SILVER LAKE - "It's all about taking small steps together as a community to reach a common goal," Commonwealth Environmental Training representative Andrew Kennedy told the Silver Lake Town Council Tuesday evening.

"Everyone can benefit from the maintenance and enhancement of the water quality of Silver Lake," he said.

Kennedy then gave some examples of possible ways to decrease the amount of sediment that flows into Silver Lake. For example, Kennedy said the proposed dredging project to clean out the channel is a good start, but "it's no good to clean it out and open it up if you don't prevent it from filling back in."

He also mentioned the stabilization of a bank in town, helping hold the soil to the land so it doesn't flow into the lake.

According to Kennedy, the nutrients locked in the sediment cause algae and other growth in the lake.

"We are looking for a long-term solution on a grass-roots level," said Kennedy. "We want to get everyone together to come up with a plan to try to do it a little bit better."

Later in the meeting, the council approved a project that could help settle a disagreement between the town and resident Jim Walker. Walker has approached the board on several occasions regarding water that crosses his property and flows into the lake when it rains.

The town told Walker that it will bore a 6-inch hole under Ind. 15 and run a tile to Walker's property if Walker would hook onto the tile and run it across his property.

When Walker agreed to the proposal, the council approved $1,500 for the boring project.

"I feel that is the best we can do," said council member Ronald Jones.

"It is helping and I'll take that," said Walker.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a list of sidewalk repairs totaling $20,000. The sidewalk project covers fixing and replacing several pieces of sidewalk throughout the town.

• Decided not to offer direct deposit to town employees. Since there are only a few town employees, direct deposit would not be an economical endeavor.

• Heard the repairs to the town gazebo are finished.

• Heard an update on the Lions Club headwall project. The culvert that was taken to the site was the wrong size, so a new one had to be ordered. Once the new piece arrives, the project can be finished.

• Approved a $1,000 donation to the EMS.

• Approved a $2,500 bid from H&H Tree Service to remove a large tree that recently was struck by lightning. Because the tree is very tall, special equipment must be rented to reach the top, making the bid more than normal.

• Approved a sewer adjustment for John Russell, who had a water leak.

• Approved the installation of a "Children Playing" sign on Coy Street if Luther Brock pays for the sign. Brock offered to pay for the sign if the town would allow it to be put up.

• Heard the the clerk's office hours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday until further notice while town clerk Angie Glass recovers from surgery.

• Approved releasing money from the park fund to lay sod around light posts and the back side of the gazebo.

Silver Lake Town Council members are Ronald Jones, president; Stan Williams and Tom Waite. Town clerk is Angie Glass. [[In-content Ad]]