Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SILVER LAKE – At Wednesday night's meeting, the Silver Lake Town Council selected FCI Construction of Auburn for the town's community center and Hohman Excavating of Silver Lake for the new boat ramp.
Between OCRA (Office of Community and Rural Affairs) funding, $1.9 million in grants received and $840,950 in private donations, Silver Lake will not need to borrow any additional funding for the FCI quote, which was $3.95 million.
Council authorized President Hugh Murfin to sign the contracts once OCRA has released funds in a 2-0 vote; councilmember Jean Weller was absent.
Council also approved a $23,840 quote with Hohman for the new boat ramp. The town will contribute $20,000 toward the project with the remaining $3,840 to be fundraised.
Herb Manifold, senior ecologist at Ecosystems Connections Institute LLC, spoke to council about fundraising, along with Brett Burch, who said the Silver Lake Association could contribute $500, the Silver Lake Conservation Association could contribute $300, and he and his wife would personally donate $200, which leaves $2,840 to be raised.
Manifold said the boat ramp will likely be constructed in mid- to late-July.
Ahead of the regular meeting, council held a determination hearing for a local resident's property. Council no longer considers the property unsafe and voted to allow the owners to submit written updates to council on their porch, as the railing has yet to be installed.
In new business, council approved resolution 26-01-05 to establish a K-9 donation fund for costs for food and upkeep of the town's incoming K-9 officer.
In public input, council heard from J. Cole and Rick Kaluf regarding a flooding issue on Eldora Drive between 506 and 511 W. Eldora Drive. Cole said in the past, the town has provided gravel but it has washed away.
Utilities Superintendent Joey McNeal said the county still owns that road and he will talk to someone at the county about maintenance. Clerk-Treasurer Tonya Conley said Eldora Drive was not annexed into the town with the surrounding area in 2002.
Council also heard from Nick Gordon, 308 Sycamore St., whose driveway is half owned by the town. Gordon provided a land survey, comparing it with GIS data, and presented a quote to redo the driveway for $9,990, asking the town to pay half.
Council voted to pay half, or $4,995, for the new driveway.
In departmental reports, Town Marshal Jason McGlennen said he found a used K-9 cage in Pennsylvania for $1,500, which he may be getting a donation to purchase.
Fire Chief John Conley said there were nine runs since last month: one accident, two alarms, two mutual aid assists to other departments and four medical calls. The department's golf outing will be June 28.
Council approved a claims docket of $160,730.93, and a utilities adjustment totaling $897.05.
Council will hold an executive meeting 4:30 p.m. June 2. The next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. June 10.
