Hillsboro City Council Meeting

June 28, 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 meeting and special meeting were approved.

Commissioner’s and Mayor’s reports;

Commissioner Hill reported the playground at Central Park has been completed, the campground is full and all the park signs have been painted. Hill reported on a request from Westrich’s to extend their dock further into the water. John Booher would investigate the request and the request would probably be approved. A benefit concert was held in the park to raise money for the skate park and proceeds are expected to surpass $670.00. The Rotary Club has also donated $100.00 to the Skate park fund.

Commissioner Richmond read a letter from Chief Satterlee asking for everyone to have a safe holiday and remember that auxiliary police will be assisting our fulltime officers and they deserve the same respect. Commissioner Richmond next addressed a problem that needs addressed involving the use of City buildings and equipment. Richmond stated it was his understanding that all the buildings and equipment a department uses are dictated by the Commissioner of that department.

Mayor Baran stated buildings and equipment are first City then departmental and it is the Council that decides what gets used and when.

Commissioner Richmond next informed the Council of a problem with volunteer firemen proceeding through red lights this is not allowed and needs to stop.

Commissioner McCammack asked Water Superintendent Fath to discuss the recent water problems. Fath informed the Council that pumpage is at an all time high and conservation measures need to be adopted. Fath presented the Council with a draft water conservation ordinance and asked that all users abide by the proposed ordinance to see if it is stringent enough to help slow water production at the plant.

Mayor Baran informed everyone that the material for the blade mixing on Glenn Shoals Drive has arrived early and is stockpiled on the South marina parking lot. This will create a bit of a problem parking boats during the Fourth of July weekend. The Mayor stated he sent letters to all of our out of town water customers asking them to help with our water conservation efforts. Efforts are still underway to have the buildings demolished on the Eagle Zinc property. The 10 acres of Eagle Zinc property the City is interested in will be tested in July for any contamination. Mayor Baran also discussed the need to cleanup the railroad right of way from Virginia Street to Crittenden. This is City property and is grown up in weeds and full of debris.

City Attorney Jarman stated he has filed two nuisance complaints. One is the Tretter property on Seward Street and the other is the former Rader property along Busline road. Papers have also been served concerning the weeds and grass at the Seamon property on Wood Street.

City Engineer Hunt stated the resurfacing of Tremont Street was completed on June 23^rd and they will return to dress up the edges near the bridge. The project was extended one extra block further than originally planned at an additional cost of $5,000.00 to make the total $29,000.00. The permit to feed caustic soda at the water treatment plant is still pending.

The proposal concerning the lease and mineral rights for the Challacombe property have been put on hold until more research into the offer can be done.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Hill to allow parking on Rountree Street from Summer to Tremont. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond to approve the following people to the Auxiliary Fire Department; Matt Weiss, Wayne Dowalder, Mark Hughes, Jake Weiss, Justin Reynolds, Natasha Cuppett and Brandi Merriman. Motion carried 5-0.

Matt Hallam was present representing Consolidated Communications explaining their request and plan for a cable franchise in Hillsboro utilizing the existing phone lines. The franchise would be equal to that offered to Charter Communications.

Motion was made by Commissioner McCammack and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to have Hurst & Rosche assist City attorneys with research and documentation concerning funding of the new water plant. The contract is not to exceed $5,000.00. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Hill began a discussion concerning the proposed budget. Hill questioned why her departments were the only ones being cut and how she could maintain or improve things with less money. Commissioner Richmond stated the requirements for the new fire and police pension funds have put a large constraint on the general fund budget and unfortunately there is little that can be done about it this year. Commissioner Hill was informed that if and when a mineral lease for Challacombe properties in Texas is signed a large portion of this money would go back into her funds. This is because the Parks department and Public property department have funded much of the work done at Challacombe for the past 10 years.

Motion was made by Commissioner Trost and seconded by Commissioner McCammack to approve the 2005/2006-appropriation budget in the amount of $14,958,449.00. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost to allow the Water Department to purchase Earth-Tech algaecide in the amount of $4000.00. The algaecide would be used to combat the blue green algae causing taste and odor problems on both lakes. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner Hill asked the Council for their input concerning the leasing of City property to Cheryl Jyawook. Mayor Baran stated he was against the leasing of City property and felt this agreement could present a hardship to elderly people who use this area as access to the lake.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Hill to not approve the lease request from Cheryl Jyawook. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner McCammack to approve the Police Departments grant application for $33,000.00 to be used for in car computers with the City’s share being $4,000.00. The $4000.00 would be paid out of the Police Rural Fund. Motion carried 5-0.

Next Agenda: Consolidated Communications request for a cable franchise agreement, payment on the Tremont Street resurfacing, water conservation ordinance, Skate Park and the purchase of a dump truck in the Street Department.

Motion to adjourn was made at 8:25 p.m. by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost. Motion carried 5-0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dave Booher, City Clerk