Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MILFORD - Royal Crown's 10-year abatement, in its third year, was renewed by the Milford Town Council Monday.
According to Chip Davenport, Royal Crown, the company has had no major employment force reductions and anticipate a very "aggressive" spring for the company.
The number of sales in Indiana compared to the rest of the company's sales is increasing to the state's favor, he said.
"A lot of our local customers are starting to boom," Davenport said.
"I have to say," said council president John Lehman, "you've shown us more than anyone else in this town who's on tax abatement."
Councilman Douglas Ruch said, "I think they're a tremendous asset to us and they do a fine job."
In another matter, water and waste water rates will be increased by October this year for the town.
The town council approved to advertise the ordinance to raise the rates. Water rates will increase an average of 12.25 percent across the board and the average rate increase for waste water will be 6.3 percent.
Utilities commissioner Dallas Winchester said users will see an increase of $3. Bills for waste water and water are sent out bimonthly. He also reported Milford is in the lower 30 percent of rates in the state for a town their size.
According to clerk treasurer Charlotte Siegfried, billing monthly would be more of a problem than what it's worth.
"It really would not be cost effective to do it every month," she said.
Winchester said the rates increase gives a break to large consumers, such as Chore-Time Brock, and to senior citizens and people on fixed income because the minimum usage is being lowered.
The reason for the increase in rates, Winchester said, is because of unfunded state mandates.
In other business:
• Ruch reported the county firemen's association held a meeting Thursday with 120 members present. The thermal imaging systems, bought by the K21 Foundation for each of the fire departments in the county, was dedicated.
He also reported Deb Mast is to be given an award today for being the Kosciusko County EMT of the year.
"We're pretty proud of that," Ruch said.
• The council approved the park board to rent a portable toilet for the summer for Waubee Lake instead of opening the bathrooms. The cost will be $400 for the entire summer and includes it being cleaned.
Instead of concessions this year, the park will have soda machines at the park.
Pam Lehman, park advisory board, reported three trees were cut down at Waubee Lake Pavilion near where the new pavilion is being built. Several other trees were trimmed.
Kevin and Bambi Lehman were approved as Waubee Lake Park caretakers. John Lehman abstained from voting.
• Town Marshall Dave Hobbs reported during Memorial Day weekend, the police, fire and EMS departments will be giving out free gifts for parents and children.
The council and Hobbs also discussed the problems of ATV riders riding in town. Several of the riders are riding ATVs without protective gear.
Town attorney Jay Rigdon will research the laws regarding ATVs and report back to the council at next month's meeting.
• The four-way stop at the intersection of Main and Emmeline streets was discussed. Winchester will remove the four-way stop sign from the middle of the intersection, put down "stop" templates on the road and try to "resurrect" the old stop light.
• Bids to resurface Syracuse Street from Ind. 15 to the town's west limits were opened. Brooks Construction bid $12,370.20 and Phend & Brown bid $9,711.20. Phend & Brown's bid was approved.
• Price Construction and Phend & Brown were the two bidders for sidewalk work in front of town hall from the bank to the community building. The Price Construction bid of $4,050.63 plus $250 for reinforcement was approved. Phend & Brown bid $5,319.
• Winchester reported mosquito fogging began Thursday and will be every Thursday beginning about 8:30 or 9:30 p.m. Children, he said, should stay away from the fog. It takes two hours to complete the work.
• The Memorial Day parade will be May 28, with lineup at 9 a.m. and the parade beginning at 10 a.m.
After the parade, Milford Area Development will have their chicken barbecue and also will offer pork chops this year.
After July 4, MAD will presale car wash tickets to also help raise money for the Milford community building.
• The council approved the renewal of the Sprint contract for a pay phone outside town hall.
• The deadline for the MilfordFest garage sales map is Thursday.
• Budget workshops for the 2002 budget were set for June 18 and 25.
Members of the Milford Town Council are Douglas Ruch, president John Lehman and Bob Phillips. They meet at 7 p.m. in the town hall on the second Monday of every month.
