MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILMAY 9, 2006Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 6:07 P.M. with the following council members present: Jim Jellema, Pete Hoff, Ross Metzger, and Linus Svoboda. Council absent: Keith Elbers. Employees present: Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; and Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk. Guests: Tom Houselog-Rock County Land Records Director, Mark Hovland-Assistant County Assessor, Wendell Bengtson, Rod Verhey, Matt Taubert, CPA from Meulebroeck, Taubert & Co.; Lexi Moore-Hills Crescent. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Svoboda to approve Mark Raymon’s building permit application for a patio and partial privacy fence. Motion carried. Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Metzger to approve the April 11th minutes. Motion carried. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Metzger to approve the April expenditures: General $60,576.59; Park $739.87; Fire $37.65; Street $1,661.83; Legion $368.29; Sewer $1,016.99; Garbage $1,949.82; Recycling $2.00; Water $3,753.98; Law Enforcement $9,746.50. Motion carried. General Checking 59,037.57General Fund CD#18924, 3.55%, 6/9/05 (prev. #18614) 251,002.85General Fund CD#19056 (prev. #188764) 4.25%, 9/15/06 124,865.21Fire Truck Replacement CD#19200, 4.150%, 12/9/06 3,000.00Hills EDA Security Deposit Account .04Hills EDA Checking – Acct. #1248 5,610.75EDA 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%, 11/15/06 138,000.00#2 FireTruck Replacement CD#19385, 4.5%, 3/24/07 5,000.00Motion by Svoboda, seconded by Hoff to renew CD#18870 at 4.75% interest. Motion carried. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Metzger to approve the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried. Publish a notice to inform residents that sump pump hoses should not run into floor drains.The regular meeting was recessed, in order to open the Board of Appeal & Equalization meeting at 6:30 P.M. Tom Houselog, Rock County Land Records Director, and Mark Hovland, Assistant County Assessor, attended in order to review assessments with the City Council and any interested persons. Houselog noted that Svoboda and Wiertzema had attended the required training meeting, in order to hold this Board of Appeal & Equalization meeting. Residential property increased approximately 10.9%, and commercial decreased approximately 6%. Following property tax discussion with persons attending, no changes were made to any parcels, and the Board of Equalization meeting was adjourned at 7:02 P.M. The assessment contract with Rock County expires on December 31, 2006. Houselog will obtain contract renewal information to be discussed at a later date. The regular city council meeting reconvened at 7:02 P.M.The Council tabled decision for seal coating streets, awaiting final bids from Rock County. The Council agreed to continue with annual physicals for fire department volunteers.Discussed the problem with disconnection/reconnection fees versus monthly utility payments, for persons that go south for the winter months. The Council agreed to leave the policy as is, and that those utility patrons who are affected should be notified to explain the City’s policy. Notification on an annual basis may be helpful. Also, according to City ordinance, only the city maintenance department is allowed to disconnect and reconnect water service. Motion by Metzger, seconded by Hoff to grant a building permit to Derek Bundesen for a deck. Motion carried. Jellema proposed that a resolution be adopted to allow the use of motorized golf carts and four-wheel all-terrain vehicles on city streets. Details for the use of such vehicles will be drafted for approval by the City Council. Motion by Hoff and seconded by Metzger to proceed with the proposal. None opposed, motion carried. Matt Taubert, CPA from Meulebroeck, Taubert & Co., presented the Council with the City’s 2005 audit report. A few items regarding the Fire Department, 1) bids for a new fire truck, received by the Fire Department, must be on file at the City Office; 2) the transfer of any funds to the Fire Relief Association must be pre-approved by the City of Hills and Martin Township; 3) all fire call reimbursement funds must be forwarded to the City of Hills and Martin Township; and 4) the Fire Department must submit a final report to FEMA regarding the disbursement of funds. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Metzger to approve the audit report, with no changes. Motion carried. Mayor Jellema suggested that discussion continue regarding the procedure for negotiating employee salaries and benefits. The Clerk commented that in past years, employees were told to take the City’s insurance policy offered, or waive it. Now, two different insurance policies are offered to an employee’s family, wherein one policy the monthly premiums are paid through a separate salary to the employee. The Clerk suggested that since the City is paying for different policies, all employees eligible for insurance should be compensated through a payment in lieu of insurance. No further discussion. Motion by Hoff, seconded by Metzger to adjourn at 8:43 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(6-8)