Security monitor begins patrol in Milan

MILAN - Village of Milan trustees continue eliminating factors contributing to on-going vandalism. A newly created security monitor position has been filled with the transfer of a current employee. The monitor patrols Mondays through Fridays, 6 p.m. to midnight. Police Chief Jerry Stephens stated,             “Officers are continuing their scheduled routes during the week and weekends. This position gives us another set of eyes and ears to see that no problems happen.”

    Stephens has identified and mapped 53 improperly functioning streetlights. Many pose a safety hazard by flickering off and on. He suspects faulty pole ballasts cause these problems. Village Manager Marcella Sandoval will report identified fixtures to Continental Divide Electric Co-op.

    At the Sept. 17 meeting, trustees adopted one ordinance and four resolutions. Sandoval requested tabling the Budget Adjustment item until new data is available for federal stimulus money and the playground equipment grant. With Sandoval's advice, trustees tabled the Community Development Block Grant until October. Maxine Hughes' request for village purchase of her real estate property generated numerous comments. Following the trustees' vote to deny the request, Mayor Tom Ortega remarked, “I really don't think the village needs to be in the real estate business.”

    The Parks and Recreation Department will provide special garbage services with the “Trek for Trash” program on Saturday, Oct. 3. Also, the department will assist with a public auction of unneeded village property. The list of items was provided to trustees and the auction will be advertised.

    Helen Dyan, chair of the Planning and Zoning Board, responded to Ortega's inquiries about recent P and Z meetings. She said the board needs to be dealing with a number of issues affecting village residents.

    The village farm's pumpkin patch provided several large orange pumpkins for the Village Hall entryway. Sandoval reported the annual Pumpkin Festival would be Saturday, Oct. 24, at the farm.

Employee of the Month is Eugene Capitain, Public Works meter reader.