Hillsboro Council Accepts Workman Resignation
The Hillsboro town council voted 3-0 at its March 9 meeting to accept former mayor Richard Workman's resignation. Councilmembers Sandy Gladwell and Lois Wilfong were not present. Workman had submitted his resignation for personal reasons.
By a 3-0 vote, the council appointed recorder Anne Marie Walker to serve out Workman's unexpired term, which expires in June 2011.
The council is seeking letters of interest from town residents for the position of recorder. Council will select a candidate to serve out Walker's term, which also expires in June 2011. Until a new recorder is appointed, Walker agreed to serve as the council's secretary.
Walker informed the council that Region IV Planning and Development Council is making an alternative energy grant available to incorporated municipalities. If disbursed equally, Hillsboro would receive $33,000 for projects to increase energy efficiency and implement solar, wind and geothermal power at town buildings and facilities.
Walker said she asked wastewater operator Larry Simmons to look at potential applications at the wastewater plant, but that incorporation of new technology at the wastewater plant would be difficult until the town gets a decision from the Environmental Quality Board on its phosphorus limits appeal.
The mayor asked council members to brainstorm ideas how the town could incorporate renewable energy technology. The grant application deadline is June 30.
Walker said she had met with fire chief Charlie Wilfong, who told her that two of the towns 14 fire hydrants had frozen up and become inoperative during cold weather.
The mayor said she inspected the two problem hydrants with Wilfong, who informed her all of the town's hydrants would need maintenance this summer. Wilfong recommended the purchase of 24 seal kits and a five-pound container of food-grade lubricating grease for hydrant maintenance.
Walker said the hydrants would be mapped and numbered and that she would speak with representatives at Denmar Correctional Facility to see if a labor force was available for painting the hydrants.
No vote was necessary, but councilmembers indicated approval for the purchases and the fire hydrant upgrade project.
Walker informed council that a dedication of Hillsboro's new welcome signs and street signs would be conducted during the Little Levels Heritage Fair on June 26, 3:30 p.m., at the welcome sign near the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace.
The council expected an update from attorney Gene Simmons on the town's boundary determination, but Simmons was not present.
In other business, the council:
- agreed to consider a section on the town website for the volunteer fire department. Walker said she had asked Wilfong to provide photos and other materials for council approval.
- approved the purchase of a metal detector to locate underground water meters.
- approved an audit report of the town's finances prepared by CPA Lisa Thornburg, of Milton.