Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SILVER LAKE - Tractor-trailer drivers will have to quiet their driving now when traveling through Silver Lake.
The Silver Lake Town Council approved an ordinance Tuesday prohibiting the use of jake brakes. The ordinance will fine drivers up to $100 per violation. The first infraction will cost $50.
Truck drivers slow their vehicles using the brake, like down-shifting.
Signs will be placed at the entrances to the town alerting drivers of the regulation, Silver Lake Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter said.
Hollopeter recommended the council take the action after he received complaints.
For a time, the town was having trouble with a single tractor-trailer driver, Hollopeter said.
The quieting ordinance is "to provide for the health, safety, peace and solitude of the citizens of the town," the ordinance says.
"That ought to help you sleep better at night," council president Brenda L. Wadkins said after its passage.
In another matter, the council was adjourned after an hour-long debate about part-time employees and the clerk-treasurer's office hours.
The issue was raised and tabled at the November meeting.
Councilman Gale G. Owens started the discussion about the need for part-time employees.
Councilwoman Donna G. McCune raised her concerns about two complaints she has received about office hours and how Wadkins and clerk-treasurer Teresa A. Howell treat customers.
Wadkins is Howell's office assistant, besides being council president.
Last month, Owens and McCune suggested that another part-time maintenance department employee with experience working with computers take Wadkins' job. The employee would shift between the two departments.
Town superintendent Phil Shally was against the idea.
Shally said the employee took a pay cut to get away from office work.
"To be honest," he said, "I don't think he'll stay."
To minimize complaints, Wadkins offered to work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and become a full-time employee.
McCune argue that Wadkins' job is unnecessary and Howell could do without her.
Wadkins said McCune didn't understand the amount of office work.
"And you have the gall to say I don't have enough work to do," Wadkins said.
McCune offered to spend a week in the office and find out.
"They want me out of here. They want (Howell) to have no help," Wadkins said about McCune's and Owens' true intentions.
Several citizens agreed that Wadkins was valuable to the town, especially since her office job is a non-elected position.
In another matter, the town approved the leasing of lakefront land to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to build and keep a public boat ramp. The lease is $1 for 100 years.
Shally said not to expect the ramp soon. DNR mentioned the project's completion in 2006.
The council also approved hiring Vern K. Landis from Rockhill Pinnick LLP, Warsaw, as town attorney for 2003. He will replace Michael W. Reed, of Reed and Earhart Attorneys-At-Law PC, Warsaw.
Silver Lake Town Council members present are: president Brenda L. Wadkins, Gale G. Owens, Donna G. McCune and clerk-treasurer Teresa A. Howell. Phil Shally is town superintendent. Craig Hollopeter is town marshal.
