Olivia Nix of MACOG, left, gave an outline of Milford’s plans for an economic revitalization project through OCRA at a public hearing Monday, May 13. The town council also heard details on water meter replacement, Milford Food Bank, tree removal and more. Also pictured is Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.

By Lilli Dwyer
InkFree News

MILFORD — Ryan Lareau of Commonwealth Engineers came forward with information on next steps in Milford’s water meter replacement process during the Monday, May 13 town council meeting.

Milford received a grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs in February for construction of meter replacements. The next step is to get engineering under contract so the process can begin. The total cost of Commonwealth’s bid package is $20,000, with $15,000 going to the design of the project and $5,000 for bidding.

Contractors will be bidding on the procurement and furnishing of the water meters as well as installation, and coordinating with residents. Bidding should start in August, with the goal for construction starting in October.

“That’s optimistic, ultimately it’ll depend on how quickly they could come up with 500 meters. … Off the cuff, my assumption would be they could replace them all within, say, three months,” said Lareau.

Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall pointed out Milford applied for an environmental waiver and if they do not receive it they won’t go through with the plan. The council approved accepting Commonwealth’s agreement, contingent upon receiving the waiver from OCRA.

Olivia Nix of the Michiana Area Council of Governments also came forward for a public hearing on the economic revitalization project Milford is undertaking. Nix outlined the basics of the project, which is being done through the OCRA block grant program: an economic plan to “serve as an actionable road map to revitalize the local economy in the aftermath of the pandemic,” she explained.

The town is working on their planning grant application, due June 21. They’re seeking $50,000 with a 10% local match, sourced from Milford’s ARPA funds; about 54.3% of the grant funds will be used to benefit low-to-moderate income individuals.

Nix noted the project would not result in the displacement of any individuals or businesses. She also emphasized that the money is to fund a study, not any actual construction at this point. After a firm is contracted to do the study, the public will have input in the planning process.

The public hearing was closed with no questions.

Ryan Desmith of Chore Time Brock came forth with compliance forms for two abatements, which the council approved.

Joe Shetler of the Milford Food Bank asked the council for a favorable recommendation on their upcoming construction project to bring to the Area Plan Commission. The project, on the corner of James Street and Emeline Street, would require the switching of a fire hydrant to a service line for the new building’s sprinkler system. After some discussion with street, water and park superintendent Steven Marquart, the council ruled they had no objections.

The police department had nothing to report this month.

In fire department business, vice president Ken Long informed the council that they had lost a buyer for the old fire engine the department is replacing. The council agreed to pursue other avenues of sale, setting a minimum price of $45,200 on the engine and a minimum of $12,500 on an old Ford F350 rescue truck.

Wastewater superintendent Mark Brubaker presented three quotes for eliminating the Turkey Creek lift station and replacing it with a gravity sewer: $25,424.50 from Siteworks, $64,700 from Beer & Slabaugh, and $36,500 from Kelso. The council approved going through Siteworks, as well as upgrades to two smaller lift stations from Indiana Pumpworks for $17,900.

In street business, Marquart gave notice that vector control season is coming up, advising residents to remove any standing water if possible and keep trees and bushes trimmed to prevent mosquito breeding.

Marquart gave two quotes for tree branch removal to better allow trash trucks through alleyways. The first came from Dan the Tree Man at $5,000, the other from Taylor Specialties Tree Services for $7,000. The council approved using Dan the Tree Man.

Marquart informed the council that the trash cans in the downtown area need to be replaced and presented three quotes for eight trash cans: $9,996 from Max R, $11,940 from Sister Bay Outdoor Furniture and $12,150 from Nexterra. The council approved going with Max R.

The water department is in need of changing the chlorine injection point at their well. Two quotes were presented: $16,502.68 from Mr. Rooter and $2,447.94 from Foil Plumbing & Heating. The council approved using Foil.

The water department will also be receiving assistance from Commonwealth Engineers on taking an inventory of the town’s lead service lines. Commonwealth will send cards out to residents, asking them to identify what kind of service line they have and mail the cards back so that the town will know which lines need to be replaced. The council approved this assistance at a cost not to exceed $5,000.

In park department news, Marquart got approval for removal of dead tree branches in the park from Dan the Tree Man for $15,000.

It was also agreed that plumbing in the park concession stand can be repaired with donated labor by Mr. Rooter and parts at a cost not to exceed $2,800.

The department also received approval to replace three toilets in the town hall at a cost of $1,161.58 from Foil Plumbing & Heating and install the new toilets with town employee labor.

In clerk business, Gall informed the council that the office has been working on a payment portal for residents. The portal will allow online bill pay and autopay, something Gall said will allow more convenience for the town’s constituents.

In addition, the council approved:

• Permission for the Waubee Lake Association to play music from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, June 8, during its Kayak Poker Run.

• The closing of the town hall for Memorial Day on Monday, May 27.

• Permission for Gall and Assistant Clerk-Treasurer Renda Loetz to attend the annual ILMCT conference from June 23-27.

• Allowing Olivia Nix to take minutes from the public hearing for MACOG.

• Payment of a Civic Plus invoice for $1,200.

• Writing a letter to the Gaming Commission informing them of the Lions Club using the Milford Community Building for their gun raffle.

The next Milford Town Council meeting will be Monday, June 10.