City considers providing power to industrial park
Customers reminded to conserve electricity during peak hours
Staff reporter
Hillsboro City Administrator Steve Garrett will check into the possibility of the city distributing electricity to the city's industrial park.
Council member Len Coryea asked Garrett during Tuesday's meeting what it would take for the city to provide the utility to industrial businesses.
Garrett responded the city would buy out current supplier Westar Energy. Typically, the buy-out goes back to the past three years of revenue.
The city also would purchase the physical plant — lines and poles.
"This is somewhat negotiable," Garrett said. "However, it would be an expense for the city."
Garrett related the difference between the industrial park and the electrical acquisition of the former AMPI building.
"The building was vacant for quite a while," Garrett said, which reduced the buy-out price.
The city has a franchise contract with Westar Energy through 2006 or 2007, Garrett said. When the contract comes up for renewal, Garrett anticipates the city looking at other options.
"Other cities are looking at power pools and wind power," Garrett said. "We'll be looking at some other alternatives as well."
Garrett added the timing for the city's agreement with Westar is good because it gives the city four or five years to see what other options cities are taking for electricity.
An advertisement has been placed in the newspapers reminding city electrical customers of demand charge. A letter also will be sent to customers explaining the importance of conservation of electricity during peak hours of 2 to 7 p.m.
Garrett explained Westar Energy determines 80 percent of the city's electrical rate during this peak period.
By reducing or eliminating excessive electrical use during peak times, customers' electrical rates will be lower during the winter months.
"Grill outside," Garrett suggested. "Wait to run the dryer."
The council approved the adoption of Charter Ordinance 13 which replaces Charter Ordinance 6.
The change is due to a city administrator having the duty of appointing specific city positions.
The ordinance states the mayor may appoint, by and with the consent of the city council, a city treasurer, city attorney, municipal judge, and such other officers as they may deem necessary. Officers so appointed and confirmed shall hold their offices for a term of one year.
A second ordinance, Ordinance 1087, was tabled until next meeting. The ordinance pertained to contractor licensing for general, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contracting.
Mayor Delores Dalke asked the council to table the decision because she wants the council to review the entire ordinance.
Dalke said she would like the wording to address landlords being able to perform their own work on rental housing. Currently, the ordinance states a person has to reside at the home where they plan to do work.
Decisions regarding Windover of Hillsboro housing subdivision also were tabled.
Dalke said there were issues that need to be discussed in more detail.
Jerry Rayl, the city's financial adviser, was not able to attend the council's meeting.
Dalke suggested a meeting with Rayl, the subdivision developers, city personnel, and a council member to negotiate the issues.
Council member Shelby Dirks was at a previous meeting regarding the subdivision so Garrett suggested he attend this one.
In other business:
— Council member Byron McCarty was elected president of the council. He will preside at council meetings when the mayor is absent.
— Dirks was re-elected as public building commission officer.
— A second meeting is planned Monday with Burback Pools. Pool personnel will be present to discuss the next step.
— Two board of zoning appeals appointments were approved. Jim Brennan was re-appointed and Vince Driver was a new appointment.
— Garrett reported he is applying for a community development block grant to replace a water line in a residential area.
— Garrett, Dirks, Dalke, and council member Matt Hiebert will attend a leadership summit this weekend.
— A township fire district meeting is today, Garrett reported.
— A meeting with Marion city personnel today regarding a wholesale water district is planned.
— Garrett will attend a budget meeting June 1 in Wichita.
— A proposed website was sent to council members for review. No discussion or decisions were made.
— Dalke asked Garrett about the special law enforcement budget. A purchase was made which overspent the line item budget. Garrett will check into it and let her know.
— Vouchers in the amount of $49,364 were approved.
The next regular council meeting will be at 4 p.m. June 1 in the city council chambers.
