By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

SILVER LAKE — The Silver Lake Town Council discussed the usage of cargo containers in town, primarily for businesses, during a May 8 council meeting.

Adam Custer with Mobile Storage Near Me in Warsaw attended the meeting and asked if the town had sent any communication to Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission Director Matt Sandy regarding a revised cargo box ordinance amendment.

The amendment was given a favorable recommendation by the APC during a May 1 meeting and will be sent to the county commissioners on May 21 for a final decision.

Clerk-Treasurer Tonya Conley said she spoke with Sandy on the phone and explained to the council that the containers would be used like sheds.

Custer said he was advocating for the containers’ usage in commercial spaces.

“I know when some people hear shipping containers, all they think is old, rusty, beat-up ones, and that’s not all there is,” said Custer. “I sell brand-new ones that are like three months old. We’re trying to at least go to the (Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals) and ask (about commercial use.)”

Custer asked the council if businesses would have the option to go before BZA and ask, on a case-by-case basis, about using cargo containers.

Council Member Jean Weller opposed the use of cargo containers in town, and Council Member Nichole Taylor said she would have to think about it. Council President Hugh Murfin said he would not want the cargo containers to be used whatsoever for residential areas.

No vote was made on the containers’ usage or on the council potentially sending a letter to the APC with their opinion.

In other business, Mitch Hansel with USI Consultants presented three bids for the East Sycamore Street project, with the bids being in the amounts of $312,944; $297,680.30; and $275,759.47. All of the bids were taken under advisement.

Spring clean-up will also take place in town on Saturday, May 18. No paints, oils, tires, televisions, microwaves, and appliances containing freon will be picked up. Items must be placed in a six-by-six foot area by the curb and must be out early that Saturday.

Silver Lake Fire Department Chief John Conley told the council about the department receiving full sets of PPE, including turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus, from the state of Indiana. He asked about the possibility of the town using a lease-to-own method for a cascade system for the equipment.

Council said they would have to look into the matter.

The council also:

• Learned hydrant flushing will take place on Monday, May 20.
• Announced Silver Lake Days will take place on June 7 and 8. The Silver Lake Fire Department will have a touch-a-truck event on June 8 during the festivities.
• Learned there will be an open house for Rambler Island, the town’s new park, from 2-4 p.m. June 1. The park is located at the corner of Myrtle Glen Road and Indian Trail Avenue.
• Approved giving $400 to Silver Lake Days for a petting zoo, $500 to the Silver Lake Fire Department for their June 30 golf outing, and $250 to the Lions Club for their backpack program.

The council’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, at Silver Lake Town Hall. Prior to the regular meeting, there will be a public hearing regarding the town’s proposed water and sewer rate increases.