Milan has first reading of nuisance ordinance
Document covers many areas
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

At their Monday, July 11, meeting, Milan Town Board members Paul Hildebrand, president, Robert Branigan, and Matt Huffman voted to accept the first reading of a nuisance ordinance prepared by Town Attorney Larry Eaton.

"This is a very comprehensive ordinance," said Branigan. "It's something the town needs."

When the ordinance has its second reading at the August meeting, Huffman will include the complete document on the Town of Milan's website, along with other ordinances the town is preparing.

Other ordinances under discussion include a sewer use ordinance, which will be amended to include the responsibility of commercial builders for any improvements needed to current lift stations, and a penalty ordinance.

The Main Street parking ordinance will be presented at the conclusion of a traffic study which is now in progress.

Ethel Morgan of Hometown Engineers discussed the partial release on the sewer ban and explained that new residences can now hook on to the town's sewer system. She has sent a letter to IDEM asking for clarification on commercial establishments.

Concerning the lift station and sewer line rehabilitation, Morgan reported she had received a construction permit and authorization for the town to accept bids. Bid specifications will be advertised by Town Clerk Gladys Moody and bids will be opened at the August meeting.

Town Manager John Ingram said plans for the new town hall have been approved by the state, and renovation will begin immediately. Board members met in executive session following the open meeting to discuss various aspects of the project.

Ingram also reported having ordered speed limit and no parking signs which will be placed throughout the town. Patching has begun on North Main and Ellis streets, and two water leaks have been repaired - one on North Main Street and the other on SR #101.

The Farmers Market began at the Milan Community Park on Wednesday, July 6, and will continue each Wednesday throughout the summer. Residents can purchase fresh produce from farmers participating in the market.

Holman's Excavating began the manhole repair project July 8 and are pouring five or six per day. A representative of Holman's asked for the cooperation of Milan residents in not moving the orange cones that protect newly poured concrete surrounding the repaired manholes.

Milan Police Chief Tom Holt gave the activity report for the month of June: 73 calls for service, 61 traffic stops, 40 assists to other agencies, and 35 other activities, including the delivery of a baby.

Concerning the grant for a crossing light in front of Milan Middle School, Chief Holt said he and Huffman, along with Superintendent Donald Swisher, had met with state highway officials. According to the officials, the state requires a certain number of students to be crossing per hour in order to place the light.

Present to discuss an annexation to the Town of Milan that had taken place over ten years ago, Real Estate Broker Jim Allen spoke for his client Bruce Wren, owner of the property.

After a lengthy discussion, town board members agreed that Clerk-Treasurer Moody should look in the town's records for the resolution concerning the annexation. "If the town is not going to accept their responsibility," said Allen, "we need the town to put it in writing."

Under miscellaneous business, the board voted unanimously to deny the internal solicitation from the Indiana Association of Cities & Towns (IACT).

Marianne Wiggers was present to represent the Ripley County Economic Development Corporation and to request 12% of the town's EDIT to be included in the budget for the county's economic development.

She explained the corporation has had 11 site visits and lots of activity recently. Several activities are ongoing as part of the economic development strategy for the county. A promotional C/D is available concerning the county's economic growth and availability.

Several residents were on hand to discuss unkempt properties as well as other community issues. The meeting ended at 8:00 p.m.