Hillsboro council approves annexation for new church
Staff reporter
Hillsboro City Council approved an 11-acre annexation Nov. 15 that will be the site of the new Mennonite Brethren Church of Hillsboro.
The council also approved a zoning change of the site from agricultural to low density residential which allows churches.
Preliminary and final plats will be reviewed by the council at a future meeting.
In other business:
— The council verbally approved a remote control vehicle track to be located north of the east tennis courts within Hillsboro Sports Complex.
Matt Dalke, recreation director, and Jessey Hiebert, assistant chief of Hillsboro Police Department, presented information to the council about the project.
Dalke said remote control car enthusiasts had been using Memorial Park. By offering it at the sports complex, it will bring diversity to the complex.
The facility would be fenced with a four-foot high chain link type fence. The track will consist of various obstacles made from dirt. The retaining barrier will be a six-inch flexible drain pipe.
City equipment will be used to prepare the area but organizers and patrons will be responsible for upkeep.
The council made it clear that if the area is not maintained in a satisfactory manner, the use will be reviewed and may be discontinued.
Hiebert and Dalke said the area would be for any type of remote control vehicle.
Councilman Len Coryea asked if dirt from the race track would affect the tennis courts. Hiebert said the dirt will turn hard and shouldn't be a concern.
— Final pay estimates were approved for the water line replacement project on Lincoln Street.
The council approved a change order for $4,467, a final payment of $38,781 to Mies Construction Inc., and payments to Reiss & Goodness Engineers of $2,275 for inspection and $1,566 for the balance due for construction engineering.
Mayor Delores Dalke signed a special account draw down request and insurance statement for Mies Construction Inc., and a certificate of project completion.
— An ordinance was approved that changes the manner in which the city will handle construction and demolition waste.
Prior to the ordinance, the city's refuse workers picked up C&D waste and hauled it to the county's transfer station and the city absorbed the extra costs.
— A city policy was rescinded that allowed residents to reserve and use a city dump truck for personal use.
This policy was adopted in 1992 as an effort to reduce the amount of time spent by city crews for spring cleanup. However, it was found not to be cost effective for city employees to have to deliver a truck to a specific address on Friday evening. Employees then would have to pick up the truck Monday morning, and drive to the transfer station for dumping.
City clerk Jan Meisinger said there were no reservations for the truck at the time it was discontinued.
— An updated personnel policies and guidelines document was approved by the council. It will become effective Jan. 1.
— Vouchers for $97,555 were approved.
The next council meeting will be at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at city hall.
