Hills raises Legion rental fees

By Lexi MooreThe rental rates at the Hills American Legion Hall will see an increase this year.In the past, residents could rent the Legion clubroom and kitchen for $30 per event or they could rent the entire facility for $125. A separate deposit fee is also charged.The rate increase was decided during a City Council meeting on Tuesday.Mayor Jim Jellema said, "You don’t get much for $30 anymore."He recommended the city charge $50 for use of the clubroom and kitchen.The council agreed that an increase would be appropriate because the city plans to spend money on renovating areas of the building throughout the next year.New rates for the rental of the building will be $50 for the clubroom and kitchen and $150 for the entire building.The city also decided to charge a fee for liquor permits. In 2005, the Hills Fire Department and the Community Club each requested a permit for serving alcohol.In the future, organizations and people requesting such a permit will be required to pay a $50 fee.Other city rental fees will remain the same. Residents can rent Legion tables, chairs and appliances for relatively small fees.The city will continue to rent large equipment, including the mosquito sprayer and street sweeper, for a fee plus the cost of labor.In other city news:
Fire Chief Jeff Bass asked the city for permission to apply for a FEMA grant in 2006.The department can request items they need from FEMA, as long as their city or township is willing to put up 10 percent of the total grant.In 2005 the Hills Fire Department received a FEMA grant for more than $88,000 to purchase new air tanks, boots, coats and gloves.Bass told the council that the department would like to write a grant for a rescue van.Research done by the department found new vans cost between $130,000 and $150,000 while used vans start at $20,000.The council encouraged Bass to apply for the grant this year and assured him that if it was approved, the city would put up 5 percent, if Martin Township contributes an additional 5 percent.The council insisted the grant be for a new rescue van, not a used vehicle."That way we know we are getting something that will work and already has all of the bells and whistles," said Linus Svoboda.
The city agreed to rent storage space in one Legion bathroom to the U.S. Postal Service to be used as storage space.The post office had requested storage space from the city on several occasions.If an agreement is met, the city would charge the post office $30 per month for the use of the space.