James Turnwald, executive director of Michiana Area Council of Governments, addressed Milford Town Council Monday, June 13, concerning the town’s $90,000 OCRA grant. The council voted to hire MACOG to administer the grant. InkFreeNews photo by David Hazledine.

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — Milford Town Council’s monthly public meeting on June 13 opened with a public hearing on the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant the town was awarded May 19 by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The maximum grant of $90,000 was matched by a $10,000 contribution from the town’s community economic development income tax account.

James Turnwald of Michiana Area Council of Governments, the entity assisting the town’s grant application process, said the grant would help Milford establish a systematic method of inventorying its public utility assets and facilities, develop a community vision to help guide future growth and economic development opportunities and create a plan to improve utility infrastructure systems.

MACOG conducted a door-to-door survey and received 98 responses, he added. In the summer of 2021, an income study was conducted to ensure the town met the grant requirement of assisting communities where at least 51% of the population fell in the low-to-moderate income bracket.

Dan Brown, president of Milford Economic Development Commission, asked about the grant’s timeline. Turnwald responded the next step was a request for proposals from engineering services.

The council voted to hire MACOG to provide professional grant administration services on the OCRA grant. Town Clerk Tricia Gall noted the administration was required and MACOG personnel “already know how to do that for us.” The nonprofit has reduced rates compared to other entities. The council voted to hire MACOG for $7,000.

The council also voted to proceed with its participation in the FORWARD Kosciusko County Comprehensive Plan. Eleven communities have individual plans in addition to the countywide plan. Katie Clark, project manager, pointed out Gall and Milford Councilman Ken Long have been actively involved with the plan’s steering committee. According to Clark, the most “up-to-date version” of the project, including future land use maps, can be accessed online at forwardkosciusko.com.

Also present during public input were Tammy Cotton and other representatives of Milford Methodist Meeting House, who plan to utilize the property to house up to six women in recovery from substance abuse problems. “None of the plans have changed,” said Cotton; the matter went before the board of zoning appeals on June 14.

Council President Doug Ruch expressed concerns about what would become of the property in the event ownership changed hands. “What would keep it from being a simple boarding house?” Town Attorney Jay Rigdon said the property would be restricted to its permitted use.

“It’s something that needs to happen,” stated Long. “It’s a good use of both buildings in our community.”

Gall announced Meet Milford, an Art Infused event, will take place Friday, June 17, in the community building parking lot.

The council also addressed:

• Rigdon said the judge overseeing the case involving fines on Ron Davidhizar’s Milford properties deemed unsafe requested findings of fact conclusions from lawyers by early July, after which Rigdon expected a decision to be handed down.

• The council voted to restrict parking on South Main Street between The Papers Inc. parking lot and the Milford Fire Department to ensure quick access by the new pumper truck.

• An executive session will be held July 11 to interview three candidates for the Milford Police Department’s deputy post vacated by Brian Bradley.

• Milford Wastewater Plant Manager Mark Brubaker reported 350,000 gallons of sludge has so far been removed by Wealing Brothers from holding ponds on the property in disuse since 2004.

• The council voted to pay for Milford employees’ current professional license fees and fees going forward.

• Streets, Water and Parks Superintendent Steven Marquart requested Milford residents watch for crews painting streets. Phend and Brown will begin milling streets for Community Crossing work on Monday, July 11.

• The council approved the purchase of a new salt spreader from WA Jones for $9,567.

• Work on sidewalks at 109 W. Emeline St. and 111 S. Henry St. was approved at a cost of $3,500 to the town. Residents agree to pay half the total cost.

• Flushing of hydrants will take place Wednesday and Thursday, July 13 and 14.

• The council voted to allow Marquart to begin the application process for the next round of Community Crossing grants.

• The council approved $1,150 for the annual calibration of the large meter at Milford’s well house by ME Simpson Co.

• $4,000 was approved to hire Commonwealth Engineers Inc. to oversee the purchase of new water meters for the town.

• $1,855.97 was approved for the purchase of envelopes.

• Town Hall will be closed Monday, July 4.

• Budget workshops will be held in the Town Hall meeting room at 6 p.m., July 18, 19.