Milford Council adopts package of safety and capital upgrades, reappoints law director

Milford City Council on Feb. 3 adopted a package of ordinances authorizing a series of capital purchases and upgrades and reaffirmed the law director's appointment and compensation.

Traffic signals: Council adopted Ordinance 26‑432 authorizing the city manager to engage Capital Electric for safety and modernization upgrades at the intersection of U.S. 50 and State Route 131. City staff said the work will address operational failures, improve emergency vehicle preemption and add software and sensor upgrades.

Wastewater equipment: The council authorized two capital purchases for wastewater operations. Ordinance 26‑433 approves the purchase of two Grundfos submersible pumps (quote in packet came in under budget) with a not‑to‑exceed amount read on the record (approximately $39,228). Ordinance 26‑434 authorized purchase of influent grinder/cutter stacks for the wastewater plant for an amount not to exceed $29,869; staff said the replacement is needed because the units had fallen below the 2020 recommended capacity.

Elevator modernization and facility work: Council adopted Ordinance 26‑435 to engage TKE to modernize the 30‑year‑old city hall elevator for safety and ADA compliance at a cost not to exceed $89,511.84. City staff described the work as mechanical and electrical upgrades needed to resolve recurring failures.

Service equipment: The manager also received authority to purchase an 8‑foot Western snowplow from KE Rose Company (Ordinance 26‑436, not to exceed $9,195) and two Exmark Laser Z series mowers (Ordinance 26‑437, not to exceed $28,398) as part of scheduled equipment replacement cycles.

Personnel and governance measures: Council read and adopted Ordinance 26‑438 to reappoint Brian E. Pacheco as law director and to provide compensation; the ordinance text records a rate of $275 per hour effective Jan. 1, 2026. Council also adopted Resolution 2026‑675 amending the rules of council.

Votes at a glance: Each ordinance (26‑432 through 26‑437, 26‑438 and Resolution 2026‑675) was moved, seconded where recorded and approved on roll call with all present voting 'Yes.'

Public discussion and context: During public comment several residents asked about related items — for example, pickleball court siting and whether the city has conducted usage studies for parks. City Manager Ben said a plan calls for courts at Riverside 2 and Sem (four courts at Riverside 2 and four or six at Sem) and that the city has applied for state capital funding; he said staff has not completed a park usage study but will provide more detail to the public.

Next steps: Manager and department heads will finalize vendor agreements and schedule work; several purchases were described as above the city manager's spending limit and therefore required council authorization. Council recorded motions to suspend rules and read ordinances by title where permitted by charter and adopted each measure that evening.