Milford Council approves 180-day moratorium on adult-use cannabis, joins PFAS settlements and OKs wastewater grant applications

Milford City Council on July 16, 2024 voted to pause new adult-use cannabis retail approvals for 180 days, endorsed participation in multi-district litigation settlements over PFAS chemicals with TYCO defendants and BASF Corporation, approved final payment to the company that provided the city’s fireworks display, and authorized applications for two wastewater infrastructure grants.

The moratorium — an amendment to Ordinance 22-150 that currently limits the city to one medical marijuana retail facility and prohibits cultivators and processors — was proposed by City Manager Michael Doss to give Milford time to study how neighboring communities regulate recreational retail cannabis. The council adopted Ordinance 24-301 by a motion from Councilman Kristopher Parrish, seconded by Councilwoman Kim Chamberland; the measure passed unanimously among the five members present.

In separate votes the council moved to participate in the PFAS settlement (Resolution 2024-652), authorizing the City Manager to execute release documentation and to recognize designated legal counsel for PFAS-related matters. The resolution passed on a motion from Mr. Parrish, seconded by Ms. Chamberland, with all present voting in favor.

Council also adopted Ordinance 24-300 to authorize a final payment of $8,800 to Rozzi’s Fireworks for the Sparks in the Park event. City documents show the fireworks contract totaled $11,000, with a $2,200 down payment already made; the remaining $8,800 exceeds the City Manager’s $7,500 administrative limit, so council approval was required.

The council voted to authorize the City Manager to apply to the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) for two wastewater projects: a UV disinfection system for the wastewater treatment plant (project cost $560,000) and sanitary sewer lining in the Powhatton subdivision (project cost $450,000). To maximize OPWC scoring, staff proposed a 51% local match: $285,600 for the UV system and $229,500 for the sewer lining (combined local match $515,100). Finance Director Pat Wirthlin reported about $400,000 is currently available in the Sanitary Sewer Capital Fund; if both projects are awarded, the city would need an additional appropriation of roughly $115,000 from the General Fund to cover the match.

City Manager’s report also noted pending items of operational interest: expected August street paving through the county program, a delay to the Jim Terrell canoe/kayak launch because of river levels, and a planned utility rate study proposal from the Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) in early August. The Five Points Landing Park evening farmers market is set to begin July 23 and run through Sept. 24.

Public safety reports were delivered by Police Chief Mills and Fire Chief Baird. Chief Mills summarized training, an ongoing investigative focus on multiple vehicle thefts, and several notable incidents from June; Chief Baird announced a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant award of $71,414.76 for large-diameter hose and a community smoke-detector blitz scheduled for Saturday at Thielman’s Mobile Home Park.

The council scheduled public hearings on two items: a proposed JEDD (Joint Economic Development District 8) with Union Township tied to development near Ivy Point and the required five-year review of Milford’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). Neither the JEDD nor the DORA continuation were acted on at the meeting; both will receive public hearings at a future council meeting on August 20.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 24-300 (Rozzi’s Fireworks final payment, $8,800): Mover Kristopher Parrish; Second Kim Chamberland; Vote: Lisa Evans — yes; Kristopher Parrish — yes; Ralph Vilardo Jr. — yes; Mark Thompson — yes; Kim Chamberland — yes; Outcome: adopted. - Resolution 2024-652 (participation in PFAS MDL settlements with TYCO defendants and BASF): Mover Kristopher Parrish; Second Kim Chamberland; Vote: all present — yes; Outcome: adopted. - Ordinance 24-301 (180-day moratorium on adult-use cannabis dispensaries): Mover Kristopher Parrish; Second Kim Chamberland; Vote: all present — yes; Outcome: adopted. - Ordinance 24-302 (authorize OPWC applications for WWTP UV system and Powhatton sewer lining): Mover Kristopher Parrish; Second Kim Chamberland; Vote: all present — yes; Outcome: adopted.

What’s next Council will hold public hearings on the JEDD 8 proposal and the DORA continuation at its August 20, 2024 meeting. The city will await OPWC scoring results and a RCAP proposal for the utility rate study.