Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SILVER LAKE - "My hands have been tied," said Silver Lake Town Councilman Tom Waite during a discussion at Tuesday's council meeting. "I was elected to do a job, but for the past 10 months I have not been able to do that job because I don't know any balances. ... I can't do my job without the right figures."
A spat during the Silver Lake Town Council's discussion about amending the town's salary ordinance led to a discussion about what figures the council members are seeing and how long it has taken to get those figures.
"It takes a long time," said clerk-treasurer Angie Glass. "It takes at least five hours to pay bills twice every month."
Once the discussion was finished, council members expressed their desire to see balances every month.
The council also welcomed Comcast representative Lori Marsh to the meeting. Marsh was present to clear up some of the confusion regarding the recent changes in Silver Lake's cable services.
"Comcast made a huge investment," said Marsh. "They will not be pulling out any time soon."
She also told concerned community members that digital service is coming in the future, but there is no timeline for when it will happen.
Later the council heard the first two readings of Ordinance 04-10-01 regarding the fees charged to tap into the sewer system. It is an amendment to Ordinance 99-03-01 and sets the fee for tapping into the system at $1,525 plus inspection fees. A property owner wanting to re-establish sewer service will be assessed any costs incurred by the town.
The council also approved Ordinance 08-01-04 regarding abandoned wells by a 3-0 vote. The ordinance sets up definitions and guidelines regarding the handling of abandoned wells. Wells that have not been used in more than five years must be plugged to prevent groundwater contamination, and landowners are responsible for plugging wells that are deemed abandoned.
In other business, the council:
• Heard updates on the services of Pro Tree Service, Peerless, and LAW SON.
• Learned hydrant flushing will take place Oct. 19-29.
• Approved the release of $6,227.24 to pay for fire station work done by Cripe Excavating.
• Approved returning 1.9 acres on the back of the abandoned state highway lot to the state.
• Approved vacation requests for Silver Lake police officers.
• Approved a sewer adjustment for Louis Easthom, who had a water leak.
• Heard that trick-or-treating will be Oct. 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Heard a public thank-you for Skip Mumford, who helped prepare the park for the installation of new lights.
Silver Lake Town Council members are Stanley Williams, Ronald Jones and Tom Waite.
