On Monday, Feb. 13 members of the Eureka City Council voted to approve Resolution 24-10, a Declaration officially ending the Water Watch.
The City of Eureka issued a Declaration of Water Watch in May of 2023, due to drought conditions. With minimal rainfall and precipitation, dry conditions persisted through the fall.
During the Jan. 8 City Council meeting, it was shared that the level at water source W-7 had increased to 92%. Just a month prior, the water level had been 72% during the Dec. 8 reading collected. Last week, city officials noted that the body of water had returned to a good level and voted in favor of concluding the Water Watch.
Council members entered into public hearing during their meeting last Monday evening for consideration of a selection of properties in violation of city codes. Following discussion, Resolutions affording for the city to take action if the owner does not address conditions prior to March 24 were passed for the following: Resolution 24-07 adopted, 303 N. Pine Street - condition includes holes in the porch, unsafe porch flooring and an issue with the crawl space; approved Resolution 24-08 to include the laundromat and carport on the property, 0000 W. 8th Street, the old laundromat – condition includes trees growing up along the walls and wall instability and approved Resolution 24-09506 N. Adams Street – condition of the structure includes multiple holes in the roof from tornado activity.
In regards to the recent Demolition of 111 W. 1st Street, behind the Home Bank drive through, Mayor Stephen Coulter shared that the Historic Preservation Society had reached out pertaining to this. After noting that the building had structural issues prior to being torn down, Coulter reported that the preservation society was looking for answers as to why the city allowed for the structure, which is on the list of historic buildings, to be demolished before seeking their blessing.
Coulter noted this had been done because the building was not sound and there was concern that it would fall down on its own. He then told members of the council that the preservation society was looking for verification that the city had supported demolition of the structure. Members of the council voted in support of the demolition conducted by the property owner. Legal counsel noted developing a tighter procedure in regards to demolition permits and noted that the recent turnover in staff may have impacted the Historic Preservation Society being contacted. Members of the council approved the item.
Ordinance 4329, proposed establishment of a fee for barricades utilized for unsafe structures, was revisited. It was noted that the thought behind the proposed fee was incentivizing communication to encourage people to begin working on properties in need of repair. Legal counsel noted that there are existing codes that could aid in encouraging conditions to be addressed. Councilman Jason Brandt noted that he appreciated the thought behind the proposal, however, people could build their own barricades and added that he believed there were already ordinances in place that could address this issue. In reference to a structure where falling stucco is a concern, Councilwoman Cinda Beals noted that they had an obligation to enforce code. Mayor Coulter noted that the owner of this building had communicated plans for addressing conditions. During this time, questions were posed in regards to the truck loaded with items/materials in front of the former Huntington Auction building. It was shared that the owner is preparing to open and the truck is anticipated to be moved soon.
In council reports, Council member Beals shared that she and Code Enforcement Officer Steve French had attended the Myreka meeting recently. French then discussed conversation he has had with the City of Emporia, in regards to similar issues faced in rehabilitating their downtown. He explained that Emporia had passed base ordinances to aid in the process included one prohibiting use of the lower floor of business structures for storage and requiring all businesses to have a license, the latter being a requirement Eureka already has in place.
French reported that the Fire department flew a drone over buildings on Main Street, from 1st to 3rd Streets, recently and noted that photos clearly show which structures have bad roofs. French noted that he is working through these photos and will look to assess water damage in structures. It was shared during discussion that French had spoken with some of the building owners and one had already expressed intentions for addressing roof conditions. French told city officials that this was going to be a slower process then he would like, but progress was being made. Coulter noted that there are people wanting to put businesses in downtown, but have struggled to find an available building.
Community Enrichment Manager Staci Crumrine provided an update on the Eureka Downs building. Crumrine, who has been working to apply for a grant for roof replacement for the structure, told members of the council that nearly all materials needed for submission had been compiled. In order to finalize documents for submission, Crumrine requested approval of a broken-down budget and provided officials with figures for review. Members of the council approved the budget presented. Crumrine was looking to submit the grant application later last week.
After councilman Dan Campbell questioned about the status of the building, Crumrine noted that the structure has a lot of potential, but it is difficult to advertise the space when it is in need of a new roof. She added that she thinks they are on a good trajectory and could make more revenue from the building than last year.
Councilman Brandt questioned why the side of one of the city trucks was dented. Associate Director of Public Works Joey Caylor shared that the vehicle had been backed into. The city is to get an estimate and look into getting this repaired or getting a new truck bed.
Jeremy Ostrader requested that the noise ordinance be modified to include amplified music from within a dwelling, rather than being limited to vehicles. Legal Counsel James Watson explained that there are other laws which afford for Law Enforcement to take action in such matters, noting disorderly conduct. Mayor Coulter will be reaching out the Sheriff’s Office in regards to the matter.
The KDOT SS4A Grant funding agreement for the Safe Streets For All match was approved.
Members of the council voted to approve the consent agenda. This included the following items: Minutes of the Jan. 22, 30 and Feb. 2 special meetings; minutes of the Jan. 22 regular meeting and scheduled claims list for expenses due through Feb. 12 in the amount of $83,472.90.
Request for transfer of Eureka Lake Lot 84 into a living trust was approved.
A 10-minute executive session for discussion of non-elected personnel was held with the City Attorney and City Clerk also attending. Following the session, no action was taken.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.
