Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MILFORD -ÊWhen Ricardo Rodriguez purchased an all-terrain vehicle for simple transportation across town and to work, he said, he didn't know it was illegal to drive his ATV inside the town limits.
Until an officer stopped him and told him otherwise.
Monday, Rodriguez asked the Milford town council to clarify the laws regarding ATVs in town and asked if they could change the rules.
Town attorney Jay Rigdon said a state law prohibits ATVs from being driven in town limits.
Rodriguez said he didn't want to drive the ATV in town, he just wanted to drive it across town or to work.
"State law prohibits that from happening," Rigdon said. He said the town cannot allow ATVs to be ridden in town if state law forbids it.
He suggested the best place to change those laws is at the state Legislature level.
"Can't help you," said council chairman John Lehman. "You'll have to go to your Legislature."
In other business:
• Clerk-treasurer Charlotte Siegfried asked Rigdon if the council had to redistrict their wards due to the census. Rigdon said that since the wards are pretty even, "I don't believe you have to do anything" this year.
• The last council meeting of the year was scheduled for Dec. 28 at noon.
• Utilities and street superintendent Dallas Winchester reported the leaf pickup ends Monday. After Monday, residents are asked to bag or box their leaves. Winchester thanked Milford residents for doing a "wonderful" job this year on having their leaves ready.
• The council approved $599.70 to help cover the costs to unplug a sewer line on North Main Street.
• Winchester reported the town has new Christmas decorations for this year.
• Councilman Douglas Ruch reported the fire department will be canvassing all of Milford and Van Buren and Jefferson townships, offering smoke detectors and batteries to all residences.
"If anyone doesn't get contacted," Ruch said, "please feel free to contact the business number and someone will get back to them."
• Ruch announced the EMS held its election of officers for 2002, which include: Kent Sawyer, president; Kevin Enyeart, vice president; Sonya Tinkey, secretary; Deb Mast, treasurer; and Jason Jones, vehicle maintenance officer.
• Town marshal Dave Hobbs reported testing for new police hires was conducted Nov. 2, with three applicants attending. The council will interview the applicants in several weeks. Hobbs said he'd like to have a new officer hired by the first of the year.
Members of the town council are John Lehman, Robert Phillips and Douglas Ruch. They meet on the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the town hall.
