MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILAUGUST 8, 2006 – 6:00 P.M.Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order with the following council members present: Jim Jellema, Keith Elbers, Pete Hoff, Ross Metzger, and Linus Svoboda. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk; and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests: Dean Goettsch-Exchange State Agency; and Lexi Moore-Hills Crescent. Motion by Metzger, seconded by Elbers to approve the minutes of July 11th. Motion carried.Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff to approve the July expenditures: General $11,591.06; Park $2,482.41; Fire $8,579.85; Street $3,783.50; Legion $522.36; Sewer $1,261.92; Garbage $3,267.57; Recycling $557.30; Water $4,648.52; Baseball $62.51; Softball $213.80. Motion carried.General Checking 132,439.58General Fund CD#18924, 3.55%, 6/9/05 (prev. #18614) 205,445.94General Fund CD#19056 (prev. #188764) 4.25%, 9/15/06 124,865.21Fire Truck Replacement CD#19200, 4.150%, 12/9/06 3,061.74Hills EDA Checking – Acct. #1248 3,127.44EDA CD#18870, 3.25%, 5/7/06 78,108.74EDA CD#19293 (prev. CD#19164) 4.5%, 2/14/07 35,713.74EDA CD#19165, 4.25%, 11/15/06 140,924.47#2 Fire Truck Replacement CD#19385, 4.5%, 3/24/07 5,000.00Motion by Metzger, seconded by Hoff to refund utility deposits to Robin Schuelke; Thomas Ranfranz; and Brian Steffan. Motion carried.Wayne Ward informed the Council of changes in Janis’ Medicare prescription insurance premiums, in that the premium will be paid directly from Janis’ Social Security check. Also, that Wayne’s group health insurance will increase effective October 1st; and in March of 2007 he will be eligible for Medicare insurance supplements. Fall junk pickup is scheduled for September 23rd.Discussions regarding water pressure problems at Neil Bly’s residence; and the replacement of a curb-stop for Ross Metzger.Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff to notify property owners of junk and/or unlicensed vehicles; also properties with vehicle parts and components. Property owners will have 30 days in which to have the vehicles or vehicle parts removed from their property, or placed inside an enclosed building. Dean Goettsch appeared at the meeting to review the City and Fire Department’s insurance policy. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Svoboda to waive the monetary limits on tort liability. Building and content insurance will increase by 6.25%. The 1977 IHC tanker truck will be removed from the policy. No other changes in the policy.Elbers informed the Council of Paul and Brenda Scott’s plans to construct a handicap accessible entry ramp to the front of their café. Elbers will request Scott’s to submit a drawing of their plans.The Council reviewed updated correspondence from Rock County Land Management pertaining to tires stacked outside, and the concern for health risks. The Council agreed to allow Rock County Land Management to monitor this matter. The Council reviewed a list of properties that were notified to cut their weeds and long grass. The Clerk was instructed to send correspondence regarding the same to additional properties.City maintenance will be instructed to maintain the weeds on the baseball field, around the American Legion building, and at Centennial Park, in the same manner in which the city park and softball field are maintained. Discussion on the ATV/golf cart ordinance was tabled. The Council approved to hire Bonnie Sundem, Karen Soehl, and Coleen Martens as election judges for the primary and general elections. Due to the primary election, the September regular meeting of the Hills City Council is rescheduled for Wednesday, September 13th at 6:00 P.M.Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Metzger, to renew the assessment contract with the Rock County Land Records Office, at the proposed increase of five percent per year, effective January 2007 through December 2009.The Council proposed the special assessment for the sidewalk replacement along Main Avenue to be at 8% interest, for a term of 10 years, with the option to pay off the balance at any time. Property owners will be invited to attend the September meeting; with the terms to be finalized at the October meeting.Motion by Hoff, seconded by Elbers to approve Scott Harris’ building permit application for a fence. Motion carried. The Council accepted Harvey Gehrke’s proposal to replace and extend the roof on the concession stand at the softball field. The only cost to the City is for materials, as Gehrke is donating his labor. The Council agreed to hire Harvey Gehrke to replace the window frames and door of the softball field concession stand, to include labor and material costs. No further business, meeting adjourned at 8:09 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(8-17)