Milford’s first town council meeting of the year Monday evening began with the election of officers. Doug Ruch nominated Bob Cockburn for president who accepted, though he did state, “I do believe it should be rotated around.”
Cockburn’s nomination was unanimously approved. Ruch remains vice-president.
All appointments remained the same as 2014 with the exception of new fire department training officers Dan Duncan and Scott Mast. Ruch was appointed representative to the area planning commission.
Town attorney, Jay Rigdon, responded to Ruch’s inquiry about fines for not shovelling walks, citing Title 3, Article 8, which states ice and snow should be removed from sidewalks each day after a snowfall before 9 a.m.. Failure to do so can result in a $10-$50 fine for every day the snow isn’t cleared. Randy Veach, utilities superintendent, stated his department plows sidewalks when accumulation is 3 inches or above.
In fire department reports, Chief Todd Haines said, “Last year was pretty rough,” referring to fatal fires at the beginning and end of the year. “Hopefully this year turns out pretty good,” he added.
Haines also reported smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are available at the fire station and the department provides service and installation. “It’s really important to have those items in the house,” he said.
Haines then reminded residents space heaters need to be used properly and turned off when they are not in the room.
In police department reports, Town Marshal Rich Miotto said, “The quest for reserves is going slowly.” He speculated lack of pay may be a factor.
Miotto also stated, “Our first responding vehicles are the vehicles left outside all the time” and suggested construction of a pole barn to house them. Three important pieces of equipment in the vehicles need to be kept warm: the computer, heart defibrillator and preliminary breath test device, according to Miotto.
He added another benefit of housing the vehicles is to cloak police whereabouts. Criminals have informed arresting officers “they know when we’re working,” stated Miotto.
The council encouraged Miotto to work with Veach and present them with a list of options and estimates for a parking solution.
In utilities reports, Veach informed the council in two years, the utilities will need a means of phosphorous removal if it is to meet the requirements for permit renewal.
Cockburn then expressed his belief the utilities department needs to be self-sufficient. In order for this to happen, he said, “We’ve got to start pulling in income.” Rigdon then stressed the importance of a study to find the right rate increase.
Ruch made a motion to contact Umbaugh, the town’s financial advisor, to “give us an update” on the last rate study. “This is the very thing we need to know for growth,” he said, referring to businesses that may wish to locate in Milford. The motion carried.
The council also decided to form of group composed of Joellen Free and representatives of the Lions and Kiwanis clubs to work out a proposal to renovate the community building and get competitive quotes. “In a couple of years we’d pay this off,” said Cockburn, referring to the $6,000-$7,000 the building brings in revenue each year.
