Town Marshal Rich Miotto, who will be retiring after nearly 25 years at the end of March, accepted a plaque from the Milford Town Council for his dedicated service. He thanked his wife, Deb, for her support throughout their 45 years of marriage. Pictured from left are Deb Miotto, Rich Miotto, Council President Dan Cochran, Bob Cockburn and Doug Ruch. (Photo by David Hazledine)

MILFORD — Milford Town Council took another swing in its fight to rid the town of abandoned properties at its monthly meeting Monday evening, March 13.

Town attorney Jay Rigdon informed the council fines will be levied against six properties in the amount of $2,500 if they are not brought into compliance within 45 days. Five of the properties are owned by Ron Davidhizar.

At that time, the council can choose to foreclose on the properties and/or place them into a tax sale. Another option is to add additional fines of $1,000 per property every 90 days it remains in violation. The latter option did not sit well with resident Jay Urbin, who lives near Davidhizar’s Maple Street property, which, he said, contains a dead tree threatening surrounding houses and power lines. He also commented Goshen is far more effective in dealing with Davidhizar’s derelict properties.

Council President Dan Cochran assured Urbin there is a process in place, though it is slow moving, and Milford does not have the resources of a city the size of Goshen. For one, Milford has had trouble maintaining both a building inspector and commissioner at the same time, which is necessary to effectively prosecute such properties in the manner state code dictates. Tom Bulger, building commissioner, has agreed to move to the inspector position, though not until all matters before his office have been settled.

In the meantime, the town is seeking a building inspector. “We need a citizen who can work for the community,” said Cochran, adding the job would not require extensive time or experience. “To keep the process going, we have to have both positions filled,” he stated. As for Davidhizar’s properties, Cochran stated the council would decide what to do at its May meeting.

Two additional properties, 208 S. James, the location of a recent fire, and 501 Kenwood, where neighbors have complained about the sound of a generator and gas fumes leading to a parked camper, are also in violation and have been brought to the attention of the county board of health.

Other agenda items from Monday’s meeting are as follows:

Town Marshal Rich Miotto was honored with a plaque commemorating his nearly 25 years of service to the town of Milford. Miotto accepted the award with his wife, Deb, who, he said, “has put up with me for 45 years.” He expressed the importance of strong wives to law enforcement.

A Wessler Engineering representative informed the council the firm would be presenting 100 percent submittal plans for the wastewater plant upgrade by Monday, March 20. These plans will be submitted to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management by March 30 to meet permit requirements.

The updated project cost, including contingencies, is $615,000. The amended cost reflects changes to the sludge holding tank and chemical storage, changes which are expected to bring lower long term costs.

Utilities Superintendent Steven Marquart informed the council Dixon Engineering, the firm overseeing the water tower painting project, recommended the lowest bidder on the job, LC United Painting, Sterling, Mich., bid $167,000. This allows money for other utilities improvements. The council approved hiring LC United Painting.

The council also voted to approve $3,418.91 be spent to repair the street sweeper. Other expenditures approved for utilities included up to $35,000 for a 47 horsepower main lift pump and $791 for a lift station pump.

Ordinance 2017-4, which states meters must be placed in meter pits or in a heated room was approved by the council.

The council voted to approve the expenditure of $1,875 to pay for the town’s half of the concrete work at 112 E. Fourth St.

Marquart reported the South Main Street water main project was completed by Beer and Slabaugh. Water pressure in that area has been drastically improved according to some residents. The council approved an unexpected cost of $2,900 for a hydrostop on a hydrant. In addition to the water main, six hydrants were replaced and a new one was added.

Motions were also passed approving plumbing work in the community building, totalling $1,599, to repair a sink blockage and add grease traps to prevent future issues.

Finally, $700 was approved for the removal of a fallen tree at Waubee Lake Park.