Milan police sergeant promotes autism-awareness program; council approves routine permits and pays $372,925.61 in bills

Milan Police Sgt. Dave Archer, who also identified himself as the founder of the nonprofit Jasmyn’s Voice, told the council the organization has gifted more than 700 iPads to children with autism and has provided training to the Milan Police Department and Milan Area Fire Department on appropriate responses when engaging people with autism. He said the department has stocked each patrol car with an autism kit and directed listeners to jasmynsvoice.org for more information.

The council then approved the consent agenda, including the American Legion Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade on Monday, May 27, 2024 (8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.), the Building Department and Code Enforcement Report for February 2024, and a S’Mac and Cheese food-truck event on Saturday, May 25, 2024 (4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.). The consent motion was moved by Councilmember Snyder and seconded by Councilmember Stafford and carried unanimously.

Councilmember Kerkes moved to pay bills and payroll totaling $372,925.61; Councilmember Stafford seconded and the council approved the payment. The transcript records the total approved amount but does not provide a line-item breakdown.

In staff reports, City Clerk Lavonna Wenzel apologized for failing to send a "Rock Your Socks" reminder; Police Chief Don Tillery thanked Sgt. Archer for his autism-awareness work; Community Engagement Director Jill Tewsley announced the new "Spring Connection" and reminded attendees about an Easter Egg Hunt in Wilson Park. Mayor Ed Kolar noted a date change for the Milan Cares Clean-Up day to Saturday, April 7. No public objections to the consent items or the bills payment were recorded in the meeting transcript.