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For those of you who do not want to read through the extra information provided by the electronic newsletter, here is the paper newsletter.
 
 
 
   CRWC
   Dogs
   Golfing
   Website
            
   Plant Exchange                 
   Alumni Party         
   
      
 
 
 
   
 
 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!
 
 
 

   
  
Community Events
 
Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Day Observance
The 2009 Sylvan Lake Parade and Memorial Day Observance were fantastic. There were many floats, many decorated bikes and even a horse and rider. Our own City Manager, John Martin and two of his sons, Tim and Steve sang patriotic songs while service people were recognized. John Martin and his sons are standing behind the service people.
 
 
 
 
 
Sylvan Lake Beautification Day
This day was proclaimed by City Council as June 6th, 2009. This date has been set aside for spring cleanup of your rubbish and other accumulations from the prior season. Please put your rubbish out for the regular trash pickup on June 10th. This is a great day to clean your ditches and culverts (pipes) under your driveway or parking area to ensure proper drainage.
 
Plant Exchange
The Sylvan Lake Garden Club is hosting a City-wide plant exchange at Memorial Park from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6th. People who bring plants that are not exchanged could plant them at the park or along the Clinton River Trail. 
 
As you prepare your garden this year, save your surplus perennials and trade them with your neighbors. If you have questions, call Helen McAllister at 248 682-1082. There will be no charge for this event unless you come without an exchange and want to purchase someone else’s perennial. This money will be donated to the Memorial Park.
 
Sylvan Lake Home & Garden Tour
The Tour will take place on Saturday, June 20th, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online ($12 in advance) at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/63781 and are now available at City Hall, LaRosa Market, and Detroit Garden Works. There is a $1.29 service charge per ticket when purchasing online. Tickets are $15 on the day of the Tour, and groups of 10 or more are $10 each. Visit www.sylvantour.com or call our hotline at 248- 615-6296 to advertise or volunteer. You can also learn more about how you can participate and support your community:
  • Volunteer as a docent - see the homes yourself on the pre-Tour and tell the stories of the homes to our tourists.
  • Place an ad in our Tour book - we draw hundreds of people to our community on Tour day.
  • Sponsor lunches for volunteers.
  • Advertise on a banner that will span Orchard Lake Road to be seen by thousands.
  
 
Annual Independence Day Celebration
City Council has approved July 5th with a rain date of July 10th for the annual Celebration Day Fireworks sponsored by the Oakland County Boat Club. The fireworks will be shot from a barge this year. What that means is there will be no fenced off areas at the Community Center, and the boats docked at the Community Center will not have to be moved. This is very exciting, for it will open a great door of opportunity for the Community Center this year.
  
  
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News/Announcements  
 
Public Meeting with the Sheriff's Department
As has been stated many times over the past several months, the City Council is investigating all options to save money.  One of those options is to outsource Police services.  There will are two meetings being held with the City of Keego Harbor's Council to discuss this option.  Both meetings will be held at Roosevelt School on Cass Lake Road.  The first meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on June 11 with a presentation by the Sheriff's Department.  The second tentative meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on June 23 with Sylvan Lake's and Keego Harbor's City Councils meeting jointly to discuss if this is a viable option.  Your attendance is greatly encouraged and desired at both meetings.   
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).
 
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. 
 
Opening on Planning Commission
The Planning Commission and City Council reluctantly accepted Rodney Knudsen’s resignation from Planning Commission because he and his family are moving. This will be the remainder of his term to February 2012. Thank you Rodney for your eight years as a Planning Commissioner. If you are interested, please submit a letter and resume by mail or email to City Hall.
Planning Commission Meeting
Congratulations to Michael Menuck for being reappointed as the Planning Commission Chairperson for the coming year. Planning Commission approved the Site Plan for Tim Horton’s contingent upon engineering approval. Tim Horton’s will be located at 2635 Orchard Lake Road. The Planning Commission will now be meeting at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting will be June 2nd, 2009.
 
City Council Meeting
City Council will be meeting at 7:30 p.m. on June 10th. On the agenda will be consideration to approve the fence ordinance that Planning Commission recommended, discussion of the millage ballot question, and allowing outdoor seating and temporary signs for local businesses.
 
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.
 
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. 

 
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.
 
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.
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.
 
Michigan Week Awards
Helen Jane Peters received the Lifetime Volunteer Leadership Award at the annual Michigan Week Breakfast. Congratulations and thank you Helen Jane!
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. 
 
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.
  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 plastic jugs and bottles marked with a 1 or 2 on the bottom will be accepted.
  7. Plastic containers marked with a 3 through 7 will be accepted
  8. Metal cans need to be clean.
  9. Pots and pans.
  10. 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.   
 
The Bridge
The bridge over the canal has recently been repaired and refurbished. Doesn’t it look beautiful? A big thank you to the City for making this possible.
 
The bridge passing over the canal on Pontiac Drive was constructed around 1900. It originally served horseback riders from the Sylvan Lake Inn riding stables located where today is found the Sylvan Lake Community Center. 
 
Picture 1 - Mrs. Valerie Morrill and her sons Rodney and Leon on the bridge in the 1940’s
 
Picture 2 - A Sketch of the bridge on Pontiac Drive by Lawrence Falardeau, 1988
 
Picture 3 - High water in the canal, May 28, 1943. The white building on the left is the Detroit Free Press Fresh Air Camp. The building in the center is the Oakland County Boat Club.
 
 

 
 

 
The Repaired Bridge
 
 
 

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.
June Calender Of Events

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:
  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

            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 12th of the month preceding the issue  (For example, information for the December issue would be due November 12th and so on.)
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Sylvan Lake Spotlight
Sylvan Lake Spotlight is published by the City of Sylvan Lake, 1820 Inverness, Sylvan Lake, MI 48320. Resident news and information are welcome, but must follow newsletter editorial guidelines. To request a copy of the Editorial Guidelines, contact City Manager John Martin at martinsylvanlk@comcast.net.
 
In the future, Advertising may be accepted from residents and local businesses. Please watch future newsletters to obtain advertising rate information, or to place an ad in the Community Service Directory or Classified Advertising section..
 
LEGAL NOTICE:  This email may be considered an advertising or promotional message.  If you no longer wish to receive this email, please unsubscribe using the link found at the top of this newsletter.  Views expressed or implied herein are not necessarily those of the City of Sylvan Lake, City Council or its affiliates.