Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Owners of properties in Milan in need of repair and cleaning up had the opportunity to speak to the Milan Town Council members at the regular meeting on Monday, November 9. These properties are currently out of compliance with town ordinances and present possible hazards to those living nearby, according to town attorney Larry Eaton.

Dr. Timothy Alward, Nashville, presented pictures of work in progress at the property he owns on Carr Street, next to the Milan Town Hall. According to Dr. Alward, progress on the roof has been slow due to the time required for the restoration progress.

According to council president Paul Hildebrand, Dr. Alward was given four years to clean up the property, with little progress. Hildebrand suggested painting the building and fixing the broken windows.

Eaton noted that an addition built onto the back of the building is a health hazard with a rotting floor and rodents. He advised the council to require Dr. Alward to remove the addition.

Hildebrand explained that the council understands that Dr. Alward is interested in preserving the building, which once was a hardware store on the lower level as well as Knights of Pythias Hall on the upper level. He suggested that rather than do the work himself, Dr. Alward should consider hiring a contractor to complete the repairs proposed by the council.

The council asked that Dr. Alward submit a plan at the next meeting for their consideration.

The plan submitted by Frank Arkenberg, Milan, was unanimously approved by the council. The official order sent by the town will be amended to include the details of the plan, according to Eaton.

Eaton updated the board of progress on the purchase of property by Pike Lumber. According to Eaton, an appraisal is required. Also, since the property is being sold below fair market value, a resolution will be required, which describes the property and the project to be published in the newspaper.

According to Eaton, Economic Development law requires those interested in purchasing the land to submit a proposal that would be exactly the same as the proposal made by Pike Lumber. For example, the creation of a hardwood lumber company, employing 30 people, and installing a drying kiln.

The resolution #11-9-R-09 was unanimously approved. Eaton requested approval of an Early Access agreement to allow Pike Lumber to begin the installation of perimeter drains. Eaton noted that the work would be at Pike Lumber’s own risk with the requirement to carry workman’s compensation insurance as well as $1 million liability insurance. Both the resolution and the Early Access agreement were unanimously approved.

In other business:

• Leaf pickup will continue until December 7, according to town manager John Ingram.

• The Milan Police Department investigated 4 thefts, 3 burglaries, provided 18 calls of assistance to other agencies with the reserve officers donating 103 hours for the month of October.

• The transfer of funds from Office Furniture to Attorney Fees was unanimously approved.

Council members present were Paul Hildebrand and Robert Branigan. Matt Huffman was absent. The next board meeting will be held on Monday, December 14 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Milan Town Hall.