Clerk-Treasurer Tonya Conley, right, is shown discussing with Hugh Murfin David Miller’s request to rezone his property. InkFreeNews photo by Caleigh Byrer.

By Caleigh Byrer
InkFreeNews

SILVER LAKE — The Silver Lake Town Council discussed the prospect of doing a farmers market this summer at its Wednesday, April 12, meeting.

Clerk-Treasurer Tonya Conley stated that she wished to explore the possibility and asked fellow council members for their opinion on the matter.

All members were in agreement it would be beneficial, Gloria Jean Weller suggested the funds could be used toward the new community building.

With the support of the council, Conley plans to continue exploring options.

The council approved a request from David Miller for his parcel to be rezoned from residential to agricultural. Miller stated he had to have the council’s approval before taking it to the board of zoning appeals.

The parcel’s classification is now preventing him from building a personal building on the property as there is no house there.

Hugh Murfin did some calculations on chicken keeping which revealed that hypothetically, if town residents were allowed to keep backyard chickens, it would be more costly than purchasing eggs from the store. The council decided that it was finally time to officially end the discussion and stated that no backyard chickens will be permitted in the town.

Police Chief Jason McGlennen stated he has an applicant for a deputy position in the department and asked for the council’s thoughts. The council decided they wanted to meet with the individual and assess their experience.

Fire Chief John Conley offered a reminder the department will have its dinner and auction on Saturday, May 13. The dinner will be from 4-7 p.m., and the auction will likely be around 6 p.m. The department will also have its golf outing on June 25, beginning at 8 a.m.

The council also approved:

• The reestablishment of the CCD fund rate to $0.05, with a $0.0037 increase to meet the five cents;
• Dismissal of a bill for Lance Parker for a water line on South Jefferson Street;
• Stafford Solid Waste Inc. as the trash bin provider for the town;
• A $500 donation from the town to the fire department golf outing;
• Renewal of the Parkview ambulance agreement so services may continue;
• Resolution for insurance payments to be automatically withdrawn from town funds; and
• An agreement to use 36 NIPSCO poles for hanging Christmas lights