South Central Reporter

City of Hillsboro City Council met Dec. 5.

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 Don Downs and Commissioners Kendra Wright, Fred Butler, Tommy Justison, and Patrick Ward.

The “Pledge of Allegiance” was recited.

Minutes of the previous meetings were approved.

Reports:

Commissioner Butler presented his report to the council. He reported cleaning and insulating of the Central Park building has taken place. He also stated they have winterized the pool and marina.

Commissioner Justison presented his report to the council. He reported three fire calls have taken place since the last meeting. He also stated the police department will be hiring a new officer, which will be addressed later in the meeting.

Commissioner Wright presented her report to the council. She reported recent rains have not impacted the water quality. She stated the rains have also not caused noticeable problems at the plant.

Commissioner Ward reported he wants departments to start thinking about bigger items they will want as they prepare for the next budget.

During his report, Mayor Downs stated citizens should call the police if they see something questionable instead of posting about it on social media. He said this also applies to calling city hall with questions about water bills instead of posting on Facebook. Wright urged citizens to call her if they have questions on water bills.

Economic Development and Community Planner Sarah McConnell presented her report to the council. She stated she has had a whole week of being back to her role in a full capacity, adding that she has been getting paperwork caught up and keeping track of redevelopment agreements and façade grants.

City Engineer Jeremy Conner reported they are finishing up the 2023 audit for the MFT program. He also reported Tremont and Jefferson Streets have been surveyed, and they are hopeful to have the design submitted to IDOT by the end of the year. Regarding

Helston, Conner stated they have the permit but they need to set a bid date once funding is secured. He said they are waiting on the council for this.

Public Comment: None.

Transfer of Lease for 200 Lands End Road: Mayor Downs reported this is being transferred from Greg and Cathy Vance to Jacqueline Headlee. Motion by Ward and second by Wright to approve transferring the lease for 200 Lands End Road from Greg and Cathy Vance to Jacqueline Headlee. Motion carries with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Adopt Ordinance No. 1782 – The Annual Tax Levy Ordinance: Commissioner Ward reported City Clerk David Jenkins worked on preparing this ordinance, which came in at an overall increase of a little under five percent. Motion by Ward and second by Wright to adopt Ordinance Number 1782 – the Annual Tax Levy Ordinance. Motion carries with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Local Debt Recovery Program Sign-up: Commissioner Wright reported there is no cost to sign-up for this, and she believes every municipality should do this. Motion by Justison and second by Wright to sign up for the Local Debt Recovery Program. Motion carries with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Purchasing Pumps for Lift Stations: Commissioner Wright reported these are pumps for the small lift stations, and the amount is budgeted for. She said it will come to around $11,000 total. Motion by Ward and second by Butler to approve purchasing pumps for the lift stations from Illinois Electric Works. Motion carries with a 5-0 vote in favor.

MFT Maintenance Costs: Engineer Conner reported this is a precursor before oil and chip. Commissioner Butler stated the total amount is $241,874. Motion by Butler and second by Ward to approve the MFT Maintenance Costs as presented. Motion carries with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Pay Application #1 for Old Lake Spillway: The amount for this payment is $206,042.77. Motion by Butler and second by Wright to approve payment #1 for the Old Lake Spillway in the amount of $206,042.77. Motion carries with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Use of RBI Funds and Engineering Agreement with Hurst-Rosche for Broad Street Section Replacement: Commissioner Butler reported this is an engineering agreement with Hurst-Rosche for the Broad Street section replacement. Motion by Justison and second by Butler to sign the engineering agreement with Hurst-Rosche Engineers Inc. Motion carries with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Resolution Authorizing the Use of RBI Funds (MFT) for Broad Street Section Replacement: Motion by Butler and second by Justison to adopt the Resolution authorizing the Use of RBI funds for the Broad Street Section Replacement. Motion carries with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Approval of Materials for Central Park Restrooms: Commissioner Butler reported Jim May got into a program to update the restrooms at Central Park. Ward stated the bill is from R.P. Lumber for $3,326.52. Motion by Butler and second by Wright to approve paying the invoice for materials for the Central Park Restrooms. Motion carries with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Selling Challacombe Mineral Rights: Commissioner Ward reported the City has received about $3,800 since 2017 for the mineral rights, and there is a company that is currently offering $55,000, pending a final agreement. Justison stated he is not in favor of this, and he would like to propose having the rights appraised before agreeing to sell them. Ward stated the hospital sold their rights. Downs stated the hospital believed they were given a fair offer. He said the council does not have to make a decision tonight, and they can look at different avenues and readdress it at a future meeting. Motion by Justison and second by Butler to table this item. Motion carries with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Closing Central Park Pool for 2024 Season: Commissioner Butler stated he thinks, unfortunately, it is time to close the pool for the 2024 season. He said he does not want to be the one to close the pool, but the repairs that would be made would only be bandage repairs to larger problems. Justison said he believes, due to public safety, the pool should close next season as well. Motion by Justison and second by Butler to close the Central Park Pool for the 2024 season. Motion carries with a 3-2 vote in favor. Voting YES: Butler, Justison and Wright. Voting NO: Downs and Ward.

Referendum for Central Park Pool: Commissioner Butler reported he would like to consider a referendum for the pool or a park district. He said this community is big enough to have a decent pool. He said he doesn’t know if the city can afford to do a referendum or if one will even pass, but the council would at least know what the citizens think.

City Bucks Policy: Commissioner Butler reported they have had some problems with City employees misusing certain perks, so he would like to see City Bucks put back into play. This would allow employees a credit to be used towards boat stickers or rentals of city facilities. Ward asked how it would be tracked. Butler said Treasurer Bonnie Hefley has agreed to track it.

Hiring Officer for Hillsboro Police Department: Motion by Justison and second by Butler to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel. Motion carries with a 5-0 vote in favor. Council entered into executive session at 8:02 p.m. Committee returned to open session at 8:08 p.m. with Mayor Downs, Commissioners Butler, Justison, Ward and Wright present. Justison thanked both applicants for applying. Motion by Justison and second by Butler to approve hiring Cody Collins to the position of Hillsboro Police Officer. Motion carries with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Motion to Adjourn was made at 8:10 p.m. by Commissioner Justison and seconded by Commissioner Ward. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

https://hillsboroillinois.net/wp-content/uploads/120523-minutes.pdf