Recycling charge up a nickel in ’09

Hillsboro residents can expect to pay a nickel more per month for the city?s recycling program, effective Jan. 1

The Hillsboro City Council approved the increase to $1.85 per month at its Oct. 7 meeting. The charge is included on the city utility bill.

The increase was precipitated by a rate increase to the city by the McPherson Area Solid Waste Utility, which hauls away the recycleables collected in Hillsboro?s volunteer-run program.

On another matter, city engineer Bob Previtera of Reiss & Goodness Engineers told the council he is working with Glenn Hoover, owner of Midway Motors in Hillsboro, to confirm design concepts for the new dealership to be built in Hillsboro Business Park along North Ash and U.S. Highway 56.

Previtera said a series of boorings will be needed to ensure that the soil used several years ago to fill the former AMPI cooling pond in the park has been compacted to specifications for the building project.

In other business, the council:

n heard from Previtera that he hopes to bring specific cost proposals for the drainage project planned for the West Winds development on the west side of Hillsboro to the Nov. 4 council meeting for consideration.

n approved Resolution 2008-11, approving an amended operating agreement with the Kansas Power Pool, a supplier of the city?s electricity.

n set 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, for a public hearing regarding the establishment of a tax increment financing district that would include the Hillsboro Business Park and the adjacent former AMPI property now owned by the city along North Ash Street.

Among other things, the resolution designates the district as a ?blighted area,? which is an advantage to the city for issuing general obligation bonds to help finance the district?s redevelopment.

n renewed a liquor license for the La Cabana restaurant on Main Street.

n approved a health insurance contract for city employees that raises the deductible to $1,000.

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