Hillsboro City Council Meeting

January 25, 2005

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

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

Minutes of the previous meetings were approved.

Mayor and Commissioners Reports

Mayor Baran opened the meeting by complementing all the City departments involved with combating the fire on Main Street. Mayor Baran stated without everyone’s cooperation the loss of property could have been much worse.

Commissioner Hill reported having departmental meetings to organize this year’s work schedule. Commissioner Hill also recommended having paper work drawn up to document the City’s commitment to property for the Sports Association and what is expected of both entities. This would be prepared by the City Attorney.

Commissioner Richmond introduced Sergeant Brewer of the Police Department to inform everyone of a pursuit that took place the night before. Brewer explained there were individuals in town attempting to purchase Sudafed, which is used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The individuals refused to register with the store they were purchasing it from therefore the store contacted the Hillsboro Police Department. Officers attempted to stop the individuals for questioning, but they sped away trying to elude the officers. A pursuit ensued and in the process the suspect’s vehicle spun out near Irving and in the process two squad cars were damaged. Multiple felony counts have been filed against the suspects. Sergeant Brewer stated it is necessary for the Department to show a strong front against the possible manufacture of drugs to keep them from Hillsboro.

Commissioner Trost reminded everyone to begin work on this year’s budget and he had a request for a donation from the Post Prom Committee. The request would be placed on next meeting’s agenda.

Commissioner McCammack discussed this next year’s 2005 MFT program. McCammack stated in the past the City has contracted approximately $30,000.00 worth of sidewalk replacements, but doesn’t anticipate doing this next year. The roads in town are suffering and need the additional $30,000.00 for major repairs. McCammack plans to use a paver to fix the problems on Tremont Street and use specially trained experts to assist in using a blade mix from the North road to the marina. There will still be some sidewalk work done, but this will be done by City workers time and budget permitting.

Engineer Scott Hunt reported the closeout paper work for the 2004 MFT program has been completed and submitted to I.D.O.T. for approval. Hunt next expanded on Commissioner McCammack’s explanation of this years MFT program. The paving of Tremont Street could extend from Chase Street to Eccles, instead of Railroad Street and save nearly $25,000 which could then be used in the blade mixing of the road to the South Marina. Hunt recommended the rental of a 10,000 lb roller during the blade mix project as well as hiring a person trained in this type of road repair.

City Attorney Jarman presented the Council with a report illustrating all the current projects he is working on and their time frames. Jarman reported the preparing of four nuisance abatement notices which will be mailed on Wednesday. Jarman reported we still don’t have a valid address for Ron Durbin, who has defaulted on his Revolving Fund Loan. Jarman suggested requiring birthdates along with social security numbers on the loan applications. This makes the searching for addresses easier. Documents for the Hospital bonding project have been signed and sent off. Jarman next informed everyone that Hixson Lumber was not interested in temporary use of the Eagle Zinc siding and would prefer to wait for until a permanent siding is approved before using it.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Hill to approve Jorn Signs replacement of the sign on the Fire House. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Richmond reported the roof on the Fire House has been repaired by Maintenance Supervisor Blankenship and may not need any further work.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost to allocate $8,500 for the materials to construct an area to isolate the dispatchers from the general public. Maintenance Supervisor Blankenship will perform the work, which is expected to take four weeks. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Hill to approve the lease purchase of a 2003 Chevy diesel truck for $24,000.00 from Roger Jennings to be used by the Fire Department. The purchase would be from the Rural Fire Fund. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Trost informed the group that the sale of two vehicles in the Fire Department would help pay for the purchase.

Upcoming Agenda Items

Mayor Baran asked Attorney Jarman to research the needed steps to establish a Police and Fire Board and prepare an ordinance authorizing the establishment of it.

Other items to address will be the approval of the 2005 MFT appropriation and a request for a donation to the Post Prom Committee.

Mayor Baran also asked the Council to be considering available dates for a Council and Supervisors meeting in February.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dave Booher, City Clerk