By Brett Milam
Editor

The Milford City Council met on Nov. 19 to discuss a variety of matters. 

– Gary Knepp, local historian, presented on the importance of Veterans Day, and WWI. The Sun did a profile of Knepp’s latest book about the latter entitled, “Over There: An Ohio community’s experience in the Great War,” in the Nov. 7 edition.

Specific to Milford, Knepp highlighted a few Milford graduates and residents who fought and/or served in WWI. One such was a “remarkable woman,” Alice Stewart, a Milford High School graduate in 1898, who was a surgical nurse and earned two medals from the French. 

Another MHS graduate was Howard Davidson, whose diary is excerpted within the book. 

– Kim Chamberland, council member, reported on the Public Services Committee, which met on Nov. 14. 

Nick Clayton, director of Public Works, addressed the committee about South Milford. The meeting concerned stormwater planning and potential street projects.

Clayton offered potential remedies for the flooding that occurs on residents’ property in that area, such as:

– Additional dry wells at Oak Street in 2019 or early 2020;

– Making Laurel Avenue one-way in at Mill Street and reversing Gatch Street to one-way out in 2020;

– Removing pavement on Laurel Avenue in between trees in 2020;

– Curbing from 612 Garfield Avenue to Gatch Street in 2020;

– In 2021 using Ohio Public Works Commission monies for Mill Street, Cleveland Avenue and South Milford paving;

– Adding Mill Street stormline from Mound Avenue to Garfield Avenue in 2021; and

– Curbing from 610 Garfield Avenue to Mill Street in 2021.

Also on the agenda was tree trimming and/or replacement. Clayton noted that the trees not being maintained in the neighborhoods are in private hands, not owned by the city. Clayton said property owners need to trim and remove all tree branches lower than eight feet above sidewalks and 12 feet above streets to the curb by Nov. 30. 

After that point, the city will begin trimming the branches, only over the roadway, so trucks and equipment can “service the neighborhoods,” Clayton said.

He noted some of the issues that arise from overhanging trees: interference with service trucks; they don’t allow the roads to dry out (moisture being the number one cause of “pavement failure”); and the roots and canopy get too close to public utilities. The tree roots also end up in the sanitary sewer and clog the lines.

Clayton said they are also considering using tree wells that would work as a concrete box to control the roots and possibly be used as a catch basin for storm water.

Each committee member also received reports from the five engineering companies who responded to a request for quotation, or bid, about a potential water tower replacement, and analysis of the existing distribution system. Michael Doss, city manager, has previously noted that there was no financial commitment to put out that bid, and receive those reports.

The Selection Committee to review the bids consists of Doss, Pam Holbrook, assistant city manager, Clayton, and Joe Casteel, supervisor for the water plant.

Doss noted that it’ll be a “big undertaking and a long process.” The committee will report its findings to the Public Services Committee.

– Jamey Mills, police chief, cautioned residents during his report to the council that the holiday season is when the police department sees an uptick in thefts. 

“So just a reminder to remove any valuables from your vehicle — lock your vehicle,” he said. “And just be aware of your surroundings.”

– The Hometown Holidays tree lighting is Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. at Memorial Park.