Copper Hill board authorizes bids for Miner Memorial statue backed by $25,000 state grant
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Summary
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen authorized advertisement for bids to create an approximately 6‑foot bronze Miner Memorial statue funded in part by a $25,000 state grant tied to the America 250 commemoration; the board approved Resolution 2026‑03‑0005 by roll call after brief location discussion.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Copper Hill voted to authorize advertisement for bids to design, fabricate and install an approximately 6‑foot bronze Miner Memorial statue after accepting a $25,000 state grant tied to the America 250 (Semiquincentennial) commemoration.
Monica Farrow, chair of the Polk County Joint Economic Community Development Board, told the board the $25,000 award supports a public statue intended to honor miners and laborers who contributed to the Copper Basin’s industrial and wartime production. Farrow said the county and participating cities pursue grants through established state programs and that grant awards and allowable uses are set by state and federal rules.
The board considered Resolution 2026‑03‑0005, which authorizes the city to prepare and publish bid documents and solicit proposals from qualified artists or firms experienced in bronze public memorial work. The resolution states the project will include conceptual design, modeling, casting, finishing and installation. The city recorder is directed to prepare procurement documents in accordance with city purchasing policies and applicable state law.
During discussion members weighed possible locations, including a red brick sidewalk area downtown in front of the bank and a more park‑like setting; the chair said location is still under consideration and can be changed after installation if needed. Farrow noted the statue concept draws on historical photos and local miners’ stories and acknowledged the initial grant estimate was about $28,000, meaning additional fundraising or local contributions may be necessary to cover higher materials and bid costs.
"I would like to say if we can get it all done, we would like to unveil it July 4," Farrow said.
Farrow also emphasized the limits of her office’s role in grant administration: "These grants are set up by the federal and state governments… I do not file for them. Polk County files for grants… Every grant received brings dollars back to Polk County. Last, we cannot file for a grant and use those dollars for something else. That would be illegal and could result in fines, jail time, and forfeiture of the grant," she said.
A motion to consider the resolution was made by Jake and seconded by Jeff (referred to in the record as Tamlin/Jeff in motion language). The board approved Resolution 2026‑03‑0005 by roll call. The resolution directs the city to advertise for bids and reserves the board’s right to accept the proposal deemed in the city’s best interest or to reject any and all proposals. The resolution notes an unveiling during the America 250 commemoration is the project goal if procurement and fundraising timelines allow.
The board also heard a broader presentation from Farrow on the Polk County Joint Economic Community Development Board’s role under the state Growth Policy Act, the 3‑Star program and the county’s active pursuit of infrastructure grants. Farrow listed active awards and applications that she said total approximately $1,238,149 in state, federal and ARPA funds supporting infrastructure and community projects in the area.
Next steps: the city recorder will prepare and publish the bid documents according to the city’s purchasing policies and applicable state law; the board did not set a firm installation site in the meeting and indicated location will be decided during the procurement process or after bids are reviewed.
