The Hillsboro City council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 2 was full of news about positive and exciting things happening in Hillsboro as well as in partnership with other towns.
City Administrator Matt Stiles updated the council on an opportunity that Hillsboro had to help out in Peabody.
“On Friday, Oct.29, we sent our water department staff to assist with an issue in Peabody. The tower for Peabody had a valve that would not operate which caused the system to depressurize. With the pressure drop pushed the system out of compliance resulting in a boil water warning in Peabody,” said Stiles. “Our crews were able to get the valve unstuck, but there were many other issues with the Peabody tower and system. Our crews assisted in opening hydrants in town to help pressurize the system.”
He said that Hillsboro crews ran to Salina to get the appropriate testing supplies and helped walk Peabody through the process.
“Peabody has had continuing issues with the water system and staffing. I’m in conversation with them about possible solutions,” said Stiles.
Mayor Lou Thurston formally honored Mark Chesney for his “outstanding” career in the power industry, his leadership of the Kansas Power Pool and the impact his teams have had on the daily lives for Hillsboro businesses and citizens. Thurston offered an official proclamation on behalf of the council of their appreciation for Chesney and gave him honorary citizenship and the key to the City of Hillsboro.
Thurston said, “The City of Hillsboro sincerely appreciates Mark’s contributions to the betterment of all that call Hillsboro home.”
Stiles explained that Susan Robson formally resigned from her position as the city prosecutor since she will be sworn in as the District Court Judge for Marion County on Dec. 1 and will no longer be able to perform her duties as the city prosecutor.
Stile said,” We have been looking for a replacement attorney to serve in the prosecutor position. As part of that search we have contacted the Adrian and Pankratz firm out of Newton. A few of the partners have strong Hillsboro ties and they have expressed an interest in serving as the prosecutor. At this point, Joe Uhlman would serve as the lead prosecutor with Tim Hodge serving as a backup.”
He said that utilizing Adrian and Pankratz may require an increase in hourly billable rate to $150 per hour compared to the $125 per hour Robson was collecting, but the impact should be minimal.
The Council approved the proposed engagement letter from Adrian and Pankratz appointing Joe Uhlman as City Prosecutor.
The council approved a new Sanitation Operator job description.
Stiles said, “With Ed Richert leaving the city, I have re-evaluated how we handle trash collection. Currently trash is handled within the Street Department, with street personnel backing up our dedicated trash driver. Rather than having that combination, I would like to separate trash from streets and promote the current driver, David Lockwood, to a supervisor.”
The proposed sanitation operator position fills the open position and would report to Lockwood.
Stiles explained that having someone dedicated to trash provides an opportunity to do some needed maintenance to trash dumpsters and equipment.
“We would also have a second driver that could assist in filling and the meet the expanding needs of the community. The position would also have some opportunity to assist the street department as available,” said Stiles.
In other business, the council:
n appointed Andrew Kovar of Triplett Woolf Garretson as City Attorney to replace Kimberlyn Gilchrist who resigned in October.
n approved Jessey Hiebert as the new police chief. See more information in the article in this week’s paper.
n reviewed a modified public comment policy. Stiles pointed out that it would be wise for the Council to consider the proposed language of the new policy on item consideration which proposes to have a two-step process for considering major items. He stated that it would give the council and public an opportunity to review an item before taking formal action on it. No action was taken but will happen at a future meeting.
n heard that Building Inspector Ben Steketee recommending that the city consider moving from the 2012 edition currently used to the 2021 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) along with the other applicable associated codes. No action was taken but the topic will be considered at the Nov. 16 meeting.
n learned that Hillsboro will be receiving two vehicle charging stations as part of KPP’s efforts to promote electric vehicles. One will be installed at City Hall in the back lot and the other will be installed at the museum.
n September sales taxes are now in and tax collections continue to be 20% above last year’s total and nearly 32% higher than the five year average. The amounts for September include the Annual Arts and Crafts Fair although not all have been reported yet for the fair since some prefer to report quarterly or annually rather than monthly.