Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Some of the residents living on Main Street in Milan voiced concerns regarding a business at the regular Milan Town Council meeting on Monday, September 14. According to Krista Thompson, who recently moved into the area, work has been continuing late into the night as well as dust from the woodworking type business causing health issues for the children living in the area.

Council President Paul Hildebrand explained that he was contacted over the weekend and has been in contact with IDEM and Wayne Peace from the Ripley County Health Department regarding the issue. He urged the residents to allow a few days for IDEM to investigate the matter so that all environmental and safety issues are addressed.

Milan Park Board President Angel Beck informed the board of a meeting regarding the park’s master plan. According to Beck, those interested in participating on the committee can meet on September 27 at 4 p.m. at the town hall.

Beck also thanked Scott Schmidt for the donation of a swing set to the park. She also thanked all of the many volunteers who work to keep the park clean and maintained.

Milan Town Marshal Gary Skaggs reported the investigation of four thefts and one burglary in the month of August. The department made 69 traffic stops and provided 19 assists to other agencies.
There were a total of 62 calls for service made by the department and the reserve officers donated 169 hours. “The reserves set a record,” Skaggs noted.

A request for the council to consider an ordinance that would allow street legal golf carts was heard. The council will investigate the matter by contacting other communities that have golf cart ordinances for more information.

In other business:

• The following requests to solicit donations at the crossroads of State Roads 101 and 350 were approved: the Church of Christ on October 10 and the Parents of the Class of 2011 on September 19, with fees waived.

• The Ripley County Amateur Radio Club request for use of the park’s shelter house in 2010 was approved.

• The recommendation to adopt the amended unified zoning ordinance for property on Carr Street from A-1 and R-1 to I-1 was unanimously approved.

• Heavy trash pick up for Milan will be on Saturday, October 24.

• The 2010 budget was unanimously approved.

All board members were present along with clerk/treasurer Gladys Moody and town attorney Larry Eaton to advise. The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 12 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Milan Town Hall.