Hills

Voluntary annexation was the main topic of discussion during the Hills City Council meeting on July 13, as the council unanimously approved a request from Larry and Mary Schott following a public hearing.

The proposed annexation of property just north of Hills has been under discussion since May. At the council's June 24 meeting, members agreed to hold a public hearing and consider a resolution at their July 13 meeting.

During the public hearing, Larry Schott told the council the proposal would include five residential lots served by three driveways. Mary Schott said the lots would range from approximately 2 to 4 acres and that the annexation would bring additional residential homes within the Hills city limits. She also said working with the city would be easier than working with the county.

Mayor Tim Kemp informed the Schotts that no city services would be provided to the homes. The family also presented the council with a rough layout of the proposed lots.

After closing the public hearing, the council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-22, authorizing the voluntary annexation of the property.

Fire station/city offices

The council also received an update on plans for the proposed fire station and city offices.

City Administrator Adriane Sedlacek said staff continues to meet with Solum Lang Architects every other week as planning moves forward. She said the city expected to receive a bond estimate following a July 23 meeting with Johnson County, with the goal of placing a bond issue for the project on the November ballot.

Facebook survey

During the discussion, a resident shared results from a Facebook survey asking residents what additional amenities they would like the city to consider while planning the new fire station and city offices.

According to the resident, popular suggestions included a walking track and a swimming pool. She encouraged the council to consider those ideas as future projects.

Additional business

The council also set a public hearing for another voluntary annexation request submitted by Anita Skriver. The hearing is scheduled for Aug. 24.

Members also approved a resolution designating the city's official public posting locations for meeting notices and agendas, as well as a resolution authorizing the destruction of certain city records in accordance with city record retention requirements.

One of the deputies was present and spoke with the council about e-bikes and e-moto bikes. The deputy explained that e-moto bikes cannot be driven on sidewalks and must be registered and operated by a licensed driver, while e-bikes do not require registration or a license to be ridden in town.

Next meeting

The Hills City Council will meet again on Monday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at the Hills Fire Station. As of the July 30 edition, coverage of both the July 13 and July 27 meetings will appear in print.