MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILFEBRUARY 10, 2004Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 6:02 P.M. with the following Council members present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, and Keith Elbers. Councilman Arlen Leenderts arrived at approximately 6:40 P.M. Absent: Councilman Dana Dahlquist. Employees present: Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests present: Donnie Deutsch, Jeff Bass, Justin Hinks, and Jolene Farley-Hills Crescent. Donnie Deutsch and Jeff Bass requested the Council’s approval on the revised mutual aid agreement between the Hills and Luverne Fire Departments. The updated agreement will include charges for man and truck hours, over an 8 hours work period, in order to obtain reimbursement from FEMA, and will not be charged against the Hills Fire Department. The Council approved of the revised mutual aid agreement. Deutsch will forward a copy of the fully executed Agreement to the City of Hills. Jeff Bass informed the Council that the Hills Fire Department will provide the City with roofing specs, in order to obtain bids on replacing the roof on the fire hall. The Council also requested that specs for replacing overhead doors be submitted. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to approve of the minutes of January 13th. Motion carried. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to approve of the January expenditures. Motion carried. Justin Hinks approached the Council with information for building a skate park ramp for skateboards, rollerblades and bicycles. Hinks felt that a decent ramp would cost less than $11,000; and that insurance waivers could be signed prior to use of the skate ramp, which could be fenced in and used only during the time a skate park attendant is present. The Council requested additional time to review the information prior to making a decision. The Treasurer will be instructed to transfer money on a monthly basis, into a separate fund for the purpose of replacing the pickup and tractor. In accordance with the 2004 budget a total of $10,000 was budgeted for these replacements. Transfers to be retroactive to January 2004. December expenditures: General $15,460.01; Park $663,09; Fire $2,268.25; Street $1,262.44; Legion $631.63: Barbershop $0.00; Sewer $746.44; Garbage $1,095.04; Recycling $0.00; Water $3,726.77; Baseball $0.00; Softball $0.00, Law Enforcement $8,944.00; Civil Defense $0.00.General Checking 100,667.39General Fund CD#18197, 2.5%, 12/4/04 237,314.41General Fund CD#17760, 2.5%, 3/15/05 20,477.61Sewer Fund CD#18255, 1.5%, 7/19/04 40,646.36Fire Truck Replacement Fund CD#17710, 1.75%. 1/13/04 23,228.20Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 2,471.78Hills EDA Checking 4,569.07Southern Hills Apts. Account 6,736.55Southern Hills CD#17759, 2.5%, 3/15/05 5,119.40EDA CD#17850, 2.5%, 5/7/05 27,963.43EDA CD#17268, 1.75%, 1/26/04 10,631.54EDA CD#18160, 1.5%, 10/17/04 20,000.00TOTAL 499,825.74The Council reviewed past due utility accounts. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to approve of the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried. The Council discussed the amount of man and machine hours that are involved in removing snow from Main Avenue, and whether other alternatives could be taken. The Postal Service removed items from the American Legion maintenance room. Plans for replacing the plumbing in this rental space was tabled, pending Alvin Hoogeveen’s decision to relocate his barbershop. Councilman Arlen Leenderts joined the meeting. A Lot Lease was signed by Glenn and Shaun Swenson, following their purchase of a mobile home owned by Ryan Burgers, and located on City property at 120 West 2nd Street.Discussed a complaint of vehicles parking in an alley in the evenings during school activities. The Council reviewed correspondence requesting an ice rink. In the past, the Fire Department formed an ice rink, but that the upkeep was very time consuming. It was suggested that the Rez could be used for skating. No action was taken. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Elbers to grant Keith Walraven a building permit for a garage. Motion carried. The 4-H Club’s park grant application was denied, and inquired whether the City could donate funds toward new playground equipment at Rez Park. The Council tabled a decision pending written plans, drawings, and cost proposals from the 4-H Club. Also, requested information on what the Hills’ Lions intentions are for donating toward the project. The Council approved the replacement of a copy machine for the City Office for approximately $600. Discussed complaints regarding snow removal from alleys. Publish ads requesting that snow is not to be thrown in the streets after the snowplow has passed, and for residents to help the City in removing snow from fire hydrants.No further business, meeting adjourned at 6:59 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(2-26)
