Hillsboro Approves Rezoning for Proposed Restaurant at Former Firehouse

New finance and master planning committees, park improvements and a suspected water leak also drew discussion at the city meeting.

By The Jefferson Review

A former firehouse on Main Street could become a restaurant after Hillsboro’s Board of Aldermen approved a zoning change for the property during its latest meeting.

The board also established committees to address city finances and long-term planning, heard an update on improvements at Hillsboro City Park and discussed efforts to locate and repair a water leak south of town.

Former Firehouse Moves Closer to Restaurant Use

The board approved rezoning 430 Main Street from C-1 Commercial to C-2 Commercial, a change city officials said is needed for a proposed restaurant at the former firehouse.

Before reaching the board, the proposal went through the Board of Adjustment to obtain a lot-size variance. During the meeting, officials explained that the property is undersized even under its existing C-1 zoning.

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zoning change, and every alderman called during the final roll-call vote voted in favor.

The approval clears a zoning requirement for the proposed restaurant. A restaurant name, opening date and additional business details were not discussed during the meeting.

Board Creates Finance and Master Planning Committees

Aldermen voted to establish a finance committee and a master planning steering committee, following discussion at a previous work session.

The proposed finance committee would consist of three members. The board also approved a chair to lead its work.

For the master planning steering committee, the board approved a chair and additional aldermen to participate. Community members were discussed as part of the committee’s broader makeup, although the meeting did not establish a complete community-member roster.

The mayor welcomed the decisions, describing the committees as an important step for Hillsboro’s financial oversight and future planning.

Park Improvements Continue, With Larger Projects Dependent on Funding

The president of the Hillsboro Park Board reported progress on accessibility, maintenance, lighting and community activities at the park.

A new concrete sidewalk now provides access to the outdoor exercise equipment. Workers also replaced worn stickers and handles on the equipment and finished grading around the sidewalk using dirt from another city project.

At the south pavilion, electricity has been temporarily restored, and steel supports were added around deteriorating wooden posts. The park board president said the pavilion remains safe, while explaining that funding is not currently available to fully address the posts.

Two additional dusk-to-dawn lights have been installed, bringing the park’s total to four. More lighting is planned inside the pavilions, and officials are exploring a new 200-amp electrical service at the maintenance shed.

Water repairs at the park have been deferred until spring, with available funding to be assessed after the electrical work.

Other efforts include trail improvements, possible student volunteer cleanup in early November and school art projects involving painted rocks and concrete blocks.

The park board president also identified a need for new signs and another large pavilion, noting that both existing pavilions are frequently rented on weekends.

A possible partnership with the Lowe’s Heroes program remains under discussion. A pickleball court and new bathrooms with electricity and water were mentioned as potential projects, but no project selection or funding commitment was announced.

The park’s recent movie night drew approximately 52 attendees.

City Narrows Search for Water Leak

Public works reported that assistance from the Missouri Rural Water Association had helped narrow a suspected water leak to a single service line south of town.

The association used specialized listening equipment to help locate the problem. Public works hoped to schedule repairs that week, pending coordination with the field supervisor.

September water-billing figures were unavailable at the meeting. Staff offered to provide the information later so the board could continue reviewing monthly trends.

Street, sidewalk and concrete replacement work also continued in Eagles Ridge and Hawks Point as crews prepared for colder weather.

Residential Parking Rules Remain Under Review

The board heard an update on what would be required to consider restrictions on parking in grassy areas of residential properties.

The legal update explained that a proposed change would need to go through Planning and Zoning, including public hearings and a report. Questions to address would include permitted parking surfaces and how much of a front yard—or a yard on a corner lot—could be used for parking.

No new residential parking restriction was adopted during the meeting.

Additional City Updates

Police reported 259 calls for service and 46 reports during September.

The building inspector reported seven building permits and 26 completed construction inspections, with total fees billed of $2,018.62. Enterprise Bank had received partial occupancy approval, with full approval expected after remaining work and inspections.

The Fletcher House chili cook-off and dessert auction raised a net $2,253.65, with approximately eight pots of chili and 45 desserts contributing to the fundraiser.

The board also approved its bill-payment ordinance and a resolution related to an escrow account for funds received from Jefferson College for its development.

The next regular board meeting was announced for November 2. The board then voted to enter closed session for real estate and personnel matters.