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SILVER LAKE - "If the pump should go, we will be buying water," said Silver Lake Town Council member Stanley Williams.
To prevent that situation, the Silver Lake Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to upgrade the filter pump in their water system. The pump will cost the town $20,970, but once it is replaced, the entire system can be cleaned and maintained better.
"It should have been done sooner," said Williams, "but now it needs to be done."
The pump replacement should be finished within two weeks.
The council also gave the go-ahead to buy a new computer for the town. The old computer went down Monday and lost all information from March until the present and is no longer workable.
"Everything has to be re-entered, it's gone," said town clerk Angie Glass.
The proposed system included a laptop computer with business software for utilities billing, budget and payroll.
"I am not in favor of buying a laptop," said council member Ronald Jones. "I believe all town business should stay right here, I feel that is better."
Jones then proposed that the council look into a desktop computer.
"The quote for the laptop is $1,679," added Jones. "I know we can get something cheaper."
The council amended the proposal, allowing up to $1,000 for a desktop computer instead of the laptop, and approved the motion 3-0.
Another unanimous vote approved the replacement of 12 sections of sidewalk, one on West Main Street and the remaining 11 on East Main Street. The total cost for the replacement is $7,424. The council has yet to use money for sidewalks in this year's budget. The repairs made to this point have come from funds encumbered from last year.
The council also heard from citizens concerned about the cost of the new cable system.
"When we first got the notice from Comcast," said Silver Lake resident Marie Rose, "it said there would be no rate increase. My last bill from Insight was a lot higher.".
After much discussion, the council decided to table the item until residents receive their first bill from Comcast to see what the rates do.
In other business, the council:
• Tabled a motion regarding the removal of two large cottonwood trees from Roosevelt Street north of Dixie Drive. H&H Tree Service submitted a quote of $3,000 for the removal. Council members want to see anothe quote before making a final decision on the matter.
• Approved a motion to adjust Jason McGlennen's sewer bill. There is a water leak at his property that is in the process of being fixed. The adjustment will cover the most recent bill as well as the next bill.
The Silver Lake Town Council will meet again Aug. 31 for a budget hearing at 7 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.
Silver Lake Town Council members are Stanley Williams, president; Thomas Waite and Ronald Jones. Town clerk is Angie Glass.
