The Milton City Council rolled out a new "branding toolkit" on Monday, flexing their creative muscles to give the city, its character areas, and its government a fresh and cohesive image. This toolkit, stuffed with fonts, logos, colors, promises the flexibility for staff to cherry-pick elements that best suit the city's promotional needs. City Attorney Ken Jarrard dubbed the resolution approved by the Council as "a palette," which allows the City "a whole lot of flexibility," as reported by the City of Milton's official website.
Mayor Peyton Jamison mentioned, "I think we’re 95% there," while addressing the City Council, on their unanimous vote which evidenced a broad backing for the branding changes. Despite some Councilmembers airing minor concerns, such as Jan Jacobus questioning a lamppost icon, and Carol Cookerly raising an eyebrow at the "Milton by Design" slogan, consensus ruled the day. Aaron Arnett and Shawn Terpack from Arnett Muldrow, the firm behind the designs, led the extensive presentation that set the council's approval in motion.
Meanwhile, residents of Providence Plantation homeowners gave the council an earful on their opposition to the proposed D’Rose Vintners farm winery. Just one dissenting voice rose in the 45-minute open mic session, signaling a neighborhood not ready to hoist a glass to the new venture. In contrast, City Council's consent agenda sailed through, sealing deals with various service providers, from ballet classes courtesy of the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre to outdoor adventures with NOC Adventure—just some of Milton's broader engagement with the arts and the great outdoors.
The financial state of the city also took center stage with Deputy City Manager Bernadette Harvill detailing proposed budget amendments for Fiscal Year 2024. Harvill's presentation, which covered increments from a new fire station to parklands, tossed up issues like uneven revenue streams. And yet, there's talk of adding more positions in the Police and Public Works departments in a money-saving maneuver – hiring in-house rather than contracting out. The upcoming Regular Meeting on April 8 is expected to be decision day for these budget drafts.
