Bond refinancing approved by council
Staff reporter
An ordinance and resolution were adopted Tuesday by Hillsboro City Council authorizing the refinancing of general obligation bonds.
The bond amount was $1,645,000 with annual payments beginning Aug. 1, 2005. The final payment would be due in 2015.
Jerry Rayl, of Gold Capital Management, made the presentation and said the issue will be settled on May 26.
Steve Garrett, city administrator, asked the council and received support for updating the city's comprehensive plan.
The last update was completed in 1992. Garrett would like to see a plan that can be implemented and used by the council for budgeting and policy decisions.
The plan will take approximately 24 months to complete with input from the public being a key component. Cost will be $25,000 to $30,000. Garrett said some additional funds will be needed but most will come from the planning and zoning budget.
Mayor Delores Dalke advised the council of the need to review the city's charter ordinance regarding board appointments. She suggested no additional board appointments be made until the ordinance is revised.
In other business:
— The city received a gold star rating and a five percent discount on insurance from KMIT, the city's workers comprehensive insurance carrier.
— Garrett met with a grant writer regarding infrastructure and housing grants.
— The pool is about ready to be opened with no major problems at this time.
— Hillsboro Planning Commission will be considering an institutional zoning district, reported Garrett. The regulations will probably be brought before the council in June or July.
Garrett also said the city's zoning map needs to be updated.
— Morgan Marshall, water plant supervisor, attended a meeting regarding the 319 grant for water quality. Nutrient problems have been found in the water and they will continue to monitor and process.
— Garrett said he met with department heads regarding the council's planning meeting.
— Letters have been sent to home owners on North Main Street regarding improvements scheduled to begin.
— Garrett is expecting contact from Kansas Department of Health and Environment regarding a grant for a feasibility study for a water improvement district with Marion.
— Len Coryea, council member, reported Little Leos have bought 18 pounds of minnows for the pond in Western Heights.
— Vouchers in the amount of $76,062 were approved.
The council will have a planning session at 5:30 p.m. tonight. The next regular meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. May 18 in the council chambers.
