Hillsboro City Council Meeting
July 12, 2005
Mayor Baran called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Roll call was taken and those present were Mayor Baran, Commissioners Trost, Richmond, Hill and McCammack.
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Commissioner Hill reported things are going well at the campground and all went well 4th of July weekend. The Bluegrass Festival will be held the weekend of July 22nd and interested vendors should contact City Hall or Commissioner Hill. Other events that weekend include a car show a miniature golf tournament and a swim party all held at Central Park with the proceeds going to the Skate park. There is also an old tyme tractor show being held at Lake Hillsboro as well as a citywide yard sale that same weekend. Commissioner Hill next mentioned that she had received 45 cases of ice cream sandwiches to be sold as a fundraiser for the skate park. Hill next discussed a proposal for free trees to be planted west of the creek at Central Park in order to accomplish this an easement reviewed by the City Attorney, would need to be signed at the next meeting. Hill announced her department would be getting a free employee through the Green Thumb program.
Commissioner Richmond reported for the Police Department that in June they have worked 18 traffic accidents and made 6 warrant arrests. There were 38 verbal warnings issued, 24 written warnings, 26 traffic citations, 11 non-traffic citations, 7 city ordinance citations, and 1 parking ticket. Richmond also informed the Council that the Illinois State Police District 18 would be using the firing range for the dates of July 15, 22, and 29th for carbine certification. Richmond reported for the Code Enforcement Officer that last month there were 8-vehicle abatement notices issued of which 4 have complied and the other 4 have until this Friday. There have been 3 cleanup notices issued and all have complied. The City is seeking condemnation on 3 properties and the City Attorney is addressing these. Four swimming pools were shut down for failure to have the required fencing, two have complied and the other two have removed the pools. There have been nine building permits issued this month. Commissioner Richmond also informed the Council that he would like to have the purchase of a hand held radar unit placed on the next agenda.
Commissioner Trost informed the Council of an IDNR grant the Fire Department was applying for to allow for the purchase of additional pagers.
Commissioner McCammack informed everyone that the Tremont Street resurfacing project has been completed and that resurfacing of Glenn Shoals Drive will begin on Monday. Residents in the area should use alternate roads.
Water Superintendent Fath reported that algae blooms on both lakes are causing treatment problems and causing taste and odor problems. Fath asked for emergency approval to replace an aging carbon feeder in hopes to solving many of the taste and odor complaints.
Motion was made by Commissioner McCammack and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to approve the emergency purchase of a carbon feeder for the water treatment plant. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Baran reported the proposed rail siding near the Eagle Zinc property is close to becoming a reality. This would allow local businesses to have supplies brought in by rail.
Motion was made by Commissioner Trost and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to approve payment of bills in the amount of $184,274.28. Motion carried 5-0.
City Attorney Jarman was on vacation.
City Engineer Hunt stated the permit has been received to allow for the use of caustic soda in the water treatment process.
Motion was made by Commissioner Trost and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to approve a 2-year cable franchise contract with Illinois Consolidated Communications with a 5% franchise fee to the City. This would be Ordinance #1415 Motion carried 5-0.
Motion was made by Commissioner McCammack and seconded by Commissioner Hill to adopt Ordinance # 1416 establishing water conservation guidelines. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion was made by Commissioner McCammack to approve payment in the amount of $24,234.00 to DeLaurent construction for resurfacing Tremont Street. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion was made by Commissioner McCammack and seconded by Commissioner Trost to pay DeLaurent Construction an additional $4,333.65 for extra work done resurfacing Tremont Street. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Hill discussed her options for replacing the golf cart being used by our campground hosts and recommended trading ours in for a 2002 model.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hill and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to replace the golf cart in the campground with a 2002 model at a cost of $3,150.00. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Hill next discussed the proposed skate park and the funds that have been donated to date ($10,694.27). Commissioner Hill also discussed the additional funds that will be placed back in her department after the oil and gas agreement is reached concerning the Challacombe Estate and asked that $20,000 of these funds be used at the skate park.
Motion was made by Commissioner Hill and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to commit $20,000 to the Hillsboro skate park. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner McCammack informed the Council that he had taken specifications for a new dump truck to the area dealers and was ready to make the purchase.
Motion was made by Commissioner McCammack and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to waive bidding and purchase a used dump truck (100 miles) from Wright Automotive at a cost of $52,859.27 with a factory warranty. The purchase is to be financed over 4 years to stay within budget constraints. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Baran asked the Council to consider raising mileage reimbursement amounts to meet that of State and Federal guidelines.
Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner McCammack to raise mileage reimbursements for city business from .34 per mile to .40 cents per mile. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner McCammack discussed a problem involving property ownership at the corner of Welch and Ash Street. McCammack stated if we have encroached our road onto private property we would be moving it.
Motion was made by Commissioner McCammack and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to have Hurst and Rosche Engineers survey the city road at the corner of Welch and Ash Streets to determine City’s property. The fee is to be $1,200.00. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Baran introduced Cheryl Jyawook who was present to present her case for allowing her to lease city owned property adjacent to her cabin at the Old Lake.
Ms. Jyawook explained she was interested in protecting her investment by leasing City ground and making improvements upon the property. These would involve drainage work and the planting of trees.
Mayor Baran asked the Council to individually look at the property Ms. Jyawook is interested in and bring their recommendations back to the Council.
John Petcher was present and wanted to address some problems in East Hillsboro, but was asked to attend the next Council meeting and be placed on the agenda. Mr. Petcher was also informed to discuss his drainage problems with Commissioner McCammack.
Motion was made at 7:50 pm by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost to go into executive session to discuss possible litigation. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Baran reconvened the regular Council meeting at 8:53 pm.
Motion to adjourn was made at 8:55 pm by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner McCammack. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dave Booher, City Clerk