By Lexi MooreHills Council members voted on Tuesday to change the fee structure for specific rentals at the American Legion Hall.The city rents out the facility for events, auctions and fund-raisers, but recent inquiries about serving and selling alcohol at events prompted the council to discuss fees.In the past, renting the facility, regardless of the type of event, cost $150. The city required that $50 of the fee be paid at the time of reservation to secure the date. No additional deposit fee has been required.Councilman Ross Metzger made a motion to require a $500 refundable deposit if an event will be serving or selling alcoholic beverages. The $150 rental fee will remain the same. If the event does not lead to damage of the property, the entire $500 deposit would be returned following an inspection of the facility.Metzger said, "I don’t think it is out of line to require a deposit."The motion was seconded by Keith Elbers and passed.In other city business:
The city will ask Harvey Gehrke to put together an estimate to make changes to the city concession stand in the city park.Councilman Elbers expressed concern about foul balls being a hazard to spectators at the concession stand. He recommended extending the roof to provide a protective canopy.The council agreed and suggested the quote include replacing the frames on the windows, which are rotting.Gehrke volunteered to do the labor if the city would pay for the materials.The work would need to be completed before next year’s ball season begins.
The council also approved work to the city park’s flowerbeds. Next spring the beds are to be replanted with perennials by Wally’s Nursery.The perennials will withstand drought better than the annuals that are currently planted and will not have to be replanted annually.
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