By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

SILVER LAKE — Salary increases were a topic of discussion during Monday evening’s Silver Lake Town Council meeting, Dec. 12. The matter was continued from its November’s meeting.

Following some discussion all department heads, full-time employees and clerk-treasurer will receive a 4% increase and the deputy clerk receive a 5% increase in 2023.

Nicole Taylor, board member, originally suggested a 4% increase at the start of the discussion, including the pay for the part-time deputy marshal position currently vacant. However Tonya Conley, clerk-treasurer and Hugh Murfin, board president felt the position’s wage should be considered based on experience. Jean Weller voiced favoring a 2% increase to that position and that 4% was too much. A discussion between Tayler and Weller ensued.

Murfin stated he had considered a 4% raise as well, but mentioned even with giving percentages across the board it would give quite a gap between employes.

The motion did pass and the 2023 Salary Ordinance will be amended and placed on the agenda for the year-end meeting. That meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27.

Looking over old business, authorization forms from CCMG Engineering Service were signed for engineering services to repave streets. Mitch Hansel, USI Consultants explained the forms. One authorization was to proceed with work on Pleasant Street from Amelia Avenue to Wilson Avenue and from Walnut Street from the alley west of SR 15 to Harrison Street and Harrison Street to Walnut to SR 14, at a cost of $14,100. The second authorization was for Sycamore Street, east of SR 15 to the dead end and include storm sewers if applicable and sidewalk replacement for $119,700. The funds are from a Community Crossings Grant.

Moving to new business, Conley will be conducting a survey, speaking with vendors regarding recycling in town. The town was notified the recycling services, offered by the county, would no longer be available after December. Conley was given the approval to research options further and will present her findings at the year-end meeting.

A resolution to encumber money from the buildings and grounds fund was approved. These funds will be used for renovations of Station 2 — the old fire station and building at the highway lot to house equipment.

Additionally, council members approved a $250 donation for the FOP Shop with a cop; approved the town’s liability insurance package at a cost of $5,713 with an increase to workman’s comp of $123. The increase was based of assessed value increases, solar panel addition and increase in net operating expenditures.

Jeff Waldon was given the town’s blessing for an addition to a garage on his Courtland Avenue property. Waldron stated he was advised to come to the council to get its opinion on if there would be an issue. Council members were unanimous there would be no issue. A letter of recommendation for approval will be sent to the county’s area plan commission.

Also, Terry Rouse came before the council with a water chlorine issue. A discussion was held between Rouse and Joey McNeal, water department, regarding the changing from a pellet system to liquid chlorine. McNeal stated he would flush the hydrant close to Rouse’s home that should solve the issue.

During other business council members:

• Approved an advanced demolition invoice of the old school, the final invoice of $11,418.42 from the state’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs grant.
• Signed the 2023 KEDCO/town agreement at a cost of $5,000 to be paid in two installments
• Passed an ordinance on the town’s water/sewer budget,
• Accepted a quote of $5,770.60 for generator repairs on the SR 14 VAC house and the pull behind the generator.
• Approved a water adjustment for Penny Hemphill following the repair of a water leak.
• Heard from Lisa Harman and Shaun Mudd about Life Well Kosciusko and the Community Well Being Committee.
• The council’s first meeting in 2023 will be at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11 in the town hall.