City council appoints engineer

In recent weeks and months, the Hill City Common Council has had meetings with KLJ Engineering and AE2S regarding the role of city engineer. Alderman Dale Householder said both were very competent companies that could do the work that the city needs. 

“We like the scope of the larger companies because they have multiple offices with multiple disciplinary experts which I think in the long run could save us money,” said Householder. 

Householder recommended proceeding with AE2S as the city engineer at the Oct. 23 meeting of the council. 

During public comment  Victor Alexander asked if the prospective company would be able to get the information needed from the city’s previous engineer. 

City administrator Brett McMacken said that information is owned by the city, and it has already collected all the hard files. If any electronic information is missing going forward, AE2S could work with Longbranch to get that information. 

Alderman Ethan Walker said he thought both companies were good and agreed with Alexander’s point of making sure all the documentation was collected. 

Alderwoman Lori Miner talked with city staff, wastewater treatment plant staff and the public works department who had help from AE2S to pass their certifications. 

“They have developed a good working relationship with AE2S, and I think that part is invaluable. So yes, I agree that both engineering firms are well-qualified and would serve us well. I think at this point we have to go look at what would benefit the staff and if we could already start out on a good working relationship. So I fully support AE2S,” said Miner. 

The council unanimously approved this appointment. 

For the role of city attorney, the council recommended Gunderson Palmer Nelson Ashmore with Katelyn Cook as their representative for appointment. According to Householder, they have been the city’s attorney for around two and a half years. 

“They’ve done a fabulous job for us,” said Householder. He added that the size of this law firm means they have a lot of different attorneys with a lot of different expertise. 

“This law firm actually has represented a lot of municipal cities in and around West River so they have a lot of expertise,” Householder said. 

One additional thing Householder wanted to note is that Gunderson Palmer Nelson Ashmore also represents the lithium mining company that is potentially going to be drilling. Should that ever become a conflict of interest, Householder said the council would look for alternative representation. 

“They have done a very good job with different things whether it’s lawsuits or reviews. They have not wasted time and money. That’s one thing that was a change from previous attorneys was basically saving the city and everybody money because they are engaged when needed rather than being around all the time,” said Alderman Jason Gillaspie. “So I support the appointment.”

Walker felt like the firm’s billing rate was fair in comparison to attorneys in general. 

Miner added that typically the appointment of city attorney is made for a year in July so the city would not be locked into the decisions. There would always be a chance to change it. 

Thus, the council unanimously approved the appointment. 

A large group of Heart of the Hills Quilters (HOHQ) members attended the meeting in support of the fund request for the Hill City Quilt Show & Sale. 

“For the last several years the Hill City Arts Council (HCAC) has sponsored the quilt show that we have in September. They’ve decided that their plate is full, and they would like to drop us,” said Kay Cole. 

The HOHQ inquiry submitted to the council reads that “After careful thought and consideration, and despite the financial uncertainty, the Heart of the Hills Quilters recently voted to pursue continuing this event on our own.” 

It takes about $12,000 to put on the quilt show. The HOHQ only has about $4,000 in its account because the arts council has always received the profits from the quilt show. The HCAC did offer $4,500 to pay for the pipe and drapes. 

Nevertheless, that only adds up to $8,500. In the past marketing has cost around $4,000. The school rental fee is $1,300 with a $500 deposit that must be paid in advance plus the cost of an insurance policy. After that, the ribbons, prizes and other supplies to get the show going were typically $2,000. 

“So until we actually have a quilt show and get some profits, we don’t have the cash to do it because things have to be paid up front,” said Cole. “So we’re coming to you guys for funds to get our first quilt show off without the arts council.” 

The requested amount was $5,000. 

Householder asked about the past profits from the quilt show, and Cole said that the HOHQ got 20 percent of the door take which amounted to around $1,200. The HCAC got the other 80 percent. 

In addition, the HCAC got around $4,000 in sponsorships. However, this was given to the HCAC specifically. Cole said they do not know if the HOHQ will be able to find sponsors to support just the quilt show. 

Walker asked what the plan was to fund the event moving, and Cole answered saying up to this point the HCAC got the sponsorship money, 20 percent of the quilt sales, 80 percent of the door take and the vendor fees. 

“It was self-supporting, but the guild was not the one getting the money. The arts council was. And now without the arts council involved, we need help getting the first one going. And then we're hoping those funds will keep us going,” said Cole. 

Walker also asked if there had been any outreach for other sources of funding besides the council. 

Vicki Barlean answered saying, “We have asked some of the merchants in town to sponsor, and we have a couple that have agreed. We will continue to ask. We are also going to see if we can’t apply for grant money because we are a non-profit organization so there are some grants available to us. We just need to see if we can get in on them going forward because it’s a little late for this year’s grant money.” 

The show does however bring a lot of visitors to Hill City with 1,200 anticipated by the HOHQ. 

Sherrie Mumm said, “I’d just like you to recognize that this is the 25th annual Hill City Quilt Show. And like it’s been stated, we bring a lot of tourists and a lot of other people from out of the area that come and enjoy not only the quilt show but our businesses and eating establishments.”

Lorena Freis added to this saying, “Just so you know, the quilt show brings 1,200 women to town without their husbands. They spend a lot of money in our stores and so it is a huge economic benefit for this show to continue. So as merchants, we would like to see it carry on.” 

Finance officer Stacia Tallon confirmed that although not in the 2024 budget, there would be enough funds available to cover the $5,000. 

Miner said she had some concerns about the precedence offering funding after the budget was completed set. She also had concerns about what specifically the money would be used for and said she would like to know more about what their exact marketing dollars would be. 

Cole said at this time the HCAC has not shared all of the numbers from the 2023 show. The rough number is that it was $4,000 in marketing. That included TV ads, radio ads, printed materials for stores, bookmarks and other such things. However, Cole did not have an itemized list yet. 

If the money is available, Cole said the HOHQ plan to do the same amount of marketing. If the money is not available, the HOHQ would have to cut back which may cost the show attendees who might have come if they had seen the advertising. 

Walker agreed with Miner saying he would like to see what the numbers are and what the need is in a little more detail. 

“I think it’s important to understand what it would take to be self-sufficient versus being supplemented every year by the city,” said Walker. 

When sharing his thoughts on the topic, Gillaspie said, “With the budget the city runs, that’s a pretty minor amount to bring 1,200 people into town and continue something that’s been going on for a long time.”

Householder agreed that the event was a valuable asset to the community and had a good track record. 

“I can see by the number of ladies here that it has a lot of community involvement, and I think it’s a worthwhile endeavor. But on the same token, I’m kind of with a couple of them that I’d like to see a little more detail,” said Householder.

Susan Sanders said she would be glad to give the council more specific numbers regarding what they need and when they need it at a future meeting.

Gillaspie asked if the span of two meetings would give the HOHQ enough time to get the requested information. The women in attendance answered that it would. Thus, Gillaspie motioned to table the fund request until the second council meeting in November. The council unanimously approved. 

The next meeting of the Hill City Common Council is Monday, Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at city hall.