Silver Lake Residents Concerned About Tornado Warning Sirens

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By JEN GIBSON, Times-Union Staff Writer-

SILVER LAKE - Residents of Silver Lake are concerned about tornado sirens in the town.

When the sirens were tested this summer, the sirens did not perform as well as the town would like, and residents at the lake could not hear the alerts.

Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter told citizens present at Tuesday night's town council meeting that he is looking into grants to rectify the situation. Hollopeter mentioned applying for a grant to fund new sirens, which cost around $18,000 each. To alert the whole town, at least three would be needed.

Hollopeter then mentioned he was looking into a grant that would fund National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radios for residents. The grant is similar to one that pays for fire detectors given out by Kosciusko County Fire Departments.

Although nothing has come through at this point, options are still being explored for both possibilities.

"We haven't given up on anything yet," said Hollopeter.

The council also approved an ordinance dealing with writing off past due water bills. The ordinance allows the town clerk to write off accounts that are more than 180 days overdue as long as the bill is not more than $500 after the meter deposit is applied to the account. If those two conditions are met and all reasonable means of collection have been exhausted, the account can be written off the town's books.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a motion to replace the steps at the new Family Dollar Store location to meet Americans with Disabilities Act regulations. A ramp will be added and new steps installed. Law Son contracted to do the work for no more than $4,500.

• Approved an ordinance setting mileage rates for own employees who drive personal vehicles to conduct town business. The reimbursement will be based on the national mileage rate.

• Approved sewer adjustments for Terry Baker, Harold Wrightsman and Etha Mae Hall. Each had water leaks that were repaired.

• Heard a speed limit sign will be installed at the north end of the laundromat once work on sidewalks is finished.

• Scheduled the next regular town board meeting for Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.

• Approved claims totalling $65,273.18.

• Reminded residents to check their smoke detectors. If smoke detectors are not in working condition, residents may contact Fire Chief Rob Clark or Hollopeter to get a new one from the fire department at no charge.

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

SILVER LAKE - Residents of Silver Lake are concerned about tornado sirens in the town.

When the sirens were tested this summer, the sirens did not perform as well as the town would like, and residents at the lake could not hear the alerts.

Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter told citizens present at Tuesday night's town council meeting that he is looking into grants to rectify the situation. Hollopeter mentioned applying for a grant to fund new sirens, which cost around $18,000 each. To alert the whole town, at least three would be needed.

Hollopeter then mentioned he was looking into a grant that would fund National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radios for residents. The grant is similar to one that pays for fire detectors given out by Kosciusko County Fire Departments.

Although nothing has come through at this point, options are still being explored for both possibilities.

"We haven't given up on anything yet," said Hollopeter.

The council also approved an ordinance dealing with writing off past due water bills. The ordinance allows the town clerk to write off accounts that are more than 180 days overdue as long as the bill is not more than $500 after the meter deposit is applied to the account. If those two conditions are met and all reasonable means of collection have been exhausted, the account can be written off the town's books.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a motion to replace the steps at the new Family Dollar Store location to meet Americans with Disabilities Act regulations. A ramp will be added and new steps installed. Law Son contracted to do the work for no more than $4,500.

• Approved an ordinance setting mileage rates for own employees who drive personal vehicles to conduct town business. The reimbursement will be based on the national mileage rate.

• Approved sewer adjustments for Terry Baker, Harold Wrightsman and Etha Mae Hall. Each had water leaks that were repaired.

• Heard a speed limit sign will be installed at the north end of the laundromat once work on sidewalks is finished.

• Scheduled the next regular town board meeting for Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.

• Approved claims totalling $65,273.18.

• Reminded residents to check their smoke detectors. If smoke detectors are not in working condition, residents may contact Fire Chief Rob Clark or Hollopeter to get a new one from the fire department at no charge.

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

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