Silver Lake Council Hears Concerns About Claypool Elementary, Ordinance Enforcement

SILVER LAKE – At Thursday night's meeting, rescheduled from Wednesday, the Silver Lake Town Council heard from the public regarding the possibility of Claypool Elementary's closure and the enforcement of town ordinances regarding trash, abandoned vehicles, unmowed lawns and more.

Anna Berner, Kari Airgood and others spoke up against the possible closure of Claypool Elementary, which many Silver Lake children attend. The school has approximately 206 students, Berner said.

Airgood shared her letter to the editor titled "Save Our School," which was published in the Times-Union, and asked for the public's support at the Warsaw School Board meeting at 7 p.m. Monday.

Council President Hugh Murfin said the council would support those who are against the closure, and asked Berner and the others to keep the council updated.

In other citizen comments, the council heard from Joyce and Ron Greer, who asked about how, and if, ordinances are being enforced. Joyce said she has gone door to door in the last week seeking individuals to attend the council meeting as "there is a lot of interest to change the appearance of our town," she said.

The Greers listed unmowed lawns, trash, numerous vehicles with expired plates, the properties at "the four-way stop on Myrtle Glen (Drive)" and other issues, which they believe need addressed.

Murfin said he has been working with Town Marshal Jason McGlennen on the ordinances, which have been updated to include higher fines.

Councilwoman Nichole Taylor said these processes take time, especially when the town has to find the owners of the properties. "We have to protect the town," she said, citing the legal processes that must be followed.

In new business, council:

• Approved the third pay app for the community center construction project totaling $185,621.35.

• Approved the updated 2026 fire contract and the 2027 contract, reflecting state-mandated clothing allowance increases from $100 to $250 for each firefighter.

• Approved a $5,504.95 quote for a sewer valve exerciser.

• Approved a residential sewer adjustment for $32.23.

• Denied a water adjustment of $8.23, received past the deadline for sprinkler credits.

There was a claims docket of $371,863.62.

Council will next meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 9.

Silver Lake Council Hears Concerns About Claypool Elementary, Ordinance Enforcement

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