This great event, hosted by the Oakland County Boat Club, will be held on Sunday, July 5th with a rain date of Friday, July 10th. Food will be available at the outdoor grill at the Boat Club. The fireworks begin at dusk (roughly 10:00 p.m.). The Fireworks will be shot from a barge in the middle of the lake this year. That means you will now be able to view the fireworks from the Community Center park area along the lake. he Community Center will not be open. Do not forget to donate to this wonderful event.

Volunteers are needed to help put up the temporary “NO PARKING” signs in the City on Sunday morning and to take the signs down and clean up the park the day after the fireworks. Please contact City Hall if you would like to do so. The stakes for the No Parking signs will be put up on Thursday, but the signs will not be put on them until Sunday morning.

Fireworks Parking

Fireworks Parking will be the same as last year. There will be no parking on or along any street from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight on July 5th, 2009 as posted. This includes the pavement and shoulder/ditch areas. You may park only on private property, in driveways or on approved gravel or paved parking areas. Violators will be ticketed and towed.

Community Center Parking for Fireworks

Parking at the Community Center will be available this year for $20. The parking lot will open at 9:00 a.m. and will be on a first come, first service basis. Violators will be charged a $100 fee by the City and will also have to pay any applicable towing charges.

Soccer Camp

There will be two soccer camps in Sylvan this summer. The first week will be July 13th through July 17th. The second is July 27th through July 31st. The camps will take place at:

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for 7 to 9 year old boys and girls, and
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for 10 to 13 year old boys and girls.

The camps will be held outside the Community Center. The cost for one week's camp will be $55 per child per week or $100 for the two separate weeks. Each camp will be limited to a maximum of 16 kids per class and will be on a first come basis. Please bring a ball if you have one, shin guards, sun screen, and water. Payments should be made to:

Dougie Macaulay

1459 Benvenue

Sylvan lake, MI 48320.

If you have questions, call Dougie at 248-505-4251 or dougiemacaulay@hotmail.com

Swimming Lessons

Lessons are being offered for Sylvan Lake children ages three and up. They will take place at Ferndale Beach from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. as a two-week session:

July 20-24 Rain date July 25th
July 27-30 Rain date July 31st

The cost is $58 per child and $55 for each additional lesson.

Forms are now available at City Hall. Email Sharon Black semblack@sbcglobal.net with questions.

Kids Day

This fun event will be held on Thursday, July 30th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m at the Community Center. It is open to all residents, so come down for activities, games, and crafts for ages five and up. We need teens as C.I.T.'s (counselors in training)! Please sign up by emailing Joileo@comcast.net or call 248-224-2726.

The Annual Ice-Cream Social

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 7:30 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 community volunteers this year to help dip the ice cream. If you would like to volunteer, please call Helen McAllister at 248-682-1082.

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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).

Zoning Board of Appeals

The ZBA has been requested to grant a variance from the zoning ordinance to allow the construction of a roof over an existing front porch and ramp at 1770 Beverly. The request will require a 3.5 foot variance. The Zoning Board will meet July 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center.

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. his 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.

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.

Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 7th at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center.

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 July 8th. Tentative items on the agenda will be the discussion of the millage proposal for the November election, discussion of the informational meeting presented by the Oakland County Sheriff’s office, and possible appointments to the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Committee.

Community Center Open for Use

Joanne Eberhardt is currently our one resident willing to be available at the Community Center for you to come and enjoy it. It will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Everyone is welcome to stop by. Bring cards or games and friends to play if you like. An adult must accompany minor children. We would like to open the building daily, but we need volunteers to be there. It could even be a group that would like to scrapbook, play cards, etc. If you are interested, please call or email City Hall or call Sharon Maurina at 248-681-5708. Please check the Community Center calendar on our website to make sure it is open.

Vandalism on the Trail

Plants have been taken and cut into along th Trail at the end of Pontiac Drive. Please do not touch any plants along the Trail and call the police right away if you see anyone doing so.

Summer Tax Time Is Here!

Keep an eye out for your tax bill. They gave been mailed, so if you do not receive 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/.

Rain Barrels

If you are interested in purchasing rain barrels, click here to receive some detailed information along with photographs.

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.

Fee Increases

At the May meeting City Council approved the increase of some fees. The boat dock fee was increase to $465 (effective 2010 boating season; this does not include those under the Lakeview consent agreement) and the RV lot storage increased to $400.

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.

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 depends on the weather and how busy the parks are.

Park Day Pass

At the next City Council meeting, City Council will be discussing an idea of a day pass for the park. It will still be for residents only, but if a resident does not have a park tag, they will have the option of purchasing a "day pass" instead of having to leave the park. The Park Ranger will have the ability to offer that option to residents in the park.

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

Combining Police Departments or sharing staff if economically advantageous

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.

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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.

Skateboarders

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.

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.

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 Committee

City Council would like to have a committee to organize and facilitate community events and organizations to use the Community Center. If you are interested in being on this committee, please submit a letter of interest and qualifications to City Hall.

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 currently have one volunteer to be available at the Community Center on Monday's from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is on a trial basis for the month of May. You are welcome to get a group together to play cards or other games, watch TV or just sit and talk.

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.

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

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.

Oakland County Boat Club

The Oakland County Boat Club was started by seventeen men in 1912. They held monthly meetings at their homes until 1916 when the present clubhouse was built. The club was built on pilings and had boat wells under the structure. In the 1930’s, the clubhouse was moved back seventy feet to the present location. Community meetings for the Sylvan Lake City Council and the Garden Club were frequently held at the Boat Club.

Power boats dominated the club until World War II when sailboats took over because of fuel restrictions. Every Sunday morning in the summer, a canon would fire signaling a sailing race. The boat club had 19 members in the armed services at this time. After the war, the club returned to their annual power boat regatta and had one or two per year. They also sponsor the annual fireworks display along with the City.

Founders of the Oakland County Boat Club – Mary TePoorten Sax

The original building was used as a social center. There was a piano, played by Frank Phillips, and a singer, Dr. Bernard TePoorten. Dr. TePoorten loved to dance and sang very well. Bernard and Frank became friends as they offered to the group the primary source of music. Men and women came here every Saturday night. Coffee and doughnuts were served while the couples square danced, waltzed, fox trotted, and did the two-step. Upstairs were poker tables. When these tables were not in use, they held people’s coats. The small babies were placed on these coats. At midnight, everyone went home.

Along with Dr. TePoorten and Frank Phillips, there developed a core group: The Owens brothers, Bill Knudsen, Elmer Fezzey, Charles Schlack, Mr. Farlow, Don MacDonald, and his brother. The Owens brothers had boats. From this group emerged the Oakland County Boat Club. The men listed above have been known as the founders of the Oakland County Boat Club.

Phillips and TePoorten were not hired performers but were a part of the social group who loved to sing and play the piano.

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

Thanks to all who participated in the Parade. 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.

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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July Calender Of Events

3rd    - City Hall closed, Independence Day!

5th    - Oakland County Boat Club Fireworks starting at dusk (rain date July 10th)

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

8 th   - City Council Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

23rd   - Study Session

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..

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.