South Central Reporter

City of Hillsboro City Council met May 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Minutes of the Regular Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Don Downs.

Present: Mayor Don Downs

Commissioners Fred Butler, Tommy Justison, Patrick Ward and Kendra Wright

Absent: None.

Also Present: City Clerk David Jenkins

City Attorney Chris Sherer

Community Planner Sarah McConnell

Public Properties Supervisor Jim May

Police Chief Randy Leetham

Street Department Supervisor Justin Chappelear

Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer Mike Lee

The “Pledge of Allegiance” was recited.

Public Comment: None.

Public Hearing Regarding Ordinance No. 1789 an Ordinance Authorizing the Exchange of Real Estate Owned by the City of Hillsboro: Butler reported the City is exchanging property with the McFarlin family. The property the City is acquiring is property they have already been using, Butler stated, without realizing it did not already belong to the City. Downs stated the City dump has run out of room, which has caused dumping to take place on the McFarlin property. He said here was also a trap shoot held on that property for years that the City fathers did not realize was private property. Butler stated exchanging this property is going to be in the best interest of the City moving forward.

Minutes of the April 16, 2024 regular meeting were approved as written.

Reports:

Commissioner Butler presented the reports for the Streets and Public Properties Departments. In the Parks Department, he reported the disc golf course information was uploaded to a disc golf app, which will be beneficial. He also stated a carp bowfishing tournament has been scheduled for May 19. In the Street Department, Butler reported they have been assisting the sewer department in running cameras through the sewer system. He also announced the City-wide cleanup will be held May 16, 17 and 18.

Commissioner Justison presented the reports for the Police and Fire Departments. He reported the fire department has responded to three calls in May so far, and six overall since the last meeting. He reported the Police Department has responded to 424 total calls since the last meeting. He also stated the School Resource officer responded to 100 calls from November 1, 2023 to March 27, 2024. In the Zoning and Code Enforcement Department, Justison stated yards are quite high at the moment, as quite a few lawns have been observed to be in excess of one foot in length. He stated abatements for those violations will be written.

Commissioner Wright presented the reports for the Water and Sewer Departments. She reported Carlie Mackey is now on shift with Woodard and Curran at the Water and Sewer Department. She stated Mackey interned in Hillsboro last summer, and had previously been working in Carlinville. Wright also reported the Sewer Department has been dealing with backwash issues at the lift stations. She said they’ve dealt with two sewer backups in the last week related to things being flushed down toilets that should not have been. She reminded citizens the only thing that should be flushed is toilet tissue, even if other products claim they are flushable.

Commissioner Ward reported he hopes to have last year’s final expenses and revenues for the council members at the next meeting.

Mayor Downs reported the council originally approve the Imagine Hillsboro farmers market to be held at the Lincoln Plaza, but there was a suggestion to move it to Wood Street. He said he spoke with the other commissioners and the area business owners and the market on May 4th was moved to Wood Street, adding it was a huge success. He also reported the County Board will be voting on a new animal control contract at their meeting next week, which includes a $2.50 per capita price. He said this is different than the $2.00 per capita price that was presented to the County mayors during their most recent meeting. He stated the contract also includes charges for emergency calls, which had previously been taken out. He said he will put this contract on the next City Council agenda, but he does not know if it will pass.

Economic Development and Community Planner Sarah McConnell presented her report to the council. Regarding the animal control contracts, she reiterated the County Board has not approved those contracts yet. She stated she has no updates on the DCEO grant. She also reported Looking for Lincoln is progressing as well with Shawn Balint, Matt Sands and Danielle Seago assisting with the project. She also reported the Marina is moving along as it continues to get cleaned up. She stated there will be merchandise sold in addition to other items once it is opened.

City Engineer Jeremy Connor was absent and no report was given.

2025 Fiscal Year Budget for the City of Hillsboro: Motion by Ward and second by Wright to approve the 2025 Fiscal Year Budget for the City of Hillsboro. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Ordinance No. 1794 Annual Appropriation Ordinance for the City of Hillsboro, Illinois for the Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2025: Motion by Ward and second by Butler to adopt Ordinance No. 1794 the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for the City of Hillsboro, Illinois for the Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2025. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Ordinance No. 1794-A an Ordinance Authorizing City Expenditures Pending and Preceding Adoption of Annual Appropriation Ordinance: Ward stated this item is pulled as it is unnecessary since the council approved the budget and appropriation ordinance.

Three (3)-year Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the City of Hillsboro and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP): Commissioner Justison reported they met with the union three times with much back and forth. He stated the previous contract included a salary increase of five percent over three years, and this proposed contract includes an increase of 10 percent in the first year, 3 in the second and 3 in the third. Downs stated it was not an easy contract to negotiate. Ward stated when talking about compensation, it is important to remember the full benefit package employees receive, which includes health insurance. Motion by Justison and second by Butler to approve the three year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police. Wright abstains. Motion carried with a 4-0-1 vote in favor.

Three (3)-year Collective Bargaining Agreement Between City of Hillsboro Fire Department and Public Works and the Laborers’ International Union of North America, The Downstate Illinois Laborers’ District Council and Laborers’ Local 773: Downs reported the contract negotiations went fairly well. He stated the City was seeking a 12 percent increase in salaries over the life of the contract. Ward reiterated the importance of remembering the complete compensation package when considering increases. Butler reported the two sides agreed to a 12.5 percent salary increase over the life of the contract. Motion by Butler and second by Justison to approve the three year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Laborers’ Local 773. Wright abstains. Motion carried with a 4-0-1 vote in favor.

Appointing Dennis Loskot to the Fire Pension Fund Board for a Three-year Term: Downs stated Loskot is a former Witt Volunteer Fireman, and has since moved to Hillsboro. Motion by Ward and second by Justison to approve appointing Dennis Loskot to the Fire Pension Fund Board for a three-year term, effective May 7, 2024 through May 6, 2027. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Resolution 2024-08 A Resolution Regarding Closure of Route 16 and Route 127 for Old Settlers Parade: Motion by Butler and second by Wright to adopt Resolution 2024-08 a Resolution Regarding Closure of Route 16 and Route 127 for the Old Settlers Parade. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Closing Wood Street for Imagine Hillsboro Farmers Market May 15th, 18th; June 1st, 15th, 19th; July 6th, 17th, 20th; August 3rd, 17th, 21st; and September 7th, 18th, 21st: Caitlyn Voyles with Imagine Hillsboro thanked Chief Leetham and everyone involved with helping pull the move of the market together so quickly. She stated The Dressing Room, which is the business most affected by the move of the market, reached out to Imagine Hillsboro because of how well they did after it was moved. She stated the markets were initially approved for Saturdays, but they needed to address the Wednesday markets further. She said moving the markets to Wood Street would help with some of the potential issues with Wednesdays. Voyles stated the importance of the Wednesday markets is having two different models, which includes different vendors than Saturdays as well as a different customer base. Wright asked if space was an issue, could the markets be moved to Berry Street. Voyles said they feel it is important to keep the markets on Main Street as drive-by traffic is critical to the market’s success. Downs stated the markets used to be held at Challacombe Park years ago, but they died. Imagine Hillsboro President Katelyn Fath stated it is great to have non-alcohol driven night life, which the market is a big part of. She also stated the farmers markets have been a huge part of revitalizing downtown Main Street, adding that other businesses got started at the market. Ward stated he is still a no vote because he does not like the idea of continuing to close streets, especially those that run downtown. Motion by Justison and second by Butler to approve closing Wood Street for the Imagine Hillsboro Farmers Markets on the dates previously listed, which includes the Wednesday markets. Ward votes no. Motion carried with a 4-1 vote in favor.

Closing Lincoln Plaza June 21, 22 and 23, 2024 for Living in the Light-Ablaze Event: Event organizer Kristi Lemley reported they are a ministry attempting to go into six counties with these services. She said they will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. each evening. Leetham said there were no requests to close roads or parking spaces. Motion by Ward and second by Justison to approve closing the Lincoln Plaza from 5 to 7 p.m. on June 21st, 22nd and 23rd for Living in the Light-Ablaze. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Closing Lincoln Plaza and Southwest Corner of Courthouse Square on August 3, 2024 for Powerlifting Fundraising Event: Bobby Johnson from Raise the Bar reported they raised $500 for the Montgomery County Cancer Association during their previous powerlifting fundraiser last month. He stated the next event will be held Saturday, August 3rd beginning at 11 a.m. It will take place the day before the Old Settlers Car Show. Motion by Wright and second by Justison to approve closing the Lincoln Plaza and the southwest corner of the Courthouse Square on Saturday, August 3rd for the Powerlifting Fundraiser. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Pay Application #2 for TEK Construction for Helston Place Sewer System Improvements: Motion by Butler and second by Wright to approve Pay Application #2 from TEK Construction for the Helston Place Sewer System Improvements in the amount of $150,215.40. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Pay Application #3 for TEK Construction for Helston Place Sewer System Improvements: Motion by Ward and second by Wright to approve Pay Application #3 from TEK Construction for the Helston Place Sewer System Improvements in the amount of $153,625.25. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Awarding Bid for Lead Service Line Replacement Project: Wright reported the City received three bids that were strikingly different, and the one they are recommending is not only the least expensive but is also the most comprehensive according to details. She said the bid is around $713,000 from Murphy Brothers Construction, but the City will not pay more than $569,000. Motion by Wright and second by Justison to award the bid for the Lead Service Line Replacement Project to Murphy Brothers Construction for an amount not to exceed $569,000. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Resolution 2024-07 A Supplemental Resolution for the 2024 MFT Program: Butler reported they had to change some roads around, including changing some surfaces. Motion by Butler and second by Ward to adopt Resolution 2024-07 a Supplemental Resolution for the 2024 MFT Program. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Ordinance No. 1789 an Ordinance Authorizing the Exchange of Real Estate Owned by the City of Hillsboro: Motion by Butler and second by Ward to adopt Ordinance No. 1789 an Ordinance Authorizing the Exchange of Real Estate Owned by the City of Hillsboro. Justison abstained. Motion carried with a 4-0-1 vote in favor.

Purchase Batting Cage Materials for Hillsboro Sports Complex: Youth Sports Director Bill Christian reported the Roy Hertel Foundation is pledging a $2,500 donation towards the renovation of the batting cage at the sports complex. Motion by Butler and second by Justison to approve purchasing materials for the Hillsboro Sports Complex from On Deck Sports in the amount of $7,348.36. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Replace Air Conditioning Unit for Sports Complex: Motion by Butler and second by Ward to approve the proposal from Hiller’s Heating and Cooling to replace the air conditioning unit at the Sports Complex for a cost of $6,613.50. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Proposal from Utilitra for Security Camera System for Central Park: Ward asked if the council should table the item since the cameras for the downtown project have not been completed yet. Downs said they could approve the proposal with the contingency that the downtown cameras be completed first. Ward said he is good with that. Motion by Butler and second by Ward to approve the proposal from Utilitra for a security camera system for Central Park for a cost of $3,989.54 contingent upon the successful completion of the camera project on downtown Main Street. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Hiring Summer Help for City of Hillsboro: Motion by Butler and second by Justison to approve hiring summer help for the City as presented. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

Motion to Adjourn was made at 7:55 p.m. by Commissioner Justison and seconded by Commissioner Butler. Motion carried with a 5-0 vote in favor.

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