South Central Reporter

City of Hillsboro City Council met Feb. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

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 stated Public Properties Supervisor Jim May has been working on finishing the disc golf course, as well as holding meetings regarding the Marina. Butler reported the Street Department has been working on blacktopping and had to plow snow due to Friday’s precipitation. He also reported he plans on meeting with staff members again to discuss a City Bucks policy.

Commissioner Justison presented his report to the council. He stated he was pleased to report a training waiver was granted for new Police Officer Nathan Smith. For the fire department, he reported they should have a new fire truck soon as the specs are being worked out.

Commissioner Wright presented her report to the council. She reported no major changes regarding the lake quality. She said the water department has also been busy installing new meters. Wright also reported Tim Ferguson, Street Department Supervisor Justin Chappelear and Commissioner Butler all met with TEK Construction regarding the Helston Place Sewer Project, and they company hopes to begin working on clearing brush as early as next week.

Commissioner Ward reported budget worksheets have gone out, and he will be meeting with Treasurer Bonnie Hefley and Clerk David Jenkins later this week to talk about revenues.

Economic Development and Community Planner Sarah McConnell presented her report to the council. She stated the council will address the termination of a redevelopment agreement later in the meeting. She also said she has spoken with Matt Sands about setting up opportunities for videos and photographs related to the tourism booklets that will be created. McConnell also reported the Montgomery County Board initially left paying MCEDC dues out of their FY2024 budget, but voted last week to pay them.

City Engineer Jeremy Connor was absent, but Commissioner Butler stated he met with Connor to talk about the Tremont and Jefferson Street projects, and progress is being made.

Public Comment: None.

Paying Bills for the Month of February: Ward reported bills for the month totaled $496,735.75. He stated the health insurance payment was double the normal amount this month, but that was because of paying a couple invoices to get caught up. Motion by Ward and second by Wright to approve paying bills for the month of February for a total amount of $496,735.75. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Reimbursing Atlas 46 for Interest in Accordance with Promissory Note: Ward reported the council approved an agreement with Atlas 46 that included a promissory note to refund the interest to Atlas as long as the company maintained at least 20 full time employees during the life of the revolving loan. He said Atlas has fulfilled their obligation, so the City should do the same. Motion by Justison and second by Butler to approve reimbursing Atlas 46 for interest paid during the life of their Revolving Loan in the amount of $7,860.32. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Consent to Assignment and Extension of Lease for 102 Pinnacle Point Drive (Lots 55 & 56) Through April 2099: City Clerk David Jenkins clarified the agreement extends the lease through September 1, 2083. Motion by Ward and second by Wright to approve the Consent to Assignment and Extension of Lease for 102 Pinnacle Point Drive (Lots 55 and 56) with Justin and Elizabeth Gonzalez through September 1, 2083. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Resolution 2024-02 a Resolution Approving Termination of a Redevelopment Agreement Between the City of Hillsboro, Illinois and Caleb Reynolds for the Redevelopment of the Existing Building at 715 South Main Street: McConnell reported Reynolds still plans on updating the building, but would rather nullify the agreement with the City because plans have changed. Motion by Ward and second by Wright to adopt Resolution 2024-02 a Resolution Approving Termination of a Redevelopment Agreement Between the City of Hillsboro, Illinois and Caleb Reynolds for the Redevelopment of the Existing Building at 715 South Main Street. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Resolution 2024-03 a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Redevelopment Agreement Between the City of Hillsboro, Illinois and Linda Saathoff/The Dressing Room Utilizing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Work to be done at 221 South Main Street: Downs reported this item is being pulled from the agenda for tonight.

Old Tyme Tractor Show Dates of July 12, 13 & 14, 2024: Motion by Wright and second by Justison to approve the 2024 Old Tyme Tractor Show dates of July 12th, 13th and 14th at the Fireman’s Clubhouse. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Adopt Ordinance No. 1787 an Ordinance Amending Section 38-4-10 of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the City of Hillsboro, Illinois Regarding Water Tap-on Fees: Wright reported the current fee to tap-on for City water is $350, which doesn’t cover the cost of materials. She said the proposal would raise the fee to $1500, and the City would not be making money on this. She also stated the City provides the meter setter, meter, corporate stop, corporate clamp, meter pit and pit lid. In addition to increasing the fee, the Ordinance clarifies in writing what materials the City provides. Butler asked what the cost of tapping-on to City sewer is. Wright said that fee is not affected by this Ordinance, but the current fee is $450 or in City and $1000 for outside. Motion by Butler and second by Wright to adopt Ordinance No. 1787 an Ordinance Amending Section 38-4-10 of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the City of Hillsboro, Illinois Regarding Water Tap-on Fees. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Ordinance No. 1786 an Ordinance Vacating Never Developed Alleways Running North and South and Platted North of East Wood Street and South of Water Street and Central Park in the City of Hillsboro, Illinois: Butler reported this item is being pulled from the agenda for now.

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Application with Northwater Consulting Services: Butler reported Northwater Consulting Services helps write grants, and there is a fee for their services. He said the price is $10,080, with potentially up to $335 in mileage expenses. The payment for this would come out of the Lake Restoration fund. Motion by Ward and second by Wright to approve the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) application with Northwater Consulting Services. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Motion to Adjourn was made at 7:29 p.m. by Commissioner Justison and seconded by Commissioner Wright. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

https://hillsboroillinois.net/wp-content/uploads/022024-minutes.pdf