Milan Town Board assists Rescue 30
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Representatives of both Rescue 30 and the Milan Volunteer Fire Department left the Milan Town Board meeting on Monday, August 9, with requests fulfilled, thanks to affirmative votes from President Paul Hildebrand and member Matt Huffman.

Since the resignation of former Milan Town Board member Jason Hughes, the two remaining board members conducted a full agenda of business during the one-hour, ten-minute meeting in Milan's Town Hall.

Hildebrand noted that a third board member would be appointed by County Republican Chair Kenny Copeland and the precinct committee persons on August 12. Jim Oberschmidt was present to inform board members that he has sent a letter applying for the position.

Marsha Louden and Irvin
Amberger represented Milan's Rescue 30 in requesting funding for the remounting of a new unit fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. "By choosing the remounting, we will save about $30,000," said Louden.

Representatives of Rescue 30 will travel to the factory on August 21 to see how remounts are done and will choose various options at that time. While the unit is being remounted, the company will give Rescue 30 a unit to use in its place.

Since Rescue 30 has already received a grant for $35,000 from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation, Loudon and Amberger asked for enough from the town to be able to fund the $65,000 to $68,000 project. Board members voted unanimously to provide up to $34,000 from the Riverboat Revenue Sharing Fund for the project.

"I don't have a problem with it if the remounting saves money and it will save lives," said Huffman.

So far this year Milan's Rescue 30 has made 262 runs; last year's total was over 400, the representatives said.

Milan Volunteer Firefighters Mike Alloway and Ted Amberger told board members they would like permission to apply for a Community Focus Fund grant in September.

Presently, Milan has received a Community Focus Fund grant for the wastewater treatment plant and could be eligible for another if the town had a project they needed help in funding.

Both President Hildebrand and Huffman agreed the fire department could apply for the grant with the town's blessing. "It won't mess the town up," said Hildebrand. "I don't see a problem."

Noting the grant would be used for the purchase of an equipment truck, the local firemen said they are now using a reconditioned bread truck. The new truck would have additional equipment and lighting. In addition to firefighting, it would be used for first responders and to assist Rescue 30 or paramedics.

Alloway and Amberger estimated that so far this year the department has responded to 150 first responder calls and over 50 fire calls.

Town Manager John Ingram reported putting in a construction permit for a water line to connect 101 and Mill Road and receiving quotes for paving the Preble Addition where new water lines have been installed.

He also noted the storm sewer on Josephine Street is finished and the one on North Main would be done by the following day.

Progress at the new sewer plant includes a new bar screen and tank. "The new sewer plant will be up and running by next Tuesday, August 17," Ingram said.

Noting there is still paving to be done on Beatrice and Washington streets as well as patching of holes throughout the town, Ingram will get estimates on this project to present at the September meeting.

Police Chief Tom Holt reported he is working with the Milan Community School Corporation to obtain a grant for a stoplight at the middle school crossing.

His monthly report for the Milan Police Department included 102 calls for service; 34 assists to other agencies; 8 complaints of criminal mischief, and 39 other activities.

Milan Park Board Chair Linda Baurley reported the clearing of the back field for new ball fields. The board decided not to charge the Masons for use of the shelter house for their upcoming horseshoe tournament.

Other park board business included the discussion of needs at the park and upcoming projects.

Town Manager Ingram reported a budget meeting for Monday, August 23, at 6:00 p.m. He also announced the showing of the Milan Sesquicentennial video on Sunday, August 29, from 2:00 till 4:00 p.m. at the high school. This is a free showing and is open to the public. Videos already ordered may be picked up at that time, and others will be on sale

Also present at Monday's town board meeting were Clerk-Treasurer Gladys Moody and Utilities Board Member Robert Branigan.