Council candidates share views on hot Hill City topics

John Johnson is running against incumbent Lori Miner for Ward II alderman of Hill City.  

Johnson, a self-employed electronic technician, said he is running to serve his community while Miner, who is retired, said she is running to give people a choice.

Each was asked to state their position on issues facing Hill City. 

“I would believe that the regulations on nightly rentals could change between councils over the years,” said Johnson about  nightly vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods. “If you are not in favor of nightly rentals in your neighborhood, either purchase land in a subdivision that has covenants against, or have them changed to reflect the thoughts and wishes of the majority.”

Miner said her position on any issue is that she works for the people of the city. 

“On any issue there will be two sides. I don’t have a preconceived agenda. With any issue that comes before the council, I will do my research, which includes talking to the people. We currently have state and local laws that we need to follow. Until those are changed, the council should uphold them.”

Miner also feels that Hill City needs to follow state law when it comes to the possibility of annexation of parcels. 

“The most recent annexations have been voluntary,” Miner said. “Attempts to expand the city’s influence to surrounding property and the thought of involuntary annexation did not go well the last time Hill City tried to do it.”

Johnson said Hill City is “annexed out.” He asked,  “What direction would the city be able to grow?” 

Johnson added, “We have issues now, with water and wastewater. What could the city be able to offer an annexation—nothing except higher taxes, and under city ordinances and regulations?”

As for tax increment finance (TIF) districts in the city, Johnson said some “have proven to work in Hill City, and some have not. I would believe that there should be ‘everything’ researched on the project before one is granted.”

Miner said she is not aware of anyone coming to the council with an interest in another TIF. She said there are currently two TIFs in city limits. 

The new alderman will be involved in the budget process. With that in mind, each candidate was asked about funding nonprofits in town, including the Hill City Arts Council and the Hill City Senior Citizens, as well as funding the Hill City Economic Development Corporation. 

Miner said, “Funding of anything should be based on needs, not wants.” 

Miner sees the city’s purpose is to, “provide infrastructure and public safety.” To that end Miner says her priority would be “to free up additional money in the budget to cover the loan costs,” for the water and sewer projects Hill City is moving forward on. 

“This could reduce the surcharge (on residents) and  take some of the burden off citizens,” she said. “Councils should be fiscally responsible to ensure the city’s continued operation throughout the life of the loans.”

Johnson said he wants “to see the nonprofits be more self-supporting, but that hadn’t happened in the almost 20 years I sat on the city council before.”

“Not all, but some, promote activities to draw people into the community to enjoy the festivities,” he said.

Johnson sees this as a plus in generating “the sales tax that operates our city.”

Both candidates were asked their view on mining in and around Hill City. 

“Why wouldn’t we have mining? There is not a community in the Black Hills that was not settled or developed thanks to mining,” Johnson said. “Over the years, the mining has diminished to almost nothing. We have no logging industry What do we have—tourism—an industry that is, more or less, seasonal.”

Johnson said, “It would be nice to have an industry that would provide year-round jobs and bring residents to our community and area. I would believe that the federal government would have control of mining and exploration around Hill City, versus just the City of Hill City, since the majority of the land is federal.”

Miner said that “mining is going on every day in the Hills. As with anything with potential impact to the public, the onus is on the individual to stay on top of local changes, be informed and voice concerns.” 

Miner said the U.S. Forest Service website shows five proposed exploratory drilling projects on federal land in the Black Hills. 

“Hill City is surrounded by mining claims. The mining industry is regulated by state and federal law as well as county mining ordinances. Different types of mining utilize different processes. There are many variables in this question.” 

Miner said if the subject came up again she would reach out to county commissioners, county planning and zoning as well as local mining experts regarding any implications, as she has in the past when a lithium mine was proposed near Hill City.

Since the Hill City Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the Hill City Common Council often hear matters concerning variances, each candidate was asked about their views on variances in Hill City limits. 

Miner defined a variance as, “an exception granted by the city that allows a property owner to vary from the restrictions of the zoning code,” and added, “there should be few exceptions to that.”

Johnson said, “From the past, the majority of the variances were within reason and justified.” 

He said the town should  “put our trust and support in our planning and zoning commission to do their job, to determine if the request falls within the guidelines.”

Both candidates were asked what the biggest issue facing Hill City is. 

Johnson responded, “Water and wastewater systems. This city has been playing games for years. I, more or less, have lost track of how many years, I would guess six to 10 years, that Hill City has been trying to construct a water reservoir.   After deciding on a location off of the Old Hill City Keystone Road, spending several thousand dollars on engineering fees, attorney fees for easements, railroad crossing, the city was advised by a different engineering firm that the proposal should be ‘scrubbed’ due to construction issues.”

Johnson called that, “very questionable.” 

Miner sees the biggest issue as “water and sewer and the rate increase that will come with loans.”

Voters can cast votes in person at the Hill City Center June 3 beginning at 7 a.m. Polls stay open that day until 7 p.m. 

Absentee voting begins May 19 at Hill City Hall.