EDITORS NOTE - The Following clarification ran in the 12.16.10 edition of the Times-Union, the original story follows
Silver Lake Story Clarified Glass, Hollopeter Not Disciplined
In Wednesday's edition of the Times-Union, in a story titled "Silver Lake Resident Questioned By Resident", it was stated that Silver Lake Clerk-Treasurer Angie Glass and Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter were disciplined and apologized for the purchase of office furniture.
While Town Board President Linda Baker did ask for all purchases to be brought before the town council before they were made in the future, as well as quotes being made available, neither Glass or Hollopeter received any disciplinary action for their purchases.
Baker also told the Times-Union Wednesday that neither Glass or Hollopeter were in any way involved in the disciplinary action of the Silver Lake Street and Utilities Department, which had three employees previously reprimanded for purchases made without town approval.
Baker is quoted in Wednesday's story as saying, "They've all paid for what they did and it's over and done with. We've been over this as a board. We're done." That was in reference to the street and utilities employees and was not directed toward or about Glass or Hollopeter.
SILVER LAKE - Questions were raised about recent spending at Silver Lake's town council meeting Tuesday night.
Silver Lake resident Brenda Wadkins said she had heard several rumors about the cost of two new trucks that were purchased by the town. She had also heard different rumors about the amount of money spent on new office furniture in the town marshal's department and clerk-treasurer's office.
The town received a grant that paid for 35 percent of the cost of the trucks. The other 65 percent came from town funds.
"I don't remember the exact numbers," Town Clerk Angie Glass said, "I will have to look and get those numbers to you."
"Ok, I might need to see a copy of that document. I'll put in a written request," Wadkins said.
The board then clarified that the new desks each cost $1,826.79 on clearance, and the same desks were purchased for both the marshal's office and the clerk's office.
"Does that make sense with the way the economy is right now to get a desk that costs that much?" Wadkins asked.
Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter said that he wanted to pick a quality desk that wouldn't need to be replaced again in a few years. He added that they had compared other styles and prices of desks, and decided that these were the best choice for their purposes.
Glass, Hollopeter and Street and Utilities Superintendent Jasun Blocher all admitted that they had not followed proper procedures for purchases made with town money this year. All three apologized, and the board said that each had been disciplined.
"They've all paid for what they did and it's over and done with. We've been over this as a board. We're done," Council President Linda Baker said.
Glass and Blocher both declined the opportunity for a raise in 2011.
In other business, the board moved to hire Mark A. Hoppus as a part-time police officer. Hoppus has been working more than 30 hours per week since June without pay.
Hollopeter said he wanted to offer Hoppus the part-time position in order to be able to send him to the police academy. "It's mostly as a payback to him. There's no cost to the town for the academy," Hollopeter said.
Hoppus must be an employee of the department to be able to attend the academy. Board member Gale Owens told Hoppus, "I just want to add a stipulation that when you graduate you give us an opportunity to see what kind of job we can offer you."
Hoppus will receive 80 dollars per week from Jan. 1 through Apr. 15, and will continue to work at the Marshal's office on weekends.
The town's street and utilities department took time to thank the town of Akron for the use of a truck and help received for leaf removal this fall.
The deadline for filing a declaration of candidacy for Silver Lake's open council seat is Saturday at 7 p.m.
The caucus to replace former councilman Ron Jones will be Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Silver Lake town hall.
