Sand Lake council to study reducing council size and boosts transparency discussions; approves mulch for playground

The Village of Sand Lake on May 18 authorized research into whether to reduce the number of council members from seven to five and discussed steps to improve communications with residents, while also approving a small park maintenance purchase.

Council members said reducing the council size could shorten meetings and ease recruitment; Stieg noted the change would require a process and would not happen this year. Merritt moved to investigate requirements and options; Helton supported and the motion carried. The clerk was tasked to research legal requirements and report back.

Separately, the council discussed communication and transparency strategies, including more use of the village website and Facebook, adding a newsletter with the tax bill, publishing revenue-and-expenditure reports with fewer line items, and providing more detail on resolutions and ordinances. Members agreed to keep the topic on monthly agendas.

The council also approved purchasing 30 yards of mulch from Cannonsburg Play Area at $18 per yard plus delivery (motion by VanEtten, supported by Johnson). The minutes do not provide a total delivery charge or additional budget breakdown.

Public commenters raised road-safety concerns and called for crosswalk painting and possible weight restrictions on village roads while repairs await funding; the council did not take immediate action on those requests during this meeting.