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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
   Variances
   Winter Leave     
  
         
             
   
      
 
 
 
   
 
 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 HALLOWEEN!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Here are a couple of cool photos just received from the Sylvan Lake Fireworks!!
 
 
 
Photos by G.S. George 
 
 
Community Events 
 
Trick Or Treat!!
This year's Trick Or Treat will be from 6:00 to 7:30 on Wednesday, October 31st.  Keep these things in mind:
The police department will be available to check your treats for any metal objects.  Bring your kids to City Hall with their treats from 6:30 to 8:30.  Have fun and enjoy the season! 
 
Halloween Parade in the Park
Sylvan Lake children of all ages are welcome to join fellow neighbors for a costume parade at the Ferndale park on Saturday, October 27th, at 11:00 a.m.  Join us for games and more!  Please bring two rolls of toilet paper and 12 treats, small toys, or goodies.  If you have any questions, please call Sharon at 248-683-8387. 
*Rain date, Sunday, October 28th , 11:00 a.m.
Food Drive
Over the weekend of September 29th and 30th, the Daily Oakland Press distributes grocery bags throughout the county.  The Food Drive will take place starting Monday, October 1st through Friday, October 12th, 2007.  Residents can drop off their food donations (filled bags) at City Hall.
 
Youth Soccer
It’s that time again!  Sylvan Lake Soccer teams are forming.  Registration forms are available at City Hall.  They will be playing at the Community Center on Saturday mornings.  This fall, there will be two separate age categories:
Over 30 players participated in the spring.  If you have any questions, or if you are interested in volunteering, call Sharon Black at 248-683-8387. 
 
Community Center Construction
We are expecting to tear down the existing building and begin construction sometime in the month of October.  The Committee has been working diligently on the design, layout, finishes, and site plan to get this project underway.
 
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. 
 
Fran Hines 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. 
*The railroad crossing sign that has forever been at Benvenue and Avondale is missing.  Please look around your neighborhood for it and let the City know if it is missing. 
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News/Announcements 
 
City Council Meeting
The City Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 10th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Sylvan Lutheran Church.  Tentatively on the agenda will be the road right-of-way policy, an ordinance to remove dead trees on private property, and the Community Center.
 
City Council Seat Petitions
There will be two openings for City Council this November.  The three candidates vying for those seats are Justin Hatch, Aron Lorenz, and Eric Wiegand.  Please watch cable Channel 15 for interviews with each candidate.  Here is a list of times:
 
Political Signs
According to our City ordinance, political signs cannot be placed anywhere in the City until Monday, October 8th, 2007.  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).
 
Absentee Voters
You can fill out your applications now for the Tuesday, November 6th General Election.  You may pick up an application at City Hall.  City Hall will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 for absentee ballots (only) for the 2007 General Election.
 
Picture ID At The Polls
As of the November 6, 2007 election, every Michigan voter who votes at the polls must show picture identification or sign an affidavit attesting that he or she is not in possession of picture identification. Election inspectors will check the photo and name confirming that the picture identification matches the name entered by the voter on the Application to Vote.
 
Types of picture identification voters can display to satisfy this requirement:
 
Board Of Review Opening
This is a three-year term running from February 1st to January 31st.  If you are interested, please submit a letter to City Hall.  If you have questions, please call.
 
Leaf Collection Guidelines
Our waste collectors, Richfield Management will again be collecting the leaves this year.  Collection will tentatively begin the third week in October (depending on how much comes down) and continue through the second week of December.  Please review their map, which they provided to you, for your collection day (Monday, Wednesday, or Friday).  If you do not have your map please call 1-877-609-6853.  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.  I’m sure 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 Trailer and 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:

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Household Hazardous Waste Collection
We will again participate with West Bloomfield for household hazardous waste collection.  Their collection is October 20th from 9:00-2:00 p.m. at the West Bloomfield Civic Center, 4550 Walnut Lake Road.  You must get a pass from City Hall and have your driver's license.  This shows West Bloomfield that you are from Sylvan Lake and you are allowed to be there.  There is no cost to residents.  They are going to take the normal hazardous material and electronics.  There will also be a shredder so anyone can have documents destroyed. 
 
Police Department
The police department is reminding you again to keep your cars, garages, and homes locked.  Don't leave your keys or valuable items in your car.  Numerous households and cars were not locked up and had items stolen from their cars and garages.  Thank you to our police department who caught the criminals.
 
You may have noticed the new four-wheeler/golf cart.  Thank you Bill Brundage and Magnum Power Sports loaned this vehicle to the city.  This loan program entitled the City to use the four-wheeler for a period of 90 days.  This program had no cost to the city.  It was used by the Police, DPW, and Park Ranger.
 
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.
 
Dead Trees
We have been receiving complaints about dead trees and the lack of maintenance of trees.  This can be dangerous not only to your household, but to your neighbor's as well.  Dead trees allow animals to harbor in them and they could fall on your house.  Please take care of your trees properly.  Wait to prune back diseased trees, shrubs, and other woody-stemmed landscape plants until the frost period.  City Council is looking to adapt an ordinance regarding this matter.
 
Winter Leave
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.  You may be able to save money by having your water shut off.  Please call City Hall if you have any questions.  Also, we can send you your absentee ballot for the election. 
 
Pilot Tuition Program 
Families of students entering grades 6, 8, 9, or 10 who do not reside in the West Bloomfield school district have a new opportunity for their children to attend West Bloomfield Schools through a pilot parent-paid tuition program recently approved by the Board of Education.  Click here to read more.
 
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Code Enforcement
There will be violation notices and tickets given to anyone violating the City's ordinances.  This includes common violations such as:
NO VEHICLES ON THE GRASS!!
Do not drive your vehicles into any of the parks to pull out or put in boat lifts, docks, or for any other reason.  This has been a constant problem and ruins the grass and creates ruts.  Failure to comply will result in a citation and the cost being charged to you to repair park property.  It is also the responsibility of the dock holder to inform anyone sharing your space, or a company installing your dock, of this rule. 
 
Bicyclists 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 on riding your bike or walking 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. 
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Rubbish Collection
As you have probably noticed, Richfield Equities start early and are finished early, so make sure your trash is out no later than 7:00 a.m.  You can continue to set out bulk items, but you will need to call the hauler for a special pick-up.
*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
At the August meeting, City Council approved all items should be removed from the road right-of-way that are within four feet of the pavement with exception of items at grade, such as a sidewalk going to the street or rocks that are placed around a culvert end (not above grade).  Rocks, boulders, wood, and reflectors are not allowed within four (4) feet of the edge of the pavement.  Violation notices will be issued, followed by a ticket if necessary.
 
 
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.   
 
CLICK HERE TO READ AN ARTICLE ENTITLED LIVING WITH GEESE.
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
 
  
 
 Special Thanks/Kudos
 
Thank you Alex James for making a video of the 60th Anniversary Celebration.  Watch cable TV to see it.  Time listings will be on the program guide and on our website under city services and cable TV.  The times are October 5th, 6th, and 7th at 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
 
Betty Jacque walked the Mackinaw Bridge on Labor Day.  This was the 50th Annual bridge walk.  Her walk began in St. Ignace, at the north end of the bridge in the Upper Peninsula, and ended in Mackinaw City, at the south end in the Lower Peninsula.  It was approximately 6.2 miles.  Congratulations Betty! 
 
 
 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. 
 
 
CAN YOU FIND A HOME FOR TWO KITTENS? CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
October Calender Of Events
  • 2nd   - Planning Commission meeting at the Sylvan Lutheran Church at 7:30 p.m.
  • 9th    - Last day to register to vote in the November election.
  • 10th  - City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m.
  • 20th  - Household Hazardous Waste Collection, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the West Bloomfield Civic Center.
  • 25th  - Trail meeting at 7:00 p.m. at 1831 Sherwood.
  • 31st  - Trick Or Treat from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 4th - Daylight Savings Time ends.  Move your clocks back one hour.  

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Variances
 
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has the power to grant variances upon appeal, from the strict application of the zoning ordinance.  An appeal may be filed when there is a practical difficulty or hardship preventing the property owner from conforming to the strict letter of the ordinance.  The ZBA will consider the request for a variance and determine whether it may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of the ordinance.
 
The authority of the ZBA is designed to provide relief to a property owner from an ordinance that is uniquely affecting him/her.  The problem the property owner faces must be created by circumstances unique to the property and not shared by surrounding parcels and the problem cannot be self-created.  Typically, the following situations must exist:
  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:
  • 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 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.