Department gets new fire truck
Staff writer
Hillsboro Fire Department has had fun this week learning all the bells and whistles on its new fire truck. The truck, which arrived last week, will be the showpiece of the department’s open house from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 30.
Fire Chief Ben Steketee received permission from Hillsboro City Council to close a portion of Washington St. from Grand Ave. to the south driveway of the City Hall parking lot during the open house.
Hot dogs will be served.
Mystery business
In the final step the city has to take to ensure the process for a mystery business in the industrial park, the council approved to vacate any utility easements in the area.
Despite the council chambers again being filled with concerned business owners, City Administrator Larry Paine said there was little the city could do to deter the business legally.
Now that the city has filled its obligations for zoning and easements, Hawkins Edwards, Inc. has 20 days to close on the property. During that 20 days, the company can’t back out of the deal.
The business, which is rumored to sell fuel, groceries, and pharmaceuticals, is battling strong objections from local business owners concerned it will destroy existing businesses.
In other business:
- Council approved the city to pay Leon Atwell $2,000 to complete a housing assessment report that would allow the city to qualify for grants to develop community housing projects.
- Mayor Delores Dalke nominated Eric Driggers for another term on the community planning and development committee.
- Council member Shelby Dirks was nominated by council to serve at the Kansas Power Pool as an alternative delegate.
Last modified Aug. 21, 2014