SILVER LAKE — At the Silver Lake town council meeting Wednesday, May 10, much of the discussion centered around a water drainage issue.

James Teague, Roanoke, stated that in March of 2016 he purchased a property on the corner of Pleasant and Ameilia Streets, Silver Lake. Teague addressed council members about drainage issues with this property. He reported that he has plans to replace siding and do some remodeling. The goal, stated Teague, is to raise the building on the existing foundation and continue out to the other side of the building with cement foundation. According to Teague, the problem is that a contractor will not work on the foundation with the current water drainage issues.

“It’s wet in there all the time and I can’t get in there to put a foundation on that side of the building until the water issue is fixed,” said Teague.

Teague told council members that the water drainage is what caused the deterioration of one side of the building and asked if there is anything that can be done about the water drainage issues.

“The property is at the bottom of a hill. Water is going to run downhill,” stated Silver Lake Wastewater and Street Superintendent J.T. Prater.

Silver Lake Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter interjected, informing council members that this is stemming from several letters he sent to Teague over the past year addressing the appearance of the property. Teague denied receiving any letters. Hollopeter said, “I feel we’ve been pretty patient, not only with you but with previous owners of that property.”

Hollopeter said he has received numerous complaints about the appearance of the property. Teague stated, “I agree with you. It’s deplorable.”

Teague continued on, explaining that he cannot put a foundation in until something is done to divert the water away from that area. He advised council members he plans to invest between $30,000 and $40,000 to make improvements on the property.

Hollopeter said Teague has not been cited for issues with the property but said the previous owner had been cited.

“I want to do something with it, but I need some help here with the water drainage,” Teague said.

Silver Lake Town Council President Chad Miner responded to Teague, saying, “I understand why you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a place that’s going to keep getting washed out.”

Council members agreed to take a look at the property, cautioning that they could not make any promises as to whether there is anything that can be done to resolve this issue. Teague left his phone number with council members and requested that they contact him with any information.

Eric Walsh, a CPA with Umbaugh & Associates, Indianapolis, provided council members with information regarding possible refinancing of the Silver Lake water bond. Walsh feels the bond could be refinanced at a lower interest rate. Council members requested that Walsh contact several financial organizations to obtain information as to exactly what interest rate they could qualify for. Walsh agreed to check into this and get back with council members in the next couple of weeks.

Saturday, May 13, is the date for the third annual Silver Lake Fire Department auction fundraiser. The event is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. The meal includes sloppy joe sandwiches, hot dogs, potato salad, chips and drinks.  Items to be auctioned off include, but are not limited to, a one-night stay at Oakwood Resort, King’s Island tickets, Chicago White Sox tickets, Fort Wayne Komets tickets, gift cards, tee shirts and an Indiana Pacers autographed basketball.

Other news:

• The next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 7.
• Sealed mowing bids were opened at the meeting. Scott’s Lawn & Garden, Silver Lake, and ARC Home Services LLC, Claypool, both submitted bids. A motion was made and approved to continue with Scott’s Lawn & Garden.
• Silver Lake resident Jenny Emmons qualified for a sewer bill adjustment of $20.49.
• Preparations are being made for Silver Lake Days, which will be held June 17.
• Council members gave approval for fire hose testing to be done in July.