Officials review new business park plat
Staff reporter
Hillsboro City Council reviewed a proposed plat July 17, for another business park.
The park would be located on U.S.-56, east of Ash Street.
Hillsboro Planning Commission will review and approve or deny the plat Thursday evening.
Engineer Bob Privatera of Reiss & Goodness Engineering presented the plans. Mayor Delores Dalke commented that the individuals who were interested in developing in the park may no longer be interested but there was another individual who wants a lot.
Privatera told the council that any concerns needed to be voiced before the planning commission.
"It's important for us to go ahead with this plat," Dalke said. "We don't know what opportunities may come along."
However, she said she would not be in favor of putting in streets and utilities at this time.
The ideal situation would be for prospective business park owners to petition for utilities, Privatera said.
In other business:
— The council discussed options regarding replacing sidewalks on Grand Street, at Grand and Washington. The sidewalks were destroyed by equipment when the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church burned.
Privatera presented various cost estimates that ranged from $43,000 to $80,000, depending on the work.
Councilman Bob Watson asked about parking. Dalke said she didn't want it see it removed and the city might need it when the fire station is expanded.
Dalke continued that the city needed to establish specifications for city rights-of- way to keep sidewalks and curbs uniform. Some residents want to hire their own contractors to replace city curbs. The council agreed that the city should maintain uniformity and follow city specifications.
No decisions were made regarding replacement of the sidewalks.
— Privatera presented various cost estimates for patching and overlaying Ash Street for $330,000.
Dalke said the council will discuss capital outlay expenditures at the next budget session.
— Dalke reported that when the city's franchise agreement with Westar Energy ends in October, the city will be charged a $10,625 transmission fee. The transmission fee is being charged to all of Westar's customers.
— The mayor expressed her discontent with Rural Development regarding the city's sewer lagoon project because there "isn't much happening."
— The city's water department had some problems with water quality because of computer problems. Too much iron was remaining in the water, causing discolored water.
— The council approved changes to the employees' handbook regarding funeral leave. The deaths of immediate family members were identified.
— Work continues on Adams Street with asphalt laid. A walk-through inspection of the street will be conducted prior to the next city council meeting.
— A public hearing will be at 4 p.m. Aug. 21, a regular council meeting, regarding a grant to replace water lines. The council approved a contract with Rose Mary Saunders of Ranson Financial Consultants, LLC, for grant preparation work at $60 per hour plus mileage and relevant expenses, not to exceed $1,000.
The council will meet at 4 p.m. Aug. 7 at the city building.
