MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETINGOF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILJANUARY 10, 2006Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order with the following council members present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Keith Elbers, Pete Hoff, and Ross Metzger. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk; and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests: Jeff Bass-Chief for Hills Area Fire Department; Lexi Moore-Hills Crescent.Motion by Elbers, seconded by Hoff, to approve the minutes of December 13 and 14. Motion carried.Motion by Hoff, seconded by Metzger, to approve payment of the December expenditures. Motion carried.Expenditures for December: General $5,927.01; Park $1,268.05; Fire $8,022.63; Street $5,144.62; Legion $689.35; Sewer $1,427.15; Garbage $3,050.90; Recycling $1,014.80; Water $6,244.89; Baseball $12.22; Softball $22.84. Motion carried.General Checking 73,333.94General Fund CD #18924, 3.55%, 6/9/05 (prev. #18614) 251,002.85General Fund CD #19056 (prev. #188764) 4.25%, 9/15/06 122,287.95Fire Truck Replacement Fund CD #18647 cashed in May 2005 0.00Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 436.83Hills EDA Checking –Acct. #1248 690.11Southern Hills Condo Acct. #1263 0.00EDA CD #18870, 3.25%, 5/7/06 76,869.87EDA CD #19164, 2%, 3/14/06 40,300.00EDA CD #19165, 4.25%, 11/15/06 138,000.00Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Metzger, to approve the transfer of $138,000 from EDA checking to an 11 month EDA CD #19165 at 4.25% interest. Motion carried.Discussed George Reining’s inquiry regarding the cleanup of debris from his house fire. Council agreed that all debris must be removed from the property, including the foundation.Jeff Bass informed the Council that the Fire Department has not received all their new gear, covered by the 2005 FEMA grant. Also, that there will be a cost overrun of approximately $2,200 for brackets to hang gear on the trucks. Bass inquired whether the Fire Department should apply for the 2006 FEMA grant, which could be used toward the cost of a different rescue van. The Council agreed to the application, but request that the City and Martin Township must be informed on costs relating to the application.The Council approved Ward’s request for a new tracing tape for locating utility lines.City maintenance requested that the owner of a stray dog be contacted. The fine for this third capture is $100.The Council was informed of the Federal Government’s cost increase for the drinking water service connection fee to $6.35 per connection.A proposed cost estimate will be obtained for updating the City’s map.The Council agreed to allow the U.S. Post Office storage space in the basement of the Hills American Legion building, for an additional rent of $30 per month.The following appointments will remain the same for 2006: Mayor Pro Tem-Linus Svoboda, Official newspaper-Hills Crescent, Civil Defense Director-Doug Chapman, Weed Inspector-Wayne Ward, Official bank–Exchange State Bank of Hills, Health officer–Dr. Diane Kennedy, City attorney–Doug Eisma, EDA President–Linus Svoboda, EDA Vice President–Ross Metzger, EDA Secretary–Connie Wiertzema, EDA Treasurer-Joanne Goehle.The Council approved to increase the following rental charges for the Hills American Legion building: Clubroom/Kitchen $50; and for the Auditorium/Clubroom/Kitchen $150, plus a $50 deposit. All other Legion rental charges will remain the same.The Council set the mileage reimbursement rate at 44.5 cents per mile; and set a temporary liquor license fee at $50. All other licenses and/or rental charges will remain the same per the 2005 Fee Schedule.The Council asked city maintenance to remove the snow from the end of South Anna Avenue, in order that Wysong’s can remove their camper trailer from the street.Motion by Elbers, seconded by Metzger, to approve the proposed 2006 wages as noted and presented to the Council by the wage committee members. Motion carried.The Clerk will attend the election equipment plan meeting on January 17Council discussed options for storage space for the Hills American Legion, which is currently located in an occupied rental office space.Council approved to refund a utility deposit to John and Kim Elhers.No further discussion, meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.Connie WiertzemaCity Clerk 2-9