With annexation complete, the Hills City Council was able to approve a building permit for the Tuff Memorial Assisted Living Facility at its meeting Tuesday night.
Necessary documentation was finally received from the state of Minnesota. Council member Dana Dahlquist abstained from the vote since he also serves as Tuff Home Administrator.
The council also approved a building permit for the Hills-Beaver Creek School District bus barn in Hills.
Community fitness center
City Attorney Doug Eisma and H-BC Superintendent Tom Knoll were present Tuesday to update the council on the status of a community fitness center project.
"We want to conduct a public meeting before we allocate any money," Knoll said, speaking for the Hills-Beaver Creek School Board.
Eisma suggested several possible funding sources for the council and School Board to pursue.
Among others, he suggested approaching Rock County for funding. "A lot of communities are starting to wake up and say education and fitness are forever. Twenty years ago you wouldn't see a joint venture between a school, city and county," said Eisma.
Since the building would be on school property, Eisma recommended ownership of the building eventually revert to the school district if the city became involved in the project.
"The city wouldn't have an asset when the dust settles, but that is not your purpose," Eisma said to the council. "It would benefit the community."
In other business:
•The council reviewed bids to refinish the wood floors in the Legion building. The project was awarded to the lowest bidder Reed Forster who bid $2,220.
•No concerned taxpayers attended the Truth in Taxation meeting which was called to order at 6 p.m. The council scheduled a hearing to adopt the city’s levy at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, in City Hall. This year's levy is $24,104, a decrease of 16.6% over last year’s levy of $28,104.
•Christmas tree pickup was scheduled for Monday, Jan. 22.
•The council opened bids for the road grader and '57 Chevrolet fire truck. Jeff Williams, Canton, S.D., was the high bidder on both vehicles. The council passed separate motions to accept the high bids. Williams bid $2204 for the road grader and $1511 for the fire truck.