SILVER LAKE – At Wednesday night's meeting, the Silver Lake Town Council approved preliminary designs for a community center on the site of the demolished school building on Sycamore Street.
Council heard from grant writer Shannon McLeod and Cassandra Quissel and Steve Kromkowski of DLZ Engineering who based their design on the steering committee's goals for the space, including: welcoming, flexible, low-cost, durable, energy efficient and fostering public engagement.
The initial design, approximately 12,000 square feet and costing $6.3 million, was scaled back to a 7,000 square foot design at $4,267,820. The smaller design combines the gymnasium, multipurpose room and fitness area into one large, flexible space. There is also a warming kitchen, a corridor with room for school building memorabilia and office space in the plans.
McLeod reminded the public that these plans are not final building plans; they are the starting point in the process. Council approved the preliminary designs, which are available to view on provided poster boards at Town Hall.
Council also heard from Brett Burch of the Silver Lake Conservation Foundation and Herb Manifold from the Ecosystems Connections Institute, who presented findings from a two-year study on the local lakes' water and soil.
Manifold said a dangerous level of phosphorus and blue-green algae toxins were found in the lake. If the phosphorus levels were managed, the lake would be safer for pets and would help improve the fish population.
In new business, council approved a $7,350 topography study quote for Rambler Park.
Council permitted Fire Chief John Conley to spend the remainder of the department's allotted 2024 budget for needed purchases.
There was a claims docket of $150,618.27.
Council will next meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 11.