By Lexi MooreWayne Ward, city maintenance manager, was on hand to discuss a water leak at New Vision co-op. The problem was discovered on New Year’s Eve.Water in the fertilizer building at New Vision had not been shut off this winter. When Ward responded to a complaint about low water pressure in the area, he discovered water coming from the inside of the fertilizer building.Ward said, "It was pouring out of there."The council voted to bill New Vision for the 25 gallons of water that were lost during the leak.Jon and Tedra Voss, Hills, were visitors at the meeting. They were having sewer line issues at their home located at 400 S. Central Ave.The couple reported that Hansel Plumbing had been to their residence to fix the sewer problems and discovered roots growing in the sewer lines.Hansel began cleaning roots from the line but stopped after realizing the problem was with the city’s sewer lines.Voss reported, "I’ll tell you how bad the roots are. They are growing through cast iron pipe."After a short discussion the council agreed to resolve the issue in the spring."You have done your stuff. In the spring the city will do our part," was the resolution proposed by Mayor Jim Jellema.Ward plans to dig out the old pipes and replace them with PVC pipe. He said roots will not be able to penetrate the PVC pipe.The council also agreed to pay the $50 Hansel Plumbing bill for the Vosses.Other city matters:oThe council addressed complaints regarding the sidewalk north of the Hills water tower along State Hwy 270. The sidewalk had not been cleared of ice, which had caused children to walk on the highway.oWard reported that the sidewalk had been cleared and that he would take the Mayor’s recommendation to put salt or sand down.oThe council agreed to put the old city truck up for auction on Jan. 29.oCouncilwoman Joanne Goehle and Councilman Dana Dahlquist did not attend the meeting.oA scheduling conflict forced the Hills City Council to meet Monday night instead of Tuesday this week.