MILFORD – Town utilities and streets superintendent Steven Marquart issued a plea to Milford residents at Monday’s monthly town council meeting: Be careful what you flush or wash down the drain.

“You’d be amazed at some of the stuff we have to get out of there,” Marquart told the town council and about a dozen people in attendance. “We even find T-shirts in the sewer pipes.”

Just this month the town will spend $1,250 on a vacuum to clean out sewer pipes and reimbursed a resident for a plumbing bill when the clog was found to be in the town’s pipes.

“We find rags, plastic bottles, Styrofoam cups, baby wipes, all kinds of things,” Marquart said. “It’s expensive, and if we don’t catch things in time and we start burning out lift station pumps, it gets even more expensive.

“Then add in the time we’re not doing other things, and it really hurts the town.”

Marquart asked that people not flush anything that can cause a plug in the sewer line and to avoid sending  petroleum products and household cleaners down the drains, as it affects the wastewater treatment plant’s ability to be effective in treating water.

Milford Police Lt. Timothy Miller was awarded a law enforcement Purple Heart for his actions on Aug. 14. “Miller was injured in the line of duty while apprehending a felony suspect and required extensive rehabilitation for his injuries,” Police Chief Travis Marsh said. “He was off duty for two months, and we applied to the American Police Hall of Fame, who saw fit to award Lt. Miller with the Purple Heart.”

In other business:

• Marsh asked the council for $544 to replace three tires on police vehicles, $555 to repair the steering on a vehicle, $8,842 to purchase two electronic tablets that will complete the department’s mobile upgrade, and $485 for an online law enforcement training package. The expenses were approved.

• Marquart reminded the council that spring cleanup for the town is April 12-14. Residents can bring trash and other disposable items to the town’s facility at 600 N. Main St. for proper disposal. The town cannot accept electronics, wet paint, hazardous materials or appliances with freon in them.

The hours for the cleanup will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12-13 and 8 to 11:30 a.m. April 14.

• Marquart asked the council to consider a no-parking zone on the east side of Main Street, 369 feet north of Fourth Street. Parked cars are making it difficult for truck drivers to get in and out. President Doug Ruch said the town attorney, Jay Rigdon, will need to draw up an ordinance.

• The council approved $1,500 for cleanup of the town’s brush and tree limb disposal area behind the water treatment plant on West Syracuse Street.

• Marquart said the storage building at Waubee Lake Park approved in February hit a snag. He said the state Department of Homeland Security needed drawings to issue a permit. Since the building will be “in the public domain, where people can just walk up to it,” the extra steps are necessary.

• Council members approved the installation of five new hydrants this year at a cost of $25,000. They will be at the intersections of Maple and Fourth streets, Maple and Catherine, Fifth and Higbee, East and First, and Fourth and Henry. Money had been budgeted for the expense. Next year the town will have only three hydrants left to upgrade.

• Marquart said the water main on East Street between Catherine and Fourth streets will need to be replaced soon. He had a quote of $36,785 last year, and expects that amount to increase.

• Fluoridation of the drinking water and security at Waubee Lake Park were discussed. Council decided to continue adding fluoride to the water, and Marsh will visit with Marquart in the next month to discuss what can be done to increase park security.

• Fire Chief Todd Haines reminded the council the statewide tornado drill is scheduled for March 20, weather permitting. The county’s emergency management will activate the town’s sirens at about 10:15 a.m. and again at 7 p.m. Haines asked for a monthly test of the sirens to ensure they work, especially during severe weather season. Ruch asked for a formal letter from the department.

• Haines asked that people choosing to burn dead grass and plants to have water, a shovel and a cellphone handy in case the fire gets out of control.

• Tricia Gall updated the council on  Lions Club preparations for Milford Fest on May 26. She said sponsors and vendors are still needed, but things are going according to plan and she looks forward to another great year for the festival.

• Town clerk Joellen Free announced the May 14 town council meeting will be at Camp Mack, with a presentation from Wessler Engineering regarding the proposed sewer line from the camp into town. Residents along Waubee Lake will be mailed an invitation, and the meeting will also be open to the public.

The council’s next meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 9 at the town hall, 121 S. Main St.