Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SILVER LAKE – At Wednesday night's meeting, the Silver Lake Town Council held two public hearings.
One was for consideration to apply for a USDA Rural Development loan for the community center project and another was for a weight limit ordinance violation against the driver of a concrete truck who drove over a culvert on Dixie Drive.
Following questions regarding how the community center is funded and if the water and sewer rates would be affected, council voted to apply for the 30-year loan at an interest rate of 4.25%.
At this time, the town of Silver Lake has raised over $2 million in grant funding and local donations so the loan amount will cover the remaining $994,383. The town's water and sewer funds are totally separate from the community center project and fund operations and maintenance of each utility, so rates will not be affected by the project.
After discussion with driver Chad Hull of Speedway and Derek Ray, safety representative, regarding weight limit signage placement and status of the culverts in town, Council President Hugh Murfin suggested waiving the $500 fine though the ordinance violation would stand. Council member Nicole Taylor agreed, and the fine was waived.
Council tabled a third public hearing, a continuance regarding the South Street vacation, until the next meeting. Representatives were unable to attend due to inclement weather.
Ahead of the regular meeting, council voted 2-0 to reinstate Hugh Murfin as president. Council member Jean Weller was absent. Murfin, Taylor and Weller will remain on the council until at least Dec. 31, 2027, when their terms expire.
Town attorney Austin Rovenstine will send an ordinance violation letter to the resident at 1018 N. Edgewater St. for failure to mow their lawn last season.
Fire Chief John Conley asked Murfin to sign the department's updated bylaws. The department had six runs this month: one fire, two medical assists, two accidents and one mutual aid assist to another department.
There was a claims docket of $96,281.73.
If anyone would like to donate to the community center project, visit www.patronicity.com/TownofSilverLakeCommunityCenter
Council will next meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 11.
