Teri Bentler

Key discussions during the meeting involved reviewing and approving minutes with noted corrections, including removing an erroneously applied bill and clarifying the voting reason for the utility auditor position interviews. The commission addressed accounts receivable matters, voting to rescind a previous motion regarding collections and subsequently moving to send certain accounts to tax foreclosure assessment and directing eight properties to collections. Updates were provided regarding progress on infrastructure and external matters, specifically the I-29 pedestrian bridge sidewalk design being moved to an earlier bid date, and discussions regarding proposed electrical service agreements with Barnesville and future energy supply plans from Missouri River. Furthermore, the commission discussed Railroad Park/Anchor Park improvements, including material handling upgrades requiring significant investment, and the start of Bingo operations. A decision was made regarding the future structure of the Trueblood agreement, approving the severance of the joint powers agreement with East Lincoln Water District to establish a direct agreement with East Central River West Water District. Other items included addressing concerns about garbage totes left on streets and planning for the pool grant-related role of a pool manager/superintendent due to impending retirement. Finally, FEMA documentation status was reported as approved for the next step.

The commission meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of minutes from the last session, presentation and approval of bills, and approval of monthly disconnects. Commissioners reported on discussions with engineers regarding proposed city blacktopping and outreach to the county for potential contribution towards streets affected by semi-traffic. A significant discussion involved the resignation of an assistant, with the commission planning to refine the job description before posting. Old business centered on awarding mowing contracts, where the commission ultimately approved the lowest bid from Simon's Lawn Care for $8,000 per year for two years. For snow removal contracts, the commission approved the bid from Mantley's for two years. Discussion then addressed the Chicken Scratch Bakery property, including a request for dumpster placement in front of the building for one month to facilitate item removal. The commission agreed to allow the building inspector access for assessment after November 1st, noting that the assessment would determine necessary code compliance actions for this property and potentially others facing similar issues. The city attorney noted items for later discussion and updates were provided on ongoing work related to the 2020 audit and 2021 special assessments.

The Planning and Zoning meeting included several agenda items related to documentation and regulatory oversight. Key discussions focused on revising the commercial building permit application to consolidate it with the residential version, ensuring a single permit document that clearly differentiates requirements for commercial versus residential use, including adding provisions for street improvement deposits and property zone designation. The committee also reviewed draft guidelines for rehab demo abandoned properties, opting to table the decision until a subsequent meeting for thorough review. Furthermore, the board approved sending a letter to the Seawick property owner, granting an exemption for building permit materials that were non-compliant with state fire codes, contingent upon the owner signing a release. Finally, the meeting addressed the proposed widening of a road (from 24 ft to 56 ft) up to 7th Avenue Southeast and the associated DOT access points, seeking approval for the plan as detailed, confirming the area would remain a single parcel.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the approval of the previous commission meeting minutes and the presentation of bills. Commissioners reviewed updates concerning cemetery regulations, specifically regarding cremation ashes placement and depth, and the ongoing update of the Grow Hillsborough website information. Information from a Lodging Physical Logic Committee survey was presented, highlighting community interest in a 'sliding Hillsborough' concept, and outlining priorities such as developing a 10-year draft plan. There was a significant discussion regarding the protocol for electrical outages, focusing on the necessity of educating the community on the process and the work involved before generators are activated. Additionally, a motion was passed to seek pricing for replacing a straight plow on a loader in the next budget season. A resident inquired about the policy prohibiting kegs at the Armory when a bar with a liquor license is present for an event, which will be followed up with management for clarification and potential policy review.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the previous meeting minutes. Key discussion points focused on the status of various outstanding tickets and compliance issues, including updates on specific case numbers and site cleanups. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the Railroad Park project, specifically the estimated cost of fencing (around $26,856 to $42,000+ depending on final scope) and strategies for funding, including utilizing the Railroad Caboose Fund and potential fundraising efforts. The Mural Project budget and direction were also discussed. Furthermore, the committee discussed reviewing and potentially modifying the complaint process guidelines established a year prior, particularly regarding documentation requirements and maintaining confidentiality for complainants versus adhering to open records laws. The resignation of a city resident member, AJ, was noted, necessitating the search for a replacement.