Milan council weighs moving municipal elections to even years; survey flags housing, infrastructure and broadband

City Clerk Lavonna Wenzel told the Milan City Council on Sept. 2 that a legislative ruling allows municipal councils to adopt a resolution to move local elections from odd years to even years. Wenzel and Election Specialist Trudeau told the council that the recent city primary cost about $21,000 and that costs for the recent general election will likely exceed $50,000. They advised that shifting elections could reduce costs by sharing expenses with state, county and federal contests; the council received statistics for further discussion and potential public hearing.

The council did not take action at the meeting. Council members were given information and statistics to consider, and the minutes indicate the item will return for further discussion or a public hearing before any formal resolution is adopted.

Separately, City Administrator Jim Lancaster and Community Engagement Director Jill Tewsley reviewed results from a community survey covering housing, jobs, new technology and infrastructure and downtown land uses. They reported that water and sewer infrastructure constraints have impeded developer interest in building affordable housing and senior housing; broadband and new-technology access rated highly among respondents; and roads and water quality were flagged as top community priorities.

During Citizens Matters resident Jessica Meingasner spoke on behalf of the Historical Society and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Council and staff also noted upcoming community events and a submission by the Milan Historic District Study Committee to the State; the minutes record that a future public hearing will follow the State review.

No formal vote or direction to staff to change election timing was recorded in the minutes.