SILVER LAKE — Most of the Silver Lake Town Council meeting held last night, Wednesday, March 15 was spent on public comments as residents shared concern over the appearance of the town.

Resident Joyce Greer has spent the last few weeks visiting various houses in the town and gaining opinions on the town’s appearance. She came to the meeting with more than 50 signatures of residents that think something needs to be done to clean up people’s yards. Her hope is to have a “Care For Our Neighbors” day on April 22 where people will volunteer and seek help with yard clean up.

“It is a definite concern of 50 plus people,” said Greer. “They’re concerned about the deterioration of the town.”

Greer and others gave examples of the various houses they believed need to be cleaned up. The majority of the problems discussed were trash in yards and overgrown lawns during warm weather.

Town Attorney Scott Reust said that personally he supported the idea of a volunteer group being formed to clean-up yards with permission from homeowners, but stressed that the town council could not support any activity beyond the ordinances already in place.

“Things that the town can not legislate, it can also not sponsor,” said Reust.

The council members all encouraged Greer and the many citizens in attendance to help each other with a clean-up day. Council members also assured the residents that they do their best to enforce the town’s ordinances. It was stated that in some instances, people would rather pay the fines instated than clean up their yards.

“We can’t pass ordinances to make people care about their property,” said Town Council President Chad Miner. “But as neighbors we can help them.”

Residents were reminded the fire station has free smoke alarms and batteries available for citizens. All they need to do is let the fire department know that they would like one.

In other news:

• It was approved that the veteran’s memorial will be done by Patten Monuments. The town has received 26 names for the monument so far.
• Only one bid was received for the farm land. Rob Clark was awarded the 7.5 acres.
• The board approved a $500 donation for Silver Lake Days.
• The advertising for trash bids has begun. Bids are now welcome and will be opened during the next meeting on April 12.
• Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter announced that he is still gathering information to write an animal ordinance.
• The roof blew off the barn at the highway lot during the last stretch of strong winds. Insurance has been notified and is in the process of looking into the replacement.
• The fire department was approved to purchase door timers and to replace the outdoor lights at the department.
• The town council council approved the purchase of gear for a new firefighter. The two new firefighters have been wearing gear that doesn’t fit them properly. The department requested one outfit to be funded by the town and one by the township.