During the Feb. 26 meeting of the Eureka City Council, an employment contract with Joel Laws was presented for approval. City officials voted to approve the contract in a unanimous decision. Laws will begin serving as Eureka City Administrator Tuesday, March 12.
Laws, who was interviewed by City Council members on Jan. 17 during a special meeting, was hired at a base salary of $92,000. The former Missouri resident will soon be moving to the community to serve in his new role. See related article for additional information.
Representing the annual Field Trials event, Joy Howell was present to request monetary support from the city. Howell noted in discussion that they would be needing to purchase a new banner, the purchase of which was estimated at $700. The banner previously displayed was purchased in 2002. Additional expenses associated with the event include two dinners, one for the Gordon Setters and one for German Shorthaired Pointers, purchase of pins and snacks for trial participants. Howell also asked that a city official be present for opening night, for the welcome event. This includes a flag raising by the VFW. Officials told Howell that her transient guest tax requests would be given to the council committee for a recommendation on disbursement of these funds.
Ben Sims with the K-State Research and Extension Office was present on behalf of the 4-H Foundation, seeking monetary contributions towards inflatables for the fair.
Sims shared that the annual Greenwood County Fair will be held July 26-29 and inflatables would be available on Saturday, July 27. He reported that the event saw a good turnout last year, adding that they want everyone from the community to feel the fair is something they can take part in.
The request for monetary contribution will be reviewed by the council committee that presents the recommended disbursements of the transient guest tax.
Mike Mitchell spoke before the council last week, voicing a couple of concerns, one in regards to treatment of transients and the other in relation to observed treatment of young goats (kids). He noted that he had observed three goats that were tied up in the proximity of the intersection of N. Adams and 7th Streets. In regards to transients, Mitchell noted that individuals who have gotten out of jail, have been taken and left in the El Dorado Walmart parking lot. Mitchell was advised that this would be a matter related to the Sheriff’s Office, and could be discussed with county commissioners.
Community Events
Chamber representative Steve Brown was present last Monday night to present bids for the annual fireworks display for the 4th of July holiday. Brown told council members that he had received quotes from two companies, however, he had hoped to get additional bids for presentation. Brown shared that the display could be done on the 4th of July, which falls on a Thursday this year, for $8,000 through a different company than was used previously. Through the same company, two options were presented: holding the display on July 3 or 5 for $6,800 (an increase of approximately $500 from last year). The subject was tabled for further consideration. While present, Brown also shared that a concert, at no expense to the city, was lined up for Eureka Days.
Robin Wunderlich requested waiver of fees for the following City-Wide Garage Sale dates: April 4-6 and Sept. 5-7. City officials approved the waiver of the $5 fee for both dates.
Representing the Eureka Honors Club, Wunderlich requested street closure for the annual Trick-or-Treat Main Street event. This will be held Thursday, Oct. 31. Main Street from 1st to 3rd Streets will be barricaded for the event. Officials approved the closure.
Regular Business
In review of scheduled claims, an inquiry was posed by Councilman Jeff Marks in regards to the gas bill for the community building. Marks questioned if the amount was just for one month, which was affirmed. Following the inquiry, city council members approved the consent agenda: this included the following items: Minutes of the Feb. 12 meeting, scheduled claims list of expenses due through Feb. 26 in the amount of $158,530.48 and purchase order 729323 to Brenntag for the amount of $5,534.09.
The standard traffic ordinance, incorporating changes from the state, was presented. This is an item approved annually. Members of the council approved Ordinance 4329.
A second annual item was brought the floor: Uniform Public Offense Ordinance 4320. Council members approved the ordinance.
A 10 minute executive session, for discussion of legal matters, was held with the City Attorney also in attendance. Following the session, no action was taken.
Councilman Dan Campbell was absent from the meeting.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, March 11 at 7 p.m.
