Council approves mower purchase
Downtown business owners responsible for sidewalk snow removal
Staff reporter
Hillsboro City Council approved the purchase Tuesday of a riding mower but denied the purchase of snow removal attachments.
Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce President Jared Jost suggested the city purchase the brush attachment that could be used for downtown sidewalk snow removal.
Byron McCarty, council member, said he did not want city personnel using the mower for snow removal without a cab.
Mayor Delores Dalke said she was concerned about the additional expenditure.
"We're taking tax dollars and using it to benefit private businesses," said Dalke. She noted that the city is having to make cutbacks due to the tight budget. "Paying city employees time and a half to remove the snow doesn't seem feasible."
Len Coryea, council member, agreed.
"To spend $7,000 for one snow just doesn't pay," said Coryea.
A cab with wipers, work lights, and heater was priced at $3,383 and a 60-inch sweepster broom was priced at $3,573.
Steve Garrett, city administrator, said he was concerned about the time spent on sidewalks instead of streets.
"The law requires business owners to take care of their own sidewalks," said Garrett.
The mower that was approved is an Excel Hustler 4300 with a 72-inch deck. The price after trade of old mower is $30,797. Funding for the purchase will be from the equipment fund.
The city council approved a fire protection agreement with Lehigh. Lehigh will pay the city $4,000 for the fiscal year 2004.
The agreement states the city will provide fire fighting personnel, record keeping, maintenance of vehicles and equipment, and other reasonable services to the City of Lehigh.
Lehigh will provide the use of its fire station, fire fighting apparatus, and equipment to the City of Hillsboro exclusively. Lehigh will be responsible for utilities and insurance.
City of Hillsboro will report additional expenses to the City of Lehigh on a monthly basis.
Garrett reported that Lehigh's city council approved the agreement at a meeting Monday.
"The agreement allows the city to charge Lehigh for services they are already receiving," said Garrett, "and protects Lehigh to know Hillsboro will help, and protects Hillsboro to know the expectations."
City attorney Dan Baldwin will send a letter of clarification to the Lehigh City Council regarding the 60-day termination clause.
— Council approved a bid of $7,200 from Knutson & Monroe to conduct the city's audit for 2003.
— Garrett reported that the city did not receive the housing rehabilitation grant. The next round is due in April and the city will apply then.
— The city's water disinfection system will change from chlorine to combined chlorine. This is a method that was used previously by the city.
Garrett said it will reduce the chlorine odor and will be compliant with state and federal regulations.
— Garrett made a clarification regarding the city's purchase of the former AMPI property.
The city purchased the building, gas line, and acreage for $75,000. The city is receiving $2,450 per month in space rent. The Hillsboro Police Department and Historical Society are using part of the facility as well saving the city $325 per month.
Within three years, the city will make back its investment. Long term benefits are ownership of the electrical line and service and gas line.
Garrett said if the city did not own the property, the Alltel tower probably would not be located there.
Coryea asked if any property taxes were being paid. Dalke answered that taxes are being paid on the portion of the building that is being rented.
— Megan Kilgore, director of the Hillsboro Management Board, reported that the annual chamber meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Monday at Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church.
The chamber board had a retreat recently and set goals that included the city council. The goals will be reviewed at the annual meeting, reported Kilgore.
Kilgore said that through her appointment on the Marion County Economic Development Council, she has been appointed as the liaison between the MCEDC and the Marion County Microloan Review Committee.
The next council meeting will be at 4 p.m. Feb. 3 in council chambers.
