X-McAfeeVS-TimeoutProtection: 0 Received: from imta15.emeryville.ca.mail.comcast.net ([76.96.30.54]) by sccrmxc19.comcast.net (sccrmxc19) with ESMTP id <20080603141608s1900fbe0oe>; Tue, 3 Jun 2008 14:16:08 +0000 X-Originating-IP: [76.96.30.54] Received: from web01.hosting.core3solutions.com ([208.64.36.198]) by IMTA15.emeryville.ca.mail.comcast.net with comcast id ZSFx1Z02z4GW6qw0F00000; Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:16:07 +0000 X-Authority-Analysis: v=1.0 c=1 a=RJdA1lmOAAAA:8 a=JyohRUa0AAAA:8 a=XhM7DSe8AAAA:8 a=1XWaLZrsAAAA:8 a=asrlSAcQAAAA:8 a=grsapEZ8AAAA:8 a=bcwSNeiMAAAA:8 a=Wibpl1qgAAAA:8 a=NR6dF2BpAAAA:8 a=8SkRP9i9KuvOa5-8H-4A:9 a=IMWB-RZv30Pc1wvY54gA:7 a=MM8M_G_GgddTMfD_3XsMp0Ov8GsA:4 a=WD2S8eiFAUIA:10 a=bZ7j5JgeYLcA:10 a=pCzNvZoQGt4A:10 a=dHbXZybMLVAA:10 a=4XYcfgEWLI8A:10 a=dr0EVz77AT4A:10 a=Gm-Wy4chXbsA:10 a=NkqMCVlRpjgA:10 a=8cAl5-FXGL4A:10 a=Fwf6CpAWyU4A:10 a=KwvGldvpOOgA:10 a=FzHM-psJHlgA:10 a=F1VKXh5CxAsA:10 a=jDJr2yHj9j8A:10 a=hitP8N6GkE0A:10 a=tPPr76z2a2QA:10 a=si9q_4b84H0A:10 a=4Nsp7CLNYrEA:10 a=MSl-tDqOz04A:10 a=YK30HMD7P3IA:10 a=2-PByoHKA20A:10 a=ERF0bbVR-HYA:10 a=BMUHMS3u0ToA:10 Received: (qmail 13596 invoked by uid 65534); 3 Jun 2008 14:15:56 -0000 Date: 3 Jun 2008 14:15:56 -0000 Message-ID: <20080603141556.13594.qmail@web01.hosting.core3solutions.com> To: clippertsylvanlk@comcast.net Subject: June 2008 Spotlight From: Sylvan Lake Spotlight Subject: June 2008 Spotlight MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1
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For those of you who do not want to read through the extra information provided by the electronic newsletter, here is the paper newsletter.
 
 
 
   CRWC
   Recycling
   SEMCOG
         
   H&G Tour
   Swimming Lessons      
   Veteran Park Bid       
   
      
 
 
 
   
 
 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 FATHER'S DAY!! 
 
 
Please take a look at our new section of the newsletter - Sylvan Lake History
 
 
 
Community Events 
 
Plant Exchange
The Sylvan Lake Garden Club Plant Exchange will take place from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 7th at Memorial Park. Bring outdoor plants you no longer need and exchange with your neighbors. If you bring plants that are not exchanged, you may plant them at the Park. If you have nothing to exchange, you may find something you want to buy. The money raised will be donated to the Memorial Park. If you have questions, call Helen McAllister at 248-682-1082.
 
Home and Garden Tour Sponsorship Request
June 21st is Tour Day! Tickets may be purchased online this year. Go to www.sylvantour.com and click on the tickets tab. All of the options are listed and available. If you have an antique car that is part of the Tour, please park the car at Ferndale Beach. All proceeds will go toward the Community Center kitchen/landscaping.
 
Docents are needed! We need anyone who is willing to work from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on tour day. If you would like to help or would like more information, please contact Cathy Jensen at firecat@ameritech.net or call the tour hotline at 248-615-6296. The day's efforts will be put toward the kitchen at the new Community Center. Also, bakers are needed for the day of the tour! Please volunteer to donate a dozen (or more) sugar cookies for our Tour Day break area at Ferndale Beach. This would be greatly appreciated by our tourists and Sylvan walkers.
 
Some exhibits will be hosted in Ferndale Park, such as:
  • A Historical Picture exhibit of the City of Sylvan Lake. This has been significantly expanded since last year's Ice Cream Social picture boards.
  • A lemonade and sugar cookie break area for tourists and neighbors to enjoy on tour day.
  • An art exhibit by our very own Jill Naeger - beautiful flowers from Sylvan gardens artfully created.

Click here for more information of what is in store for you during the 2008 Home and Garden Tour!!

Father's Day Breakfast
The Oakland County Boat Club is hosting a Father's Day Breakfast Sunday, June 15th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. upstairs at the Boat Club. Donations will benefit the fireworks.
 
Sylvan Lake Fireworks
The Boat Club will display the fireworks July 3rd with a rain date of July 5th. Due to the overwhelming generosity last year, this show will be bigger and better, but donations are still needed. Yards signs to show your support will be available for a $50 donation after June 1st. Call the Boat Club at 248-681-2224. They will be sure to get you one, so be the first person on your block to show your support!
 
A Free shuttle service will again be available the night of the fireworks. The shuttle will be leaving from Gino's restaurant on Cass Lake Road.
 
To boat dock holders near the Community Center - if you are unable to find a spot for your pontoon during the fireworks, we have made arrangements with Tom's Pontoon Hauling to pull and store your boat at Zilka Heating and return it the next day.  The charge for this is $35.  Please contact Tom direct at 248-681-4250.
 
Fireworks Parking
There will be no parking on or along any street from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight, July 3rd, 2008 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. A free shuttle service will again be available from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. to 12 midnight. There will be a three-dollar charge any other time. The shuttle leaves from Gino's restaurant.  
 
Memorial Day Parade
This year's Memorial Day Parade was once again a great success. Thank you to all who participated during this great event!
 
Here is a photograph of the veterans being honored during the Parade at Memorial Park.
 
 
 
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program
Thank you to all of the Sylvan Lake residents that participated in the HHWC this year. There were 37 households that took hazardous waste, electronics and paper items to be shredded. It is great to see we have so many conscientious residents.  

 
 
Swimming Lessons
Summer Aquatic Services is excited to once again be offering swimming lessons at Sylvan Lake's beach this summer. Classes will run for two consecutive weeks and meet Monday through Thursday with Friday reserved as a rain date for a total of eight lessons. Four different classes will be offered:  Beginner I, Beginner II, Advanced Beginner I, and Advanced Beginner II with each class lasting for half an hour. Lessons will begin Monday, July 14th and end Thursday, July 24th. Registration forms specifying the times for each class will be available the week of June 16th. Class size will be limited to six to eight swimmers, so registration will be handled on a first come, first served basis. The cost of this year's lessons is $58 for the first child in a family and $55 for each subsequent child.  For additional information, please contact Kelly Daulton at 248-682-6877.
 
Community Center
Quick Update - The rules and regulations for renting the Community Center are now on the website at www.sylvanlake.org. Reserved events are noted on the calendar. The application and fees are also posted.
 
The NEW Community Center is underway and construction is going great!!  Remember, this is still an official construction site and only authorized people (Construction crew, City Manager, Construction Manager, DPW and approved personnel) are allowed on the site.  There are too many residents and non-residents venturing onto the property. Under no circumstances are any non-authorized personnel allowed on the site.  If you want to see the progress, you can look from outside the fence.  There are signs posted for "No Trespassing"; violators will be ticketed! 
 
We are still planning on having the Community Center completed by early summer.
 
Here are some updated photos of the Community Center.
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
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News/Announcements 
 
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 in June of the license year (June 9th). Failure to comply with this requirement will result in immediate forteiture of 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 tags 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. 
 
Keep these rules in mind while enjoying the 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.

*The restrooms at Ferndale Park are open. Any residents can use them from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. You do not need a park tag to use them.

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 sports tag will not be sold until it is safe to go onto the Community Center property.  Once available, the 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 tennis courts are closed for safety reasons. Click here for more.
 
The 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.
 
Boat Ramp Stickers
Stickers are required on all water craft 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 water craft. 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, only ramp use.
 
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, one watercraft. If a guest places their 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, only 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# 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.
 
City Council Meeting
The City Council will be meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Sylvan Lutheran Church on June 11th. On the agenda will be the approval of the ordinance amendments that were discussed at the Planning Commission meeting.
 
Planning Commission Public Hearing
The Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing at 7:30 p.m., June 3rd, 2008 to receive public input on two proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. One amendment will require signs in non-residentially zoned districts to be "monument" type signs instead of allowing "pole" signs and regulate window signs in businesses.  The second amendment is the adoption of architectural standards for non-residential structures. The proposed amendments can be viewed at City Hall. The regular Planning Commission meeting will immediately follow the public hearing.
 
Michigan Week
Three Sylvan Lake residents received honors at the annual Michigan Week Breakfast. Mike and Judy Schwanitz and Marlene Toby accepted the Volunteer Service Award. Congratulations to the three of them. 
 
Tennis Courts
The tennis courts are officially closed for safety reasons. We are hoping to have the courts resurfaced soon if the cost is not too high.  If it is found to be cost prohibitive to resurface the courts, we will try to temporarily repair them to make them safe enough to open.
 
 
 
 
 
Goose Round-up
Goose Busters will be handling the goose round-up again this year. Thank you Al Payson for working with Goose Busters in handling the goose population.
 
Yard Waste Program
The program started last month. 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.
Here are some guidelines that need to be followed for the yard waste collection.
  1. 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.
  2. Small branches (three inches in diameter or smaller) will be accepted if securely tied in manageable bundles no more than four feet in length.
  3. Yard waste in any type of plastic bag will not be accepted!
  4. Yard waste may not be placed at the street earlier than 5:00 p.m. the night before collection day.
Don't Drive on the Grass!
Our parks are being destroyed by people driving across them to access their dock spaces to install their docks and/or hoists. We try very hard to maintain the beauty of our parks and need your help. Do not drive in the parks under any circumstance! Doing so may result in a ticket. In addition, you will 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.
 
Bikers and Walkers
Please remember when walking to walk on the left side of the street (facing traffic) and bikers should ride on the right side of the street (with traffic). If you plan to be riding your bike or walk at night, please wear reflective clothing so that drivers can see you better. Parents, make sure your children are aware of the laws. Everyone should stop at all stop signs, including on the Trail.
New Calenders
Please take the time to look at our website, www.sylvanlake.org.  We have created two new calendars: Events and Community Center.  When your click on an event, it will give you further details of that event.  Residents interested in renting the Community Center can see if a date is available.  There is no Grand Opening date set yet for the Community Center.  
 
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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 walking or jogging.
If you have any 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 West Bloomfield dispatch, day or night, and they will have a Sylvan Lake Police Officer respond to your call.
 
Who is allowed to go door to door? Only non-profit groups that register with the Police Department.
 
If you have a concern or a complaint regarding the Police Department, please send an e-mail to slpdchief@comcast.net.
 
Street Lighting
The City has been working with Detroit Edison�s Community Lighting group to expedite the repair and maintenance of streetlights.  If you see a problem with a street light, please call City Hall with the following information:
If there is a case where a pole has been knocked down or any other emergency, please call 1-800-477-4747. 
Ordinance Violation Hotline
Residents can call in with any ordinance violations you may see.  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 4:30 p.m. or you can contact the police immediately by calling 248-681-1911. This will go directly to the West Bloomfield dispatch, day or night, and they will have a Sylvan Lake police officer respond to your call. You may also send an email to sylvanlakeordinance@gmail.com. There will be violation notices and possibly tickets given to anyone violating the City's ordinances. This includes common violations such as:
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Rubbish Collection
The collection takes place every Wednesday.  Richfield Management begins picking up trash promptly at 7:00 a.m.  So make sure you have your trash and recycling at the edge of the street by 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday.  Trash collection will be delayed one day only for the following holidays:
  • New Year's Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
*If you have any items that need to be picked up, please call Richfield Management at 877-609-6753. 
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. 
 
 
Recycling
Only 25 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 (ROW) Policy
City Council has approved the ROW policy governing improvements in the ROW.  The ROW is City right of way, the strip of land along the street, from the edge of the street to the property line.  The area generally extends from 12 to 15 feet from the pavement.  The ROW policy requires a permit before ANY improvement is made in the ROW.  This includes digging, filling, installing sprinkler systems, planting trees, etc.  Improvements that do not require a permit are minor things such as maintenance, planting grass, or flowers. 
 
The Policy requires that the first four feet (4') of ROW adjacent to the street be grass, low approved vegetation, or at-grade rocks for retaining (around a culvert end for example).  This vegetation could be flowers (hostas) etc.  If you are wondering what would be allowed, please call City Hall.  Items that are absolutely not allowed within 4 feet of the edge of the pavement are above grade items like rocks, boulders, tall plants or bushes, landscape planters, reflectors, etc.  The entire ROW policy will be available for review on the web site and at City Hall.
 
What is a variance?  Click to read about the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), how the appeal process works, and how the ZBA tries to relieve property owners from ordinances uniquely affecting them.
 
SEMCOG - For more information, go to www.semcog.org/ourstoprotect.
 
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.   
 
Beach Water Sampling Season
The Oakland County Health Division has begun testing for E. Coli bacteria. Samples are taken from June to August. If test results exceed the limits, notices will be posted at the beach. You can also view posted beach closures and reopening results at http://www.oakgov.com/health/info_pub/eh_beachclosing.html. Also, all sample results will be on the MDEQ (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality) website at http://www.deq.state.mi.us/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. 
 
Betty Delaney continues to head the Trail committee.  A meeting was held in August and plans are being made for the cleaning maintaining, and improving of the Trail.  There will be much more to come!
 
Sharon Hughes continues to lead a planting program on the trail near Pontiac Drive.  She would appreciate help planting and maintaining the areas.   If you have something you would like to donate, please call Sharon at 248-681-5557, or email her at Slynnhughes@netzero.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
 
  
 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. 
Veteran Park Bid
This is from the archives of the Village of Sylvan Lake Board of Trustees of the Village of Sylvan Lake meeting minutes - April 5th, 1944 and September 6th, 1944 - Veterans Park
 
Mrs. Jarvis, representing the Garden Club, reported on the plans for the Veteran Park, and requested that the Board's approval of their tentative bid for $99 to cover expenses for completion of the Park program. She wishes the Board to extend a word of appreciation to Mr. Clarence Stolpe for his work on assembling and varnishing the Village benches and tables. The Board discussed the Veteran Memorial Plaque and it was agreed that Mr. Joseph Leavy be a committee of one to make a selection from the catalog available and submit a report to the Board.
 
 
 
Pewabic Tile Connection
Over the fireplace in our Community Center is a pewabic tile-framed inscription. It reads "Warm the hand & cheer the heart". This was installed in the fresh air camp (the Community Center) around 1910. Click here to read more!
 
 
 
HERE IS THE PEWABIC TILE SET IN THE FIREPLACE OF THE NEW COMMUNITY CENTER 
 
 
 
Ferndale Beach
This is a photo of the boat canals in the early 1940's at what is now Ferndale Beach.
 
 
 
Cynthia Mills Cleveland and Bruce Cleveland donated the land that is now Ferndale Beach to the Village of Sylvan Lake on May 3rd, 1939. The original owner was Cynthia's father, Merrill B. Mills.
 
June 1st, 1944 - Fill Dirt for Village Park (Ferndale Beach)
 
Resolved by Trustee Knapp, supported by Trustee Baer that $150 be authorized for fill-dirt, comprising 50 loads of 5 yards each at $3 per load, to be delivered to the Village Park, at Oakwood and Ferndale Avenues, by M. J. Whiteside Co., also the use of bull-dozer at standard rate as required to level off surface.
Yeas: Jarvis, Hyde, Baer, Koella, Knapp.
Resolution adopted.
 
Click here to read more about the history of Ferndale Beach.
 
 
 
 
 Special Thanks/Kudos
Everyone who participated in the Memorial Day Parade and the Garage Sale. Everything went very well!
 
Al Payson for working with Goose Busters this year for the Goose Round-up.
 
 
 Project Updates
 
 
Community Programs 
 
 
 Fur-e-tails Newsletter
A new electronic newsletter for pet lovers, fur-e-tails, has been launched by Sylvan Lake resident Linda Wasche.  Every monthly issue contains information and news covering all topics ranging from pet care and nutrition to the latest in pet products and pet lover events.  For your FREE subscription contact editor-fur-e-tails@oaklandpetfund.org.  All proceeds from fur-e-tails advertising will go to benefit Oakland pet fund, bringing the No-More-Homeless Pets movement to Oakland County. 
 
Pet Supplies Plus of West Bloomfield was involved in the cat trapping program of our City. They are also working together with the Nooters Club on how to prevent littering.
 
To read more about how to prevent littering and help improve the environment, click here.
 
 
 
CAN YOU FIND A HOME FOR TWO KITTENS? CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
June Calender Of Events
  • 3rd    - Planning Commission meeting at the Sylvan Lutheran Church at 7:30 p.m.
  • 7th    - Plant Exchange from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon at Memorial Park.
  • 9th    - Last day to put docks or moorings in the water.
  • 11th   - Council Meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Sylvan Lutheran Church.
  • 15th   - Father's Day Breakfast at the Oakland County Boat Club.
  • 21st   - Home and Garden Tour from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • 26th   - Study Session at 7:00 p.m. at the Sylvan Lutheran Church.
 
Variances 
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has the power to grant variances upon appeal, from the strict application of the zoning ordinance.  An appeal may be filed when there is a practical difficulty or hardship preventing the property owner from conforming to the strict letter of the ordinance.  The ZBA will consider the request for a variance and determine whether it may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of the ordinance.
 
The authority of the ZBA is designed to provide relief to a property owner from an ordinance that is uniquely affecting him/her.  The problem the property owner faces must be created by circumstances unique to the property and not shared by surrounding parcels and the problem cannot be self-created.  Typically, the following situations must exist:
  1. The alleged practical difficulty is exceptional and peculiar to the property and generally does not exist throughout the City.  An irregular shaped lot or odd natural characteristics of the land are possible examples of this.
  2. The alleged practical difficulty must be more than a mere inconvenience or need for financial gain or financial savings.
  3. The practical difficulty was not created by an action of the applicant and either existed at the time of the adoption of the requirement from which the variance is requested, or is necessary as the result of governmental action such as road widening.  A self-created hardship is typically not a valid basis for a variance.
  4. The variance is the minimum necessary to permit reasonable use of the land and building for activities permitted in the zoning ordinance.
  5. Justice considering: Public benefits specifically defined by zoning rules, AND individual hardship suffered by not granting variance, AND the rights of affected property owners.
The appellant presents information usually showing that the requested variance:
 
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Newsletter Guidelines for Outside Submissions

 

The City of Sylvan Lake welcomes articles, news and updates from members of the community. Such information should be relevant to Sylvan Lake, to its residents and to living in the community.  The editor reserves the right to accept or reject any such information.  All such information will also be edited for style and space. 

 

In submitting information, please follow the guidelines below. 

 Submit your information, preferably in electronic form, to:

 

            Newsletter Editor

            Sylvanlakenewsletter@gmail.com

            248-682-1440

 

1.  Articles and updates
Limit articles, updates and other information to no more than 200 words. Such items must be written from the perspective of an outside objective third party.  We do NOT accept editorials or opinion pieces.  Let readers know where they can go for more information, where appropriate, by including a phone number, email address or website.  Also, be sure to include your contact information in case we have questions.

 

2.  News releases
We welcome news releases on upcoming events and programs, but cannot run releases in their entirety due to space limitations.  Be sure to include contact information.

 

3.  Photos
Color photos are welcome IF THEY ACCOMPANY ABOVE DESCRIBED NEWS OR  INFORMATION.   All photos MUST be in ELECTRONIC format as a .gif or .jpg.  If photos include human subjects, be sure you have their permission to submit the photo.  Be sure to include a caption explaining what is in the photo as well as a name and contact information for the person submitting the photo.  If a photo was taken by someone other the person submitting it, you will need his or her written permission to  allow us to use the photo. 

 

4.  Deadlines
Information for the newsletter is due as follows:
The 12th of the month preceding the issue  (For example, information for the December issue would be due November 12th and so on.)
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Sylvan Lake Spotlight
Sylvan Lake Spotlight is published by the City of Sylvan Lake, 1820 Inverness, Sylvan Lake, MI 48320. Resident news and information are welcome, but must follow newsletter editorial guidelines. To request a copy of the Editorial Guidelines, contact City Manager John Martin at martinsylvanlk@comcast.net.
 
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