South Central Reporter

City of Hillsboro City Council met March 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Don Downs at 7:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call was taken:

Present: Mayor Don Downs

Commissioners Tommy Justison, Patrick Ward and Kendra Wright

Absent: Commissioner Fred Butler

Also Present: City Clerk David Jenkins

City Attorney Chris Sherer

Community Planner Sarah McConnell

Public Properties Supervisor Jim May

Youth Sports Administrator Bill Christian

3. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

4. Public Comment: Terri Casey addressed the council and presented a progress report on the Corner Block Building. She reported demolition work to complete the third-floor shoring wall has been finished. She stated a chimney was uncovered during demolition, which caused work to halt due to safety concerns. She said it was determined that the chimney was not a structural support element. The discovery did cause an unexpected delay and put the work behind schedule; however, she stated the contractors has worked diligently to compensate for lost time. She said she is hopeful for good weather in the upcoming weeks.

5. Minutes of the February 18th, 2025 regular meeting were approved as presented.

6. Mayor and Commissioners’ Departmental Reports:

Commissioner Justison reported a dangerous building notice was issued on a property on Tremont Street. He also reported the fire department has responded to three fire calls so far in the month of March. They responded to six fire calls total in the month of February.

Commissioner Wright thanked the Street Department for their work on a recent water main break. She also reminded residents that the only waste-cleaning material that should be flushed in toilets is toilet paper. She said if it is not toilet paper, it does not belong in the toilet because all other materials cause problems at the lift stations.

Commissioner Ward reported work on the upcoming budget is ongoing. He also stated the City is getting ready to issue bonds, with about $8.5 million being earmarked for the pool.

He stated the City can issue up to $12 million, but he believes it would be a mistake to go the full amount.

Mayor Downs reported there are people looking for spaces in the downtown buildings, and they can contact the City for potential leads on properties. McConnell said if there are building owners who have space available, they can also contact the City. Downs also reported the council needs to discuss increasing the grant amounts awarded for Façade Grants.

7. Economic Development & Community Planner Report:

McConnell reported the digital sign arrived last week, and she and City Clerk Jenkins will be working on items that will need to be posted. She also reported she should have a TIF development agreement ready for the next meeting.

8. City Engineer Report:

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

9. Discussion / Action – Design-Build Base Contract Between the City of Hillsboro and Contegra Construction Company, LLC for the Hillsboro Municipal Pool Project: Ward stated this item should be tabled since the contract is not finished yet. May reported the design-build firm is likely to pump the brakes on the project until a contract is signed. Motion by Justison and second by Ward to table this item. Motion carried with a 4-0 vote in favor.

10. Discussion / Action – Resolution 2025-04 a Resolution Approving and Accepting the Donation and Conveyance to the City of Real Property Situated Near Lake Glenn Shoals and Identified by P.I.N. 12-07-300-005: Downs reported there is a property being donated to the City. Ward stated he would like to have a title search done to make sure the City is not taking on a property with underlying issues. Motion by Ward and second by Wright to adopt Resolution 2025-04 pending a clean title search. Motion carried with a 4-0 vote in favor.

11. Discussion / Action – Community Benefit Agreement Between the City of Hillsboro and Arena Beavertail 1 Solar, LLC: Ward reported this would mean a second $50,000 donation to the City for the solar project Motion by Ward and second by Wright to approve the Community Benefit Agreement Between the City of Hillsboro and Arena Beavertail 1 Solar, LLC. Motion carried with a 4-0 vote in favor.

12. Discussion / Action – Estimate for Electrical Work at Sherwood Forest Campground: May reported the council previously approved new pedestals at the campground. He stated this would be the electrical for them. Motion by Wright and second by Ward to approve the estimate from Watson and Sons, LLC for electrical work at the Sherwood Forest Campground for a cost of $4,300. Motion carried with a 4-0 vote in favor.

13. Discussion / Action – Purchasing Riding Lawn Mower for City of Hillsboro Sports Complex: Christian reported they previously purchased a mower in 2019, which now has 1670 hours on it. He stated they put about 345 hours on a mower per year. He stated there is money in the budget to pay for it this year, but Treasurer Bonnie Hefley indicated it would be better to wait until after the new fiscal year. Ward said if there is money to pay for it, they should go ahead and pay for it. Motion by Ward and second by Justison to approve the proposal from Sloan Implement Company to purchase a riding lawn mower for the City of Hillsboro Sports Complex for a cost of $15,838.13 pending clarification the amount needed to pay for it is in this fiscal year’s budget. Motion carried with a 4-0 vote in favor.

14. Discussion / Action – Advertising for Summer Employment with the City of Hillsboro: Motion by Ward and second by Justison to approve advertising for summer employment with the City of Hillsboro. Motion carried with a 4-0 vote in favor.

15. Discussion – Revised Seasonal Lake Lot, Adjoining Landowner Lake Lot & Seasonal Campground License Agreements for Recreational Use of City Land: May reported the council previously approved new license agreements for the lake lots. He said those agreements were supposed to include a set of rules, but had not been finished at the time. He said these rules mainly deal with flags posted on City property. Sherer stated he would speak with each of the commissioners privately about this issue.

16. Discussion / Action – Adjourn: Motion by Ward and second by Justison to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed with a 4-0 vote in favor. Meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

https://hillsboroillinois.net/wp-content/uploads/3-4-25-meeting-minutes.pdf