Hillsboro City Council Meeting
February 22, 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.
Commissioner Hill reported on receiving a preliminary design for the new skateboard park and departmental employees getting the campground ready for opening. Commissioner Hill also announced anyone wishing to work, as a lifeguard should begin his or her application process.
Commissioner Richmond presented the Council and City Attorney with copies of pictures illustrating the discharge of raw sewage at the Vernish property on East Seward Street. Attorney Jarman recommended sending an abatement notice and follow up with a notice of condemnation if they do not comply. Officer Brewer mentioned the City might consider contacting the IEPA for aid in the matter.
Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Hill to instruct the City Attorney to begin proceedings against Mr. Vernish and his property on East Seward Street. He is to abate the trash, cars and sewage problems or condemnation proceedings will follow. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Baran announced a Public Meeting being held at the University of Illinois Extension office on March 3rd at 6:30 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss findings of a recent Total Maximum Daily Load study involving both Hillsboro lakes. TMDL specifies the amount of contaminants a body of water is allowed to receive from the watershed. Mayor Baran next discussed the fact that since Illinois Power has become Ameren there has been no further discussion concerning the settlement involving the relocation of the water treatment plant.
City Engineer Hunt reported the 2005 Motor Fuel Tax proposal has been submitted to I.D.O.T. for their approval, then a bid date can be set for this years street repair program. They have also been working on the platting of the Eagle Zinc property and should have copies ready this week for the Councils review.
City Attorney Jarman reported that the I.D.O.T. application for a rail spur has been completed and forwarded to Hixson Lumber for their input. Mrs. Wright on South Main has been contacted concerning a nuisance abatement order involving her property and she has stated she will comply. Jarman informed the Council he had what is believed to be a valid address for the Durbin’s who owe the City for a defaulted Revolving Fund Loan. The cost of serving the notice would be $200.00.
Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost to approve the expenditure of $200 to serve papers on the Durbin’s for nonpayment of their Revolving Fund Loan. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Hill next discussed her recommendation to allow Jeff Eisentraut to lease the Glenn Shoals Marina. Mr. Eisentraut ran the Beach last year and would like to operate both this year.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hill and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to approve the lease of the Glenn Shoals Marina to Jeff Eisentraut under the same terms as the previous lessee. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hill and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to approve Resolution 2005-1, which demonstrates the Council’s commitment to the building of a skate park in Hillsboro. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hill and seconded by Commissioner Trost to approve the purchase or Christmas lighting in the amount of $3,598.00 to be paid under the new budget. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion was made by Commissioner Trost and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to approve the first payment to RCI Technology for the GASB required inventory audit. The payment is for $3,100.00. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner McCammack began a discussion on septic tank rules and regulations. Ron Merriman informed the Council that septic tanks need to be chlorinated and pumped every three years. There is also supposed to be a certificate of inspection verifying the septic tank is performing as designed. Jim Lohman (local plumber) did not think the inspections were being done, out of sight out of mind. Mayor Baran stated letters of concern should be sent to all those using septic tanks to see that they are being maintained. There was also concern expressed as to whether the City has any jurisdiction over tanks around the lakes that are not in the City limits. Mayor Baran suggested the Health Department being contacted first and then proceed to the IEPA if they can’t help. Mayor Baran next instructed Commissioner McCammack, Ron Merriman and Attorney Jarman to study the present ordinance and suggest any changes that need to be included. These would address installation, inspection and fees involved with septic systems.
Commissioner McCammack next read a letter from Street Department employee Carl Miller stating his intention to retire at the end of April with his last actual work day being at the end of March. Accrued vacation would carry him to the end of April.
Motion was made by Commissioner McCammack and seconded by Commissioner Trost to bid a job opening in the Street Department with bids to be submitted to City Hall by March 2, at 4:00 pm. Motion carried 5-0.
There was a brief discussion concerning the appointments of the new boards that will be created in the Police and Fire Departments since exceeding the 5,000-population mark.
Sergeant Brewer was asked to explain the U turn laws on Main Street. Basically Brewer stated if you are traveling north and cross over to park in a South bound parking stall this constitutes a U turn.
Motion to adjourn was made at 7:43 pm by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted
Dave Booher, City Clerk