Milford Council Talks Railroad Crossings
Milford Town Council again discussed railroad crossings at its monthly meeting Monday, Sept. 12. Derek Sublette of Norfolk Southern Railroad informed the council “the cost of a signal upgrade would be borne by the town.” The council had asked if the railroad might contribute. Sublette repeated the railroad’s offer of $19,500 to help pay for the closure of any street crossing. He added the Indiana Department of Transportation would contribute an additional $20,000.
Sublette said the Federal Railroad Administration rated the Emeline Street crossing the “fourth most dangerous in the county.” While the First Street crossing is 105th.
However, said council member Doug Ruch, “The public spoke loud and clear they want them left open.”
Ruch asked about the possibility of eliminating the Fourth Street crossing and moving those gates and lights to the Emeline crossing.
Sublette responded such traffic control devices are controlled by INDOT. “INDOT tells us where to put them,” he stated. He agreed to look into the possibility.
Jim Clevenger of Dixon Engineering was also present Monday to discuss an inspection of the Milford water tower, which, he said, needs a new exterior paint job. “The existing coating needs to be sandblasted down to the steel,” he asserted.
The council voted to enter into an engineering contract with Dixon for $20,000, for which the firm will oversee contract documents, specs, review bids and make recommendations. The work will be bid out during the winter and the cost of re-priming and re-coating is expected to run about $165,000.
Other items on the agenda were as follows:
Street superintendent Steve Marquart informed the council of the completion of upgrades to the chlorine gas alarm in the well and a new switch over system.
The council passed a motion to pay an additional $1,401.25 in the completion of the South Main Street water project.
Marquart and town clerk Joellen Free will attend a meeting in Fort Wayne to proceed with projects related to the Community Crossing grant, providing $79,509 of improvements at no cost to the taxpayers. “And we’re ahead of the curve next time around,” added council president Dan Cochran.
The council voted to allocate $4,500 to put a new roof on the community building.
Another motion was passed to carry $5,400 over to 2017 to pay for metal roofing for the concessions stand and other renovations at Waubee Lake Park.
During police reports, Town Marshal Rich Miotto reported 18 tagged cars would be towed if still not in compliance Tuesday, Sept. 13.
Miotto reported complaints from neighborhoods about trailers on Turkey Creek Drive. Two have been condemned by the county officials, though one sign was removed and replaced by a “no trespassing” sign. A third trailer sits in disrepair. The council will look into whether or not the county has enforcement procedures. “People are wondering why it’s taking so long,” Miotto said.
The council voted to spend $1,004.40 on practice ammunition for police firearms.
In fire department reports, Chief Todd Haines announced the department’s annual chicken barbecue will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2.