Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SILVER LAKE - Accusations of poor water quality being overseen by an unschooled water superintendent kicked off the town council meeting Tuesday.
Silver Lake resident Al Hatton came forward with a laboratory report regarding a sample of town-treated water and a time sheet indicating the time Phil Shalley, town superintendent, spent at the water treatment plant.
Hatton also claimed Shalley did not spend enough time with a certified plant operator to get his license. He also said Shalley did not backwash the filters correctly and that is why the water is orange.
Shalley, in his defense, said he did not need to constantly monitor the filters during the backwashing process and could begin the cycle and check it periodically.
Board president Donna McCune said she would look into Hatton's accusations and would have a report at next month's meeting.
Dave and Joan Abbott returned to the board regarding their water bill.
Although three new meters have been installed at his property on Line Street and "just a toilet and a sink" are hooked to it, last month the consumption rate showed a 500-gallon usage and this month showed 3,700 gallons used.
"It is impossible to use 3,700 gallons for a sink and a toilet," Abbot said. He said a local plumber checked his system and found no leaks.
Since this is a persistent problem, Abbott asked for some solution to see where the fault lies, asking that a state examiner investigate the issue.
When board member Brenda Wadkins said there couldn't be a problem with all three new meters installed at the site, Abbott said she shouldn't even concern herself in these kinds of discussions because she is the office assistant in the town clerk's office.
He called her observations a conflict of interest because she deals with the water issue everyday.
McCune said the state examiner would be contacted on Abbott's behalf as well as for Hatton's concerns.
The rest of the meeting concerned routine business:
• Rex Clinker approached the board regarding street closings for Silver Lake Days set for June 16 and 17. The usual thoroughfares will be closed for the parade and vendor setups.
• Wadkins said a petition of the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals has recommended Keith Harris survey his land on High Street, east of North Street, and move an encroaching mobile home 10 feet or more from the town property line.
Stanley Williams, a former council member, advised the board the trailer should be moved back more than that because there is a minimum 50-foot right of way for the town.
The trailer sits on land zoned agricultural and was granted a non-conforming use.
Plans are to annex the area to the town within the next year, but no official paperwork been presented in this regard.
• The council approved two building permits submitted by Darrell Dingess and Tony Caudill.
• The council heard from police officer Bruce Auer regarding the 1993 Crown Victoria patrol car. Rewiring the electrical system was approved at an estimated cost of between $400 to $700.
• The council approved hiring Paul Mullins as general laborer providing he passes a mandatory drug test.
• Clean-up day was set as May 12 with pickup Saturday morning.
• The council heard fire hydrants will be flushed the second week in May.
• The recycling bin provided by the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District has a bin marked "magazines" and accepts mixed paper. A mixed paper label will be affixed in the future.
Town council members are McCune, Wadkins and Gail Owens. The board meets the second Tuesday of each month in town hall.
