VILLAGE JOINT MEETING
MILFORD CIVIC CENTER
JANUARY 11, 2010
PRESENT
COUNCIL – Theresa Rusas, Michael Glagola, James Kovach, Elizabeth Heer, Jerry Aubry, Jennifer Frankford
ADMINISTRATION – Arthur Shufflebarger, Village Manager; Ann Barnette, DDA & BRA Director; Deborah Frazer, Village Clerk
President Rusas called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. She thanked everyone for coming.
Mr. Shufflebarger started the meeting with discussion of the Village budget situation stating work is being done to adjust to the decline in tax revenue.
ZBA
Chairperson Dan Hawley, Boardmembers Mike Borg and Mark Jaffray.
Hawley stated 2009 was one of the slowest years the Board has experienced with only approximately three meetings held.
Planning Commission
Chairperson John Heidt, Commissioners Gary Goodenow, Timothy Juidici, Karen Worrell, and Dave Ebert were present.
Heidt reported the main projects worked on included revisions of the recreational vehicle storage ordinance; making changes to the Zoning Ordinance to bring it into compliance with PA 110 of the 2006 MI Zoning Enabling Act; worked on and sent to Council language to include Cultural Arts Center into Zoning Ordinance; and the site plan review/approval for potential Kroger expansion.
Worrell stated an ad hoc committee was also reviewing definitions for Home Businesses.
Parks & Rec
Commissioners Myles Davis, John McDaniels and John Parks were present.
Davis reported that during 2009 they continued support toward the Concerts in the Park series; assisted in maintaining the ice skating rink; and revised the P&R Master Plan in anticipation of the Skate Park grant.
A brief discussion took place on the placement of the Skate Park.
Parking Authority
Keith Hughes, Rich Harrison and Bill Herman were present.
Hughes stated funding was provided for the feasibility study for the Liberty St. tunnel. He stated the study proved to be positive. He added that CSX was willing to work with the Village and close the track for 24 hours. The Parking Authority is also in the process of replacing trash dumpsters with compactors by the summer of 2010. This will include new screening and electricity. Paving of the East lot should occur within the next couple of years, and they are working toward replacing the old parking meters in town.
Recycling in the downtown area was discussed. Problems with this were placement of recycling containers and the fact recycling doesn’t generate income for the trash company any longer.
Beautification Commission
Commissioner Dolores Donnellson and Lorenza Mueller-Hindle were present.
Mueller-Hindle reported that their ongoing project was placement of the Village entrance sign. This was complete with the help of the DDA. The goal is for placement of a new sign at the North end of the Village.
DDA
Chairperson Dale Feigley, Boardmembers Denise Tyler and Karen Dierkes were present.
Barnette reported that in 2009 DDA worked on the following projects:
Business Recruitment/Retention: Developed twitter, facebook and Flickr accounts; updated website; supported first Criterium, along with FNL concerts, Christmas Open House, Sidewalk Sales, Milford Memories, Car Show, Summer Concert Series, and Home Tour; and planned (abandoned) new Fall Festival with Oakland County.
Capital Projects: Completed new Village Entrance Sign (w/Beautification); updated electrical system at Center Street Park (w/DPS); completed Wayfinding project; supported efforts with Milford Trail; grant writing and preliminary engineering for Liberty St. underpass project and secured CSX conceptual approval; still working on TRW and Gas Station projects; Motley Lights projects; and negotiated site plan/architecture for Kroger expansion.
Administrative/Maintenance: Completed Downtown visioning and joint planning (Master Plan) process, help review liquor license ordinance; adopted all maintenance of ROW projects; managed MDA for interim period.
Barnette stated their 2010 challenges were as follows:
Linking Downtown to Milford Trail, Phase II; maintain current pace with public relations events and marketing support; complete the Motley Lights project; resolve the TRW site; monitor site clean up and MDEQ requirements with Gas Station; and a few smaller capital outlay projects.
Parking Authority and DDA agreed it was important to make sure CSX doesn’t walk away from the underpass project. Suggestion was made to contact them asking them to hold the Village’s place with this project.
Closing
President Rusas reiterated that the budget was Council’s number one issue.
Mr. Shufflebarger commented to all:
- With the installation of the water well in Central Park, a portion of the park may need to be closed for a few days.
- The Village received a grant for sanitary sewer relining and manhole repairs, which was near completion.
- Capital Improvements bond will be on the February agenda for approval.
- A rate study is being done for the WWTP.
Rusas thanked all the Boardmembers and Commissioners for the time and effort they all spend in support of the Village.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. | 
