Milo City Council to explore donated splash pad, reviews unsafe playground equipment and OKs $4,000 for RVTV stop

Milo, Iowa — The Milo City Council on June 23 voted to explore a memorandum of understanding for a donated splash pad, discussed safety issues with park playground equipment that may require removal, and approved a $4,000 Local Option Sales Tax allocation to host an RVTV stop this fall.

Jennifer Caskey of Milo 4th of July Inc. told the council the majority of volunteers who run the organization plan to step down after the 2026 event; she said she will remain but needs additional help and warned the all-day celebration could be reduced to a parade and fireworks if new volunteers do not step forward. Caskey asked that Doug Hembry install temporary handicap-parking signs along the park; Hembry agreed. Mayor Diane Hall, the council and Caskey will meet again in August to discuss transition plans.

Council reviewed an Iowa Community Assurance Pool risk assessment that recommends removing the eastside wooden play structure at City Park because support posts are rotten and support hardware is missing, creating a potential liability. Council member Griggs said he will research replacement play-structure options. Maintenance staff also reported that the Centennial Park slide is split; the minutes state the Lion's Club purchased that play structure from Rainbow Play Systems in 2021 and staff will contact the vendor about replacement.

Mayor Hall presented details from the "Maximillion’s Muddy Puddles Splash Pad Donation Project," which would install a splash pad at no cost to taxpayers but leave the city responsible for long-term operations and maintenance. Council discussion focused on siting, plumbing needs, water usage and ongoing pump maintenance. On a motion by Griggs, seconded by Mason, the council voted to explore an MOU with the donor organization and directed staff to return with estimates of future maintenance costs. The motion passed with Griggs, Mason and Rodgers voting aye; Amsden and Rasmussen were recorded as absent.

Council member Griggs provided an update on the Prairie Grass Restoration Project timeline and fall tasks; no formal action was taken on that item.

Griggs announced Milo had been selected for an RVTV stop on Sept. 8, 2026, and the council discussed entertainment, food and sponsorship possibilities. On a motion by Griggs, seconded by Mason, the council approved a $4,000 budget for the RVTV event to be paid from Local Option Sales Tax; the motion passed with Griggs, Mason and Rodgers voting aye and Amsden and Rasmussen recorded as absent. Griggs will assemble a committee to coordinate the event.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.

Next steps: Council, Mayor Hall and Jennifer Caskey will meet in August to develop a transition plan for the Milo 4th of July event; staff will return to council with cost estimates for ongoing splash pad maintenance and with options for replacing or removing unsafe playground equipment.