MILFORD - Milford Town Council dealt with several issues Monday that were included in past agendas.
The annexation of 32 acres of land belonging to LMF-HUF Development LLC, Goshen, was first brought before the council in August. The company voluntarily approached the council to request that their facility be annexed into the town's corporation limit.At that time, Fred Ramser, chief operating officer of LMF, stated the company's reason for making the request was to be proactive towards future industrial development and use of their parcel of land. Ramser also said, "...because of the census in 2010, there is a freeze next year on any annexation."
The council agreed to conduct a public hearing on the matter, which was held in September. A notice of petition for annexation was published 20 days before the public hearing, in accordance with state law.
At the September meeting, a fiscal plan regarding any impact the annexation might have was presented during the public hearing portion of the meeting. The plan was approved, and there were no public objections.
With everything in place and no negative input, the council adopted an ordinance to annex the LMF Development property into the town. Ramser was on hand during the meeting.
The 2009 budget estimate was also originally presented in September at a public hearing. Local taxpayers were given the opportunity to make objections to any budget tax rate or levy.
Milford's total 2009 budget estimate is $1,301,179; total funds to be raised are $448,958; and the total tax levy for 2009 is $434,381. The council approved the budget for 2009 as previously presented.
In police matters, the council officially approved officer Rich Miotto to the position of town marshal. Former Town Marshal Dave Hobbs retired, effective July 26, and Miotto has been serving as acting marshall since then.
"I feel that our new town marshall is someone we can all support," said council member Robert Cockburn in his introduction of Miotto. "He'll do a fine job and represent the town well."
"I'd like to thank the council," Miotto said. "As I said before, I'll do my best. I'd also like to thank the good people of Milford. This is a fine community and it's a pleasure to serve it. Thank you again."
Miotto is originally from Chicago. He joined the Milford Police Department in 1992 as a part-time officer.
In other business:
n The council announced Halloween trick-or-treat hours to be Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m.
n The Milford Fire Department thanked everyone for supporting their recent chicken barbecue.
n The accounts payable voucher register was approved as presented.
Milford town council members are Gary Hurd, Robert Cockburn and Douglas Ruch.
