Water is fine
The water processed through Hillsboro's city distribution center is safe to drink.
That was the resounding response Hillsboro City Council heard Aug. 4 from water plant operator Dan Mount.
Concerns recently were expressed by council members and residents because of change in odor and taste of the city water.
Mount said the issue should clear up in seven to 10 days and was caused because of a change of chlorination.
"The heat adds to the problem," Mount said. He assured the council that the water was not leaving the processing plant tasting the same as it does when it is ran through the distribution lines and out residents' faucets.
More than a million gallons of water needs to be pumped through city water towers and pipes before the desired changes occur and the water has a more desirable taste.
Limited insertions allowed in city bills
The council decided that no insertions will be allowed in city bills except those items from organizations that are directly related to the city or supported by the city budget.
Inquiries have been made by groups wanting to have information about promotions and events sent with city utility bills.
Mayor Delores Dalke commented that Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce had inserts in the billings but there was no cost to the city for doing so. It was determined that the chamber receives some city funds to operate, therefore is supported by the city.
Councilman Shane Marler said he did not want independent advertising insertions to be allowed.
"What about non-profits?" Dalke asked. Councilman Shelby Dirks asked who would pay for the insertion and extra postage?
Administrator Larry Paine said the survey of calling other cities that he conducted supported only city-related activities.
A policy will be written and reviewed for approval at a future meeting.
In other business:
— The council approved documents for the sale of a $78,358 general obligation bond. The bond helped pay for phase I improvements of Mennonite Brethren Church project.
Cooper Malone McLain Inc. presented the lowest interest rate of 5.12 percent with a maturity date of 2023.
Dalke asked bond counselor Larry Kleeman what the city's debt ratio was to which Kleeman responded 8.8 percent. Cities can borrow up to 30 percent of the ratio.
The bond sale will close Sept. 25.
— A revised job description for building inspector/code enforcement officer was approved. Paine presented the revision. Previously the city had two separate job descriptions for the building inspector and code enforcement officer.
Until a person is hired, Paine was appointed to serve in that capacity with his other duties.
— Ranson Financial Consultants was chosen as grant administrator of a Community Development Block Grant. The city is applying for the grant for water line improvements.
— Paine reported six letters were sent to property owners regarding nuisance properties, specifically tall grass. Paine said four of the six had been resolved but resolutions needed to be passed, which the council did, before the city could act.
— The council approved the 2007 uniform public offense code and the 2007 standard traffic ordinance.
— A decision will be made at future council meeting regarding health insurance coverage for city employees. Paine said the city's current provider, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, will no longer offer the same plan as in previous years because the company is eliminating some plans to streamline coverage.
The council has to decide soon because Oct. 1 is the annual renewal date.
— While reviewing council issues, Dalke said a lease with USD 410 should be removed from the list because "it isn't going to happen," she said.
Dalke added that the former AMPI building cannot be insured until repairs from a fire are made.
— Paine and Dalke were appointed as voting delegates at the League of Kansas Municipalities annual convention. Dirks and Marler will serve as alternates.
The next council meeting is at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the city building.
