BLACK HAWK — The Black Hawk City Council moved through a full agenda on April 22, approving a new city manager contract, updating hiring rules, and swearing in several council appointments.

The meeting opened with the ringing of the bell by outgoing City Manager Stephen Cole, a long-standing tradition in Black Hawk.

Newly elected council members Jim Johnson (4-year seat), Cynthia L. Linker (2-year seat), Hal Midcap (4-year seat), and René Wiley (4-year seat) were sworn in at the beginning of the meeting, taking their seats on the council.

Hiring rules broadened

Council approved Council Bill 8, amending the employee handbook to allow more flexibility in hiring family members while keeping safeguards in place.

Under the update, immediate family members can work for the City, but not in the same division or in a supervisory relationship over one another. They also cannot handle each other’s financial or confidential records.

City staff said the change is meant to expand the hiring pool.

“The way organizations grow is through word of mouth,” council member Benito Torres said. “There is no closer word of mouth than someone referring the city as a place to work to a family member.”

While not labeled as an anti-nepotism policy, the restrictions clearly prevent conflicts of interest while still allowing relatives to work for the City.

Hillis contract approved

Council also approved Resolution 22-2026, finalizing an employment agreement with Lance Hillis, who will step into the city manager role on May 2, 2026.

The contract largely mirrors the one held by Cole, with similar salary and benefits. One notable addition is a technology allowance.

During discussion, Alderman Paul Bennett emphasized expectations for the transition, saying Hillis needs to be here “before the bell rings,” which was followed by chuckles.

Hillis, who has served as Finance Director for more than 16 years, said he is ready for the role.

“I’m just excited to take over. It’s an honor. It’s an honor for them to have confidence in me.”

Reappointments and contracts

Council approved a series of additional resolutions in a single meeting:

• Ronald W. Carlson was reappointed as Municipal Court Judge

• Steven Charles O’Connor was reappointed as Assistant Municipal Court Judge

• A $1.543 million contract with Kaiser Permanente for health insurance, reflecting a 4.7% increase

• A $142,000 contract with Delta Dental, which held rates steady

• A quitclaim deed authorizing a new elector, Lon O’Donnell, to serve on the Silver Dollar Metropolitan District board

All items passed unanimously.

Farewell after 20 years

Cole closed the meeting with a brief farewell, reflecting on two decades with the City.

“I want to thank you for 20 great years,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed my time here, 13 as the Police Chief and the last seven as the City Manager.”

City Attorney Corey Hoffmann added, “I’m stunned it’s been 20 years… I can’t emphasize enough what an advocate… it has been to work with Steve.”

The council then entered executive session to receive legal advice regarding potential marijuana business licensing.

When they returned, they shared a plan to prohibit all sales of recreational and medical marijuana in the City of Black Hawk. An ordinance will be drafted for the next meeting. 

The next regular Black Hawk City Council meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2026, at 3 p.m.