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Council delays 'No Mow May', considers road-mileage ballot and taxpayer-funded EV chargers
Summary
Councilmembers agreed not to adopt No Mow May for 2023 after staff presented guidance from an MSU entomologist, discussed placing a road mileage question on the ballot to fund local road repairs, and debated whether taxpayer funds should pay for electric vehicle charging stations, with a subcommittee suggested to study the issue.
At its April 18 meeting the Milan City Council discussed environmental and infrastructure policy topics and a preliminary budget preview, deciding to delay participation in 'No Mow May' until the city can review ordinance implications and local climate suitability.
City Administrator Jim Lancaster provided handouts and summarized an opinion received from an MSU entomologist that while 'No Mow May' can benefit pollinators in some climates, it may not be appropriate everywhere and would require ordinance changes for participation. Council members agreed it was too late to implement the program for 2023 but asked staff to compile options to consider for 2024.
Councilmember Kofflin raised a proposal to place a road mileage option on an upcoming ballot to secure additional funding for local road maintenance and repairs; the council discussed the concept briefly but took no formal action. Mayor Ed Kolar opened a discussion about whether taxpayer dollars should fund electric vehicle charging stations, noting potential community benefits and financial impacts. Councilmember Kofflin suggested forming a subcommittee to gather more information about EV charging options and funding models.
Treasurer Sarah Finch earlier in the meeting presented a preliminary FY2024 budget recommendation and announced two budget workshop dates, May 2 and May 16, 2023, for further review and public input.
No formal ordinances or ballot questions were adopted at the meeting; council members asked staff to return with more information for future meetings.
