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.

Photo taken at Ferndale Beach

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Community Events

Millage Proposal on November Ballot There is a question on the ballot asking Sylvan Lake voters to approve a Charter Amendment that will allow the City to levy an additional 2.5 Mills for General Operation expenses. City Council has prepared a presentation to answer residents' questions of why we need this millage. You can find a copy of the presentation here. This millage is necessary to maintain current city services and make necessary improvements to the City's parks, buildings and amenities. If you have any questions about the millage, please ask any of the City Council members.

Home and Garden Tour

Committee would like to invite you to an Open House at the Community Center,

Monday, November 10th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for anyone who is interested in joining the committee, having their home or garden on a future tour, or becoming a docent. If you have any questions, call 248-615-6296 or email at info@sylvantour.com.

Movie Night

On November 15th, bring your family to the Community Center and enjoy an evening of fun! From 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., a �G� rated movie will be showing, and from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. a �PG� rated movie will be showing. Popcorn and lemonade will be served.

Garden Club - Flower Arranging

Sylvia Ozga will demonstrate flower arranging at the Sylvan Lake Garden Club meeting Thursday, November 20, at 1:00 p.m. at the Sylvan Lake Community Center. Please call Helen McAllister at 248-682-1082 to arrange to attend.

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News/Announcements

Attention Absentee Voters!!!

If you need an emergency absentee ballot after Saturday, November 1, one can be obtained and voted at City Hall until 4:00 p.m., Monday, November 3rd. All AV ballots must be returned by 8:00 p.m. on election day. Ballots can be returned to City Hall or at the polls.

Voting Time!

Vote on Tuesday, November 4th. The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. at the Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive. The three candidates vying for the one seat on City Council: Justin Hatch, Paul Hungerman and Mike Zubrzycki. Please watch cable Channel 15 for interviews with each of the candidates. Make sure you bring your picture ID to the polls. Call City Hall if you have any questions on where you are registered to vote.

Political Signs

When placing political signs, remember they cannot be placed on City property, including our parks, City Hall property, and the road right-of-way (at least 12 feet from the edge of the street).

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 a reservation 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 are still looking for more volunteers to spend time at the Community Center during the day so it can remain open for others to use. 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.

Water Bills

Water bills are on the way, and they are due and payable at City Hall until November 20th without penalty.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission meeting has been delayed 2 weeks due to Election Day and Veteran's day, to Tuesday, November 18th at 7:30 p.m. On the agenda will be the continued discussion of play structures and tree houses as accessory structures, discussion of a wireless cell tower ordinance and continued discussion on allowing fences in side and front yards.

Note: The City does not currently have an ordinance that requires cell towers to be placed on City property and there is very little City property to place new cell towers. However, Planning Commission is investigating an ordinance that will require cell towers to be placed on City property first if possible.

City Council Meeting

City Council will be holding its regular meeting on Wednesday, November 12th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center. Tentatively on the agenda will be the discussion of the dock policy and the Recreational Vehicle Storage area (RVA) policy.

City Hall Closed

City Hall will be closed on November 11th for Veterans day, and on November 27th and 28th for Thanksgiving.

Blood Drive

Niche Retail is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive late December or early January. The holiday season is typically a time of short supply for blood donations. Interested parties can call 248-738-6200, extension 249 for more information and to sign up and donate to save a life. Niche is located on Greer Boulevard, near the Lodge Restaurant and across from Forster's Auto Wash. Your blood donation saves lives - call and participate in this community event.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at 248-738-6200 x. 249.

Thank you,

Stacy McCalpin, Niche Retail, LLC.

Leaf Collection guidelines

Our waste collectors, Richfield Management, will again be collecting the leaves this year. Please review their map, which they provided to you, for your collection day (Monday, Wednesday, or Friday). If you do not have your map, you can obtain one at City Hall or check the City�s website. Leaf collection ends December 10th! Please be sure to get all your leaves this fall because the spring collection has been eliminated. In the spring, all leaves will have to be bagged and put at the curb for collection with yard waste. Most of you are very adept at the procedure, but we need to make note of a few important points.

Please rake the leaves onto the edge of the street.

Please do not leave them in the ditch or put them in the street.

We will appreciate having all cars parked in your driveway and off the road between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the leaf collection program.

Boat and Dock Removal

Please remove your boat docks, boats, and all mooring posts by Saturday, November 15th, 2008. Please remember when storing your boat to keep your registration with you. If they are not removed, the City will do so at the dock space holder�s expense and possible loss of your dock space. We do not want to do this, but we will do so for safety reasons.

Recreational Vehicle Storage

Please remember when storing your boat to keep your registration with you. You will need to provide it to register your boat and dock space next year. We do have a recreational vehicle (RV) storage ordinance that governs where recreational vehicles may be stored. This includes boats and boat trailers. Here are some of the requirements:

*All RV�s must be placed within a completely enclosed building or located behind the required front yard setback (appx. 45' from the street) and at least 3' from the side and rear lot lines.

You cannot store a RV on a vacant piece of property.

You cannot hook up a RV to water, sewer, or electricity and they must remain unoccupied.

No more than two RV�s may be stored on one piece of property at one time. (A boat hoist is considered an RV)

RV�s may not be stored in the road right of way at any time.

Bored with Old Board Games?

The Parks and Recreation Committee is looking for board games to be donated for use at Family Game Night at the Community Center. Drop off your old board games at City Hall or at 2144 Garland.

Feeding Ducks and Geese

Watch the waterfowl instead of feeding them. Feeding waterfowl may seem harmless, yet it can be a nuisance to neighbors and to our water. Feeding waterfowl also causes them to become dependent on humans. This, in turn, creates unnaturally high populations and further problems in our parks and lake. Keep in mind that waterfowl waste can pollute our waters with harmful bacteria.

Going Away for the Winter?

Please be sure to notify City Hall. We will keep an extra close eye on your house while you are gone. Also, we can send you your absentee ballot for the election.

Yard Waste Program

The yard waste program will be ending for the year on November 26th. Make sure you put all your twigs, shrub trimmings, brush, flowers, and similar items out for the last time on this date. Richfield will not pick up your yard waste after November 26th! Leaf collection in the city ends December 10th, unless there is snow. Remember there will be no spring leaf collection.

Here are some guidelines that need to be followed for the yard waste collection.

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 (three 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.

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.

Website

The City's website is up and running again! We are very sorry for the inconvenience this caused all of us.

New Calenders on the Web Site

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

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.

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:

Specific streetlight location,

wooden or metal pole,

streetlight pole number (metal pole - at base of pole, Wood poles - it is located eight feet up the pole),

details about outage (intermittent, off, flashing, etc.).

If there is a case where a pole has been knocked down or any other emergency, please call 1-800-477-4747.

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Ordinance Violation Hotline

Residents can call in with any ordinance violations you may see. 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.

However, it will be up to the ordinance enforcement officer how a call is handled or if there is actually a violation of the ordinance. Please do not expect a ticket to be written based upon a complaint.

Some common violations are:

Dogs in the parks or unleashed dogs,

Junk cars (expired plates),

Storage of garbage cans (cannot be visible from the street),

Incorrect storage of PODS, trailers, and RV's,

Illegal parking on the road or in the front yard,

Rocks in the road right-of-way,

Missing addresses on your homes, and

Blight.

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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.

Dog Waste

Please be considerate when disposing of your dog's waste. Throw it in a trash can located at the parks or at your own home. Do not throw it into a neighbor's yard or trash can.

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 does not 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

Recycling is included as a part of your normal trash collection. Bins are available at City Hall. It is not necessary to use their recycling bin. Your first recycling bin is free, but if you like more, they are $10 each.

You can use a plastic "storage" type container or a cardboard box.

Make sure it is marked RECYCLING so the contents are not disposed with the regular trash.

Newspapers, magazines, and ads should be tied securely with a string or placed in a brown paper bag.

Telephone books do not have to be bundled.

Plastic jugs, bottles, glass bottles, and jars must be washed out.

Only plastic jugs and bottles marked with a 1 or 2 on the bottom will be accepted.

Plastic containers marked with a 3 through 7 will be accepted

Metal cans need to be clean.

Pots and pans.

If any recycling is dirty, it will be thrown out with the regular trash.

Click here to view a flier for RESIDENTIAL HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE and ELECTRONIC RECYCLING.

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Road Right-Of-Way (ROW) Policy - AMENDED

City Council has recently amended the ROW policy to ALLOW the placement of Brick Pavers in the ROW. Again, all improvements in the ROW require a permit and inspections. Maintaining proper drainage is crucial.

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

SEMCOG has released some excellent information about the amount of accidents are caused by deer. Click here to read more about these staggering figures.

Also, click here to view SEMCOG's 2008 Regional Update.

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

Use of the Clinton River trail is increasing. It's great to see so many people enjoying it. We have had several comments requesting the trail to be mowed more frequently. Remember, the trail is to be "natural." We don't want the grass and limbs hindering the use of the trail, but it is not intended to be mowed regularly like our other parks.

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.

Memorial Park

As we observe Veteran�s Day on November 11, 2009, let us remember the Sylvan Lake Veterans that fought in previous wars.

On Sunday, December 6, 1942 the white sign was erected at Memorial Park (then Veteran�s Park) at the corner of Garland and Pontiac Drive. Joseph J. Leavy was the Civilian Defense Co-coordinator and organized the development of the display board. The sign listed Sylvan Lake men and women who were serving in World War II.

The smaller sign also lists our �Boys in Service�. The salvage depot was used to collect tin cans and other metal to be used for the war effort.

Special Thanks/Kudos

Sharon and Mitch Black for putting together the wonderful fundraising events.

Jeff Kohl for your help to keep the City looking great by mowing the lawn of a vacant home.

Project Updates

Community Programs

What to do about Neighbor's Free-roaming Cats

�I have received a number of calls from residents whose neighbor�s pet cat is venturing into their yard,� says resident Linda Wasche, who runs the feral cat trapping program in Sylvan Lake. In many cases, free-roaming pet cats are killing wildlife or causing problems for residents� in-home cats. Of course, the best situation is for cats to be kept in the home which keeps them safe. But what do you do if your neighbor�s cat is becoming a nuisance in your yard? Start by talking to the neighbor first. He or she may not know that the cat is a nuisance. If this does not resolve the situation, contact the Oakland County Animal Control at 248-391-4100 to speak with a deputy.

What to do about Sylvan Lake Wildlife

We have all seen a variety of wildlife in our City � from deer to raccoons and opossums. Although they are beautiful to watch, they can also get into things and are at risk of injury or death on our streets. If you know of wildlife that you feel may be at risk, please be kind. I recently heard about one situation of a resident allegedly trapping and drowning helpless creatures in a water-filled trash can in the backyard. While it is hard to believe that anyone in our community could be so heartless and cruel � and I am hoping this rumor is untrue � most of us want to do the right thing. If you have a wild creature that you would like to move to safety, please feel free to borrow one of my live traps. If you have not trapped before, I am happy to show you how to use it. It is very easy. Contact me at (home) 248-682-7320 or email at Lindaw@LWmarketworks.com.

� Linda Wasche, Sylvan Lake resident.

Remember: Be Kind to Wildlife.

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.

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

CAN YOU FIND A HOME FOR TWO KITTENS? CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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November Calender Of Events

1st    - City Hall open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for Absentee Ballots (only).

2nd    - Daylight Savings Time ends. Move your clocks back one hour.

4th    - Election Day. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vote at the Community Center.

11th   - City Hall closed - Veteran's Day.

12th   - City Council meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center.

15th   - All docks and moorings must be removed from the lake.

18th   - Planning Commission meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center.

20th   - Water/Sewer bills due.

26th   - Last day for yard waste collection.

27th and 28th - City Hall closed. Happy Thanksgiving!

Variances

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has the power to grant variances upon appeal, from the strict application of the zoning ordinance. An appeal may be filed when there is a practical difficulty or hardship preventing the property owner from conforming to the strict letter of the ordinance. The ZBA will consider the request for a variance and determine whether it may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of the ordinance.

The authority of the ZBA is designed to provide relief to a property owner from an ordinance that is uniquely affecting him/her. The problem the property owner faces must be created by circumstances unique to the property and not shared by surrounding parcels and the problem cannot be self-created. Typically, the following situations must exist:

The alleged practical difficulty is exceptional and peculiar to the property and generally does not exist throughout the City. An irregular shaped lot or odd natural characteristics of the land are possible examples of this.

The alleged practical difficulty must be more than a mere inconvenience or need for financial gain or financial savings.

The practical difficulty was not created by an action of the applicant and either existed at the time of the adoption of the requirement from which the variance is requested, or is necessary as the result of governmental action such as road widening. A self-created hardship is typically not a valid basis for a variance.

The variance is the minimum necessary to permit reasonable use of the land and building for activities permitted in the zoning ordinance.

Justice considering: Public benefits specifically defined by zoning rules, AND individual hardship suffered by not granting variance, AND the rights of affected property owners.

The appellant presents information usually showing that the requested variance:

Will not be contrary with the intent and purpose of the zoning ordinance,

Will not cause a substantially adverse affect upon adjacent properties,

Will relate only to the property under control of the appellant,

Will not essentially alter the character of the surrounding area,

Will not increase the hazard of fire, flood, or other similar dangers; and

Will not increase traffic congestion.

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Newsletter Guidelines for Outside Submissions

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

In submitting information, please follow the guidelines below.

Submit your information, preferably in electronic form, to:

Newsletter Editor

Sylvanlakenewsletter@gmail.com

248-682-1440

1. Articles and updates

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

2. News releases

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

3. Photos

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

4. Deadlines

Information for the newsletter is due as follows:

The 12^th of the month preceding the issue (For example, information for the December issue would be due November 12th and so on.)

Sylvan Lake Spotlight

Sylvan Lake Spotlight is published by the City of Sylvan Lake, 1820 Inverness, Sylvan Lake, MI 48320. Resident news and information are welcome, but must follow newsletter editorial guidelines. To request a copy of the Editorial Guidelines, contact City Manager John Martin at martinsylvanlk@comcast.net.

In the future, Advertising may be accepted from residents and local businesses. Please watch future newsletters to obtain advertising rate information, or to place an ad in the Community Service Directory or Classified Advertising section..

LEGAL NOTICE: This email may be considered an advertising or promotional message. If you no longer wish to receive this email, please unsubscribe using the link found at the top of this newsletter. Views expressed or implied herein are not necessarily those of the City of Sylvan Lake, City Council or its affiliates.