Milan gets volunteers from unexpected source
Cindy DiFazio - Staff Writer

During the Milan Town Board meeting on Monday, February 13, Shaun Marksberry and Todd Russell, who attend the Milan Church of Christ, addressed the assembly regarding an offer of help for the community that the church had received.

The church was recently contacted by Students Today - Leaders Forever, a group of University of Montana students. STLF is a service organization inspired by the book and movie "Pay It Forward" whose premise is that by performing an act of kindness, that act will generate another.

STLF is planning to come through Milan in mid-March on its way to Washington D.C. They will spend one night in Milan and join with youth from the Milan Church of Christ to complete community projects. Milan is one stop of five the group will make on its way to the Capitol.

Marksberry and Russell came to the town meeting to ask the council's assistance in identifying a community project that the group could complete in one day.

Two suggestions that received support were to work on Milan Park projects and to help paint the new Town Hall. Church representatives were referred to Milan Park Board President, Linda Baurley, to help coordinate the volunteer effort with the park. If they have enough time and people involved they may also help with the town hall project.

Marksberry reported that the only thing STLF requested is a tour of the Milan 54 Museum. Jerry Jackson, in attendance at the meeting regarding a grant proposal for the museum, said the museum would be glad to accommodate the request.

In other business, the town has received a new projects grant for sewer lines on several Milan streets. An income survey pertaining to the grant is being sent to Milan residents and may be returned via an enclosed stamped addressed envelope to the county or dropped off at the water company in Milan.

Linda Baurley, Milan Park Board president, reported that local park patron, Betty Platt, who recently passed away, designated memorials in her name be given to the park. The park has received $185 in memorials which they will wait to spend in a manner complimenting Platt's memory. Baurley also reported that 2006 sports contracts have been signed, and stated that the park's insurance company has recommended that signs be erected listing basic rules of conduct, park hours, etc.

Public input regarding sewers on Country Club Drive was heard. Residents questioned the council regarding an ordinance that they believe makes the town responsible for installing sewer lines. Larry Eaton, town attorney, explained that the town is responsible only for the source. Lines must be brought to the source. Eaton also noted that the ordinance, written in 1993, is not enforceable. The board informed the affected residents that the developer of their homes has said that he is ready to get them hooked up as soon as IDEM approves the request. The board expects a response from IDEM within the next few weeks, and believes it will be favorable to the request.

Milan's Town Council was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Paul Hildebrand. Other members present were Matt Huffman and Robert Braningan. Marshal Tom Holt was also in attendance in an official capacity.