Jacqueline Hart Gibson, Black Hawk. The July 10, 2019, meeting of the Black Hawk City Council was called to order at 3:00pm on 211 Church St. in Black Hawk, after the ringing of the bell. There were no changes to the agenda proposed or conflicts of interest disclosed. The minutes for the June 26, 2019, meeting were approved unanimously. 

In public hearings, a resolution approving a certificate of architectural compatibility to allow the demolition of non-historic structures located at 500 Chase Street, passed unanimously. 

In action items, a resolution approving the purchase of a light rescue fire apparatus from Super Vacuum Manufacturing Company in the amount of $180,208 with a cab and chassis prepayment of $52,221, passed unanimously.

The last item on the agenda, a resolution approving amendment No. 1 to the construction manager/general contractor contract executed on February 27, 2019, between the city of Black Hawk and Roche Constructors, Inc., establishing the Phase 1 guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $883,152 for construction of selected portions of the Gregory Street Phase 2 project, approved unanimously. 

Prior to City Manager Cole’s request for an executive session, Mayor Spellman pointed out the new banners along the south wall. He stated an artist fashioned the banners after the vignettes for mining stock certificates in Black Hawk during the 1860s and 1870s.  The banners will be placed around Black Hawk on pedestrian light poles. 

Mayor Spellman credited City Clerk and Administrative Services Director, Melissa Greiner, for dedicating herself to the banner project’s fruition stating, “Going back to the seal and the bronze plaque, this is one of the project’s I could not have gotten done without Melissa’s help.” The council demonstrated their agreement to the Mayor’s praise through their applause. 

Mayor Spellman continued to explain many other cities use stock banners. Black Hawk’s banners tell the unique historic story preserved in the town. He added the slogans, “Strike it Rich,” and “Stake Your Claim,” printed on the banners, and not included on the original stock certificates, represented the bridge between Black Hawk’s attraction in the past and the present.  

Alderman Bennett made mention of the, “wonderful,” July 4, fireworks stating the show lasted thirty eight minutes this year.  

The meeting adjourned to convene an executive session. 

(Originally published in the July 18, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)