Milan City Council approves consent agenda, sets May 6 public hearing for 2025–26 budget

The Milan City Council on April 15 approved several routine and time-sensitive items, including temporary downtown parklets and a resolution to set a May 6 public hearing to consider the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and tax rates.

Mayor Ed Kolar called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m., and a Boy Scout from Troop 491 led a special Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmembers present included Mayor Pro‑Tem Wayne and Councilmembers Kerkes, Kofflin, Snyder, Stafford and Thompson. City Administrator Jim Lancaster, City Clerk Lavonna Wenzel and other staff were also present.

The council amended and approved the evening agenda to add two items: (1) the DDA 2025 Summer Parklet Program and (2) a resolution to set the public hearing date for the FY2025–26 budget and tax rates. The motion to approve the amended agenda was made by Mayor Pro‑Tem Wayne, seconded by Councilmember Stafford and carried unanimously.

Under the consent agenda the council approved: the Building Department and Code Enforcement reports for March 2025; the mayoral appointment of Jennifer Smith to the Beautification Commission (term through Dec. 31, 2026); Resolution 2025‑07 recognizing Workers Memorial Day; and Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) approvals for two DDA Summer Parklets (The Owl and Peppers) for May 1 through Oct. 20, 2025. The consent agenda was moved by Councilmember Snyder, seconded by Mayor Pro‑Tem Wayne and approved unanimously.

On matters for action the minutes record approval of proposed budget amendments for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The motion is recorded as made by Councilmember Kofflin and seconded by Councilmember Snyder; the motion carried unanimously. The meeting record contains an apparent transcription inconsistency: the motion text references a 'rezoning' while the docketed agenda item and minutes describe budget amendments. The council did not provide additional clarification in the minutes; the clerk may need to confirm the precise wording for the official record.

The council also approved Resolution 2025‑08 to set a public hearing on May 6, 2025, for adoption of the FY2025–26 budget and tax rates. Councilmember Kerkes moved the resolution, Councilmember Stafford seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Council approved bills payable and payroll totaling $338,118.94 on a motion by Councilmember Kerkes, seconded by Councilmember Stafford; the motion carried unanimously.

During reports, Administrator Jim Lancaster thanked department heads and staff for covering duties while the city treasurer seat is vacant. Clerk Lavonna Wenzel reminded prospective candidates that the filing deadline for City Council and Library Board is April 22 at 4:00 p.m. Deputy Chief Nieman issued a safety reminder about the April 26 Wine Walk, saying, "it's a 'Wine Walk' not a wine drive," and urged attendees to make safe choices. MIS/Communications Director Hanna Massouh reported that the city's emails and website have completed migration to the .gov domain. Community Engagement Director Jill Tewsley thanked Parks & Recreation for organizing the Easter Egg Hunt. Fire Chief DJ Carpus introduced himself as the new Milan Area Fire Department chief effective May 1, 2025.

Councilmembers offered brief updates and thanks: Stafford and Kerkes praised budget work; Kofflin thanked accounting consultant Kelly Schimmoeller at Plante Moran and noted coordination with the River Raisin Watershed Council's incoming executive director, Sean Dennis; Thompson described community cleanup efforts. Mayor Kolar closed by praising volunteers and the Milan Cares cleanup program.

The council set its next regular meeting for Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (agenda deadline April 30) and adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

Votes at a glance: All formal motions recorded in the minutes carried unanimously. Council membership present for votes: Mayor Ed Kolar, Mayor Pro‑Tem Wayne, and Councilmembers Kerkes, Kofflin, Snyder, Stafford, and Thompson (7 votes).