Milford Changes Council To 'At-Large' For Next Election
Posted
John DeGroff-
MILFORD - Milford Town Council spent the majority of its March meeting discussing the ordinance that would change how council members will be elected.For the last couple of months, the issue of making council positions "at-large" instead of through the town's three wards was approached each meeting. Jay Rigdon, town attorney, researched the topic and presented the council with appropriate language for an ordinance, should the council decide to make the change.
"Before, people were elected from each ward," said Rigdon in explaining the basic difference an at-large election would have. "It was the candidate with the most votes from each area. Everybody in town voted, but the council member had to be from that geographic area. Now, council members don't have to be from a specific area. The only thing this changes, really, is doing away with the wards. Every other aspect of a council election will be run according to state election law."
By moving to an at-large election, the top three candidates with the greatest number of votes will be elected to the council. The council approved the at-large election ordinance.
Rigdon also updated the council regarding the matter of pending litigation concerning the property at 310 E. Williams St., owned by Charles Poe. According to Rigdon, the mobile home on the property has been moved, but the town still has debris to remove.
This issue has been before council for several months since the structure intended for the property was never completed and the mobile home was never in compliance with town ordinances. Rigdon said a court date probably will be set for late April or early May.
Council adopted Resolution 2008-01, which is an agreement for the town to follow the guidelines of the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission.
The Milford Fire Department has begun a fundraiser to raise money for the purchase of new breathing tanks for fire crews. Area residents should have received a flyer in the mail stating that in exchange for a donation, a family can have their portrait taken.
The Milford Police Department requested $4,000 to be used to pay for equipment transfer costs when the new cruiser is delivered. A new light bar has been ordered and needs to be installed, as well as the vehicle's computer and gun rack. The council approved the request, not to exceed $4,000.
The Milford Parks Department will begin accepting bids for mowing. Interested parties should call the town hall at 574-658-4519 for information.
The annual Milford Fest is in the planning stages. It's scheduled for May 24, the weekend before Memorial Day. To schedule an event for an organization, or for information, call 574-658-4498, 574-658-3225, or the town hall.
In other business:
n The need of establishing a Rainy Day Fund for the town has been discussed and the appropriate ordinance language will be drafted.
n The use of utility vehicles by several residents has come to the attention of the Milford police and council. Since the vehicles in question are regulated under state law differently than ATVs, and since UTVs have several practical uses, the council will discuss any possible further requirements at the next meeting.
n Milford town hall and offices will be closed on Good Friday.
Milford Town Council members are Gary Hurd, Robert Cockburn and Douglas Ruch.
