The Hillsboro City Council designated Monday night’s meeting to saluting the Tigers basketball team for qualifying for the WIAA State Tournament, with Mayor Greg Kubarski proclaiming March 19 as Hillsboro Boys’ Basketball Team Day.
That is, of course, the day of Hillsboro’s very first state tournament basketball game in history, a fact that will increase Madison’s population by quite a few local fans.
Kubarski was busy declaring positive news at the Council’s regular monthly business meeting Monday night, because he also declared Arbor Day, April 14, as a time for proud citizens to plant trees on their own property. He noted that those with tree planting plans should contact Bob Birdd, Hillsboro’s official City Forester.
The Council also reviewed and unanimously approved the city’s emerald ash borer management plan.
City Administrator Adam Sonntag outlined the eight-year plan to remove and replant local ash trees that have fallen victim to the bug that likes to feast on and slowly destroy ash trees.
The city has approximately 165 ash trees that would be fully infested within six years if nothing is done about the problem. It will cost an estimated $20,000 in city funds for new trees in the first four years.
Sonntag stressed that the plan is only for trees on city property, although assistance is available for property owners who plan to remove infested trees.
Drainage project approved
After hearing a report from a Mid-States Associates engineer, the Council also unanimously approved the Mechanic-Harrison drainage project at a cost of close to $900,000.
Sonntag is still working on the financing that will include funds from a City Development Block Grant and the Clean Water Fund.
New Christmas decorations
It’s a long way to Christmas, but when it comes to new downtown street light decorations the Council is way ahead of the game.
They have selected snowflake banners with enhancers, including white lights, silver garland, and a blue background. They also are planning for a future purchase of new summer banners.
The cost of the holiday decorations will be $9,993, which is 30% off the regular price. The purchase vote was unanimous.
Other business
In other action, the Council unanimously approved support for a Partnership for Prosperity with municipalities:
• Helping communities continue to provide quality local services while holding the line on property taxes;
• Investing in local transportation infrastructure;
• Enhancing and promoting economic development practices, like the expansion of the historic tax credit that was accomplished in the 2013-2014 legislative session.
