Received: from imta15.emeryville.ca.mail.comcast.net ([76.96.30.54]) by rwcrmxc11.comcast.net (rwcrmxc11) with ESMTP id <20081002211742r1100fusmee>; Thu, 2 Oct 2008 21:17:42 +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 MxHg1a01P4GW6qw0FxHgE5; Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:17:42 +0000 X-Authority-Analysis: v=1.0 c=1 a=RJdA1lmOAAAA:8 a=JyohRUa0AAAA:8 a=1XWaLZrsAAAA:8 a=grsapEZ8AAAA:8 a=NR6dF2BpAAAA:8 a=8SkRP9i9KuvOa5-8H-4A:9 a=Y4J5Lx0l9vlfmZObWxoA:7 a=nz0ttRRMhfoHj0uple9YM38nA2AA:4 a=WD2S8eiFAUIA:10 a=bZ7j5JgeYLcA:10 a=pM-imOxlMqoA:10 a=pCzNvZoQGt4A:10 a=dHbXZybMLVAA:10 a=IEN_nhQPQwsA:10 a=4XYcfgEWLI8A:10 a=KwvGldvpOOgA:10 a=Fwf6CpAWyU4A:10 a=FzHM-psJHlgA:10 a=F1VKXh5CxAsA:10 a=NofmVmfGTYQA:10 a=QFIgbk5qCYgA:10 a=jDJr2yHj9j8A:10 a=hitP8N6GkE0A:10 a=tPPr76z2a2QA:10 a=aUtXZhIPjrAA:10 a=si9q_4b84H0A:10 a=ftFGBYpk1mUA:10 a=MSl-tDqOz04A:10 a=YK30HMD7P3IA:10 a=2-PByoHKA20A:10 a=mH6crWo8TTcA:10 a=ERF0bbVR-HYA:10 a=BMUHMS3u0ToA:10 Received: (qmail 23360 invoked by uid 65534); 2 Oct 2008 21:10:59 -0000 Date: 2 Oct 2008 21:10:59 -0000 Message-ID: <20081002211059.23359.qmail@web01.hosting.core3solutions.com> To: clippertsylvanlk@comcast.net Subject: October 2008 Spotlight From: Sylvan Lake Spotlight Subject: October 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
   SEMCOG
   Website
         
   GWBHS
            
   Fresh Air Camp         
   
      
 
 
 
   
 
 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.   
 
 
 
 
Photo taken at Ferndale Beach
 
 
 HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Community Events 
 
A Fundraising Production
The family fun raiser, along with the soccer program, raised $7,027.47 for the theater system and ice-skating rink. Please check the website at www.sylvanlake.org for upcoming events. Thank you to Sharon and Mitch Black and their team for putting these events together. 
Household Hazardous Waste Collection  
We will again participate with West Bloomfield for household hazardous waste collection. Their collection is October 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the West Bloomfield Civic Center, 4550 Walnut Lake Road. There is no cost to residents. Have your driver's license ready upon entering the Civic Center site. This documents residents from each community. They are going to take the normal hazardous material and electronics. There will also be a shredder so anyone can have documents destroyed. Further information is on our website.
 
Movie Night!!
On October 4th, bring your family to the Community Center and enjoy an evening of fun! From 6:30p.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. The only way to find out what the movies are is if you bring your family out and watch for yourself!
 
Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society
Sylvan Lake residents are invited to attend the"Salute to Sylvan" on October 22nd at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center. Cider and donuts will be served.
 
Halloween Party
This year's Halloween party will be Saturday, October 25th, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Join your friends and neighbors for a "spooktacular" afternoon of fun and fright. The cost is $5 per child. This includes pizza, hot dogs, and treats. Come in costume and receive a goodie bag! RSVP to semblack@comcast.net or call 683-8387.
 
Trick or Treat!!
This fun event will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 31st. Just a couple things to keep in mind:
 
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News/Announcements 
 
 
 
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 looking for 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.
 
November Ballot Millage Proposal Presentation
The members of City Council will be presenting information on the millage proposal in the Community Center on Wednesday, October 8th, at 7:00 p.m. There will be another presentation at 7:00 p.m. immediately prior to the Council meeting on October 15th.
 
Planning Commission Public Hearing
The Planning Commission will be holding a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 7th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center. The purpose of the Public Hearing will be to hear comments on two proposed ordinance amendments. The first amendment is regarding total lot coverage on residential property and the second amendment would allow existing nonconforming fences on residential property to be replaced, with restrictions. There will also be discussion about the fence ordinance in general. The regular Planning Commission will immediately follow the public hearing. 
City Council Meeting
City Council will meet on October 15th, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center, one week later than the regular date. Tentatively on the agenda will be discussion of the Community Center rental policy and millage proposal. 
Absentee Voters
You can now fill out your applications for the Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 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 1st, 2008 for absentee ballots (only) for the 2008 General Election.
 
City Council Election
There are three candidates vying for one seat on City Council. They are Paul Hungerman, Justin Hatch, and Mike Zubrycki. Please watch cable channel 15 for interviews with each of the candidates.
 
If you would like to volunteer to work for the election, please stop by City Hall and fill out an application. This is a paid position and there will be training.
 
Political Signs
According to our City Ordinance, political signs cannot be placed anywhere in the City until Sunday, October 5th, 2008. 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).
 
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.  Collection will tentatively begin October 13th (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, you can obtain one at City Hall or check the City’s website. 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. 
 
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.
 
Sylvan Lake Garden Club
The Club is looking for new members. If you are interested, please contact Helen McAllister at 248-682-1082.
 
There will be a meeting on October 16th with the discussion of "compositing". The meeting starts at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Center. Sylvan Lake residents are invited to attend. Please call Helen McAllister if you are planning on doing so.
 
Protect Our Environment: Waterfront Wisdom
Properly manage home, yard, and animal waste. Plant and maintain a naturalized shoreline buffer.
 
Dead Trees
Remember this can be dangerous not only to your household, but your neighbor's as well.  Dead trees allow animals to harbor in them and could fall on a house.  Please take care of them properly.  A permit is not required to remove the dead, diseased or dangerous branches, trees or shrubs. Wait to prune back diseased trees, shrubs, and other woody-stemmed landscape plants until the frost period.

* Go Native - Stop mowing to the water’s edge and allow a strip of grass to grow between the yard and shoreline or buffer it to maintain a vegetative barrier adjacent to waterway, to filter pollutants from runoff exiting your property and to prevent erosion along the shoreline.

* Mulch Please - Collect or mulch leaves soon after they fall to ensure that don’t get carried into the lake or storm drains. Mulch the leaves into your lawn-it’s free fertilizer and adds organic matter to the soil.

* Bag it - Pick up pet waste promptly and dispose of it in the trash.

* Compost Pile - Keep compost piles away from the water’s edge to eliminate the chance of runoff.

* Do not Feed Waterfowl - They become dependent on the food from humans. This can lead to concentration of droppings which adds excess nutrients and harmful bacteria to waterways. A vegetation buffer will deter them from your property.

 
 
Tennis Courts
The tennis courts are officially closed for safety reasons. The cost estimate to remove and replace the tennis courts is in the neighborhood of $100,000.  We are still looking at temporary, inexpensive repairs to get them open, but it will not be done for this season.  The City does not have the funds to make the improvements.
 
 
 
  
 
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.
 
Park Information
 
The tennis courts are closed for safety reasons. Click here for more.
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. 

 
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 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:
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.
 
Website
The City's website is up and running again!  We are very sorry for the incovenience 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. 
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 handeled 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:
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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
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 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.
 
 
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
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.   
 
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.  
 
Detroit Free Press Fresh Air Camp
Every morning, the boys and girls rose to revile. They gathered at the flagpole to recite the pledge of allegiance. Breakfast was preceded by a sure appetizer: a morning dip in the lake.
 
Notice the two buildings. The building on the right was the Fresh Air Camp activities building with the stage. Each evening, the campers would gather for an evening program. The programs were put on by the campers, counselors, and often by Sylvan Lake residents.
 
The building on the left was the dining hall built in 1920 by the Countryside Improvement Association. Soon after this the camp no longer used canvas tents but wooden buildings, about 20 in all.
 
In the 1970’s, the two buildings were joined to become our Community Center. John Martin, his brothers and their father, John Martin plus a host of volunteers donated a lot of time to insulate, panel, and put cedar shakes on the buildings.
 
 
 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.
 
 
 
CAN YOU FIND A HOME FOR TWO KITTENS? CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
October Calender Of Events
  • 3rd      - Household Hazardous Waste Collection, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the West Bloomfield Civic Center.
  • 4th      - Movie Night at the Community Center, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • 6th      - Last day to register to vote for the November election.
  • 7th      - Public Hearing and Planning Commission meeting, 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center.
  • 15th    - Millage presentation at 7:00 p.m. followed by the City Council meeting.
  • 25th    - Halloween Party at the Community Center from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • 31st    - Trick or Treat from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Nov. 2nd - Daylight Savings Time ends. Move your clocks back one hour.  
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.
 
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.