MILFORD TOWN COUNCIL — From left are Joellen Free, clerk/treasurer; Dan Cochran; Bob Cockburn; Doug Ruch, president; Jay Rigdon, town attorney. (Photo by David Hazledine)

MILFORD — Those attending the monthly public meeting of the Milford Town Council Monday, Aug. 13, were greeted at the door of the meeting room with a handout from the council containing an excerpt from the Handbook on Indiana’s Public Access Laws preceded by a request not to “assert yourself into the council discussions unless it is during a public hearing.”

The handout also said an opportunity to speak will be given during the public input of the meeting, and comments should be limited to three minutes. “This will help maintain order and move the business of town along.”

This house on Maple Street in Milford, owned by Ron Davidhizar, has been a point of contention at several town council meetings. (photo by David Hazledine)

Nevertheless, when talk turned to water and sewer rates, Town Attorney Jay Rigdon was compelled to remind resident Ken Long there is no guarantee of the right to speak at public meetings.

“You’re going to shut us up,” responded Long, who was then given time to speak.

Neighbor Jay Urbin wants this dead tree on Ron Davidhizar’s property cut down. (Photo by David Hazledine)

Later in the meeting, Jay Urbin again berated the council for its inability to accelerate the process of forcing Ron Davidhizar to maintain a property he owns adjacent to Urbin on Maple Street. “My patience is gone,” he exclaimed. A dead tree on Davidhizar’s property is creating a nuisance, according to Urbin, who also expressed concern about children getting into the property, which is insufficiently sealed with sheets of plywood.

Long suggested the tree could fall under the “rank vegetation” designation, enabling the town to take action. Rigdon said he would check the statutes.

In a lighter moment, Milford resident David Grossman received permission to keep a pot-bellied pig, although there are fears the move could open the door to other types of pigs or livestock within the town, even though pot-bellied pigs are clearly not livestock. Grossman’s pet is kennel trained. Rigdon was directed to ensure such a precedent was not set. Grossman must pay a yearly $5 permit fee.

During police reports, Milford Police Chief Travis Marsh informed the council his department was gearing up for the start of school with morning patrols and radar. Officer Derek Krieder will also begin his work as school resource officer. The board passed a motion allowing Marsh to hire another full-time third-shift officer.

The council also approved three new reserve officers contingent on successfully passing a polygraph test. They are John Brito, Travis Bays and Daniel Meza.

During utilities reports the council approved the purchase of $1,300 in new decorations. Town Clerk Joellen Free found buyers for the old decorations, the towns of Daleville and Leesburg.

Superintendent Steven Marquart also reported receiving complaints about the concessions stand at Waubee Lake Park being closed on numerous occasions. The council will seek a new operator for the stand.

The council approved the expenditure of $3,645 to have seven generators receive pre-maintenance checks from EVAPAR Power Products.