Milford Town Council Hears CTB Expansion Proposal
During its regular meeting Monday night, Milford Town Council was presented with a proposal by Chore-Time Operations Manager Jeff Miller detailing the company’s plan for a 45,000 square-foot expansion project at its Milford plant (see related article). The proposed expansion would allow Chore-Time increased production space for its ventilation units, it also would improve the logistical flow of the plant. The expansion also would allow for added truck loading docks for unloading raw materials and shipping finished products.
Miller added the demand for the products in international markets is exceeding expectations. The proposed new addition not only would alleviate current production concerns but also address future growth plans as well. The estimated cost of the project is $7.1 million and it is anticipated the company will add 80 additional workers within four years.
Chore-Time is seeking tax abatements from the town for 10 years for real property taxes and five years for personal property taxes tied to equipment added at the plant. Per state statute, the proposal must be given a public hearing to be announced in local newspapers before tax abatements can be issued. The council and Chore-Time agreed the hearing would take place no later than the council’s next regularly scheduled meeting Nov. 10, although the hearing may take place Nov. 3 if the proper legal notices can be issued and printed at least 10 days prior to the hearing.
Also during the public input portion of the meeting, Jerry Schnitzius of Advanced Disposal expressed his company’s desire to offer a proposal for Milford’s trash disposal contract, which will expire at the end of the year. The council agreed to accept a proposal from Advanced Disposal, as well as any other company interested in providing the town with refuse service in the future. Town Clerk Joellen Free will notify the town’s current waste collection provider, as well as other potential bidders, of the opportunity to submit proposals for consideration.
During departmental reports, Fire Chief Todd Haines noted October is Fire Prevention Month. He said the department has visited Milford School to discuss fire prevention and safety. He added the station would be open during trick-or-treating hours, scheduled from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31.
Utilities Superintendent Randy Veach informed the council the town park is closed and winterization of the facilities has begun. He added the generator has been fixed at the well, a project funded by the Milford Redevelopment Commission.
Town Marshal Rich Miotto introduced Adam Amsden as the preferred candidate to fill one of the open reserve officer positions on the Milford Police Department. Amsden works full time as a dispatcher for the Elkhart Police Department and is a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. Miotto’s recommendation was accepted and Amsden was sworn in by Free. Miotto noted current reserve officer A.J. Westerman will resign at the end of the month as he has accepted a position with the South Whitley Police Department.
After a lengthy discussion, the council approved the proposed 2015 budget that had been previously discussed and open for public input. The proposal was accepted by a 2-1 vote with Councilman Dan Cochran dissenting. The council also discussed possible cost saving measures, including charging town residents for trash pickup after the new contract is signed for 2015. Currently, the expense is included with utility taxes already paid by residents.
Other possibilities, including sewer bond refinancing and annexation of additional streets in the North Park subdivision were discussed.