In a Nov. 19 meeting, the Hillsdale City Council discussed taxation, utilities, and economic development plans.
First, the council deliberated over how best to move forward after city voters rejected an income tax proposal. Tax revenue would have been used to fund residential road repair and maintenance.
Despite the defeat, Councilperson Ruth Brown said that one result of the election pleased her.
“It can be looked at as a victory for the city of Hillsdale,” Brown said. “It’s a huge victory when you put something in the hands of the people.”
But Councilperson Brian Watkins said that he remained disappointed.
“It’s not a big deal if it doesn’t accomplish anything,” Watkins said. “I’m in favor of putting it back on the ballot in February. There’s got to be a way to get the information out there.”
The council chose to hold a meeting on Nov. 26 to discuss moving forward on the income tax.
Head of Hillsdale’s Board of Public Utilities Rick Rose addressed the council to propose an uncapping of electricity rates.
“We need money in the bank to pay our own bills and other projects,” Rose said.
Brown said that she was hesitant to approve a rate uncapping without further information, but Watkins said that the BPU has been generous to Hillsdale electricity consumers for the past few years, essentially subsidizing rates.
Council passed a motion to accept the rate uncapping, allowing rates to move with electricity costs again.
Council then debated whether to renew a contract with the Hillsdale Policy Group, a local consulting firm led by Hillsdale College Professor Gary Wolfram, to promote economic development.
Brown said that she was worried about the lack of reliable standards to measure the success of the contract. But Economic Development Committee Chair and Councilperson Mary Wolfram said that she hopes her efforts are laying the ground for long-term progress.
“I hope what we’re doing bears fruit down the road, that it lays ground for future development,” Wolfram said. “There’s a lot going on [in Hillsdale] right now, I know that.”
Watkins said that the contract has at least one notable result: “People aren’t leaving [Hillsdale] anymore.”
Council renewed Hillsdale Policy Group’s contract.
Next, the council discussed how to manage parking downtown. Senior Jacob Nieuwsma, who lives and parks downtown, spoke to the council about his parking situation. Currently, parking in the triangular Lot J behind the Hillsdale post office is restricted.
“Lot J has a lot more visibility and lighting at night than Broad Street, and it’s closer,” Nieuwsma said. “I can see my car from my apartment if I park there overnight.”
Nieuwsma said that he recommended allowing overnight parking in Lot J, citing convenience as well as a better city image.
But Keith Richard of Hillsdale Public Services said that he objected to allowing parking there overnight, asserting that the lot’s unique design would complicate snowplowing.
“I’m not trying to be a naysayer, or a glass half-full guy, just a realist. Without enforcement, parking [in Lot J] becomes a free-for-all.”
Council passed a motion to allow a 9-day trial period for parking in Lot J, with a fee to be added after that period if the trial succeeds.
jbutler@hillsdale.edu
