StoryCommunity Garden Initiative

Elko New Market approves Pete's Hill monument sign unanimously

The Elko New Market City Council unanimously approved a plan to install a monument sign at Pete's Hill on August 24, recognizing the location as the county's highest elevation. The low-cost project, estimated under $500, will commemorate a geographical feature that has held community significance for nearly a century.

Published Nov 2, 2026

Commissioner Paul proposed the monument sign after researching Pete's Hill's status as the county's highest point. The council voted unanimously to move forward with the project, with Paul making the motion and Angela seconding it. Staff verified the elevation claim using GIS maps, confirming that Pete's Hill is approximately 10 feet higher than Buck Hill, another local high point.

The sign installation sparked discussion about Pete's Hill's history. A flag has stood at the location since at least 1927, originally constructed from USA blocks or rocks and later modified with tin and concrete. The city's Public Works department currently maintains the flag. Commissioners addressed technical concerns about the sign's installation, including bolt placement and vinyl coverage, before approving the project.

In other business, the council unanimously rejected a proposal to establish a community garden in the city. Staff presented a report recommending against the project, citing low community interest, lack of identified funding, and limited city staff capacity. Commissioners shared experiences from other communities, describing persistent challenges with community gardens including vandalism, animal damage, and volunteer burnout. Commissioner Angela noted that in her experience with gardens in Prior Lake, only a handful of volunteers consistently maintained the plots while others lost interest. The Lions Club's existing garden on Webster Street was cited as a current example of sustainability struggles. While acknowledging the garden concept has merit, commissioners agreed the city currently lacks the necessary infrastructure, funding, and sustained volunteer commitment to make it work. Staff indicated the proposal could be revisited in the future.

The council also received updates on other city matters, including progress on Highlands Park development, which is expected to be completed this year. The city is working to fill a Community Development Director position that has been vacant for over a year and plans to hire a headhunter to improve the applicant pool. Additionally, staff clarified that state law significantly limits the city's ability to deny a marijuana distribution center proposed for Main Street, though local regulations on location and licensing remain possible.

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Other Topics from This Document

Parks & Recreation Updates
Pete's Hill Recognition
City Staffing Challenges
Marijuana Retail Sales

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Votes (2)

Community Garden Discussion

Passed Unanimously

Moved by Paul [0:59] · Seconded by Angela [0:59]

Staff presented a recommendation against pursuing a community garden at this time due to low community interest, lack of identified funding, potential interim nature of sites, and staff bandwidth limitations. Commissioners shared extensive past experiences, detailing issues with vandalism, animals, high setup/maintenance costs, and particularly the challenge of sustaining volunteer commitment over time. The Lions Club's struggles to maintain their existing garden on Webster Street were cited as a contemporary example of these difficulties. The overall consensus was that while a good idea in principle, the necessary infrastructure, funding, and consistent volunteer support are not currently present.

Pete's Hill Monument Sign

Passed Unanimously

Moved by Paul [1:18] · Seconded by Angela [1:18]

Commissioner Paul proposed installing a monument sign at Pete's Hill to recognize its status as the highest elevation in the county, a fact he researched extensively. The sign itself is low cost, with the total installed cost estimated under $500. Discussion also touched on the history of the flag at Pete's Hill, its maintenance by public works, and the reduced visibility from Xerxes due to tree growth. Concerns about sign drilling and vinyl coverage were addressed.

Notable Quotes (6)

The staff recommendation is that while in the future future, this is something we should not let go and should revisit in the future. At this point in time, staff would recommend that we don't pursue it.
— Tom [0:28]

Community Garden Discussion

It's a great idea. And but there's a lot of ifs to have to consider before you would do that. And they have to have accessibility. So, it's got to be wheelchair accessible. And um Tom mentioned uh parking, you know, is an issue. And I think, you know, I think it's a great idea. But I think you almost have to have somebody that would get behind it like the Lions Club or somebody that's going to contribute some money.
— Paul [0:43]

Community Garden Discussion

But it's still like your problem like four people would actually weed the other and every garden was reserved. But some people were better at keeping it up than others and we found a lot of people who wanted to try it for fun.
— Angela [0:48]

Community Garden Discussion

somebody brought up the idea that it is the highest elevation in the in the county. And so I said, 'Well, that'd be that'd be neat.'
— Paul [1:10]

Pete's Hill Monument Sign

Ordinances & Resolutions (6)

ReportOther

Prepared by Brandon outlining pros, cons, and potential sites for a community garden.

Formal agreement or letter of understandingOther

Governs the Lions Club's full responsibility for the establishment and ongoing maintenance of the Webster Street garden.

Financial reportOther

Included in the meeting packets for commissioner review.

GIS mapsOther

Used to verify high points and elevations, possibly showing Pete's Hill as higher than Buck Hill.

Comp Plan updatePlan

A statutorily required city planning project that may need to be fully outsourced if the Community Development Director position remains unfilled.

Information brochure/flyerOther

THE ELKO NEW MARKET RECORDER

Elko New Market approves Pete's Hill monument sign unanimously

Other Topics from This Document

Parks & Recreation Updates

Pete's Hill Recognition

City Staffing Challenges

Marijuana Retail Sales

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Votes (2)

Notable Quotes (6)

Ordinances & Resolutions (6)

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