City employees recognized for service
City council members recognized long-term city employees Tuesday night at its regular meeting.
Employee service awards were given to Gary Andrews, 10 years; Joe Alvarez, 15 years; Mike Duerksen, 15 years; Glenda Wodke, 20 years; Gary Penner, 20 years; and Jan Meisinger, 25 years.
Employees were given certificates and awards for their service to the city.
"This group represents 105 years of service to Hillsboro," said city administrator Steve Garrett.
On the recommendation of city administrator Garrett, Hillsboro City Council approved Garrett's taking bids for upgrades of the city's water plant and drafting a proposal to sell water to Marion. The cost to upgrade Hillsboro's water plant is estimated at $3 million.
Garrett, Mayor Delores Dalke, Morgan Marshall, and council member Matt Hiebert met Tuesday morning with representatives from Marion, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Rural Development, and Kansas Rural Water Association about the results of the water plant feasibility study.
The study, completed by PEC, Wichita, made no recommendation as to the best solution for the two communities. The study cost $25,000 with the state picking up one-half of the tab and Marion and Hillsboro the other half.
"We met Tuesday morning with representatives from Marion," said Garrett. "They asked for us to give them a proposal. It makes sense to have one plant."
Before the city can solidify anything, it needs to know what the upgrades to the plant will cost.
"I was disappointed in the results of the feasibility study," said Mayor Delores Dalke. "I don't think it is realistic."
According to council member Hiebert, the upgrades in the water plant will take care of government regulations for now and in the future.
"This is a business proposal we're pitching to Marion. It's a win-win situation for good water and low rates," Garrett said. "There'll be one plant instead of two."
Garrett recommended making changes in the city's peddler's license. He will draft proposed changes.
"We need to do something to discourage just anybody from coming in to sell in town," he said.
Garrett reported that the street sealing is going slowly because the city has not had a full crew.
Megan Kilgore, of Hillsboro Management Board, reported on upcoming events.
The chamber is hosting a Girlfriend Get Away Saturday and Holly Days in Hillsboro Nov. 27 and 28.
Holly Days in Hillsboro will begin with a parade at 11 a.m. downtown. The theme for the parade is Songs and Colors of Christmas. A formal Christmas lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. Nov. 17.
The council met in executive session with Craig White Windover developer to discuss trade secrets. No action was taken.
In other business the council:
— approved facility-use agreements for Hillsboro Sports Complex.
— approved appointment of Gayla Ratzlaff to Hillsboro Housing Authority board.
— discussed automatic withdrawal payments for city bills.
