Hillsboro council updated on capital budget request, upcoming projects

Hillsboro City Council members heard updates on budget plans and upcoming projects in the city during their January meeting on Monday night.

Hillsboro mayor Drew Hastings told council members that he met with Speaker Cliff Rosenberger on the city’s proposed capital budget request, which was brought before council at the December meeting.

“We probably will pare back a little on our request, which was initially about $650,000,” Hastings said. “One of our requests was to help fund a sidewalk revolving loan fund, and capital budget requests, as it turns out, aren’t allowed to fund revolving loan funds.”

The revolving loan fund request accounted for $100,000 of the $650,000 requests.

Hastings said the other items, which include sidewalks on US 62 to Southern State Community College and a plan to provide pedestrian street lighting along US 50 and US 62, “looked promising.”

Hastings reported that during their Dec. 15 meeting, the Hillsboro Planning Commission met with Liz Fields of McBride Dale Clarion, “a zoning consultant firm.” After reviewing her “outline for planning services to improve the zoning in Hillsboro” and listening to her explanation of the process, the commission voted to “authorize the safety and service director” to work with the firm.

The commission also voted to detach 1.1 acres of Mark Wilson’s property, per his request.

Hastings also distributed copies of an email exchange between him and another “elected official” to council members.

“I think transparency in public affairs works best,” Hastings said. “My attitude is to deal with problems head-on and not let rumors take over … particularly if it has ripple effects on city operations.”

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In the safety and service director’s report, Todd Wilkin previewed several of the projects expected to begin in the coming months, as part of the 2016 budget.

“I just met today with our engineer to discuss several of those projects,” Wilkin said.

Wilkin reminded council members that upcoming projects include the following:

• Harry Sauner Road widening from Pizza Hut to Kibler Lumber, a $950,000 project;

• South East Street reconstruction, including a storm infrastructure project with storm gutters and curbs, a $350,000 project;

• South High Street curbs and gutters, a $64,000 project; and

• A pavilion and dog park at Liberty Park, a $103,000 project.

Wilkin announced that the city is looking for a replacement for longtime city employee Randy Barr. Barr, who serves as water, sewer and streets manager, will be retiring on Feb. 29. The city will also be hiring a code enforcement officer, Wilkin said.

Wilkin also told council that the tax commissioner’s report indicates an income tax increase of 7.42 percent for 2015, “which is almost $250,000.”

According to Wilkin, Annette Black of the auditor’s office was named the city’s employee of the month for December.

“December is always a tough month for the auditor and his team, and Annette has worked many hours to make sure the end of the year has been closed out properly,” Wilkin said.

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In the citizens’ comments portion of the meeting, Steven Williams asked council if they had made any decisions on his request at the December meeting for a formal rebuke of Hastings.

During the December meeting, Williams argued that Hillsboro was “disrespected [and] disgraced” after Hastings published a Facebook post that stated, among other things, that “Blacks have all but formally declared war on whites.” He asked council for “a formal rebuke” at the previous council meeting. Council member Justin Harsha said at that time that he would try to meet with council president Lee Koogler, who was absent from the meeting, to discuss any further action.

Koogler told Williams that he met with Harsha but they have “not acted further.”

“I have had that conversation in regards to that request with Mr. Harsha,” Koogler said. “He and I have talked about maybe some things the city can do in looking at the matter.

“Quite honestly, in light of some of the things that have come up recently, I have not acted further on that at this point in time. I’m not saying we’re not going to, but it may be a little time before we do.”

Williams said that he understood, but that he still stands by his request.

“We are still asking for council to take official action in the form of a reprimand or a censure,” Williams said.

Local resident Jim Matticks also addressed council members on numerous public records requests regarding a check for $78,168.64 donated to the city to be used “at the mayor’s discretion” in December 2013.

“I’ve personally seen what everybody gets back, and it’s just a check with everything redacted,” Matticks said.

Matticks asked Koogler if he could get the information for him.

“I’m not actually the person that handles public records requests within the city,” Koogler said. “At this point, I think it goes through Ms. [Debbie] Sansone. If you’re not receiving the benefit of what you’re requesting, I certainly can have that discussion with Ms. Sansone about it, and I would also consult with Mr. [Fred] Beery.”

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Council voted 7-0 to approve a request for a sign variance from Steve Cacaro, who met with the property maintenance and restoration committee on behalf of Little Caesars Pizza, which will be moving into the building on Harry Sauner Road formerly occupied by Long John Silver’s.

According to committee chair Ann Morris, Cacaro “asked for a variance for a rooftop sign” and will also be installing a pylon sign.

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Claudia Klein reported that the community enhancement committee met with the finance committee to discuss proposed entertainment districts in Hillsboro.

“[Koogler] explained what was necessary to try to get some liquor licenses in town to businesses,” Klein said.

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In other action, council considered two ordinances and one resolution.

• Council heard the second reading of an ordinance to amend the sign ordinance to provide for fee changes and additional sign options.

• Council voted 7-0 to approve and adopt a resolution to enter into an agreement with the Highland County Commissioners to provide legal counsel to indigent persons charged with serious offenses and loss of liberty offenses in the Municipal Court.

• Council heard the first reading of an ordinance to amend Hillsboro Codified Ordinance 155.042 Historic and Business “G” District Zoning and to Declare an Emergency.

“I’m going to give this its first reading,” Koogler said. “I’m placing the matter in [the zoning and annexation] committee to be looked at.”

A second resolution originally placed on the agenda – to authorize the safety and service director to lease the property at 120 Governor Trimble Place, Hillsboro and to declare an emergency – was removed prior to the start of the meeting. The property is owned by Hillsboro Planning Commission member John Wilkin.

“I had an opportunity to discuss this matter with the administration prior to today’s meeting,” Koogler said. “I am asking that this go into the finance committee to review. I think there’s some issues about structure of the acquisition, and I think it’s better that we get an idea of what structure is being proposed before we get into looking into an ordinance.”

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Council entered an executive session at 7:07 p.m. to consult with city law director Fred Beery. They exited the executive session at 7:20 p.m. No action was taken.