Community Events

Community Center Presentation

Steve Auger, the architect for the Community Center project, will be making a presentation at the June 13th City Council meeting. He will explain where the committee is with the project and how they arrived at the decisions that have been made.

The proposed building is approximately 3,100 square feet with an attached 850 square-foot covered pavilion, both on a slab. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. and the presentation will be toward the beginning of the meeting, so be on time! We encourage all residents to attend to see what progress has been made. City Council will then vote on the direction the committee is taking with the design of the building. Once the basic plan has been approved, firm cost estimates will be obtained. Please remember that the design of the project is dependent on not exceeding the cost approved by voters last November.

*Here is a photograph of the fireplace at the Community Center with the inscription located at the center made from pewabic tile. Click here to read more about pewabic tile, pottery, and how this idea arose back in 1910.

"Warm the hand

and cheer the heart"

Plant Exchange

The Sylvan Lake Garden Club is hosting another city-wide plant exchange at Memorial Park on Saturday, June 9th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon with a rain date scheduled for June 10th. Make sure you bring perennials and annuals to the Exchange. If you know what type of perennial or annual it is you are bringing, please label it. People who bring plants that are not exchanges can plant them at Memorial Park. There is no charge for this event, but people who do not have perennials to exchange will be able to purchase someone else's perennial. So as you prepare your garden this year, save your surplus perennials and trade them with your neighbors. This money will be donated to the Memorial Park. For more information, please contact Helen McAllister at 248-682-1082.

Home and Garden Tour

Don�t miss the 4th annual Home and Garden Tour June 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 through June 14th, $15 the day of the tour, and $10 each for groups of 10 or more. Those with any questions about tickets should call Debby Leh at 248-681-8624 or Judy Schwanitz at 248-681-2750.

If you have not experienced a Sylvan Lake Home and Garden Tour, then come and see what you are missing! There will be glorious gardens fabulous renovations, a contemporary lakefront, a traditional style, and everything in between. All proceeds will go toward the Community Center Project. We hope to see more "locals" at this year's tour.

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

Father's Day Breakfast

The Oakland County Boat Club is hosting a Father's Day breakfast on Sunday, June 17th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon upstairs at the boat club. Donations will benefit the fireworks.

Bicycle Safety Day

The Sylvan Lake Police Department will be hosting a bicycle safety program on June 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a rain date of June 30th. It will be held at City Hall with a bicycle safety course set up. Children two to 12 years of age are welcome to attend this free event. There will be free food, refreshments, and prizes. Two new bikes will also be raffled off!!

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. Envelopes will be mailed out the first week of June. Please help keep the tradition alive!!

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:

2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Beginner IV: For children 5 & older who can comfortably swim on their stomachs and backs (basic freestyle and backstroke) for at least 15 yards without a float.

2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Beginner III: For children 4 & older who can swim on their stomachs without a float for at least 10 yards.

3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Beginner II: For children 3 & older who can swim comfortably with a float and are beginning to swim alone.

3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Beginner I: For children 3 & older who are not yet able to swim comfortably with a float.

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

There have been several people that have been using the trail all winter. Now that Spring is here, the trail use will increase. Mike Schwanitz has been volunteering his time for the last couple years patrolling the trail from Orchard Lake Road to Inverness picking up trash and making sure everything is OK. We certainly appreciate your willingness to help. 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 donated and planted several flowers, bulbs, plants and bushes last year. Sharon has volunteered to be the point person for people wanting to donate items to plant on the trail. Of course she would appreciate help in planting them, but she is willing to get it done if she needs to. If anyone is willing to donate plants, splittings, small trees, bushes, etc. It would be very nice if there were spring-blooming bulbs and flowers that would attract butterflies or hummingbirds. If you have something you would like to donate, please call Sharon at 248-681-5557, or email her at Slynnhughes@netzero.net.   Or you can leave small items on her porch at 1455 Glenwood. Of course larger trees or bushes would require help in moving and planting, so contact her first.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GWBHS NEWSLETTER (Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society)



Sylvan Shuffle Recap

The Sylvan Shuffle was a big success again this year. 150 people participated to help raise $3,000 for the tennis courts. Thanks for running for your parks!

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News/Announcements

Purchase Some Trees!

When the MDNR was contacted after the last newsletter went out, we found out the ROOT program did not have any trees left for sale. They directed us to "Global Releaf" of Michigan. This is a non-profit organization and there is an order form and additional information in the website.

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.

     *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.

DTE Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing

Watch the Newsletter for dates when these hearings are to be held in Sylvan Lake and Bloomfield Township.

Brief Haz Mat Recycling Recap

At the Haz Mat recycling event hosted by West Bloomfield Township, on May 5th, 1,194 vehicles participated in recycling hazardous waste. 37 households from Sylvan Lake participated in the event. Thank you to all who participated and to all who recycled!

Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission meeting at the Sylvan Lutheran Church on June 5th at 7:30 p.m. On the agenda will be the site plan review of the Community Center project, continued discussion on lot coverage, and the placement of air conditioners and generators.

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, etc. If you are interested, please send a letter of qualification to City Hall.

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City Council Meeting

The City Council meeting will take place at the Sylvan Lutheran Church at 7:30 p.m. on June 13th. On the agenda is a presentation on the Community Center plans and costs, discussion on parking for the fireworks - do we continue the "NO PARKING" policy on the streets?

Fireworks Parking

The fireworks parking issue will be discussed at the June 13th City Council meeting. Come voice your opinion on whether parking should be allowed on city streets. Watch the City website for the results if you cannot make the meeting. If there will be no parking on or along any street, it would be 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.

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/beach/.



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.

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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.

Leaf Collection

This is a reminder that there is no spring leaf collection this year. To dispose of your leaves, please put them out for collection as yard waste (see below).

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

Small branches (three inches in diameter or smaller) will be accepted if they are securely tied in manageable bundles no longer than four feet.

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

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Tri-City Fire Board Opening

This is a two-year term running from July 1st, 2007 to June 30th, 2009. If you are interested, please submit a letter of qulaification to City Hall. If you have any questions, please call City Hall.

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.

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.

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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.

Bocce Ball

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.

Meals On Wheels

The Meals On Wheels Program is now available at the Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church (2333 Figa, West Bloomfield). Noon-time meals will be hosted for community seniors who are 60 years of age or older. Meals will be served from noon to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday (no holidays). Remember, meals are served at the church. They are not delivered to individual homes.

A donation of $3.50 per meal is requested to help eliminate the cost of this service for all seniors over 60 years of age. Meals are available to anyone under age 60 at a charge of $6.00 per meal. Tell your neighbors to come along and bring a friend!

*Click here for more info.

Boat Dock Renewal

The applications for the boat dock renewals have already been sent out. The renewal fee is $365, and this covers your park registration, ramp key, and park and sports tags. As a reminder for some of the requirements, they are:

At least one watercraft at each dock space must be owned by the dock space holder.

You must have proof of PL and PD insurance for the dock and all water craft that will be placed in the dock space. Proof must be submitted with the application.

The deadline for submitting a dock license application and all information is March 1st. If we do not receive your application by then, you can lose your space.

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 (Michigqualificationan 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.

Mooring/Dock Owners

Applicants receiving a license to use a dock space must construct or install a boat dock or mooring facility within the licensed space on or before the second Monday of June of the license year (June 11th). Failure to comply with this requirement will result in immediate forfeiture of the license and all fees related to application and licensing.

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.

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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.

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 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.

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 bottles marked with a 1 or 2 on the bottom will be accepted.

Metal cans need to be clean and the label must be removed.

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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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.

CLICK HERE TO SEE SEMCOG'S QUARTERLY PUBLICATION, SEMSCOPE!!

June is "Earth-Friendly Landscaping" Month. Find out what this means by reading this message from SEMCOG.

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!!

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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.

Award Ceremony

Two Sylvan Lake residents received honors at the annual Michigan Week Breakfast. Helen McAllister accepted the Community Achievement award on behalf of the Sylvan Lake Garden Club. The club was organized in 1939 with Josephine James being the first president. At 101, Jo James is still a Garden Club member and Sylvan Lake resident. The Garden Club aids in protecting trees, plants, and wildlife, and their Ice Cream Social is now in its 42nd year.

Helen McAllister, President with

Karen Burnett, Garden Club member

Lisa Marie Blanek also received a volunteer service award for giving so much of your time and effort for organizations in our community, such as:

Roosevelt Elementary School,

St. Joseph Mercy Hospital,

Our Lady of Refuge Parish,

Roosevelt's Fun Run,

Winter Carnival, and

Gold Slip Store.

These events would not have been the same without you!

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Special Thanks/Kudos

Helen McAllister and the Sylvan Lake Garden Club for all they have done over the years.

Lisa Marie Blanek for giving so much of your time and effort for organizations in our community.

Dan and Michelle Allread for all of the hard work you put forth for organizing the Sylvan Shuffle this year.

Al Payson for working with Goose Busters in handling the goose round-up this year.



Project Updates

Community Programs

Fur-e-tails Newsletter

A new electronic newsletter for pet lovers, fur-e-tails, has been launched by Sylvan Lake resident Linda Wasche. Every monthly issue contains information and news covering all topics ranging from pet care and nutrition to the latest in pet products and pet lover events. For your FREE subscription contact editor-fur-e-tails@oaklandpetfund.org. All proceeds from fur-e-tails advertising will go to benefit Oakland pet fund, bringing the No-More-Homeless Pets movement to Oakland County.

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

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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.

June Calender Of Events

5th - Planning Commission meeting at the Sylvan Lutheran Church at 7:30 p.m.

9th - Plant Exchange from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Memorial Park.

11th - Last day to get your docks or moorings in the water.

13th - City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Sylvan Lutheran Church.

16th - Home and Garden Tour from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

17th - Father's Day Breakfast at the Oakland County Boat Club.

23rd - Bicycle Safety Day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at City Hall.

24th - Study session at 7:00 p.m. at the Sylvan 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:

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.