South Central Reporter

City of Hillsboro City Council met Feb. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.

Roll call was taken and those present were Mayor Downs and Commissioners Wright, Butler and Ward. Commissioner Gregory was absent because of illness.

The "Pledge of Allegiance" was recited.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Commissioners' reports:

Commissioner Butler read his report for public properties and streets and they will be included in the minutes.

Commissioner Gregory was absent

Commissioner Wright read her report and it will be included in the minutes.

Commissioner Ward said he met with CNB Bank with Bonnie and could possibly be buying some CD's with reserves.

Mayor Downs commended the fire department for their quick response to the fire on Hickory St. and said the police department has been kept pretty busy and thanked the police department for their work at the hospital & jail on a call. Downs reminded everyone to keep their leaves and gumballs picked up and out of the drains.

Community Planner's report will be included in the minutes.

City Engineer was not present.

Public Comments:

Jim O'Neill addressed the Council on the proposed water & sewer rate hike agenda item No. 19. O'Neill didn't agree with any proposed rate hike and said the City couldn't do it without a public hearing. O'Neill said a year ago there was a rate increase and he did some research. O'Neill said he thought the rate structure was very interesting after he got it. O'Neill said he had a statute that says the rate increase cannot be done without a notification about their right for a public forum and the amount of unaccounted for water must be used to determine the rate. O'Neill said nobody has been notified and if there is a rate increase he will make sure there is a public forum on the increase. O'Neill said he knows for a fact two contracts have been awarded with out bidding.

Motion was made by Commissioner Ward and seconded by Commissioner Wright to approve paying bills for the month of February in the amount of $357,101.93. Bills for

Fitz's Dive Shop and Sentinel Equipment were pulled until invoices were sent. Motion. carried 4-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Butler and seconded by Commissioner Wright to adopt Ordinance No. 1749 an ordinance authorizing advertisement for sale property owned by the City of Hillsboro 1116 South Main Street. Motion carried 4-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Butler and seconded by Commissioner Ward to adopt Ordinance No. 1750 an ordinance authorizing advertisement for sale property owned by the City of Hillsboro 1115 South Main Street. Motion carried 4-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Ward and seconded by Commissioner Wright to adopt Ordinance No. 1751 an ordinance amending chapter 40 of the revised code of ordinances regarding fences, walls and obstructions and section 6-4-4 of the Hillsboro Property Maintenance Code. Motion carried 4-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Butler and seconded by Commissioner Ward to approve a $3,000 proposal from Hurst & Rosche for bridge inspections of City bridges. Motion carried 4-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Butler and seconded by Commissioner Wright to approve reinstating dog ordinances for the City. Commissioner Butler said it was only for discussion and he wanted everyone to think about what they wanted in the code. There was no action taken.

Motion was made by Commissioner Butler and seconded by Commissioner Wright to approve hiring Bailey Newingham as the Central Park Pool manager. Motion carried 4-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Butler and seconded by Commissioner Wright to approve hiring Bernard Huber to run the South Marina. Motion carried 4-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Butler and seconded by Commissioner Wright to approve purchasing a field groomer from ERB Turf Equipment for a cost of $19,621.28. Motion carried 4-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Butler and seconded by Commissioner Wright to approve purchasing pipe and valves for the Hillsboro Old Lake drawdown system from Midwest Municipal Supply for a cost of $30,944.84. Motion carried 4-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Wright and seconded by Commissioner ward to approve a 15% rate increase for water & sewer and removing steps 4 & 5 for the rate costs. An ordinance will be approved at the next meeting. Motion carried 4-0.

Motion to Adjourn was made at 7:53 pm by Commissioner Ward and seconded by Commissioner Wright. Motion carried 4-0.

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