Austin Rovenstine, Nichole Taylor and Hugh Murfin look over notes before the work session meeting. InkFreeNews photo by Elizabeth Hershberger.

By Elizabeth Hershberger
InkFreeNews

SILVER LAKE — Silver Lake Town Council held a work session meeting Thursday, June 5 to discuss necessary changes and updates in the ordinances of the town.

The meeting was open to public attendance but without public comment as Austin Rovenstine, Nichole Taylor, Hugh Murfin and Tonya Conley reviewed town ordinances with Town Marshal Jason McGlennen.

“Some of the ordinances go way back to 1883. It’s about time to go over them,” said Murfin.

The discussion centered around town safety and cleanliness first and foremost. Ordinance fees were generally very low, and the council agreed that higher fees going forward would be a better incentive for residents’ compliance. If a fine is $10 or $25, the council feels people will simply pay the fine and continue their behaviors.

There was concern some of the ordinances might have contradictory terms or out-of-date information. Several ordinances may be repealed and consolidated into another, clearer ordinance. Council members want to take a closer look at amendments as well as possibly make a blanket statement about the application of attorney fees to any ordinance fees which may go to court. The council noted it is the hearing authority for contested fines and fees.

Ordinances the town commonly enforces were the main focus of the evening. The council discussed:

• Ascertaining the height of lawn grass at no higher than six inches.
• Removal of lawn debris and a $300 lean applied to costs, including a dumpster.
• Defining the noise ordinance more clearly for better enforcement.
• Removing ordinances concerning U-turns on Jefferson and Main Streets and some parking ordinances which are not able to be enforced at this time.
• Updating the language and the fee for the ordinance about discharging firearms in town.
• Making an ordinance to limit the number of pets per residence within town limits and requiring registration of said pets, showing proof of rabies shots.
• Defining the term “vicious animal” clearly.
• Updating the ordinance fine for loose pets to $100, with further violations increasing the fee each time.
• Acquiring more live traps for the town and requiring a $30 deposit fee.
• Requiring permission for all trailers, RVs and campers remaining on a property long-term and making clear none will have access to sewer hookups.
• Defining trash and junk accumulation and requiring cleanup progress within seven days.
• Removing abandoned vehicles “from within public view” or requiring residents to bring them to an operable condition.
• Removing objects and shrubbery that obstruct sidewalks with waived fines if compliant within seven days.
• Towing vehicles.
• Needing house numbers at some residences.
• Burning of leaves or non-natural materials with or without rings or barrels.
• Navigating the ordinances in the current storage system can be difficult, and a new system could be helpful.

Council member Jean Weller was not in attendance.

The Silver Lake Town Council will have a regular meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 11 at Silver Lake Town Meeting Hall.