Time marches on for AMPI building

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Following is a timeline of key events in the city?s involvement with the former AMPI property.

1997 ? Associated Milk Producers Inc. merges with three other milk processors in the region to form Dairy Farmers of America.

Aug. 5, 1998 ? DFA announces it will close its processing plant in Hillsboro, affecting around 75 local jobs.

November 1998 ?? Ice cream production shuts down at the plant, officially ending a local dairy-processing tradition that began in 1930 as Tip Top Creamery.

July 2002 ? City announces its intention to buy the DFA property, including 30 acres of annexed land and buildings totaling around 100,000 square feet.

October 2002 ?? Contract established to purchase property for $75,000.

November 2002 ? Hillsboro Police Department authorized to move into the office area of the facility.

January 2007 ? Hillsboro City Council officially renames the facility ?Hillsboro Business Develop?ment Complex.?

March 2007 ? USD 410 expresses interest in developing a central office and transportation center in the facility, with significant remodeling.

April 25, 2007 ? Fire breaks out in north end of the uninsured facility. Damage initially believed to be limited.

May 2007 ? Repair estimates to fire-damaged area vary from $440,000 to $76,000. Council defers action.

September 2007 ? USD 410 board decides to seek a different location for its central office and transportation center.

October 2007 – Council sells first lot in newly platted Hills?boro Business Park, a 21-acre development located between the buildings and U.S. Highway 56.

June 2008 ? Council decides to subsidize a local effort to bring a welding training center to the community. Around $60,000 invested to improve the southeast area of the main building.

Oct. 15, 2008 – Butler Community College cuts ribbon to officially open its welding center.

Oct. 21, 2008 – Council decides to continue a $1.44 million insurance policy for replacement coverage of the area of the building housing the welding center.

February 2010 ?? Work begins on the development of Hillsboro Business Park.

August 2010 ?? Council decides not to fix leaking roofs over storage areas because of cost.

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