MILFORD – Town Council heard a proposal Monday for a study on housing the police and fire departments in one place. Timothy Wall and Mike Reese, architects with the Troyer Group engineering firm, presented an estimate of $12,700 to hold the study on jointly housing police and fire services. The suggestion was made in February by Councilman Dan Cochran, absent Monday, who had said it could save money and might be warranted by the town’s growth. The engineering study would gather input from town officials and residents and draft a master plan, council members heard, which would put them in a better position to apply for any grants that might help cover the cost of the undertaking. Councilmen Bob Cockburn and Doug Ruch agreed to wait to make a decision on the study until Cochran could review the proposal. Also Monday, Police Marshal Rich Miotto said he’s in the middle of interviewing six applicants for four volunteer reserve deputy positions, which would be a full complement. He added that after crunching the numbers, he determined hiring four reserves would be more cost-effective than hiring one full-time officer, which he had suggested last month might also be needed because of town growth. And council approved $13,555 for Doll’s Decorating Center to redo the interior of the town community center, which will include new paint, wallpaper and carpet. Clerk-treasurer Joellen Free said she compared the price to buying supplies separately and doing the work themselves – about $11,000 – but Cockburn and Ruch agreed the extra cost was worth it because of how much time the project will take. They also noted the cost is covered by donated funds, not tax dollars. Also Monday, council: • Accepted $920 from Milford Kiwanis and Lions Club to replace ceiling tile in the community center, which they hope to get done before new carpet is installed. They also will look into more energy-efficient lighting for the center. • Heard the Lions Club is a third of the way toward its fundraising goal for Milford Fest May 23, and is still seeking donations. Forms are available at town hall and the library for vendors and for entry in contests like the cutie pageant and talent show. • Heard from Fire Chief Todd Haines that the department bought more grave markers for former town firefighters with money donated by the American Legion, and that they are looking for more information on where local firemen might be buried. • Heard that lifeguards are needed at the town beach as well as someone to run the concession stand. They also OK’d $1,500 to fix the roof of the stand and $675 for parking barricades, and heard that “no smoking” and “no swearing” signs have been put up at the beach.
