Hillsboro Moves Forward With Police Hires as Board Reviews Water Loss and Park Improvements
HILLSBORO, Mo. The Hillsboro Board of Alderpersons moved forward with three additions to the city’s police department during its Aug. 3 meeting while also reviewing questions about water loss, improvements at Hillsboro Park, upcoming Fletcher House events, and the city’s annual financial audit.
The police hiring plan included Brandon Bumbales and Nikolas Kennedy as full time officers and Nathan Lechner as a reserve officer.
The additions come during a busy period for the Hillsboro Police Department. Chief Curtis reported that officers handled 281 calls during July. The department also responded to 37 calls during the four days of the Jefferson County Fair, including several reports involving missing children who were quickly reunited with their families.
Curtis said the department is now preparing for the upcoming tractor pull, which he described as one of the final major summer events on the local civic calendar.
City Investigating Reported Water Loss
One of the meeting’s most significant discussions focused on the amount of water being produced by the city compared with the amount being measured and billed.
Alderperson Polkinghorne said a preliminary report appeared to show a difference of approximately 43 percent between the water produced and the water accounted for. Officials emphasized that the figure does not necessarily mean all of that water is escaping through leaks.
Possible explanations include underground leaks, inaccurate well gauge calibration, problems with billing information, or a combination of several issues.
Dave Sarver, Public Works Operations Manager, said the city is reviewing both sides of the system. That includes checking the amount of water reportedly produced by the wells and comparing it with the amount recorded through the city’s billing software. The city is also working with its well contractor to determine whether production gauges are properly calibrated.
The review is expected to include repeated checks of the figures to determine whether the difference is caused by physical water loss, incorrect measurements, unbilled usage, or inaccurate billing records. Officials acknowledged that the issue has existed for years and said the city needs more consistent reporting to understand the actual scope of the problem.
Public Works also reported that a leak on Bloom Trail had been repaired and that another leak had been located on St. Charles. The city was working to determine when the newly discovered leak could be scheduled for repair.
Gravel Driveway Requirements Discussed
The board also discussed possible changes to city requirements for gravel driveways.
The conversation included whether certain driveways should eventually be required to have a concrete or asphalt surface. Alderpersons considered how any change could affect existing properties, new construction, and residents who currently maintain gravel driveways.
No final ordinance establishing new driveway requirements was adopted during the meeting. Additional discussion and specific language would be needed before any change becomes part of the city code.
Fletcher House Preparing for Events
Representatives of the Fletcher House announced that three events are being planned. A Chili Cook-off, Ghost Walk, and Festival of Trees.
The board also received clarification about maintenance and restoration expenses at the historic property. Approximately $7,000 in interior painting costs will be paid entirely by the Fletcher House organization rather than through the city’s operating budget.
Movies and Improvements Coming to Hillsboro Park
Hillsboro Park will host two new Movies in the Park events this fall. The events are planned for the first Saturday in September and the first Saturday in October.
The park board also reported progress on several improvements. The top of the gazebo has been removed and stored for possible future use after the city received a reconstruction bid that was considered too expensive.
Plans also include installing concrete sidewalks leading to the exercise equipment, replacing worn covers and handles on the equipment, improving electrical service on the south side of the park, and adding an outside water hydrant near the maintenance building.
Additional work is being considered for pavilion fixtures and park lighting. The park board is also exploring the possibility of organizing a 5K run.
Board members responded positively to the work being completed at Hillsboro Park and praised the park board’s efforts to improve the grounds and create additional activities for Hillsboro families.
City Reviews Proposals for Upcoming Audit
The city reviewed three proposals for its upcoming financial audit, with estimated prices ranging from approximately $22,000 to $28,000.
The audit is expected to be more involved because of the amount of grant funding received by the city. Board members considered the proposed costs, the timeliness of previous audits, the experience of the firms, and the possible benefit of having a fresh set of eyes examine the city’s financial records.
Officials said previous audit work had taken longer than they would have preferred, and while reports were late the city incurred no fees. It was however noted that a late turn in on this audit would result in fines. The board ultimately directed the city administrator to contact UHY to start the contract and audit process.
September Meeting Date
The next regular meeting had originally been scheduled for Sept. 8. Because of the Labor Day holiday, the board decided to move the meeting to Monday, Sept. 14. The city will also hold a public hearing before the Board of Alderman meeting to introduce the new changes to the city code.
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