Hillsdale’s roads are becoming worse each year. Julia Mullins | Collegian

News from the Oct. 7 meeting

Seventy-five percent of city roads are in “failing condition,” City Engineer Kristin Bauer told the Hillsdale City Council Monday night. 

Bauer said Hillsdale’s roads are becoming worse each year and declining faster than the city is able to repair them.

“Even with all of the investment we have made since 2020 until now, we have slowed the decline of our roads but we have not turned it upwards where we are catching up,” Bauer said.

In the past the city has attempted to patch cracking roads, but some must be completely redone, according to Bauer.

“We’re making that better but we’re still losing ground because of the amount of funding we have,” Bauer said.

College-funded endowment could help failing streets

Councilman Tony Vear said he hopes a portion of the money from the Hillsdale County Community Foundation endowment given to the city by Hillsdale College for the closure of a block of East Galloway Drive and a portion of Summit Street could be used for street repairs. 

City Council approves adding new special assessment districts

The city council voted 6-3 to establish Arch Avenue, Monroe Street, and Barry Street as special assessment districts. 

Each property owner in a SAD is required to pay $5,000 to fund city road projects and improvements for their district.

Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford and Councilmembers Josh Paladino and Cindy Pratt voted against the motion to add the SADs.

New My Hillsdale app available for download

The new My Hillsdale app provides news updates and information on construction, community events, and more.

Walk of Remembrance

The 17th annual Walk of Remembrance event will occur on Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. at Owen’s Park Pavilion for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

Turn in working appliances

The Appliance Recycling Rewards event will be held Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Residents can earn $100 from Efficiency Smart by turning in a working dehumidifier, window air conditioner, or mini fridge to 149 Waterworks Ave., according to the Efficiency Smart’s website.

“The appliances need to be in working condition in order to receive the rebate,” City Manager David Mackie said.

Brush and leaf collection reminder

Curbside brush collection will begin Oct. 14. 

The round one leaf collection dates are: Ward 1, Oct. 28; Ward 2, Nov. 13; Ward 3, Nov. 6; and Ward 4, Oct. 31.

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