Silver Lake Town Council Attorney Austin Rovenstine, Council Member Jean Weller and Council President Hugh Murfin prepare for the meeting.

Text and Photos
By Madison Hart
InkFreeNews

SILVER LAKE — Silver Lake Town Council voted to demolish a property at 1008 N. Roosevelt St., known as the “tree house,” during a July 10 council meeting.

The owners did not comply with the order to demolish issued during the council’s June meeting, and it was determined it was not likely that anyone would take action. Attorney Austin Rovenstine provided various options including taking the issue to Circuit Court, but the council wanted it demolished as quickly and efficiently as possible. They voted for the town to pay a contractor to demolish and later recoup the cost through taxes on the property.

In other business, the council provided updates on the property appraisal for three lots they are trying to buy from Kerlin to build a community center. The law requires two appraisals and requires the max the council can pay is the average of the two appraisals, which is $113,500.

Council also heard from special guest Kristin Rude, general manager of KABS, who wanted to share about KABS services and ask if there were any barriers to residents taking advantage of their service. Rude said KABS only costs $1-3 for rides within the county scheduled in advance. For same day calls, it is a first-come-first-serve basis and an additional $5 fee. KABS also accepts insurance-covered medical transportation to anywhere in the state of Indiana. To reach dispatch, call (574) 267-4990.

In new business, the council discussed raises for 2025. They approved in a two-to-one vote a $0.50 increase for all employees, a $1.50 raise for the deputy marshal and a $1 raise for the clerk-treasurer. The also mentioned the assistant superintendent was still owed a $1 raise from the previous year that had been overlooked.

They also approved a quote of $17,260 from Peerless Midwest to clean Well No. 2, which has not been used in two weeks due to a suction problem caused by a cleaning issue. It is also below capacity.

The council also:

• Announced the October council meeting date will be changed to Wednesday, Oct. 16.
• Discussed upcoming auto parts replacements needed at the police department.
• Heard from Fire Chief John Conley that new OSHA guidelines could impede fire department services.
• Heard a citizen request for a speed bump and one-way and wrong-way signs on Roosevelt Street, as well as a request to revisit a sound ordinance. The council voted to reopen an investigation into a sound ordinance, and the marshal agreed to check on the signs.
• Heard a citizen concern about ‘junk’ in a neighbor’s lawn that had not been addressed, despite bringing it to the council in 2020. The marshal and council president agreed to speak with the neighbor again and check on the plates of some vehicles in the yard.

The next Silver Lake Town Council meeting will be at town hall 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14.