Milford workshop weighs restroom staffing, cemetery gates and park equipment priorities

Milford staff and councilors spent the bulk of their budget workshop reviewing parks and recreation needs, from restroom access and janitorial support to playground replacement and cemetery gates.

Staff (Speaker 2) said Milford currently contributes $5,000 a year to the school district toward janitorial costs and described a recent meeting with district officials, principals and janitorial staff. To reduce ad-hoc demands on the district and to keep park restrooms maintained, staff proposed either increasing the city’s contribution or hiring a year-round, part-time city employee who would clean park restrooms, unlock and lock facilities by schedule and staff events. "We can contribute more money to the school district and they can hopefully add more hours," Speaker 2 said, then offered the alternate idea: "What if Milford City created a part time position that was year round and this individual would take care of our pavilion bathrooms and our rec complex bathrooms."

Councilors discussed specific capital items: a $6,338 quote to add automatic unlock/lock mechanisms at the pavilion restrooms, a $952 estimate for parking-lot work at the recreation complex, and long-standing playground equipment at the old pool park that staff said likely needs replacement in coming years. On cemetery gates — a multiyear item — councilors debated gating designs, locking versus spring-closing pedestrian gates that impede bikes, enforcement practicality and ADA access. The group agreed to try signage first (no dogs, no bikes; specify motorized vs. non-motorized) and assigned the gate project a priority of 3 for now.

The council also discussed donated wrestling mats from Milford High School and storage options: a 20-foot cargo trailer (~$10,000) or a Connex container (~$3,850). Staff suggested asking the school district if a Connex container could be placed at the elementary site for closer storage; councilors said they would inquire before purchasing new storage.

Councilors left several items on the wish list for further cost estimates — bleacher awnings, an upgraded mower for the golf course and additional dripper systems for new trees — and scheduled a follow-up meeting focused on wages that will determine how many of these projects can be funded in the final budget.

The council adjourned at 12:29 p.m.