SILVER LAKE — Citizen concerns were the main focus during regular meeting of the Silver Lake Town Council, held Wednesday evening, July 13.

Under citizen comments, Ruth Bryant came before the board seeking a solution for replacing two trailers on her property that were destroyed when tree branches fell on them. Initially, Bryant hoped to replace the trailers with a fifth-wheel, however council members noted city ordinance prohibits this in Bryant’s neighborhood.

Another solution proposed was to place a park model at that location. The council agreed to look into the idea, noting that, if the occupants find one they like, they can call a special session to look at it so Bryant does not have to wait a full month until the next meeting.

Discussion became heated when a gentleman stood and, holding up a stack of envelopes, told the council he has received $300 in fines since the beginning of June for trash on his property.

Citing a disability, he told the council keeping his property cleaned and mowed is difficult for him and that he felt the fines were a form of harassment. “We live in America. We don’t live in a foreign country that dictates,” he said.

Council member Chad Miner said he does not feel the citations are harassment and the resident responded he was going to employ an attorney. After the discussion became heated, the gentleman was asked to leave.

Another gentleman came forward and expressed concern about rainwater runoff into his residence on Edgewater from a nearby farm field. Clerk-treasurer Tonya Conley noted the council is working on obtaining a grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs to fix the situation, but that it will take some time to hear back, possibly until September.

Initially, the resident expressed frustration and wanted to know why the council is not dealing with the situation now, or why it was not addressed years ago. Another resident suggested digging a ditch to help with the drainage, which Conley said is something the grant funding will cover.

Conley added that residents of the area in question can submit photos of the situation to the council to include with the grant application. This, she said, could be helpful in Silver Lake receiving the grant.

Following the discussions, the department heads gave their reports. Town Marshall Craig Hollopeter gave an update on an empty building owned by an Indianapolis resident. During the previous council meeting, he had noted safety concerns pertaining to the building and he had begun issuing citations. Since then, a chimney on the building has fallen.

The owner initially refused to pay the fines, he said, stating she did not recognize the authority of the Silver Lake Police Department. However, she later spoke with a contractor, who in turn spoke with Hollopeter about the possibility of re-roofing the building and making it look more presentable. Hollopeter told the council this would cost roughly the same amount of money as demolishing the structure.

Assistant Fire Chief John Conley noted the fire department plans to test out a new pager and, if they find it satisfactory, to order five at a discount for a total cost of $1,700 of the $2,500 the department may spend without requiring board permission.