report)

 

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.

 

Stormwater Education

The Michigan Department of Transportation has new stormwater education and outreach materials.  Some items that are listed for other Phase II permit holders are:

• PDF files of all educational materials
• Stormwater Game (Jeopardy-style)
• Illicit Discharge interactive demonstration
• MDOT's recently updated SESC material
• Soil erosion animation covering the six minimum measures

See their website and soil erosion animation!

 

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!!

 

Healthy Lawn Program For Watershed Protection

Would you like to see landscape and lawn care providers in your community use more environmentally friendly practices?  If so, spread the word about this opportunity for lawn care professionals to become endorsed by the Michigan Green Industry Association as part of its Healthy Lawn Program for Watershed Protection.  Partnering organizations promote lawn care practices to consumers that encourage limited use of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, plus low-phosphorus or no phosphorus fertilizers, and to choose integrated pest management options in controlling turf-grass weed, insect, and disease problems.  Register today at (249)646-4992 or email karla@landscape.org.

 

The deadline to register is January 12th, 2007.  The event will take place on January 17th, 2007 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  The location is LESCO, Inc. at 13405 Stark in Livonia, MI.  Take advantage of this because the cost is free!

 

Home and Garden Tour - More Gardens!!

For the 2007 Home and Garden Tour, the tour committee would like to add more gardens.  The committee has no specific requirements for the gardens as long as they are pleasant places to be.  The Home and Garden Tour will take place on June 16th, 2007.  Some homes and gardens have already been chosen.  Residents who know of any gardens that would be a good addition to the tour should call Judy Schwanitz.

*If you are interested in being a docent (guide) for the 2007 Home and Garden Tour, please call Liz Zubrzycki at 248-738-1192 (home) or at 248-417-1106 (cell). 

 

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Join the Garden Club

The Sylvan Lake Garden Club was organized in 1939 and has been meeting ever since.  Activities include putting on the Ice Cream Social, organizing the Plant Exchange, and working in Memorial Park.  This year, several members participated in the garlic mustard pull for the Michigan Nature Association in Davisburg.  The meetings feature field trips, speakers, and idea exchanges among members.  Some members are very experienced gardeners and others are novices.  The club meets on the third Thursday of every month, typically around 1:00 p.m.  Members who cannot attend the meetings can still take part in many activities.  Anyone interested in joining should call Helen McAllister at 248-682-1082 or email her at helenmcallister@sbcglobal.net.

 

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

 

  

West Bloomfield Library

This library has been ranked one of the top 100 public libraries in the United States.  The main branch is located at 4600 Walnut Lake Road.  Another branch is Westacres located at 7321 Commerce Road.  Feel free to look at their on line programs and services, computer terminals, audio books, and videos.  There is no charge for this service.  Just provide your driver's license or state I.D. number. 

 

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 Special Thanks/Kudos

A special thank you to all of those that decorated your homes for the holidays and to those that went and supported the Berkly High School A Capella Choir! 

 Project Updates

 

 

Community Programs 

 

Dogs

Please remember that dogs are not allowed in the park.  This also means that your dog cannot go into the water.  There is an ordinance requiring dogs to be on a leash at all times and the leash cannot exceed six feet.  This ordinance is for the safety of everyone in Sylvan Lake.

     *Be considerate and throw dog waste into the trash, not your neighbor's yard. 

 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. 

 

NEW NOOTERS CLUB™ APPAREL

TEAMS WITH PET SUPPLIES PLUS STORE

TO PROMOTE PET POPULATION CONTROL

In-store promotions reward customers who promote spay and neuter; get pets fixed

Bloomfield Hills, Mich., December 13, 2006– The wide-eyed dog, cat and rabbit with the capital O’s as eyes provide a comical twist on a serious message that NooterWear, Inc., creators of the NOOTERS CLUB™ brand, and the Bloomfield Hills Pet Supplies Plus store are hoping will get pet owners’ attention.

The store is launching two promotions that will reward pet owners who show their support for pet population control through spay and neuter. “Show us your NOOTERS,” gives customers who purchase a NOOTERS CLUB t-shirt or pet bandana 10 percent off all purchases each Wednesday. A second promotion, directed to customers with a new holiday puppy or kitten, will run in January 2007 and will present a free NOOTERS CLUB™ t-shirt to anyone showing documentation that their pet has been fixed.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), each year an estimated 5 to 9 million homeless dogs and cats are euthanized by shelters simply because they are unwanted.

Bloomfield Hills NooterWear, Inc., which began operating in August 2006, is hoping to encourage people to spay and neuter their pets as a means of reducing pet overpopulation with the launch of NOOTERS CLUB™ apparel and gifts. Current items include t-shirts, tote bags, pet bandanas, nightshirts and boxers. The line is quickly expanding to include sweatshirts, tank tops and pet apparel.

A percent of proceeds will go to fund spay and neuter programs starting with Oakland Pet Fund in Oakland County, Michigan.

“Nearly 10,000 animals are euthanized annually in Oakland County, said Deborah Schutt chairperson of Oakland Pet Fund. “Spay and neuter is the most effective way of eliminating unwanted births and also provides health benefits that we would hope every pet guardian would want to provide to their pet. We applaud Nooters Club and the Bloomfield Hills Pet Supplies Plus for their efforts to get the message out.”

All NOOTERS CLUB™ items feature one of three light-hearted cartoons – a dog, cat and rabbit declaring “My Pet’s a member of Nooters Club,” I’m a proud member of NOOTERS CLUB™,” or whimsical sayings like “My dog stops at heavy petting.”

“NOOTERS CLUB™ sends a light-hearted message to pet owners about a very serious issue,” said Addy Murphy, franchise owner of the Bloomfield Hills Pet Supplies Plus store. “We want to see every pet go to a good home and know that our customers feel the same way. We are joining with NOOTERS CLUB™ to reward our customers who are responsible pet owners.”

NOOTERS CLUB™designs are the creation of NooterWear, Inc. President Linda Wasche. Wasche is a long-time member of the animal rescue community and co-founder of Oakland PetFund, bringing the No More Homeless Pets Movement to Oakland County. She is the creator and publisher of fur-e-tails, a monthly pet lover e-newsletter produced by Oakland Pet Fund. Wasche also owns and operates LW Marketworks, Inc., a marketing firm she founded 13 years ago. Wasche lives in Sylvan Lake.

“Our shelters are overcrowded with puppies and kittens that will never find homes, so preventing more from being born is essential to solving the problem,” Wasche said. “NOOTERS CLUB™ attempts to draw attention to this message in an entertaining way that we hope will get people’s attention. We are also committed to building awareness about spay and neuter resources for individuals who cannot afford this type of care for their pets.”

NOOTERS CLUB™ products are being sold at the Bloomfield Hills Pet Supplies Plus and through the company’s website at http://www.nootersclub.org/. The company also offers point of purchase support, marketing materials and consulting services to retailers, veterinarians and rescue organizations that that may want to use NOOTERS CLUB™ items for promotions and fundraising.

 

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 Community Service Directory

In the future, this will be used for local businesses to list their name, description of service, website, email address, etc.

Listings in the Community Service Directory will be renewed annually.

 

 Classified Advertising

Residents in the future will be able to advertise items for sale, rentals, services, etc.

Listings for the Classified Advertising will change monthly.

January Calender Of Events

 

• 9th - Planning Commission meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Sylvan Lutheran Church.
• 10th - Public Hearing at 7:15 p.m. followed by the regular City Council meeting at    7:30 in the Sylvan Lutheran Church.
• 15th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• 23rd - City Council Study Session at 7:00 p.m. in the Sylvan Lake 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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