Hillsboro City Council Meeting
March 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 Richmond, Trost, McCammack and Hill.
Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Commissioner Hill reported that she has contracted with Andrea and Michael Malisia to operate the pool at Central Park. Merle McFarlin will have his grand opening for his Family Fun Center on April 1st at 5:00 pm. at Central Park. Commissioner Hill stated she would also be selecting lifeguards for this season. Training will be held April 8th and 9th. Hill will also be looking for someone to operate the Marina this year; Mr. Eisentraut was originally slated to operate the facility but will be unable to. Hill also discussed the need to sell some surplus property in her department or any other City department. Attorney Jarman stated this could only be done through sealed bids or a public auction.
Commissioner Richmond reported new floor tiles being installed at the Fire Department. Commissioner Richmond asked Chief Satterlee to come forward and present Deputy Chief Turcol with the “Governor’s 20 Award” for outstanding accomplishments in the field of police combat pistol competition.
Commissioner Trost informed the Council of a letter he had received from ESDA Coordinator Diana Holmes informing everyone of meeting in Taylor Springs addressing “unified command”. The meeting date is scheduled for August 6th and to insure future federal funding the City must have representation present.
Commissioner McCammack informed the Council that the Street Department has been installing new water lines. McCammack also discussed the increasing fuel prices and that if prices don’t come down some City services may have to be curtailed. Roger Fath, Water Superintendent discussed the need for accurate meter readings throughout the City. Consumers that presently call or send their readings in will have their readings verified and all City entities will become metered. This process is needed to validate the amount of water produced versus the amounts of water being billed.
Mayor Baran thanked the Council and Supervisors for their attendance at these past weeks Quarterly Meeting, which he felt, was very informative and productive.
City Attorney Jarman stated there is a nuisance hearing scheduled for this Thursday at 4:00 pm with Joel Lohr concerning his abatement notice. Jarman stated he would also have an amended septic tank ordinance for the Council to review at the next regular meeting. Jarman also mentioned that he has reviewed a document for AIG concerning supplemental annuity policies some City employees have and would have a resolution prepared concerning these for the next meeting.
Fire Chief Lyerla informed the Council of the need to subscribe to a statewide mutual fire aid agreement. If a department wishes to pursue further grant funding it is mandatory they subscribe to the statewide agreement. An ordinance will be drawn up and be voted on at the next meeting addressing this subject.
Nancy Slepicka was present to inform the Council of the upcoming 4th Annual Roubaix bike race to be held in and around Hillsboro on April 9th. There were 360 participants last year and they expect to have at least that many this year. Traffic logistics will again be coordinated through the Hillsboro Police Department and the Hillsboro Auxiliary Police. Last year the organizers were able to donate $1,000.00 back to the community of Hillsboro.
Water Superintendent Fath reported to the Council the need to be able to feed caustic soda at the water plant to help combat any corrosiveness in the treated water. This would help alleviate any red water complaints.
Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner McCammack to have Hurst & Rosche apply for an IEPA permit allowing for feeding of caustic soda at the water plant. The cost of preparing the application would be $3,950.00. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion was made by Commissioner McCammack and seconded by Commissioner Hill to accept the bids recommended by Hurst & Rosche for the 2005 MFT program. The bids were awarded to Litchfield Bituminous in the amount of $49,888.48, Louis Marsh for Item #2 in the amount of $15,025.00 and Louis Marsh for item #4 in the amount of $4,250.00 and Nokomis Quarry for item #5 in the amount of $4,620.00. There were no bids on item #3. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Baran read a letter from Dennis Beard who submitted his letter of resignation from the Planning Commission due to his moving from the area. Mayor Baran and Commissioner Trost both stated they would miss his input on assistance on the Planning Commission and other City subjects.
Motion was made by Commissioner Trost and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to accept the resignation of Dennis Beard from the Planning Commission. Motion carried 5-0.
There was a proposal for the lining of 5 city manholes placed on the agenda. This item was tabled to be brought back to the Council at a later date.
Upcoming Agenda Items:
Hiring of summer help, discuss and set date for spring cleanup, mutual aid agreement for the fire department, a resolution involving supplemental insurance with AIG, and a report on nuisance abatements.
Motion to adjourn was made at 7:35 by Commissioner Hill and seconded by Commissioner Trost. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dave Booher, City Clerk