Hillsboro will share ball field improvements with school district
Staff reporter
Following considerable discussion and concerns about funding sources, Hillsboro City Council approved Sept. 20, proposed improvements to Memorial Field that totaled $50,000.
USD 410 had indicated it would pay 50 percent of the project, leaving the city with approximately $25,000 in expenses.
Improvements proposed by city administrator Steve Garrett were eight-foot outfield fence for $30,000; warning track (area between field and fence) $4,000; field renovations $8,000; "crow's nest" $2,000; enclose dugouts and windscreens $2,500; and sod for infield $800. A contingency of $1,700 also was included for overruns.
Funds will be used from the city's capital improvement fund.
Garrett reported new lighting similar to the softball field would cost $110-$120,000.
Mayor Delores Dalke said she had met with the Marion County Fair Board and it agreed to continue to have the carnival on the outfield.
Councilman Len Coryea said he was concerned about the city's finances.
"We're shaving the costs for the pool and throwing money at the field," Coryea said.
Previous to the discussion and approval of field improvements, the council approved a full-time assistant recreation director position. He said he was concerned how all of this was going to be financed.
Previous cost estimates for new fencing were $70,000, but had been reduced to $30,000.
An eight-foot fence would be erected except in left field where a scoreboard and bull pen would have a 24-foot fence.
Councilman Matt Hiebert said he was in favor of the improvements because they were necessary if the field was to be utilized to its fullest potential.
He said the proposal from USD 410 was generous.
Coryea asked if the city was continuing to pay for electrical service during summer months at the Tabor College field.
Garrett said he believed the city paid from May through August. City officials were instructed to check to see if the city was paying and the amount.
Hiebert suggested the city be charged for using the field instead of paying for the electricity.
In other business:
— City engineer Bob Privitera of Reiss & Goodness Engineers of Wichita, reported wheelchair ramps were omitted from the original plans of the Lincoln Street water line project.
The original project included the replacement of valley gutters but Privitera said it was a "good idea" to replace wheelchair ramps at this time.
Mies Construction, the general contractor, is willing to install the wheelchair ramps at a cost of $3,500 which is the engineer's estimate instead of a construction estimate of $5,500.
Councilman Shelby Dierks asked why the ramps weren't included in the original plan. Privitera responded the ramps were an "afterthought."
Garrett said Tabor College may purchase more houses in that area and it may be prudent to have that area handicap accessible.
Dalke agreed with Dierks.
"But if $3,500 will fix it, we need to do it," she said.
This additional cost would be part of the city's cost for the project.
The project came in below cost estimates, said Garrett, so funds are available in the capital improvement fund.
Hiebert made the motion to approve the expense for wheelchair ramps but added he wanted a better job "of doing the homework" to avoid this situation in the future.
— A grant will be sought by the city for airport improvements. The city had previously applied for a grant through a Kansas Department of Transportation aviation grant program but was denied funds.
Privitera said he will provide a new estimate for improvements to airport runway, taxi-ways and tie-down areas, and helipad.
He said initial engineering fees were the responsibility of the city. If the project is approved for funding, the grant would reimburse 90 percent of the cost, leaving the city with the responsibility of 10 percent. Previous project cost estimates were $221,950.
— The council approved an agreement with Kansas Department of Health & Environment for a revolving loan for the new sewer lagoon.
— The discussion of a contract with Scott Schreive of EMG was tabled until next meeting.
The company could provide consulting services to the city for electrical issues including peak shaving and negotiations with Westar Energy.
— A Kansas Department of Health & Environment revolving loan agreement was approved by the council.
The temporary loan will be used for a new sewer lagoon until funds are received from USDA Rural Development.
— The city's ISO (Insurance Service Office) rating has improved from a seven to a six. Garrett said he is hoping to achieve a five rating.
Insurance companies use the rating system as one factor in setting the amount of premium paid on a particular property.
Ratings are set from a class one which is the best to a class 10 which means property is unprotected from fire.
— The council will review the city's personnel policies at the next meeting.
— Garrett reported he had met with Marion County Commission regarding charges of commercial and demolition waste to the city.
He will meet with David Brazil, director of the county's transfer station, to reach an agreement.
— City officials will tour a water treatment plant with the same processing system as Hillsboro is planning.
— A written summary was provided to the council of fuel usage in city vehicles.
— The council approved vouchers for $216,866.
The next council meeting is at 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at city hall.
