Highland City Council approves several items
By Brittany Blackwell
Reporter • Highland City Council approved several items on June 15 at city hall during its regular meeting.
The first highlight of the evening was a proclamation honoring the Silver Creek Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The chapter donated a metal flag sculpture to the Louis Latzer Public Library on June 14, Flag Day, as the country approaches its 250th Anniversary.
“We express our sincere gratitude to the members of the Silver Creek Chapter for helping commemorate this historic occasion,” Mayor Kevin Hemann stated.
The meeting then moved to a public forum, where special event applications were approved for the Madison County Fair, July 21-26; the St. Paul Catholic School Open House, Aug. 10; and a Celebration of Life at Highland Square.
A resident also addressed the council about what she claimed is a long-standing issue near her home – a deteriorating underpass. Hemann and City Manager Chris Conrad explained they are aware of the matter, its complexities and will work toward a resolution.
As the meeting continued, the council turned to new business. One item focused on new playground equipment coming to Glik Park. Director of Parks Brad Koehnemann and Director of Recreation Laura Wilken provided the council with the recommendation after evaluating quotes from three manufacturers. The pair also consulted the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Some key factors considered in the process included price, materials, accessibility features, maintenance requirements and design.
Council members voted unanimously to waive competitive bidding procedures and award a contract to Hutchinson Recreation & Design for $195,115.00 through Sourcewell, which is a cooperative purchasing network. Equipment, installation and turf resurfacing are to be included. The project is expected to be funded by the city from the current fiscal year budget along with a Madison County Park Enhancement Program (PEP) Grant.
Although acquiring the equipment may take some time, staff explained that the new features, which may include a new slide and an agility wall, among others, will be an improvement. The project is anticipated to advance later this year.
Several other approvals were made, including:
- Mayor’s reappointments of Joshua Short, Nancy Genteman and Jeffrey Hebrank to the library board of trustees
- Mayor’s reappointment of Linda Montayne to the tree commission
- Transfer of graves in cemetery from Kathy Pipkin and Lynn Klein to Steve Schmitt
- Declaring personal property of the City of Highland surplus and authorizing its sale and/or disposal, including a Ferno manual load stretcher
- Authorizing the purchase of a Ferno Power load stretcher from Ferno for $72,975.40 and waiving customary bidding procedures
- Declaring personal property of the City of Highland surplus and authorizing its sale and/or disposal, including a 2008 combination sewer cleaner truck
- Approving and authorizing the execution of a professional services agreement with Moran Economic Development for comprehensive plan services
- Accepting expenditures Report #1316 for May 30, 2026, through June 12, 2026
