Hillsboro approves project payments
Staff reporter
Hillsboro City Council approved change orders and pay estimates Nov. 1 for city water projects.
Pittsburg Tank & Tower Company was approved $40,810 for water tower improvements; APAC-Kansas, Inc., Shears Division $56,092, Utility Contractors, Inc. $168,300, and EBH & Associates (engineering) $17,264 for water plant improvements.
The council reluctantly approved three change orders that totaled $8,793 for the water plant project.
Don Hellar, engineer with EBH & Associates, told the council that change orders with this type of project are common and there will be more before the project is completed.
"Constructing a new plant is much easier than remodeling an old one," said Hellar. He also reminded the council that there was $100,000 in grant funds available and the city's portion will be the same.
Council members were reminded of progress meetings for the water plant project at 9 a.m. every Thursday, at the contractor's trailer.
In other business:
— The council reviewed an updated refuse collection code. Steve Garrett, city administrator, said it would take the city out of the business of collecting construction and demolition waste and allow licensing of haulers to remove the waste.
Dalke asked if it was feasible to continue to allow residential dumping of C&D waste in terms of expenses to the city for dumping fees at the county transfer station and personnel time.
No decisions were made.
— Garrett reported he attended a county planning meeting and discussed areas of urban influence around Hillsboro.
"The county planning commission does not appear to be in favor of giving cities extra-territorial control," said Garrett. He said the city's comprehensive plan includes those areas and the city has more at stake than the county how those areas are developed.
— The final plat, annexation, and zoning change for Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church were approved by the city's planning commission, said Garrett. There is a 14-day protest period before it will be considered for approval by the city council.
— Megan Kilgore of Hillsboro Management Board, reported Hillsboro Development Corporation continue to work with two prospects and the incubator program which will be launched Thursday.
The next HDC meeting is Nov. 16 at Cooperative Grain & Supply.
— Garrett reported an additional 50 feet for dirt storage was needed at the swimming pool construction site, and city officials will meet with EMG consultants Tuesday to discuss the city's electrical service.
— Dalke reported she attended a meeting called by Tabor College officials with Sprint to discuss additional broadband access in the city.
Others in attendance were from the city, chamber of commerce, hospital, school, and the college.
Dalke said the college was seeking additional broadband access for online courses.
More meetings will be held in the future.
— Councilman Shelby Dierks requested a work session to discuss the city's personnel policies and proposed changes. The council will meet Tuesday for the session.
— Vouchers for $157,134 were approved.
