HOISINGTON — The Hoisington City Council approved two new water wells for the Hoisington Recreation Commission for the Legion Field and softball diamond at Bicentennial Park at its regular meeting on Monday.
The council stipulated that meters be added so that usage can be monitored. Hoisington Recreation Commission Board Member Lee Van Scyoc and USD 431 Superintendent Bill Lowry were present to answer questions.
Van Scyoc told the council that new sod had been planted and that they wanted to make sure the new grass was well taken care of. Usage figures were presented.
In 2011, the combined usage at both fields was 975,000 gallons of water. In 2012, the combined usage was 3,382,000 gallons of water. In 2013, 851,000 gallons of water were used.
The water used was treated water. The market price for both fields in 2011 was $6,483.75; in 2012, it was 22,490.30; and in $5,659.15.
The council was concerned about the water usage amounts. Van Scyoc assured the council that they would be more diligent. There have been some leaks and problems with the meters.
It will cost the Rec Commission in the neighborhood of $14,000 to drill the wells, which will come from Enola Logan funds. They intend to install two three horse power pumps.
The city will create a written agreement.
In other business, the council discussed the property at 305 E. 2nd St. Visitors were present to ask for more time since the owner had health issues.
Council members said they wanted to see progress in repairs to the house.
The council set a show cause hearing for 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 13, 2014 for the property to determine if it is unfit for human use or habitation.
For 2014, City Manager Jonathan Mitchell informed the council that the city of Meade will buy 700 kW of excess capacity electricity from Hoisington, resulting in a profit of $31,507. He also said that the city will meet with the community electric rate task force in the spring to consider electric rate adjustments for the city of Hoisington.
Council member Brian Wilborn reported that Kristi Lovett has been hired as the new Hoisington Chamber of Commerce director. She will begin her duties full-time in January.
The city accepted a bid from Wilson Communications for $5,214.84 for upgrades to the telephone system at city hall and the police department. The new system will have voice mail capabilities.
Stutzman Refuse Disposal will raise prices on Jan. 1, 2014 to reflect an increase in the landfill rate charge. It will result in an increase of .21 per cart for residential customers. There will be a 2.75 percent increase for commercial rates.