Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SILVER LAKE -- Grants are available if the Silver Lake is willing to apply for them.
That's the message the Silver Lake Conservation Association Inc. representative Jim Walker sent to the Silver Lake Town Council at Tuesday night's meeting.
Walker updated the board on the project the association is researching, including cleaning the inlet channels to Silver Lake. Water from the town flows into the lake, taking sediment and other materials with it, said Walker. The association wants to remedy the situation and fix it so the sediment does not back up again.
The association has applied for a pair of grants and is looking into applying for more.
Walker gave the council a list of grants the town may be able to apply for to help fund the project.
"It is going to be a large project," said Walker. "My estimates put it at at least $20,000."
The project could cost up to $75,000.
"If we don't do it correctly, then it will keep getting worse and worse," said Walker. "And when it's done, it should be done right. Once it is done, we will have a very, very nice lake."
Later in the meeting, Fire Chief Robbie Clark told the council that the Silver Lake Lions Club made a donation to the fire department to cover one-third of the cost of a new chopsaw and blades. Lake Township will pay one third of the bill, and Tuesday evening, the council approved the funds to pay one third of the costs as well. The saw and blades cost around $1,200. The saw will be purchased from Ace Hardware in North Manchester. Once the blades are ordered, the saw will be in operation in about a week.
Clark also told the council that the fire department will donate the old chopsaw to the town to use as it sees fit.
In other business, the council:
• Informed town resident Burleigh Adams that he may build a pier on an easement near his house on Edgewater Drive. However, since it is a public access site, others may use the pier as well.
• Approved a sewer adjustment for Don Hantelman who had a water leak.
• Tabled discussion on direct deposit options for town employees until the full council is present to make the decision.
• Heard that six new turnout suits for the fire department have been ordered and should arrive in about six weeks.
• Tabled action on a petition from Jim Walker regarding water runoff problems on his property.
• Approved a $250 donation to the Silver Lake Days committee.
• Asked town attorney Vern Landis to look over an agreement regarding a culvert . Landis will examine the contract to find out who is financially responsible for the repairs.
• Heard that work will start on the town's gazebo within the next two weeks. The contractor is looking into using a steel roof instead of shingles to prevent further repairs. The gazebo is scheduled to be finished before Silver Lake Days in June.
• Approved a vacation request for Jason McGlennen May 11-13.
• Approved the hiring of an engineer to draw up plans to extend the town water lines across Ind. 15 to the trailer court to install a fire hydrant. Town manager Phil Shalley will speak with engineers and have the plans drawn up so the project can move along.
• Approved a $100 bid from H&H Tree Service to grind down a stump at 301 E. Main Street.
• Heard that trustees from the Kosciusko County Jail are doing a good job helping around the town. The trustees are working on several projects in Silver Lake and will be helping in the town until fall.
• Heard that office hours may change temporarily in June while town clerk Angie Glass recovers from major surgery.
• Heard Spring Clean-Up Day is Saturday. Residents should have trash out before Saturday because pickup will begin early. Hazardous waste and tires will not be picked up. Appliances will be picked up, but some will involve a fee. For more information, contact Stafford Solid Waste.
• Heard that if the weather stays warm, spraying for mosquitoes will begin in about two weeks. Those who do not want the town to spray at their homes should contact the town office.
Silver Lake Town Council members Ron Jones, president, and Tom Waite were present at the meeting. Stanley Williams was absent. Town clerk is Angie Glass.
