Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MILFORD - Emergency service contracts were approved by the new Milford town council Monday.
For the fire department, the interlocal contract and the contract between the town and Milford Fire Department were approved. Milford's share of the fire department budget, after Jefferson Township pays $5,700, is 45 percent and will pay the fire department $15,412 in four installments. Van Buren Township's share is 55 percent and will pay $18,838.
For the EMS, Milford will pay $18,000 in four installments.
In 1999, there was a concern regarding whether the underdeveloped areas in Milford were properly defined by the voting districts.
Monday, the town council approved Ordinance 2000-4, which would define the voting districts from the center out instead of by boundaries. As Milford's corporate limits grow, so will the voting districts. Ward I will now be defined as all portions east of Main Street. Ward II is west of Main Street and north of Emmeline. Ward III is west of Main Street and south of Emmeline.
Ordinances 2000-2 and 2000-3 were also approved. Ordinance 2000-3 is the appointments for the town for 2000, which will remain the same as 1999.
The salaries for 2000 were set by Ordinance 2000-2. The annual compensation of the town council is $2,500 each. Clerk-treasurer will receive $27,236.16; town marshal, $37,247.28; utilities commissioner, $40,438.08; town attorney, up to $2,500; and travel reimbursement is $0.28 per mile.
A representative from the town's insurance company, Bliss McKnight, gave a presentation on the town's liability insurance for 2000. The total premium to the town, under the policy the town approved, is $15,365, down $300 from last year. Bliss McKnight is serving Milford for the 15th year.
The council asked their representative to find out how much their premium would increase if their coverage blanket were raised from $1 million per occurrence and $1 million aggregate.
The fire department reported Milford will host the County Firemen's Association Jan. 20 at the fire station at 7 p.m. A representative from CSX Railroad will present a program to the association.
On Jan. 19, Dome Pipeline will have a meeting on their risk management plan for the Milford area. It will be held at the community building at 3 p.m.
The EMS reported they have 21 volunteers; 12 are EMTs and 9 are drivers. Blood pressure checks are 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. the first Saturday of every month excluding holidays at the town hall.
Milford Town Marshal David Hobbs said the department has six reserves and three full-time officers. Of the six reserves, he said, three are "pretty active."
Utilities Commissioner Dallas Winchester said the town's waste water and sewer treatment inventory for the state board of accounts is complete. In 1999, Milford used 48.5 million gallons. Over the last 10 years, the town has increased water usage by approximately 4.1 percent per year. In 1990, the town used 37 million gallons.
Winchester said the West Street sewer line is cleaned.
The town board approved two employees of the street and water department to attend the annual American Waterworks Council Feb. 21 to 24 in Indianapolis.
Charlotte Siegfried, town clerk-treasurer, reported that the Milford Redevelopment Commission met, elected officers and have no extra money. The commission includes president Norman Lovell, vice president Noel John Parry, Siegfried as secretary and Daniel Brown and Charles Bird.
Council vice president Robert Phillips was approved to serve on the New Beginnings Day Care board of directors as the council's representative. Councilman Douglas Ruch will continue to serve on the EMS board of directors.
February's meeting will be Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. instead of Feb. 14.
Members of the Milford Town Council are Phillips, Ruch and John Lehman, president.
