Milford To Reopen Town Buildings May 26
By DAVID HAZLEDINE
InkFreeNews
MILFORD — Milford Town Council held an in-person meeting, Monday, May 11, in the community building, where guidelines for social distancing could be observed. As well as approving motions relating to the CR 1300N overpass and workforce housing (see related article), the council caught up on business put on hold during the COVID-19 lockdown.
In keeping with Gov. Eric Holcomb’s guidance, Milford Town Hall and Community Building will reopen May 26, following Memorial Day weekend. Town hall will have sneeze guards and sanitizing stations.
Town-Clerk Tricia Gall also prepared a document detailing employee health safety procedures, which include requiring employees perform daily temperature readings before work. Town employees must also wear a face mask and gloves when entering non-public buildings.
The council agreed to send Gall and Ken Long, councilman, as delegates to represent Milford at Kosciusko County Community Foundation Comprehensive Plan meetings, which said Gall, could provide the town with “avenues for grants.”
Milford Fire Chief Todd Haines was on hand to inform the council the department’s new air packs have arrived and been put to use. He thanked the community and the council for their “interest and help.”
Haines also informed the council of the department’s efforts to honor deceased firemen by placing 50 grave markers in area cemeteries. Two former volunteer firefighters died last year, said Haines.
Town attorney Jay Rigdon recommended the council allow him to meet with an attorney for Ron Davidhizar concerning two properties facing a condemnation order. Long asked Rigdon to “reinforce the fact that he has not done anything” to bring the properties to code. The council voted to allow the code violation enforcement meeting.
During police reports, the council approved a raffle to be held for reserve officers. Participants at least 21 years old who meet all legal requirements will be able to purchase $20 tickets to enter a drawing for a wide selection of firearms. The council approved the raffle. More details will soon be available, said Derek Kreider, the police chief.
Kreider also reported the department’s new body cameras are up and running.
Mark Brubaker, wastewater plant operator, informed the council of the need for new drives for the plant’s aerator. The current drives lasted 16 years, said Brubaker. The council approved the purchase from Middlebury Electric at a cost of $7,365.38.
During street, water and park reports, Superintendent Steven Marquart requested repairs for the dump truck brakes. The council approved the low bid from Ruch Service, $1,490. Council President Doug Ruch abstained from voting.
The street department will be street marking on Main Street starting at 6 a.m. Sunday, May 17. Phend and Brown is also doing road work in town, he added, with the reminder to “keep an eye out … remember to stay safe.”
Starting May 25, town utility employees will be repairing meters in 30 homes. There are a total of roughly 100 meter registers in need of replacement in Milford.
The council approved the purchase of a meter to run three new sample tests required by the state at a cost of $1,671. The meter will test for levels of raw manganese and raw iron.
Gall reported the findings of the State Board of Accounts 2017-18 audit are complete and may be viewed at in.gov/sboa. Funds with negative balances included community building and wastewater. Gall also reported internal controls checking receipts needed to be strengthened. The clerk’s office is also catching up on tracking assets going back 40 years. The 2019 audit will be concluded next month, she said.
Ryan Smith of Chore-Time Brock was on hand for the council’s approval of CTB’s 2020 tax abatement.
The council agreed to express concern about the small size of the lot in relation to a house proposed by Terry Zimmerman in a letter to be presented to the county Board of Zoning Appeals.