Hillsboro City Council Meeting

December 13, 2005

Mayor Baran called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

Roll call was taken and those present were Mayor Baran and Commissioners Trost, Richmond, McCammack and Hill.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Mayor and Commissioners Reports

Commissioner Hill reported that the bathroom at the Parks office is nearly completed.

Commissioner Richmond reported the Fire Department has completed the flow testing of all the fire hydrants in town and would compile a list of any repairs that need to be done. Commissioner Richmond stated he would like to agenda the appointment of Cris Papin to the Fire Auxiliary at the next meeting. The Department has received notification they have been awarded a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that will be used to purchase equipment.

Commissioner Richmond reported for the Police Department that this month there have been 6 traffic accidents, 24 verbal warnings issued, 13 written warnings issued, 18 traffic citations, 7 non-traffic citations, 4 City ordinance violations and 1 parking ticket issued. During the last snow on December 8, 2005 there was a need to tow 3 vehicles off Main Street during snow removal. The Department feels there needs to be more signs on Main Street addressing this issue. The Department has also added the Marvin Beal vehicle to their fleet through forfeiture.

Sergeant Brewer notified the Council the Department would be pursuing a grant to purchase more in car computers. If the application is approved he would ask the Council for a commitment of funds at a future meeting.

Commissioner Richmond reported for Code Enforcement Officer Booher that since last month 6 vehicle abatement notices have come into compliance. There have been two vehicles towed for non-compliance of abatement notices this month. The cleanup of the Rader property has been completed.

Commissioner McCammack reported the fall cleanup went well as did this past weeks snow removal. Commissioner Hill commended McCammack on his method of cleanup preferring this to stacking materials at the curb, which looks bad.

Mayor Baran reported work is progressing on getting funding and approval for the rail siding South of Eagle Zinc.

City Attorney Jarman reported contacting Dianna Wright concerning her property on Main Street and that she has complied with her abatement notice. The agreement with Ameren IP should be completed within the next couple of weeks.

City Engineer Hunt reported paper work for the completion of the 2005 MFT program would need to be gathered after December 31^st. The preliminary design of the new water treatment plant has been completed and work is continuing on the final design and a floor plan should be ready for Council approval at the January meeting. The exterior design will either be steel or tilted concrete panels depending on cost comparisons.

Motion was made by Commissioner Trost and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to pay this month bills in the amount of $153,334.17. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost to approve Tax Levy Ordinance #1423 in the amount of $593,000.00. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Trost and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to approve Resolution #2005-6 abating the taxes authorized by Ordinance #1284. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Hill to approve Resolution #2005-7 abating the taxes authorized by Ordinance #1361. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hill and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to approve the lease assignment of Lot #64 at Lakewood Estates from Ekstrom to Craig.

Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hill and seconded by Commissioner Trost to approve the lease assignment of the Bennings on Lot #53 at Lakewood Estates. Motion carried 5-0.

There was a brief discussion on streamlining the lease assignment approvals involving Lakewood Estates. The Council felt like this is a matter that could be addressed by the Mayor and Commissioner of Public Property. City Attorney Jarman stated this would involve a change in the lease agreements and would have to be approved by all the present leaseholders. This could be accomplished but would take some time.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost to approve Hurst & Rosche completing the NPDS permit application on behalf of the wastewater treatment facility. The cost was not to exceed $3,500.00. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost to approve the Council’s Resolution of support (Resolution 2005-6) for a CDAP grant application for funds to construct a new water treatment plant. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner McCammack and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to approve Resolution #2005-7 to commit funds to use in conjunction with Illinois Community Development Assistance Program grant funds. These funds will be used to construct a 10 million dollar water treatment plant. Motion carried 5-0.

City Attorney Jarman informed the Council of the proposed mineral rights involving the Challacombe estate and the financial rewards of such an agreement. The City would receive a bonus cash allotment of $450 per mineral acre for a 2 year lease which amounts to $381,150.00. There is also a 25% royalty to be paid to the City for any mineral production from the property.

Motion was made by Commissioner Trost and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to approve Ordinance # 1424 authorizing the oil and gas lease of the Challacombe mineral rights to Fortson Oil Company. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Trost informed the Council of a Revolving Fund loan request from Greg Chambers in the amount of $20,000.00. The money would be used for inventory. Trost mentioned the loan review committee had met and recommend the approval of the loan.

Motion was made by Commissioner Trost and seconded by Commissioner McCammack to approve a Revolving Fund loan to Greg Chambers in the amount of $20,000.00. The loan will be for seven years at 4 percent interest. Motion carried 5-0.

Mayor Baran read a proclamation declaring December to be National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention month.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost to approve Mayor Baran’s proclamation naming December drunk and drugged driving prevention month. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost to hold only this one meeting in December due to the holidays. Motion carried 5-0.

Upcoming Agenda Items,

The appointment of Chris Papin to the Auxiliary Fire Department and discuss changes to Lakewood Estates lease assignment policy.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dave Booher