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Milan City Council approves new Community Engagement Director, hires Jill Tewsley and OKs contracts
Summary
At its March 7 meeting, the Milan City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2023-05 to create a Community Engagement Director, appointed Jill Tewsley to the post at $72,000, and approved a billboard contract and a $30,990 WWTP pump rebuild quote; council also approved $292,062.40 in bills and payroll.
Milan — The Milan City Council on March 7 unanimously approved the second reading of Ordinance 2023-05 to add a Community Engagement Director to the Milan Code of Ordinances and immediately appointed Jill Tewsley to that post with compensation set at $72,000.
The action came as part of a series of unanimous motions during the council's regular meeting at 147 Wabash St. Councilperson Nie moved adoption of the ordinance; Councilperson Thompson seconded. A separate motion by Councilperson Wayne, seconded by Councilperson Baldwin, appointed Tewsley to fill the new position.
Why it matters: Establishing a Community Engagement Director creates a dedicated staff role to coordinate downtown and community outreach functions, a change council approved through an amendment to Chapter 2 (Administration) of the city code. The council’s vote was unanimous, signaling cross-aisle support for creating and filling the position.
Other actions at the meeting included two contracts and a capital-service repair approval. Council approved a billboard contract with Outfront Media through May 26, 2024, on a motion by Councilperson Baldwin, seconded by Councilperson Nie. The council also approved a $30,990 quote from Kennedy Industries to rebuild two mixer pumps at the wastewater treatment plant; that motion was moved by Councilperson Nie and seconded by Councilperson Kofflin. In addition, the council approved bills payable and payroll totaling $292,062.40.
Staff updates and community notes: City Administrator Jim Lancaster told the council the city is reviewing marijuana licensing submissions, noting there were four applicants and six applications under review. Lancaster thanked council for establishing a warming center and praised the department of public works (DPW) and contractors for maintaining treatment-plant operations during recent power outages, specifically thanking James Green of F&V for work that kept the two treatment plants running without power for several days.
Main Street Director Jill Tewsley, newly appointed to the Community Engagement Director position, thanked council for approving the role and shared downtown event updates, including a "Wine Walk" and a notice about the Milan High School play. During citizens’ remarks, Carrie Ritchie, speaking for the Milan Chamber, invited the public to a Chamber "Mixer" on March 20 at 6:00 p.m.
Councilmember discussion included praise for city staff and volunteers who responded to back-to-back storms and two water breaks. Councilmember Baldwin criticized the perceived lack of responsiveness from utility provider DTE and proposed that council consider studying municipal power options; he volunteered to serve on a subcommittee to evaluate the possibility.
Mayor Ed Kolar recounted assisting DPW crews and said he witnessed coordinated work among DPW, police and fire departments to secure areas with downed lines. He said State Representative Reggie Miller reached out to DTE on the city’s behalf about power to the wastewater treatment plants. Following a citizen comment about underground power lines, Kolar said he has begun discussions with the city planner about exploring undergrounding power lines in the downtown business district.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 2023-05 (second reading) — Approved (motion: Councilperson Nie; second: Councilperson Thompson). Roll call: seven ayes, zero nays. - Appointment: Jill Tewsley as Community Engagement Director, compensation $72,000 — Approved (motion: Councilperson Wayne; second: Councilperson Baldwin). Unanimous. - Billboard contract with Outfront Media (through 5/26/2024) — Approved (motion: Councilperson Baldwin; second: Councilperson Nie). Unanimous. - Kennedy Industries quote — $30,990 to rebuild two mixer pumps at WWTP — Approved (motion: Councilperson Nie; second: Councilperson Kofflin). Unanimous. - Bills payable and payroll — $292,062.40 — Approved (motion: Councilmember Kerkes; second: Councilmember Thompson). Unanimous.
What’s next: The council set its next regular meeting for Tuesday, March 21, 2023 (agenda deadline March 15). The March 7 meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
(Reporting based on the March 7, 2023 Milan City Council minutes.)
