Milan Town Board hears from Beautification Committee
Heavy trash pick up set for April 29

Cindy DiFazio, Staff Writer

The Milan Town Board held its regular meeting on Monday, April 10. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the meeting began with the reading and approval of March’s meeting minutes.
Darren Baker, of the Milan Beautification Committee approached the board on several issues. The Beautification Committee is planning a clean-up day for the town on April 22. Baker asked for the town board’s assistance in getting street and curbsides cleaned. He also expressed interest in recruiting young people to get involved and help with the clean-up.
Baker reported that the Beautification Committee is willing to purchase more outdoor public trash containers soon. However, he expressed concern that the few that are currently in use do not get emptied often enough. The board members, along with attorney Larry Eaton, decided to add on to the trash collection bid that trash collectors will be responsible for emptying up to 10 public trash containers in town.
Baker also announced that the Beautification Committee will host a fund-raising cook-out at the Milan Jay-C on Mother’s Day.
Town Manager, John Ingram, reported that a grant from Rising Sun for a new dump truck has been received. The grant is for $20,000. The dump truck, which will have snow-plowing capabilities is going to cost $38,000. Board members made a motion to approve $18,000 to be paid out of the town’s budget to complete payment on the truck. Motion was seconded and approved.
Ingram stated that work is continuing on the new town hall. Some interior walls have been raised, and plumbing work is set to begin.
Ingram said there have been two structure fires in Milan since the March meeting. There also was an arson fire in February for which a 16-year old juvenile was arrested. Board members stated their concerns regarding clean-up and safety around these burned-out buildings as well as a few other buildings that are not in good condition. Attorney Larry Eaton ensured that he will contact the county building inspector to get the ball rolling on cleaning up abandoned and burned-out buildings.
Ethel Morgan of Hometown Engineering gave a $649,000 estimate for additional sewer replacements. The town will apply for a $500,000 grant to defray most of the costs. Some streets effected are East Carr, Connelly, Catherine, part of Ellis, Ellsworth and Warren. This will be an 18-month project and will not begin for several months.
Heavy trash pick-up in Milan is scheduled for Saturday, April 29.