SILVER LAKE - Town employees are sprucing - or more specifically "maple"-ing - up Silver Lake.
Town Council members heard Tuesday night that town employees are working to repair tree lawns and plant two kinds of maple trees on the main streets of the town.Red and green maple trees will be alternated along the main streets of Silver Lake, replacing many trees that have been removed and not replaced through the years.
Currently, orange spray paint marks indicate where 40 trees will be planted along Ind. 14 and Ind. 15 to improve the look of the town.
According to town manager Jasun Blocher, this is the town's "big planting year."
The trees will grow to heights of eight to 12 feet.
In the future, when a tree is removed, it will be replaced.
In other business, the council:
n Held public hearings for the town's storm water grant application and the application for a grant to help purchase a vacuum for the town's storm sewer system.
n Received bids to farm land the town owns behind the fire station. Two bids were submitted, but neither was sealed, so the bids must be resubmitted. The council will meet April 26 to open the bids and award the contract. Sealed bids are due at the town office by 3 p.m. April 26.
n Announced that town clean-up day will be May 8. All items should be put out by 6:30 a.m. For more information about what will be picked up, contact Stafford Solid Waste.
n Renewed the health insurance policy for town employees. Since the rates increased by 8.2 percent, the town plans to submit information for rebids in 60 to 90 days.
n Heard that there will be a breakfast at the Lions Club Building May 1. The Silver Lake Police Department will be fingerprinting children from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
n Gave permission for the Silver Lake Days Committee to contact NIPSCO to put a power access on a pole for the carnival at the festival. In the past, the carnival has used electricity from the old school, but that has been turned off.
n Heard that hydrant flushing is finished. If residents have issues with their water pressure, they are asked to check the aerators on their faucets before calling the town.
n Learned that leaf pickup was complete in the fall. If people have leaves leftover, they are asked to put them in bags or boxes for pickup. The leaf pickup machine will not be used again until fall. People who have large limbs are asked to sit them parallel to the road, but not in the road. Smaller leaves and twigs should be put in a container to be picked up. Grass clippings are not picked up.
n Heard that mosquito spraying will likely begin this week, depending on wind. Anyone who does not want the spray used in front of their home for health or other reasons should contact the town office.
n Heard that the fire department received a grant from the K21 Foundation. The department will receive extrication equipment including a cutter, spreader, mini cutter, two rams, two air bags and cribbing to stabilize vehicles.
n Approved a sewer and water adjustment for William Brown, who had a water leak that has been repaired.
n Heard a complaint from a citizen about barking dogs near the lake.
