New Restrooms, Concession Building Approved

Special town meeting voters agreed to provide another $150,000 to construct a new restroom and concession building to complete the athletics complex at Milford High School, after 20 minutes of argument.

The money was approved Monday in a divided vote — 112 in favor and 48 opposed. The additional funds, when combined with about $150,000 in savings on the $3 million athletics fields project, will provide up to

Selectmen were divided in their recommendation to Town Meeting. William Buckley, who opposed the article, said the town needed to reach out to contractors, who could contribute their services. "I think it's time we represent our seniors and our neighbors," he said.

Selectman Brian Murray, who argued in favor of the article, said the bathrooms have to be made handicapped accessible, and relocated to a more central spot, closer to the softball fields. "The town has committed to do this project the right way," Murray said.

Several town meeting representatives spoke either in favor, or against.

Cheryl Shea, who argued in favor, said the town needs to think of its children. She pointed out that raising funds, and getting in-kind contributions, is difficult in the current economy. "Every one of us owes it to the community to vote yes on this," she said. "Enough is enough. We owe it to our kids."

In earlier votes, town meeting representatives quickly approved several articles Monday, including a raise for police officers, money for the Fourth of July fireworks and $75,000 for replacing a damaged component of the Milford Town Library air conditioning system.

Led by Moderator Michael Noferi, 156 elected town meeting members approved the first three articles on the warrant with little discussion.

In authorizing $77,500 for a new police union contract, the voters agreed to give unionized police employees a 1.5 percent raise, retroactive to July 1, as well as a 1 percent raise in January.

The fireworks article, the first approved, will provide $18,000 for the 2012 fireworks display at Plains Park.

The library air conditioning unit, a Trane chiller, will replace a unit that is 29 years old. It was not covered in a 2006 renovation.