Council members are shown listening to Frank Greer provide his thoughts on the benefits of keeping chickens at a Silver Lake Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 8. From left are council members Nichole Taylor and Hugh Murfin and Town Clerk-Treasurer Tonya Conley.

By Caleigh Byrer
InkFreeNews

SILVER LAKE — Silver Lake Town Council discussed the prospect of residents keeping chickens during a Wednesday, Feb. 8, meeting.

“If you’re under nine years old and you want to join 4-H, chickens are the only option you have. This would be a great option for kids in our town to learn some responsibility,” resident Frank Greer stated.

Greer also pointed out many other benefits to the town allowing chickens such as their ability to cut down food waste, eliminate the issue of rising egg prices, assist with pest control and provide a component of fertilizer.

The matter has been discussed within the town for some time, but noise concerns have held the council back from taking any action.

Hugh Murfin said they will look into it further and the council will plan to have more information about how to properly house chickens within county regulations by the next monthly meeting.

Town Marshal Jason McGlennen said there were four unpaid ordinance violations from last year, which the council moved to turn over to the town attorney.

McGlennen also reported they had put a cold air intake on their 2008 Charger, which saved about four miles per gallon. He received the go-ahead from the council to purchase one or two more for the other vehicles at a rate of roughly $450.

Fire Chief John Conley said they had six runs since the last meeting: two fire runs, two medical assists, one mutual aid with Claypool and one ice water rescue.

Conley requested to order new gear as they have three new individuals in the department and received assurance from the town that they would still be willing to help with the purchase of a new truck for the department.

The council also approved the following:

• A parking lot variance for a small building that is intended to be turned into a restaurant or carryout business.
• A quote of $8,921.70 for a new Bobcat with unknown trade-in value of current Bobcat equipment.
• A clean-up service prior to construction on the highway garage for $936, presented by Silver Lake Town Utilities and Street Department
• A 2023 contract with Baker Tilly for $1,200 per month
• Renewal of the Fire Department, Lake Township and town contract.
• SRKM architecture proposal for a lean-to to be built at the highway lot to house town equipment.
• Claim docket of $159,614.28.

The next council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at Silver Lake Meeting Hall, 604 N. Jefferson St., Silver Lake.