The Hillsboro City Council heard a report on a Downtown Rehabilitation Plan at its regular April meeting on Monday night.

The plan’s Project Director, Gary Becker of Vierbicher Associates, expressed optimism on the city being awarded a $25,000 CDBG grant due May 29.

Becker has 30 years of experience in the business, 24 with Vierbicher, and recently worked on a downtown revitalization plan for Rhinelander.

Mayor Greg Kubarski added that plans are being prepared for a major public hearing to discuss goals for a downtown revitalization project.

Construction/demolition

The Council also approved a construction contract with Gerke Excavating for the Mechanic-Harrison project. A construction financing low bid for $1.1 million from Farmers State Bank was unanimously approved.

A demolition bid of $5,900 from Marell Inc. for 118 Mechanic St. was also unanimously approved.

Cesky Den permit

A lengthy discussion was held pertaining to outdoor consumption/event activities and the street use permit for the annual Cesky Den celebration planned for June 13.

For the first time, the event will be held in downtown Hillsboro on Mill St. between High Ave. and Water St.

Beer gardens will be open and dancing will be held in the Firemen’s Community Center. The polka dancing is always a high point of the annual celebration.

Council members studied a map that was prepared to help define the designated areas for the celebration, including gates where entry buttons will be sold.

Traffic will be routed around the festival area.

Local restaurants and bars will be open to revelers, and Cesky Den is hoping the businesses will make a donation to the organization in return for the event that will draw many extra customers for them.

Council members were told that only the sale of beer and entry buttons would benefit the Cesky Den organization’s funds.

The gala celebration was previously held at Firemen’s Park and was a two-day affair. Members are hoping the change in venue will spark a renewed interest in the Czech tradition.