BCSC to install new Rez dock

By Lexi MooreMembers from the Beaver Creek Sportsmen’s Club spoke to the Hills City Council on Tuesday night about plans for the Rez.The club plans to install a handicap-accessible dock at the Rez on April 22 or 23. Several organizations have agreed to fund the cost.The Lion’s Club donated $2,500, the Development Association gave $2,500 and the Sportsmen’s Club will pay $2,000 and coordinate the installation. The City of Hills will pay the remaining amount, which should be $2,000 to $2,500.Club members requested that the council consider treating the Rez with chemicals in an effort to control the current algae problem.In the past club members have applied barley straw to the pond to help with algae problems but they want to find a more successful product.Club President Arlyn Gehrke located a chemical sold on the Internet that claims to be safe for fish and not harmful to humans. The chemical would need to be applied to the pond once a week for four weeks, starting when the algae bloom.Club members reported that after the chemical is applied to the pond, the algae would float to the surface and be removed.The cost of applying the chemical to the pond is estimated to be $1,600. Council members advised the club to research what type of guarantees are offered by the company selling the product and the timing of the algae bloom.Depending on the results, the Council will consider covering the costs to treat the algae problem.In other City news:
Mayor Jim Jellema and Linus Svoboda briefed the council on their meeting with the Rock County Sheriff’s Department regarding local law enforcement contracts.Law enforcement in Hills will continue to be provided by Rock County. There will not be any changes in the amount the city has to pay for the next four years. During the fifth year, payments will increase by five percent.Both men said they were pleased with the arrangement.
The Council discussed problems with miscellaneous junk at various commercial and residential properties.The City’s ordinance states that trees, grass and shrubs must be kept clean and neat.Property and business owners who fail to comply with this ordinance will receive a notice asking them to clean up the property. If action is not taken, the city will clean the property and assess the owner’s taxes for any fees the City incurs in the process.
Council members discussed problems with unlicensed dogs within city limits.The council asked City Clerk Connie Wietzema to contact Rock County Sheriff Mike Winkles regarding the Hills ordinance on animal control.The council hopes to increase the number of dogs licensed by enforcing the city ordinance that requires dog owners to license their animals.Dog licenses can be purchased at the city office for $5, if the animal is spayed or neutered and has an updated shot record or $10, if the animal has not been fixed but has an updated shot record."We do not require dog licenses because we want to get rich off the fee. We do it to keep the town safe," said Mayor Jellema.
Council members allocated an additional $25 to Doug Boeve to cover higher gas costs for City junk day. Junk day will be May 21.
City Maintenance Manager Wayne Ward reported that he will begin flushing the city’s water pipes again. He warned that residents may have some problems with their water after he starts flushing.In addition, he reported that the city will need to bill Rock County Rural Water for the 524,300 gallons of water lost when the system was flushed last fall.