Hillsboro City Council Meeting

September 13, 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, McCammack and Hill.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Commissioner Hill noted that she would be meeting with a urban forester to reinstate Hillsboro as a “Tree City”.

Commissioner Richmond reporting for Code Enforcement Officer Booher stated there have been three nuisance properties referred to the City Attorney. There has been one citation issued for weeds, there has been 16 cleanup notices issued of which 12 have complied. The City Attorney was provided pictures of the Ron Melow property at 421 Crittenden that needs addressed. Mr. Summer’s owner of the old Rader Lumber Company has stopped work on his cleanup of that property. The Courts have granted the City condemnation rights for the Tretter property on Seward Street.

Commissioner Richmond reported that in the Police Department this month there have been 9 accident calls, 9 warrant arrests, 13 verbal warnings, 26 written warnings, 34 traffic citations, 17 non-traffic citations, 8 city ordinance violations and 1 parking ticket issued. Commissioner Richmond also noted the Department has received numerous complaints concerning parking of cars along Seymour and side streets when school is dismissed at Beckemeyer. Commissioner Richmond stated he has no answer to this problem nor does the school.

Commissioner Richmond also noted there has already been instances of cars and houses being egged. Richmond stated his department would charge anyone caught in these acts with the maximum fine as well as criminal damage to property. Sergeant Brewer noted that parents are held responsible for any damages their juveniles cause.

Commissioner McCammack stated the Waste Water Department had completed their annual USEPA testing requirements.

Mayor Baran informed the group of an upcoming meeting with Ameren IP to discuss funding of the new water treatment plant. Mayor Baran also expressed the need to move forward on the removal of the Tretter house on Seward Street.

Mayor Baran asked Commissioner McCammack to research cost estimates on the demolition and removal of the Tretter house. City Attorney Jarman was also instructed to give the Tretter family a specific time to remove any personal belongings.

City Treasurer McCoy asked for approval to pay this months bills.

Motion was made by Commissioner Trost and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to approve payment of the bills totaling $193, 268.10. Motion carried 5-0.

City Attorney Jarman informed the Council that abatement notices have been sent concerning the Melow property on Crittenden. The abatements on the Wright property on South Main are still being addressed. There will be a status hearing on the Summer’s property in Hillcrest at the end of September. Mayor Baran stated that Mr. Summers needs to contact the Fire Department before he does any burning on the property. Jarman mentioned that work is still ongoing concerning the lease of Challacombe mineral rights in Texas.

City Engineer Hunt reported that the deadline for CDAP grants has been extended to January 10, 2006 therefore the City needs to complete an income survey. Before the survey can begin the City needs copies of surveys conducted in our satellite communities, then we can apply for approval to do a random survey in Hillsboro. Hunt reported a contract for final design of the new water plant would be ready for approval at the next Council meeting.

Mayor Baran reported any action on the proposed rail siding would be tabled until further notice.

City Attorney Jarman presented the Council with a request for a lease reassignment approval in Lakewood Estates. The property was to go from Mileau to Scroggins.

After must discussion concerning the lack of time to review the request a motion was made.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Hill to approve the lease assignment in Lakewood Estates from Mileau to Scroggins. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner McCammack and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to instruct the City Attorney to draw up an ordinance vacating an alley at the North end of Fairmont Place. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner McCammack to instruct the City Attorney to prepare and ordinance authorizing the closing of an alley between Jefferson and Oak Street and bordered on the South by Summer Street. Motion carried 5-0.

City Attorney Jarman reported that Illinois Consolidated has asked for a change in the franchise agreement before it can be finalized, the major change was to extend the agreement from only two years to five years.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost to approve changes in the cable franchise with Consolidated Communications. The change would reflect a five-year agreement instead of two years and allow for a public access channel. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost to allow for salary grouping in this years Treasurer’s financial publication report. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Hill to approve Hurst & Rosche to complete the annual dam inspections at a cost of $3,500. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Hill and seconded by Commissioner Richmond to approve a request from Jerry Dowding to use the Plaza on September 24th for a fundraiser-addressing hurricane Katrina. Motion carried 5-0.

Commissioner McCammack discussed the need to change procedures for collecting on delinquent water accounts. The City is spending too much time, money and manpower on contacting accounts that are habitually overdue. There needs to be a better way and this will be researched before the next meeting.

Commissioner McCammack also addressed the monthly brush pickup program and stated with the rising cost of fuel the program will be cancelled. The rest of the Council agreed with his decision.

Upcoming agenda items; changes in procedures for collecting delinquent water accounts, setting aside of funds to preserve the lakes, final report of Glenn Shoals and Hillsboro Lakes Resource Planning Committee, Ameren IP agreement.

Motion to adjourn was made at 7:50 by Commissioner Richmond and seconded by Commissioner Trost. Motion carried 5-0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dave Booher, City Clerk