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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.
 
 
 
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 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. 
 
 
 
 ENJOY
YOUR
LABOR DAY!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Community Events 
 
Home And Garden Tour 2008
There are nine homes already scheduled for the 2008 Home and Garden Tour for June 21st, 2008.  The first committee meeting will be held on September 17th at the home of Marguerite Davidson.  If you want to join the committee, or you need either directions to her home or the time the meeting starts, please call her at 248-682-1812. 
 
Annual Ice Cream Social
If the success of the Ice Cream Social can be measured by smiles and the amount of cake and ice cream eaten, then this years social was the best yet!  Of course, we could not have done it without the generous support of our community.  Thank you to all - from the wonderful tent, setting up of tables and chairs, ice cream dippers, cake servers and those who donated, the cake walk (such a delight), and of course our hard working DPW and City Manager who we suspect not only helped us set up, but also kept the rain away.
 
-The Garden Club 
 
 
 
60th Anniversary and Community Center farewell
It was a great celebration!  There were over 300 people attending all of the events.
  • Helen Jane Peters did a tremendous job putting together many, many facts and photos on several display boards depicting Sylvan Lake’s history.  The work she has done will be enjoyed for many years.  She also presented a rose to each of our residents that have lived or have been a part of the City for 60 years or more.
  • Paul Hungerman made a short speech and presented a proclamation to Paul Anger, editor of the Detroit Free Press thanking them for all they had done with the Fresh Air Camp and donating what is now the Community Center property to the City.
  • Paul Goldman, a Sylvan Lake resident, shared some memories of attending the Fresh Air Camp.  Midge Davidson assisted in putting together the proclamation, signs, and baked an awesome "train" cake.
  • Alex James and Eric Wiegand were on hand to photograph the event for future generations to see.
  • Joni Henard worked with Oakland County to supply the tent.
  • Luke Cassar donated the use of the chairs.
  • John Martin had the Community Center open with temporary electricity and water and emceed the program.
  • Marlene Toby once again put her coordinating skills to work making sure the event ran smoothly.
I’m sure there are many names that were missed. Thank you to all that helped and attended.
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Midge Davison's train cake!                                  Just a small part of Helen Jane Peter's
                                                                                    history display! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Some of our City officials:                                   Helen McAllister, Marlene Toby, Paul
                                                                                 Anger, John Martin, Mrs. Anger, Helen
John Martin, City manager                                 Jane Peters
Dennise Clippert, clerk/treasurer
Susan Whittaker, administrative assistant
Mark Silver, police chief 
 
 
 
                                               Happy 60th Anniversary Sylvan Lake!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

Keego Harbor Skate Night

Keego Harbor will be holding their annual Skate Night on Wednesday, September 12th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rose Sorter Park with a rain date of September 19th.  This has been a great success for the past few years.  However, they are looking for a few more volunteers.  If you are willing to help, please contact the Keego Harbor Police Department at 248-682-3030.
 
Community Center Construction
We are expecting to tear down the existing building and begin construction sometime in the month of September.  The Committee has been working diligently on the design, layout, finishes, and site plan to get this project underway.  The Construction Management team is now seeking bids from qualified contractors for the construction of the building.  If you are licensed in a building trade and would like to bid on part of this project, please send a letter stating your trade qualifications to:
 
Sylvan Lake City Hall, Community Center Construction
1820 Inverness
Sylvan Lake, MI 48320.
 
Or send an email with the same information to Sylvanlakecityhall@comcast.net.  Please do not call City Hall.  Someone will contact you if additional information is required.
 
Community Center Rental Committee
City Council is looking for individuals interested in being on a committee to discuss administration of the rules and regulations for the new Community Center once it is up and running.  They will be discussing such things as how it should be rented, renting to non-residents, cost scale for different events, advertising, cleanup, smoking policy, alcohol policy, etc. They will present a recommendation to City Council in the spring.
*  Many residents have already reserved dates next year to rent the Community Center.  We are anticipating that it will be completed late next Spring.  The cost for the rental and the rules and regulations have not been determined and are being discussed now.  If you would like to reserve the Community Center, you need to fill out a reservation form (this is not a contract) and provide a $150 deposit.  The deposit will only be refunded if the building is not available on the date you request. 
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.
 
  
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News/Announcements 
 
Tax Time!!
This is a reminder that taxes are due September 14th.  Starting September 15th, a 3.5% penalty will apply.  If you have not received your bill, please contact City Hall immediately.  Remember, you can sign up to have them auto-debited from your account on September 14th.  Forms are available on-line, or you can come into City Hall.  If you are paying by check, please use a check separate from other payments (water/sewer bill, etc.), or pay by credit card on-line at PayLocalTaxes.com.

Why has your tax bill increased?  Remember the tax shift of the County tax collection.  100% of the County operating taxes is now on your summer tax bill.  Your winter bill will be very small with only County Parks & Rec and HCMA (Huron Clinton Metro Authority).  We are working with them to change this small portion to the summer also.  Hopefully in 2008, you will only have one tax bill.
 
Tax Hotline
Property tax information is now available on the Oakland County 24-hour Tax Hotline by calling 248-858-0025.  To access tax information, you will need your 10-digit parcel I.D. number.  There is no charge for this service.
 
Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 4th, at 7:30 p.m.  On the agenda will be the discussion of air conditioning units and generators, and the continued discussion of the Orchard Lake Road Corridor, including lighting, landscaping, sidewalks, etc. 
City Council Meeting
The City Council meeting will be moved to September 19th at the Sylvan Lutheran Church.  Tentatively on the agenda will be the road right-of-way policy, the discussion of summer programs, 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.  Absentee ballots should be available by the end of September.
 
Meet The Candidates Night
The candidates' forum held by the League of Women's Voters will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Sylvan Lutheran Church on September 26th.  All residents are encouraged to attend to ask the candidates any questions that you might have.
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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 entitles the City to use the four-wheeler for a period of 90 days at which time the vehicle will be returned.  This program will have no cost to the city.  It will be 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.
 
Pilot Tuition Program 
Families of students entering grades 6, 8, 9, or 10 who do not reside in the 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.
 
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 10 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.
 
Protect Our Environment - Save Water
Individually we use about 77 gallons of water each day.  Over-watering outdoors carries pollution to storm drains and then to our lakes and streams.  By using less water on our lawns, we can help prevent some of this pollution and save money.
  • Water wisely.  Try light, frequent watering.  It is important to water the lawn, not the pavement.  If possible, reduce watering during peak times, 6 am - 10 am and 6 pm - 9 pm.  Using less water during these times can reduce your water rate.
  • Use mulch.   Place a thick layer of mulch (roughly four inches) around trees and plants.  This helps to retain moisture.  
  • Sweep it.   Clean sidewalks and driveways with a broom instead of a hose.  
  • Put rainwater to work.  Use rainwater to water your plants.  Direct downspouts toward your plants and green areas or collect water with rain barrels for use later.  
  • Mow high.   Three inches is recommended for grass with deeper roots, which requires less water.
 
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.   
*Consider becoming a CRWC Adopt-A-Stream volunteer!!  There will be a new Adopt-A-Stream Volunteer training class on August 21st, 2007.  Click here to read more if you are interested.
 
 
Clinton River Trail Classic Ride
Friends of the Clinton River Trail present the 3rd Annual Fall Classic Ride on Saturday, September 22nd. You have a choice of riding 15 or 30 miles.  The starting time for the event is between 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.  The fee is $12 per attendee or $33 per family.  This includes a portable First Aid Kit and lunch.  Click here to register on-line or pick up a form at City Hall.
 
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
 
A big thank you to all of those who helped put together the 60th Anniversary celebration, the Community Center Farewell, and the Ice Cream Social.  Everything turned out great!!
 
 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.
September Calender Of Events
  •  3rd   - City Hall closed - Labor Day.
  •  4th   - Planning Commission meeting at the Sylvan Lutheran Church at 7:30 p.m.
  • 12th  - City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m.
  • 14th  - Taxes due without penalty.
  • 25th  - Study Session at 7:00 p.m.
  • 26th  - Meet The Candidates Night at 7:00 p.m.  

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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.