HILLSBORO CITY COUNCIL MEETING

OCTOBER 25, 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, Hill and McCammack.

 

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

 

Commissioners and Mayors reports;

 

Commissioner Hill reported the Parks Department had a great “Haunted Forest” weekend in the park with hayrides and a wiener roast.  Commissioner Hill thanked all those involved for making the event such a success.

 

Commissioner Hill updated the Council on a meeting that was held the past Tuesday concerning the protection of Glenn Shoals Lake.  Agreements were reached concerning ski areas and no wake areas.  Those in attendance were very much interested in protecting the lake not only as a water source, but also as a recreation area. 

 

Commissioner Richmond gave the Council illustrations for a new door and lock for the rear entrance to the Police Department for their review.  Commissioner Richmond would make a recommendation for its replacement at the next meeting.

 

Commissioner McCammack discussed the possibility of a Fall cleanup similar to that we have had in the Spring for late November.  McCammack also mentioned the need for leaf pickup one week in November.  These event dates would be finalized at the next meeting.

 

Mayor Baran discussed a problem with a building on Main Street that had recently been hit by a vehicle.  The wall was in need of immediate repair due to safety issues.  Mayor Baran asked the City Attorney to look into the matter and notify the driver’s insurance company of the necessity to have the building fixed.

 

City Attorney Jarman reported on the progress at the former Rader Lumber Company.  The Courts have ruled the property is to be mowed by this Friday. By November 28th the brush piles are to be removed and a large hole filled.  If the order is not complied with there will be a $500.00 fine plus a $100.00 a day additional fine.  Jarman stated court papers have been filed on the Diana Wright property at 1302 S. Main Street.  Jarman also asked that the Challacombe mineral rights lease be place on the next agenda.

 

City Engineer Hunt reported that we still need the latest low to moderate income surveys from our satellite systems so work can proceed on the City’ application for a CDAP grant.  Mayor Baran stated he would try to contact the Mayor’s of the satellites and get copies of their latest surveys.  It was also suggested DCEO might also be contacted to see if there are updated files for our satellites, before we have them look to hard for possibly outdated material.  Soil borings at the site of the new water treatment plant have been completed and results should be available soon.  There will be a meeting with CB&I to discuss the proposed plant layout and get their professional opinions of the layout.  Pre-applications have been submitted to Rural Development and IEPA for additional funding for the new water plant.  Hunt also mentioned they would schedule a meeting with Commissioner McCammack and Water Superintendent Fath to discuss the proposed plant layout. 

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner McCammack to approve the closing of Route 16 East and 127 South at their intersection for Veteran’s Day celebration dedicating the new War Memorial.  The closure would be from 10 am to 1 pm.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Trost and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to approve Resolution 2005-5 establishing a capitalization policy for the City of Hillsboro.  This resolution is required due to comply with the Government Accounting Standards Board Statement 34.  Motion carried 5-0. (See attachment)

 

Commissioner Hill briefly again discussed her requested changes to the present Glenn Shoals Lake ordinance as it applies to use of public owned land. 

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Hill and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to adopt Ordinance 1419 amending Section 31-1-3 of Glenn Shoals Lake ordinance allowing for publicly owned land to remain in its natural state for the life of the lake.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Hill and seconded by Commissioner Trost to approve a contract allowing for the planting of 25 trees on the East side of the creek in Central Park.  The company involved had agreed to pay a $1000.00 for an environmental easement.  The motion is also predicated on the City being allowed to mow around the trees.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

There was a brief discussion concerning the purchase of surplus equipment at an upcoming auction.  One of the items to be auctioned was a uni-lift, which the City could use in many areas.  It could be used for tree trimming, putting up Christmas lights, putting up banners etc.  The Council wanted some time to research the request and see what we are currently spending for these services.  The request would be tabled until the next Council meeting.

 

Commissioner McCammack discussed some changes in the water collection ordinance that he would like to see added.  One was to increase the water deposit fee from $100.00 to $150.00, the next change would send a notice to the tenant and owner if the bill is 30 days past due or $100.00 in arrears, and lastly disconnect notices would be sent by first class mail eliminating the practice of delivering door hanger notices.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner McCammack to approve Ordinance 1420 amending Section 38-2-1 (1) and 38-2-6(A) of the present utility shutoff code.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

Mayor Baran read a letter he had composed for the Animal Shelter Committee releasing the City of Hillsboro from all ties to their funds.  This would enable the Committee to use their funds as necessary to achieve their goals.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost to approve an expenditure procedure for the Animal Shelter Committee relinquishing any claims the City may have on the funds.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost to accept the report of the Glenn Shoals and Lake Hillsboro Resource Planning Committee as pertaining to the problems and possible solutions on Lake Glenn Shoals and its watershed.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

Commissioner Hill entered into a discussion for the need to bring City Hall up to date with some extensive remodeling.  Hill asked the Council to begin thinking about what changes they would like to see and then getting some estimates to have ready for next years budget.  Hill also stated there are grants that need to be pursued to fund these types of projects.

 

Upcoming Agenda Items; The lease of the Challacombe mineral rights in Texas, setting dates for fall cleanup and leaf pickup, a new door for the Police Department and the purchase of surplus property (uni-lift).

 

Motion was to adjourn was made at 7:55 by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Hill.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

Respectfully Submitted

Dave Booher, City Clerk