South Central Reporter

City of Hillsboro City Council met Nov. 7.

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, Justison, and Ward.

The “Pledge of Allegiance” was recited.

Minutes of the previous meetings were approved.

Commissioners’ reports:

Commissioner Butler read his report and it will be included in the minutes.

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

Commissioner Ward said he had nothing to report.

Commissioner Justison read his report and will be included in the minutes.

Economic Development and Community Planner’s report will be included in the minutes.

The City Engineer Jeremy Connor presented his report.

Public Comments: Dean Lessman expressed concern with the low lake levels on Lake Glenn Shoals.

Motion was made by Commissioner Ward and seconded by Commissioner Wright to appoint a David Jenkins as new City Clerk. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Butler and seconded by Commissioner Wright to pay Hurst-Roche the first pay estimate for Mechanic Street BLR-13230. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Butler and seconded by Commissioner Ward to approve a resolution for Mechanic Street BLR-09110R. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Butler and seconded by Commissioner Ward to approve a design and survey from Hurst-Rosche for the Central Park Trail. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Butler and seconded by Commissioner Justison to approve Ordinance NO 1777 authorizing the sale of real estate property at 123 Douglas St. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Ward and seconded by Commissioner Justison to approve Ordinance NO 1778 amending section 1-2-7 of the revised code of ordinances Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Wright and seconded by Commissioner Butler to approve Ordinance NO 1779 amending section1-2-4 of the revised code of ordinances. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Wright and seconded by Commissioner Butler to approve Ordinance NO 1780 amending section1-2-10and 1-2-11 of the revised code of ordinances. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Butler and seconded by Commissioner Ward to approve a redevelopment agreement to be done at 216 S Main. Commissioner Wright and Commissioner Justison abstained. Motion carried 3-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Ward and seconded by Commissioner Butler to approve a redevelopment agreement to be done at 102 S Main. Commissioner Wright and Commissioner Justison abstained. Motion carried 3-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Ward and seconded by Commissioner Butler to approve a façade grant application for the Waffle Cone for work to be done at 400 S Main. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion was made by Commissioner Wright and seconded by Commissioner Ward to change the policy for City Hall to be open regular hours on the Wednesday of Old Settlers. Motion carried 4-1 with Mayor Downs voting No.

Motion was made by Commissioner Wright and seconded by Commissioner Butler to approve an amendment to the façade grant program application. Motion carried 5-0.

Agenda item 17 was pulled because it was a duplicate item.

Commissioner Butler discussed the sale of properties around the lake and the guidelines that he and Jim May had come up with so far. Nothing is set in stone and this project is a way away from happening. There are some details that still need to be worked out and Butler expressed being open to ideas. Butler wanted to be sure that people understand that the sale of land will only be available to adjacent land owners. The purchase of the land would not be required and would not be sold to any other buyer. Butler asked the council to look everything over and come back with thoughts and suggestions.

Commissioner Butler started a conversation about the public pool. Jim May submitted a lengthy report of the problems the pool faces each year in order to be open. Structurally the pool is struggling. Butler expressed concern over the amount of money it takes to open the pool as well as the extreme expense it would take to repair it. Butler mentioned that they are looking into options such as a splash pad. Butler expressed dismay over the idea of having to close down the pool, however, there are some difficult decisions that need to be made. Butler said that he needs to know what the council wants to do for next season. If the pool is not going to open, Butler would like to do some changes to the south marina and hire the summer kids to work at the south marina in order to keep them employed. Commissioner Wright and Ward brought up the idea that if the public would like to make donations or raise taxes in order to pay for the pool, that is probably what it would take to keep it open.

Commissioner Butler brought up a discussion on a possible new brush pickup policy. The street department spends a lot of time driving around picking up brush and debris and maybe there could be time better spent on other projects. Butler will give the council a copy of the proposed policy and ask for feedback.

Mayor Downs had a discussion concerning trash pickup in the city limits. He said that he has received complaints about a company picking up trash as early as 3AM. Downs would like to discuss the possibility of implementing an ordinance that would give rules on the times the companies can pick up trash. Butler disagreed with Downs on not wanting trash pickup before 6AM. Butler said that he prefers it be picked up before he is up and leaving the house. Commissioner Ward agreed that compared to other cities, Hillsboro’s rules on the matter are lacking and deserve some more review. Butler added that other trash companies may not be able to serve Hillsboro if they are forced to make changes in their existing route schedules. Butler is concerned that there will be a reduction in the competition if this is the case. Downs would also like a consideration on requiring heavier duty toters over the store bought trash cans that are less sturdy to wind and weather. Implementing a licensing fee to any company that wants to operate within the city is also something to consider. Commissioner Wright asked who would be responsible for enforcing both the existing ordinances and new ones that may be put into place. Downs reiterated that this is just discussion and would like the council to look it over.

Mayor Downs brought up a discussion topic on animal control with the county. Downs discussed conversations that took place in the recent Mayor’s meetings at the Montgomery County Courthouse. Downs brought a new pricing structure from the county for the council to see. There are still some changes to be made on the contract before Downs will bring to the agenda for approval.

Motion to Adjourn was made at 8:06 pm by Commissioner Ward and seconded by Commissioner Justison. Motion carried 5-0.

https://hillsboroillinois.net/wp-content/uploads/110723-minutes.pdf