Move from town forces decision
Jason Hughes resigns from Milan Town Board
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Milan Town Board President Paul Hildebrand accepted a letter of resignation from Board Member Jason Hughes with regret at the Monday, July 12, meeting of the board at Town Hall in Milan.

"We appreciate the effort he has put forth during his two years on the board," Hildebrand said, adding that the process to replace Hughes will go into effect immediately. "We hope to be able to do this before the next meeting."

Hughes' resignation came as a result of his moving from Milan town limits, making him no longer eligible to serve.

He also leaves his position on the utilities board and as a member of the community building committee.

Town Board Member Matt Huffman joined Hildebrand and Hughes for Monday's meeting,

which also included Town Manager John Ingram, Police Chief Tom Holt, Clerk-Treasurer Gladys Moody, and Attorney Larry Eaton.

Earlier during the utilities board meeting, Ethel Morgan of Hometown Engineering updated the members on the wastewater treatment plant, noting that it was 80% completed and should be in operation within a month or two.

Concerning the recent Milan Sesquicentennial, town officials agreed the celebration had gone extremely well.

Park Board Chairperson Linda Baurley thanked the town, the Milan Police Department, and Town Manager John Ingram for their cooperation during the event. "The town pulled together as they never have before," she said.
She noted that the park was used extensively and effectively during the celebration and that the softball tourney was "well attended and the concessions brought in much needed funds."

Town Manager Ingram agreed everything had gone extremely well during the four-day event. Bills will be coming to the town from Best Way and Rumpke for use of their facilities, but payment will come from the Rainy Day Fund.

"We have had lots of positive feedback concerning the police officers and their appearance, whether on bikes or horses," President Hildebrand said. "I've heard no negative comments."

In his report for the month of June, Police Chief Holt reported the department had had 59 calls for ser
vice; 26 assists to other agencies; and a total of 33 other activities. He also congratulated the town for the successful celebration. "Everything went pretty much without problems," he said.

Under new business, the board unanimously approved and signed the 2005 budget and established a Rainy Day Fund within the EDIT fund.

Several citizens were on hand to complain about the condition of their yards after excavation for sewer lines. Although Holman Excavating was to return the yards to proper condition, those complaining said their yards were full of rocks, had large holes, and had not been restored as promised.

"Our yards are a disgrace," said one property owner. Board members agreed to withhold the retainer until the yards are fixed properly since this was part of the contract with Holman Excavating.

Other comments from the public had to do with what they termed "more visibility from the police department."

In answer to the request that more patrolling be done throughout the town, Chief Holt noted that it isn't possible for the three police officers to cover a town 24/7.

"We've had good success with the police department as it is now," he said. Our SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) is similar to others in the State of Indiana."

With his two-years on the Milan Town Board coming to an end, Board Member Hughes made his last motion - one to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.