Just before the meeting concluded, a group representing the Silver Creek Fire Police inquired about a proposed purchase. It never hurts to ask, and that’s just what the group did — and it paid off.

Following more than 10 minutes of discussion, the Silver Creek Village Board passed a resolution declaring its intent to purchase a vehicle for the Fire Police, contingent on the necessary documentation and pricing, as stated. Trustee Dwayne Haskins made the motion to declare the Board’s support for the purchase, and the Board voted unanimously in its favor.

Despite ongoing discussions, the purchase of a truck was delayed in recent months as the village’s Fire Department merged with Sunset Bay to form the Bay Creek Fire District. Mayor Jeff Hornburg proposed that the village purchase the requested vehicle, then once the district was formed, the title would be turned over upon reimbursement of 50% of the purchase price. Discussion regarding compensation will continue in the coming weeks before an official purchase is authorized by the Village Board. The target date is the next regular meeting of the Board, Monday, July 21.

The purchase was deemed necessary because members of the Fire Police respond to calls in their personal vehicles, at their own expense for gas and mileage. Not having a designated truck for the Fire Police also creates hassles in terms of equipment, which members are tasked with bringing to calls in their own vehicles.

Trustee Dwayne Haskins made a motion in support of a Fire Police vehicle purchase.

Members of the Fire Police also highlighted the safety aspect of having their own vehicle. At a call earlier this year, at Save a Lot, a drunk driver nearly struck a member of the Fire Police without a vehicle in the way to protect the crew. Having a designated vehicle with equipment and its purpose clearly visible on the vehicle could provide the volunteers with added protection in a similar occurrence.

The Fire Police has been busy recently, as the Silver Creek Fire Department and Emergency Squad responded to 54 calls last month, including 36 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) calls and seven motor vehicle accidents. More than 20 EMS calls were responded to in each month in 2025, along with 28 motor vehicle accidents — including at least three in each month.

Prior to the discussion surrounding a vehicle purchase, several residents of Silver Creek and Hanover also voiced their concerns regarding properties in the village in disrepair. Among those to speak were Anna Frederickson and Martha Boutet, as well as members of the Fire Police who voiced concerns regarding unsafe conditions including unstable roofs.

Discussions between the public and the Board on the matter of code enforcement went on for 14 minutes. Members of the Village Board thanked the public for their comments. Trustee Sandra Lindstrom said, “I appreciate your concerns. Hopefully, we will get these issues taken care of.” Trustee Dwayne Haskins added, “I agree with you 100%. Something’s got to be done.”

Also related to civic participation, the Village is seeking to fill vacancies on its Planning and Zoning boards. Interested parties should contact Hornburg or the Village Clerk’s Office. Village residency is required. As eyes turned her way, Frederickson joked, “I’m too old.”