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Hall Welcome
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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
   Dogs
   RV Storage 
   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. 
 
 
 
 
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Community Events
 
Sylvan Lake Fireworks 
The Oakland County Boat Club again is sponsoring the annual fireworks display on Tuesday, July 3rd with a rain date of Saturday, July 7th.  The fireworks will begin at dusk (approx. 10:00 p.m.)  Donations are needed!!  The OCBC needs your help to fund the event.  Volunteers are needed 1 1/2 hours before the event to help pass donation cans to raise funds.  Call Marlene Toby about helping out with donations at 248-682-5560.  Please help keep the tradition alive!! 
*A special thanks to Megan Grasser, Brooklynn Powers, Lauren Powers, Richard Newman, Gabi Allread, and Austin Evans.  They held a lemonade stand on June 10th and June 16th and the money went toward the Sylvan Lake Fireworks.  The kids raised a total of $102.68!!  Thank you so much for your help.
 
Fireworks Parking
The parking will be the same setup as last year.  There will be no parking on or along any street from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight on July 3rd, 2007 as posted.  This includes the pavement and shoulder/ditch areas.  You may park only on private property, in driveways, or on approved gravel parking areas.  Violators will be ticketed and towed.
 
Home And Garden Tour Recap
Once again, the Home and Garden Tour was a huge success!  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
One of Sylvan Lake's most popular events, sponsored by the Sylvan Lake Garden Club, will be held on Thursday, August 16th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Community Center lawn.  You may want to bring a lawn chair or a blanket in case the tables are filled.  We are in need of volunteers to help dip the ice cream.  If you would like to help, please call Lisa Brownlee at 248-681-3875.  This will also be the celebration for the farewell/ground-breaking for the Community Center.
 
The City of Sylvan Lake is now 60 years old.  We would like to celebrate this anniversary at the Sylvan Lake Garden Club Ice Cream Social.  Sylvan Lake would like to honor those who have lived in Sylvan Lake for 60 years or more.  If you would like to help with this celebration, we welcome your participation.  We are also looking for pictures and stories about Sylvan Lake from the “early days” until the present.  Please call Helen Jane Peters at 248-681-9568.
 
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.
 
 Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons are back by popular demand!  Lessons will begin on July 9th and will run until July 19th.  Days for the lessons are Monday through Thursday with Friday being the make-up day for lessons canceled due to inclement weather.  The cost for lessons are $58 for the first child in a family and $55 for each subsequent member of the same family.
 
 
 
Here is the summer schedule:
Class size is limited, so do not wait to register!  Pick up your form at City Hall, or call Sandy Haas at 248-683-7359 for more information.  See you at the beach! 
 
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.   
  
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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. 
 
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. 
 
Community Center Presentation
The Community Center presentation went well at the Planning Commission and City Council meetings.  Many residents came with questions, comments, concerns, and congratulations.  The Planning Commission voted to approve the preliminary site plan and City Council approved the Community Center design.  The committee will now work on getting hard costs for the construction.  It should be noted that the blueprint and layout may change slightly due to budget and construction concerns  The finishes will be determined by the Community Center Committee.  The final site plan will have to be reviewed by the Planning Commission that will include a lighting and landscape plan.
 
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.
Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission meeting will take place on July 10th at 7:30 p.m. at the Sylvan Lutheran Church.  They will continue their discussion on the placement of air conditioners and generators, setbacks, total lot coverage, and the Orchard Lake Corridor.
 
City Council Meeting
The City Council meeting will be held on July 11th.  Tentative items on the agenda will be the discussion of the time when the gates should be closed.  Concerned residents are encouraged to attend.
 
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 7th, 2007.  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.
 
Goose Round-up Recap
The goose round-up went very well this year with the relocation of 118 eggs and 90 geese for a total of 208.  Once again, Goosebusters did most of the work but there were 3 people who helped out that should be acknowledged: Mike Polmear and Gerry Powers of Sylvan Lake and Frank Chaffee of Beverly Island.  Thanks for your help!
Beach Water Sampling Season 
The Oakland County Health Division has begun testing for E. Coli bacteria.  Samples are taken June through August.  If samples exceed the E. Coli limits, notices will be posted at the beach.  You can also view posted beach closures and re-opening results at http://www.oakgov.com/health/info_pub/eh_beachclosing.html.  Also, all sample results will be on the MDEQ’s website at http://www.deq.state.mi.us
 
Ducks And Geese
Please do not feed the ducks and geese.  Feeding them may seem harmless, but this can become a nuisance to residents and to our water.  Feeding waterfowl causes them to become dependent on humans and makes them aggressive.  This results in the unnaturally high populations and problems in our parks and the lake.  Waterfowl waste also pollutes our waters with harmful bacteria.
 
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.
  
Boat Ramp Keys/Park and Sports Tags

These 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 restrooms at Ferndale Park are now open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  You do not need a park tag to use them. 
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. 

The boat ramp key is $20 and allows you to use the City boat ramp located on Ferndale, next to the Oakland County Boat Club.  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. 
 
 
Boat Ramp Stickers
Boat ramp stickers are required on all watercraft launched, 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 your watercraft.  They are available at City Hall for a cost of $10.  You must be a resident and show your original boat registration showing the resident owns the watercraft in order to purchase a sticker.  You do NOT need a sticker to have your boat at your dock, just to use our ramp.
 
Boat Ramp Guest 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.  If a guest places his or her boat in the water and leaves it in the water for more than one day, another guest pass will be required to use the ramp when the watercraft is removed.  You are not charged based on how long the watercraft is in the water, but for how many days you use the ramp.  To obtain a guest pass, a resident must fill out a very short form indicating the type of watercraft along with the MC number 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.
 
Dogs in the Parks
At the March City Council meeting, it was approved to allow leashed dogs 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.  Dogs must be on a leash that is no more than 10 feet long and being held by the owner/walker.  The dog must also be picked up after.  These same rules apply to dogs being walked anywhere in the City. 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 leas directly onto your boat.

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

Yes, if you are walking your dog and you are on the street, you may let your dog walk on the grass along the edge of the street, even adjacent to a park. 
 
Of course, the person walking the dog must be a Sylvan Lake resident with a park tag to use any park. 

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From The Police Chief
Please be aware that the police officers are being very strict on enforcing the traffic laws in the City.  For everyone's safety, please make sure you follow the speed limit, come to a full and complete stop at all stop signs, and always be aware of residents of all ages jogging or walking.
 
  
Ordinance Hotline
This is a reminder for residents to call in with any ordinance violations you may see. This includes residents doing work without a permit.  You do not have to identify yourself, but we need you to provide an address and description of the problem. Call 248-682-1440, ext. 6 after hours or you can 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.  If you have solicitors in your area, or you see a suspicious person, contact the police immediately by calling 248-682-1911.  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.
 
Code Enforcement
There will be violation notices and tickets given to anyone violating the City's ordinances.  This includes common violations such as:
  • Dogs in the Parks or unleashed
  • junk cars,
  • storage of garbage cans (cannot be visible from the street),
  • 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.  
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.
 
Recreational Vehicle Storage
Please remember that you must keep your RV's at least 45 feet from the edge of the road and at least 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 any time.  Also, only two RV's per property!
 
Bicyclists
This is a reminder to all bicyclists to obey speed and traffic signals.  This includes stopping at stop signs on the trail.
 
The Police Department was pleased with the turnout they had for Bicycle Safety Day.  They had 30 children 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.
 
No Open Burning
The fire code and our ordinance do not allow open burning.  This includes outdoor, above-ground fire pits and “chimineas.” The only outdoor fires allowed are barbecue grills.  You can be ticketed if you are found using anything else.
 
Property Line
Everyone takes pride in their property.  Be courteous to your neighbors and discuss with them anything you may be doing close to the property line.  This may be planting shrubs or flowers, planting or trimming trees, or installing or removing a fence.
 
Dock/Marina Permit
The City is working very hard on obtaining a permit for the installation of docks in the same fashion we have done for many years.  While we are working on this project, the MDEQ (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality) is allowing the City to operate for this summer the same as we have in the past.
 
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.
Park Information
The park rangers are in  the parks checking for park tags, sports tags, boat ramp keys, etc.  Please make sure you have your appropriate tag(s) with you while you are in the parks.  We will begin closing the gates on Lakeview and Ferndale when school is out and on the weekends prior to school letting out.  The gates will be closed at approximately noon during good weather.  The gates will not be opened at a specific time, but no later than 9:00 p.m.  It will depend on the weather and how busy the parks are.
 

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.
 
CDBG Liaison
Karen Burnett has graciously volunteered to be the liaison for our Community Development Block Grant program.  The Block Grant program in Sylvan Lake is used to assist seniors and those with a low to low/moderate income.  The City proposes to spend $4,000 on a Yard Service Program, $3,600 on a Minor Home Repair program, and $400 on administration.  The Yard Service and Home Repair programs are designed to assist senior and low-income residents with the maintenance of their homes.
 
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.
 
Foreclosures in Oakland County
Foreclosures are a growing concern for all of us.  Foreclosures adversely affect families, neighborhoods, and the business community.  Oakland County is educating people who may be delinquent with mortgage payments or are facing foreclosure about available intervention resources and self-help steps.  Reaching the people who need help before it is too late is difficult.  Therefore, the Citizens Advisory Council for Community & Home Improvement recommends that each community insert the attached article (or a portion) in local community newsletters or put this on you cable station to let citizens know that help is available through free housing counseling services.  If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Karry Reith at 248-858-5403.  Click here.
 
 
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, 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.
 
 
 
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!!
 
 
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. 
 
 
 Special Thanks/Kudos
All of the children involved in the lemonade stand (see Sylvan Lake Fireworks)!
 
All the volunteers and owners for this year's Home and Garden Tour.  It was a great success.
  
 
 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. 
 
July Calender Of Events
  •  3rd   - Oakland County Boat Club Fireworks starting at dusk (rain date of July 7th).
  • 4th   - Independence Day!  City Hall closed.
  • 10th  - Planning Commission meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Sylvan Lutheran Church.
  • 11th  - City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Sylvan Lutheran Church.
  • 17th  - Board of Review at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
  • 24th  - Study session  

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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.