SILVER LAKE – The Silver Lake Town Council met Wednesday night and announced speed limit changes on Ind. 15 within town limits. According to Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter, the town asked the state highway department to perform a speed limit analysis several years ago and the department determined at that time that no change was needed. After 4-year-old Logan Heeter, of Claypool, was fatally struck by a passing truck in Silver Lake in June, Hollopeter again called the highway department and asked for another speed limit analysis. As a result, the 30 mph speed limit will extend back to Pizza King on the north end of town, and the speed limit on the south end of town will drop from 50 to 45 mph. Hollopeter said he is not sure when the speed limits will take effect but will help to get drivers to slow down sooner as they approach the downtown area. The council also voted to approve donating $250 toward the organization of a 5K race to take place June 27. Proceeds of the race will benefit the Logan Heeter Memorial Bridge. In other business, the council introduced two bills raising water and sewer rates in Silver Lake. The council explained that in 2007 the sewer rates were reduced twice as the sewer fund had nearly a quarter of a million dollars in it. However, the town then began spending the sewer fund and is now making insufficient revenues, which is the cause for the current rate increase. In total, the two ordinances would increase water and sewer rates by around $5. The town will hold a public meeting on the matter Oct. 8. Also in other business, the council announced the town received an Indiana Blight Elimination grant, allowing for the town to demolish three houses: one on Pleasant Street, one on Indian Trail Avenue and one on Shutt Avenue. The town hopes to begin demolition before snow begins to fall. The council also hosted Eric Walsh, of Umbaugh & Associates, who held an informational meeting on the 2015 budget. Walsh said every fund in Silver Lake was in good shape in terms of cash flow in 2014 and that trend looks to continue for 2015. Walsh said overall there are increasing cash balances and funds should continue to be healthy in 2015. Walsh also said the town can anticipate a tax rate decrease in 2015. In other business, the council: • Voted to approve an ordinance changing the zoning classification of the downtown area from residential to commercial • Agreed to resubmit an application for a pavilion grant asking for a lesser amount in order to get the grant approved • Established a park fund • Scheduled trick-or-treat hours for Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. • Scheduled the fall clean-up for Oct. 9 through 12.
