Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SILVER LAKE - William McConnell of Triad Engineering gave the town council an update on the water line installation project Tuesday, saying the downtown area is complete other than restoration, which will be done next month.
He said line installation in the Silver Lake area is moving along well with 2,000 feet left to be installed of a total 35,000 feet. The project is expected to be done on time and on budget. All Star Construction is contractor.
Town clerk Teresa Howell said her office needs a PC and modem plus software to read the new meters.
"When we began we double-checked everything to make sure we had all the equipment," Howell said.
The computer, software and modem will cost $3,226, which was originally figured into the project's costs.
Board member Stanley Williams said it was deleted "because we were under the impression we were compatible."
"We took it out because we were sure we had everything," said board member Wilbur Brake.
McConnell said the items could be included with a change order because it is part of the job. As a contingency, the board approved water operating fund expenditures for the unit.
Several residents have complained of higher-than-average water bills. Utility supervisor Phil Shalley said this is probably because of air being forced through the lines.
The board agreed to average the questionable bills over the last three months and charge that amount.
Town attorney Mike Reed was present at the meeting to present closure on the USDA's Rural Development loan in the amount of $886,000. These monies have been used for expenditures for the water line installation project.
With loan closure, which the USDA bonded, funding will now be funneled through the same agency's grant of $774,000. Loan money had to be used initially.
Town board president Mabel Enyeart and Howell will act as bond council for the closure Thursday.
The voluntary annexation of Silver Lake residents was briefly discussed while Reed was present.
An information meeting was held July 13 to advise lake residents of services and costs connected with annexation, hosted by Rex Boxell, a Silver Lake lake resident.
It was noted that annexation cannot occur in a year prior to a 10-year census, but could become effective Jan. 2, 2000, following a 60-day remonstrance period.
In other business the board:
• Approved purchase of a police department vehicle, a 2000 2-door Explorer 4x4, from Dimension Ford West, in the amount of $22,131.25. Town Marshall Craig Hollopeter said donations for equipment have been promised.
• Shalley advised the board a used vacuum pump costs $10,000, installed. The water filtration plant is in need of two.
• The board received notice of a 30-percent increase in health insurance premiums and is seeking another company to carry the town's health insurance.
• Resolution 99-08-02 was approved transferring $500 in the general fund from the tree fund to legal services.
• The board decided to keep the water shut off notice the same, however the words "delinquent notice" will be used instead of "final notice" on late bills.
• Building permits were approved for the addition of a 6 x 24-foot porch at the Darrell Guerin property.
A special meeting was set for Monday at 7 a.m. to accommodate Lowell and Catherine Zine's request to move an old mobile home off their property and bring in a new one.
A mobile home permit request presented by Lois and Roger Warren was tabled.
• Street repaving will be done by Gaunt and Sons Asphalting toward late August and early September on South High, Sycamore and Elm streets, the Poplar - Wells street intersection, the alley running north and south of Sell's Filling Station and North Street to the cemetery.
• Approved hiring of part-time clerk's office help at an hourly rate of $7.50. Howell said she would vacation Sept. 6 through 13.
• Mark Metzger of Metzger Auctioneering requested a closing of High Street Saturday from Ind. 14 for one-half block to set items out during a sale. This request was granted.
