Todd Haines, right, shakes hands with Milford Town Council President Doug Ruch after being hired as a general laborer for the town of Milford. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.

By Lilli Dwyer
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — The Milford Town Council held a special meeting Monday, Sep. 16 to approve the hiring of Todd Haines for the town’s vacant general laborer position. Haines also serves as assistant chief for the Milford Fire Department.

“I’m excited,” he said of being hired.

The council approved a salary ordinance for his position at $47,840.16 per year, split between departments.

Police Marshal Thomas Waikel resubmitted a request for a new computer from Microbyte. Since the initial request at the August town council meeting, the police department found Microbyte only offered a used version of the Dell tablets it had wanted to order.

“We do not want to put a used computer in the car, seeing as how we’re going to keep them for the next 20 years,” Waikel explained.

He asked to purchase a new computer for the department’s Chevy Tahoe vehicle at a cost of $2,748.84, which the council approved.

Utilities street and park Superintendent Steven Marquart presented three quotes for repairs on the impacted storm sewer line in North Park: Syr Solutions Excavating, $9,750; Anderson Earthworks, $7,600; Beer and Slabaugh, $17,200. The council approved contracting Anderson Earthworks for the job.

“We need to get this done before leaves start falling,” said council member Jim Smiley.

Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall reported the town has received a release of funds for its downtown revitalization project. The new contract with USI Consultants, the consulting firm the town chose for the project, shows a higher cost of services than what Milford will receive in grant funds. Gall asked the council for approval to use $15,800 in ARPA funds to cover the additional cost.

“Using ARPA funds does not create a hardship on the budget,” said council President Doug Ruch. ARPA funds must also be spent by the end of this year or be fully committed in contract.

The council approved using the ARPA funds, as well as the contract with USI Consultants.

The council also approved setting trick- or-treat hours for this year from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.

The next regular town council meeting will be 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15.