Milford Council Firm On No Farm Animals In TownMILFORD - Milford Town Council members on Monday made clear that they weren’t budging on allowing farm animals in town.
Resident Jessica Miller brought the matter up during public comment, asking if the ordinance could be changed to allow chickens.
Council President Doug Ruch said, “If you want farm animals, live in the country. If you don’t, live in town.”
He said they have to consider the safety of neighborhoods and mentioned past situations where individuals had to get rid of ducks, chickens and roosters because they were disturbing the neighbors.
Councilman Kenneth Long agreed, saying, “There are just as many cons as there are pros.”
Miller pushed back, stating she thought the benefits outweighed the cons. “Especially with the price of eggs right now. Even Indianapolis allows chickens in the city limits.”
She asked if getting a petition would help but Ruch said, “We’ve already crossed this bridge — no farm animals in the town of Milford.”
Miller said, “I feel like it’s more progressive to allow chickens. Sustainability is big — especially with the younger generation. To not allow it you’re not being progressive.”
That didn’t sway council members as they responded they didn’t want to open that up because if they make exceptions for one, they have to for all.
“If numerous people want to do it that’s a lot more waste to deal with,” Long said.
Miller also asked if the town’s text alert system could be used to send reminders about council meetings and she was told it could.
A public hearing was held at the start of the council meeting and attorney Steve Snyder was present representing Douglas and Helen Strycker with their disannexation request. He explained there was a 50-foot setback that was once part of the old Zimmerman property but it was transferred to the Stryckers. When the annexation of the old Zimmerman property, which is east of town and east of the North Park subdivision, occurred, the 50 feet got annexed, too, even though the rest of the Strycker property is not within town limits.
The couple is requesting the 50 feet be disannexed. “It’s already been combined with the Strycker property so it’s one property now,” Snyder said. “Disannexation is rare and can only be used when the property forms a boundary of the community and this does.”
There were no comments for or against and the council later approved an ordinance in support of the disannexation.
Crystal Welsh, of Abonmarche, was present along with representatives of Milford Chapel and the contractor to request approval to the town’s sewer. Welsh explained the church is building an addition and the current septic system couldn’t handle the addition. She said they came up with a design to extend the main and connect the property to the town’s main.
Wastewater Superintendent Mark Brubaker said he was OK with the plan but told them they’d need grease traps.
Ruch wanted to make sure they were aware of a tap fee and that they’d be charged a premium rate because they are out of town. There was also some discussion about who would own the main once it was completed.
The council approved having G & G clean the storm catch basins at the cost of $275 an hour up to $2,200. Other storm water matters were tabled.
Streets, Water and Park Superintendent Steve Marquart said there were seven homes that need to have compliant letters sent to them because of trash on their property. Clerk-treasurer Tricia Gall drafted a letter that she sent on to town attorney Jay Rigdon. He said they should go ahead and send the letters. They decided on a deadline day to comply of April 24, which is after the Spring Clean Up Days the council just approved for April 20-22. If the resident doesn’t comply by April 24, they could be fined.
The council approved flushing hydrants April 12-13. They also approved having Dixon and Associates inspect the water tower at a cost of $5400.
Gall had several items for council, including replacing the utility superintendent’s computer, as well as her own computer at a cost of $1,090 each from Micro Bytes.
She also received approval to outsource the payroll to Pay Professionals at a base rate of $61 plus $2.35 per check, plus another $2 per check for third party. Gall said the cost is only slightly higher than the program she is currently using, plus they’d do the work. There are also other capabilities like employees receiving pay stubs and W2’s electronically.
In other business, the council:
• Accepted the resolution from the Area Plan Commission regarding a residential Tax Increment Financing District for the former Zimmerman property.
• Approved the Strategic Implementation Plan for the HELP (Hoosier’s Enduring Legacy Program) Grant.
• Approved street closures for Meet Milford’s Food Truck Fridays on the third Fridays from June through October and the town agreed to sponsor the portable restrooms.
• Approved Town Marshal Derek Kreider’s purchase of a side-by-side 4-wheeler for use at Milford Fest, Food Truck Fridays and the beach with grant funding.
• Heard the clerk’s office will be closed for Good Friday April 7.
