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Hilliard council approves veterans memorial, firehouse remodel and contract payments; resident raises park and water concerns
Summary
The Hilliard Town Council approved a veterans memorial at Town Hall Park, a $20,000 upstairs remodel for the volunteer fire department, seasonal parks staffing and two contract payments; resident Timothy Fisk raised concerns about monument cost and upkeep, park drainage and Phase II water restrictions.
At its May 7 meeting the Hilliard Town Council approved a package of municipal items including a veterans memorial at Town Hall Park, seasonal Parks & Recreation staffing, a $20,000 upstairs remodel for the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department and payments to engineering contractors.
Parks & Recreation Director Gabe Whittenburg presented the veterans memorial proposal. Resident Timothy Fisk asked whether the town budget would fund the monument and expressed concern about maintenance of existing crosses; Mayor John P. Beasley said the monument funding is not coming from the Town's budget and confirmed that walkways and benches had been discussed with Parks & Recreation staff. The council approved the memorial by recorded vote with all members present voting yea.
The council also approved a budgeted $20,000 upstairs remodel for the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department, a project presented in the meeting record by reference to Fire Chief Jerry Johnson. Fisk asked whether a 60-inch television planned for the remodel was excessive and questioned the types and cost of proposed appliances; the council voted to approve the remodel.
The council approved payment to CPH Engineering for MH 167 and MH 170 repairs in the amount of $1,440 (capital-funded project: budget cited at $300,000; CPH lump-sum contract listed at $18,400). The council also approved payment to PQH Group for $1,600 toward the Hurricane Shelter/Community Center Project (project noted as 100% FDEM grant funded at $5,890,200; PQH lump-sum contract $572,000). Seasonal Parks & Recreation staffing was approved as presented.
During the public comment period Fisk (address listed in the record) returned to raise additional concerns about a proposed handicap parking spot at North Oxford Park, golf-cart access and basketball activities at the park, drainage near a new building and reminded the council the town is under Phase II water restrictions from the St. Johns River Water Management District. Council members and staff also reported on community wildland fire response efforts and expressed appreciation for the Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department after the loss of member Kevin Crews. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
Votes at a glance: • Accept resignation of Hannah Davis (effective April 23, 2026): motion passed (votes recorded as Sims, Pickett, Hunter, Michaels yea). • Approve Veterans Memorial Monument at Town Hall Park: motion passed (Sims, Pickett, Hunter, Michaels yea). • Approve Parks & Recreation seasonal staffing: motion passed (Sims, Pickett, Hunter, Michaels yea). • Approve Hilliard Volunteer Fire Department upstairs remodel (budgeted $20,000): motion passed (Sims, Pickett, Hunter, Michaels yea). • Approve CPH Engineering payment $1,440 for MH 167 and MH 170 repairs: motion passed (Sims, Pickett, Hunter, Michaels yea). • Approve PQH Group payment $1,600 for Hurricane Shelter / Community Center project: motion passed (Sims, Pickett, Hunter, Michaels yea).
