Milan has full agenda, house
WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO
WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO
Pictured from left Andrew Olman, Deb Shumate, council president, Mark Marsee and Debra Fugate Hackman, clerk-treasurer for Milan, were busy signing paperwork at their November meeting. The room was full, but social distancing was still observed as the Council took care of business. Several from the audience spoke about various issues they were having, with the Council not only hearing their concerns, but working with them to find a solution.
Christmas Walk planned for Nov. 21
From approving road closures for the town’s Christmas Walk to looking into a sewage problem for a resident, the Milan Town Council had a full agenda with the crowd to match on Monday, November 9.
Sally Gosmeyer with the planning committee for the town’s first Christmas Walk asked for road closures that would keep people safe as they walk through the town on November 21 for their outdoor event. She noted that they have been working with the local health department due to the COVID-19 situation, and with this being an open-air event, are able to go ahead with it.
After being reassured that all the business owners along the route have been notified and the fact the event will be from 6-8:30 p.m. the Council approved the request for closing some town roads, which is on file at the town clerk’s office. The town agreed to help with getting the needed barricades. Council President Deb Shumate noted, “I think you guys are thorough…it’s awesome what you are doing with the Christmas Walk.”
In other business Connie Branigan asked if the town would be able to help with her situation of sewage backing up into her home. She explained that it got into her bedroom, bathroom, office, and utility rooms with the cost for cleanup and repairs being $16,500. Town attorney Lynn Fledderman said they would collect more information to see if the town could help her out with the cost.
The Globe Asphalt project was discussed with the Council noting they have made a decision to put it on hold until spring. “Our grant is approved,” noted Shumate.
Susan Cottingham asked about getting gravel at W. Carr and Josephine. She said the road was getting “kind of bumpy.” Town worker Doug Price noted he would get that done.
Concerns were addressed about getting construction cleaned up, hooking up to sewer lines on Ripley Street, and a mobile home that needs removed on Vine Street. It was noted that the town would get with the county planning commission to obtain a report that the mobile home is in violation.
Mary McCarty informed the Council that while she sent in a grant on behalf of the town for the water, wastewater problems, they would not be getting it this round. She explained her disappointment because she had submitted everything on time, but the ball was dropped on the other end with the state. “I’ve contacted them, but I don’t think they’re going to budge,” she told the Council, meaning they wouldn’t give it a look even though it was their fault. The next granting cycle is January 15.
Shumate said they understood it wasn’t her fault, and they were disappointed because of the need for infrastructure within the town. McCarty stayed after the meeting to meet with residents.
The Council approved deeding a small property to the Milan School Corporation. Price gave the sewage report noting among other things they have been busy repairing water leaks, sewer mains, and graveled Country Club Lane. The Marshal’s report included having 35 calls for last month with everything from assisting other agencies to working accidents and a criminal case. The reserve officers logged 16 hours.
The Milan Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.
