By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Although Hillsboro city council members reviewed bids for upcoming street work Tuesday, they ultimately decided to re-evaluate plans, consider alternatives, and make a decision in two weeks.

Street supervisor Dale Dalke told council members they could save about $80,000 by eliminating two blocks of street work.

He recommended recruiting community volunteers to assist with two blocks of brick installation, using bricks the city already owns instead of buying new.

Museum coordinator Steve Fast said he likes the bricks on Grand St. as it runs by the Schaeffler House.

“I think having the bricks there goes a long way toward making the Schaeffler House a destination,” Fast said.

Fast said bricks keep people from driving too fast, keeping people safer, and reduce the load on the storm sewer system.

Council members also discussed having work done in stages instead of at the same time. Financing options need to be considered as well.

“I think this is a lot to think about and I would like some time to review,” mayor Lou Thurston said.

Council members accepted a $94,835 bid for trash and recycling dumpsters from Kelly Equipment.

Commissioners approved $24,439.54 in payments for legal costs incurred during December and January in Bank of Hays’ mortgage foreclosure lawsuit against CAH Acquisition Co. 5, in which the city is a defendant.

The lawyer’s bill reveals several conference calls and emails in the search to find a hospital receiver. Among those consulted were Via Christi, Newton Medical Center, St. Luke Hospital in Marion, and Cohesive, the company appointed by the court.