Hills

During a previous meeting, the Hills city council reviewed its Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) revenue and discussed how much should be committed annually toward bond payments for the proposed new fire station and city offices if the measure passes in November.

At its August 10 meeting, the council considered committing either $100,000, $175,000 or $200,000. Council members initially favored either $100,000 or $175,000, but after consulting with the city’s financial adviser, Speer Financial, they ultimately agreed to commit $200,000 toward the bond payments.

LOSAP

Over the past year, the council has discussed establishing a Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for the city’s volunteer firefighters.

In February, the city partnered with HeroPlus to begin setting up the program and established a contribution cap for each firefighter. Hills currently has 18 volunteer firefighters on its roster.

Four months later, the council reviewed the program’s benefits, and at its August 10 meeting, it approved moving forward with LOSAP.

At the council’s August 24 meeting, officials learned that the Hills Fire Association was willing to participate in funding the program.

A contract could be prepared outlining the responsibilities of both the Fire Association and the City of Hills.

For now, the city will pay the full $500 LOSAP contribution and reconsider the funding arrangement annually. The council unanimously approved the contribution.

Annexation request

The council also held a public hearing regarding an annexation request submitted by Anita Skriver. Skriver was not present, but Trista Carlson attended on her behalf.

Skriver requested that her property be annexed into Hills and expressed interest in receiving city water and sewer services. However, the council explained that the property owner, rather than the city, would be responsible for the cost of installing those services.

Following the discussion, Carlson agreed to draft an agreement stating that the property owner would be responsible for the water and sewer installation costs. The council then approved a resolution supporting the annexation with the understanding that the homeowner would pay those expenses.

Animal shelter

In July, the council approved an agreement with the Muscatine Humane Society. However, it also considered an agreement with the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. When the council discussed the matter during its July 27 meeting, members agreed to revisit it at a later date.

A month later, the council decided to continue working with the Muscatine Humane Society and not pursue the Iowa City option.

Council members also discussed working with Hills Paw Rescue to determine what shelter and transportation options may be available when a dog is found. City Administrator Adriane Sedlacek will explore the city’s options and work on a possible agreement.

  Other business

During public comments, a Hills resident raised concerns about e-bikes. Mayor Tim Kemp said e-bikes are currently a significant topic of discussion and that the Iowa Legislature could consider changes to related laws in 2027.

The maintenance report also noted that Alliant Energy will be completing easement-related work at the park near the welcome sign.

Kemp discussed a possible meeting with SolumLang, which is working with the city on the proposed fire station and city offices project if the bond measure passes in November.

The council also approved the purchase of new speed limit signs.

Next meeting

The next Hills city council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, September 14, at the Hills Fire Station.