The Hillsboro Board of Aldermen covered a wide range of city business during this week’s meeting, including routine approvals, department reports, infrastructure updates, public comments, and several items tied to community life in Hillsboro.

The meeting opened with the approval of prior meeting minutes, followed by the oath of office for recently elected officials. The board noted aldermanic seats for Board of Alderpersons Ward One, Ward Two, Ward Three, and Ward Four, with Rich Abel, Christopher DeGeare, Kevin Bremer, and Gerald Parrish named during the meeting.

Police Chief Kurz reported that April was a busy month for the Hillsboro Police Department. He said the department handled 223 calls and 50 reports during the month, a call volume he described as higher than what the department usually sees. He also discussed the recent tornado warning, explaining that the city’s siren system worked as designed. According to the chief, the sirens run for three minutes, shut off for five minutes, and then repeat that pattern for the duration of the warning. He also recognized the school resource officers for their response to a recent incident at the high school, saying they handled the situation effectively.

The building inspector reported that 17 building permits were issued in April, along with eight occupancy inspections. Total fees billed came to $57,196.44. There was also discussion about utility work and ongoing construction activity, including water taps and expected inspections once building work begins.

Public works and infrastructure matters also came up throughout the meeting. The board discussed street and sidewalk concerns, including broken sidewalk areas and plans for concrete repairs in subdivisions. There was also mention of upcoming work tied to water valves, which are needed because some older valves no longer work properly when crews need to isolate a water leak.

Fletcher House Repairs Move Forward

One of the larger community updates centered on the Fletcher House, a historic property in Hillsboro. During the reports from boards and committees, the board heard that bids had been reviewed for painting and repair work at the house. The bids were not exactly “apples to apples,” according to the discussion, but one contractor had previously done work at the house and was familiar with historical preservation standards. That contractor was also willing to handle repair work on cracks in the walls.

The cost of the work was described as just under $7,000. The Government Culture Foundation plans to pay the full cost of the painting and repair work once the city receives the invoice after completion. The board later voted to authorize the bid for the work at the Fletcher House.

The Fletcher House update also included a rundown of work already completed or underway by the city. The basement has been cleaned out, bathroom-related material under the house was removed, broken window panes are being replaced, and work has been done on the cabin on the back, as well as the front porch. The goal is to have the painting and repair work completed over the summer so the property can be ready for three events hosted in the fall and winter months.

Later in the meeting, city staff and board members again praised the repair work at the Fletcher House. One speaker noted seeing city trucks there and recognized the hands-on work being done. It was also announced that the Government Club plans to have the house and Hillsboro cabin open during upcoming community activity, giving residents another chance to see the historic site and the improvements being made.

Public Comment and School Foundation Fundraiser

During public comment, a resident raised concerns about code enforcement and asked whether the city could consider a part-time code enforcement officer. The resident pointed to issues such as rubbish, unlicensed vehicles, and properties that have become difficult for neighbors. The speaker said they would like to see the city take positive action on the matter.

The board also heard from Karen Huskey with the Hillsboro R-3 Public Schools Foundation, who spoke about an upcoming gala celebration tied to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The event is scheduled for June 27 at the Hillsboro Civic Center. Huskey said the foundation is asking the community to come together in support of the school district and the broader Hillsboro community.

Huskey invited city officials to have a presence at the event and said tables, sponsorships, and advertising opportunities are available. She also said the foundation hopes to bring the school and community together as “a unit of one,” noting the important connection between the school district, the city, and property values in the community.

The board later approved payment of city bills and charges and discussed several additional matters, including electrical work related to a flashing light near the fire department. The estimated cost was discussed at roughly $21,000, with the city and fire department expected to split the expense.

The next regular meeting was announced for June 1.

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