The Papers, Inc. owner Ron Baumgartner showed a rendering of his proposal to install landscaping around the Fourth Street railroad crossing at the Milford Town Council’s Monday, April 14 meeting.

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Text and Photos
By Lilli Dwyer
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — Milford Town Council considered a beautification project at its Monday, April 14 meeting.

Ron Baumgartner appeared with a rendering of his proposal for the now-closed railroad crossing between James Street and Main streets on Fourth street. At last month’s meeting, Baumgartner proposed removing the asphalt about 2 feet from the steel girders on both sides of the tracks and installing landscaping. He offered to buy and maintain the plants over the spring and summer before turning responsibility over to the town.

Before landscaping can be put in, Vice President Ken Long pointed out, where the railroad’s right of way ends needs to be determined.

“The engineering department with … USI (Consultants) looked at that and said this is not an intrusion upon railroad property,” said Baumgartner.

“I want to be a minimum distance away from their right of way, so they don’t come through and tear out what you put in,” said Long.

The council approved proceeding with the beautification project once it makes contact with the railroad and the right of way is known.

Baumgartner mentioned two other ideas: adding pedestrian crossing signs on both sides of the RR tracks on First Street due to heavy foot traffic between the two The Papers buildings; and removing the James Street stop signs by putting a stop sign on Fourth Street and making James Street a thru street.

Long also pointed out removing James Street’s stop signs would mean no stops from Syracuse Street to Catherine Street, potentially allowing vehicles to build up too much speed.

Ryan Lareau of Commonwealth Engineers opened the rebid results for Division B of Milford’s water utility improvement projects, which is lead water line replacement. No bids were received last time.

There was one bid from Selge Construction for $1,994,226.20. Commonwealth Engineers will be reviewing the bid package for completeness and accuracy. For now, Lareau asked the council to take Selge’s bid under advisement.

New Beginnings Preschool and Childcare, 706 W. Syracuse St., sent in a letter stating that due to lack of staff, it would be closing June 1. Gall will be sending out a notice of proposals in the next week for other child care services to apply to rent the building.

Barb Zimmerman of the Milford Lions Club came forth with requests for the annual Lions Festival. She received approval to borrow a generator for the festival stage and the key to the community building for the day of Saturday, May 24. She also asked approval for street closures, to begin at 8 a.m. May 24.

Departmental Reports

In wastewater news, utilities Superintendent Steven Marquart reported the department is in need of a new return-activated sludge pump after a muskrat got caught in well No. 3.

He had two quotes from Xylem Water Solutions for $2,507.10, and American Pump Repair for $2,177. There may an extra cost if the pump motor needs rewound. The council approved using American Pump Repair.

Next, Marquart said the wastewater plant’s 21-year-old surge protector had been taken out by recent storm activity and needed to be replaced. Middlebury Electric has the same part from two different suppliers, valued at $3,359 and $4,995, not including labor. The council chose the $3,359 quote.

For the water department, the council approved paying a total of $4,950 to Beer and Slabaugh for vacuum truck services on two water leaks Jan. 10 and March 28.

Marquart also mentioned installation of small water meters for all utility customers is almost complete. Large meter installation will begin after all meters have been delivered.

For the park department, Marquart presented quotes for portable restrooms at Waubee Lake Park and the boat launch for the year: J&K Septic, $5,320; Bruner and Yoder, $6,750; LRS, $4,500; and Tenney & Sons, $4,500.

The council approved Tenney and Sons, as LRS only gave an approximate quote.

It also approved hiring Frank Brouer for park ground maintenance again this year.

In fire department news, the council renewed its annual fire protection agreement with the department for $40,437.52 to be paid in quarterly installments of $10,109.38.

The police department had nothing to report.

For the clerk’s department, the council approved:

• Town office closure on Good Friday, April 18.

• Payment of $750 for the Waubee Lake Park interlocal contract with Van Buren Township.

• Kosciusko Ambulance Service’s office lease for the year.

• Transfer of $32,641.82 in funds within the town budget to fix balance errors found in the annual financial report.

• Payment of utility credits at a total of $315.40.

The next Milford Town Council meeting will be 7 p.m. Monday, May 12.

Pictured is the current James and Main streets’ railroad crossing, with a rendering of Ron Baumgartner’s plan on the left.