Eureka City Administrator Joel Laws provided his first report during the Monday, March 26 meeting of the city council, after having officially stepped into the position March 12. Laws notified council members that application to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Cost Share Grant had been completed. The proposed project, selected by JEO, targets 1st Street from Sycamore to Main and Sycamore Street, from 1st to Highway 54/River Street. Laws explained that this section of roads had been selected by JEO based on its likelihood of winning the grant award. As a map of the area was reviewed, concerns were expressed in regards to work stopping short of two blocks that also need redone.
City Clerk Renee Burk noted that this was likely due to cost in relation to grant specifications and if officials were interested, they could potentially look at incorporating these into the scope of work. The total for the additional blocks would be assessed to the city, outside of the grant. If received, funding will cover 70% of the project total, with the city responsible for the remaining 30%. Laws noted that this is budgeted for. According to paperwork pertaining to the proposed work, the project would include approximately 1,640 linear foot of road and would include completion of the following: new street construction, curb and gutter, storm sewer, sidewalks, ADA ramps, pavement markings and signage. If the grant award is received, work is not anticipated to begin prior to 2025. The city was expecting the draft of the engineer’s report last week.
As of last Monday, Ramsey Concrete had begun work to the storm sewer wall at Third and School Streets. Wall failure (wall pushing inward into the sewer) was reflected in a photo presented to council members last week. Associate Director of Public Works Joey Caylor shared that concrete was anticipated to be poured Thursday of last week. In addition to this location, Caylor noted that there are approximately three other locations that are needing to be addressed. Laws told council members that he had directed Caylor to proceed with this item as he had felt it was in urgent need of repair. The bid total for work to the site was $4,200.
When questions were posed by the council, Laws reported that a hearing in regards to the ongoing housing grant was slated for early April.
It was reported that the awaited Vortex Total Patcher had been received and road crew members had begun utilizing this for sealing/maintenance. Caylor shared street locations where the new piece of equipment had been utilized, which included locations near the water plant, Riverside Park (city park) and a portion of south Washington Street. Caylor noted that a lot had been learned through reading materials in regards to use of the machine. Following the resolution of an issue as crew members initially began utilizing the machine, sealing work was completed until available oil was depleted. Caylor reported that the department would be needing more oil. This is a heated product that must be stored at a given temperature and as such, bulk cannot currently be purchased. Laws shared plans for the Community Enrichment Manager uploading video clips of crew members using the machine on to the city’s social media.
The city is currently in touch with United Rentals in regards to getting an articulating boom lift. Caylor noted this had been approved before former Director of Public Works Preston Evenson had retired and they were now looking to proceed with previous plans for getting one. Laws shared this with members of the council, noting that this was going to be brought to the floor for further discussion in the future.
The two pieces of playground equipment purchased for Riverside Park (City Park) were picked up and delivered to the city shop by the mayor.
A report was given on the Lt. William M. Milliken Airport. Laws shared that he had met with representatives from a company regarding the hanger door and replacement would cost $20,000. Laws offered the alternative of repair, which was quoted between $1,500-$2,000. Annual maintenance would also be an option. Laws noted that this would be advisable. In regards to electrical, Laws shared that the electrical box was needing replaced.
The City of Eureka is looking to join the Kansas Association of Airports. Laws noted this would be advantageous and provide good learning opportunities. Affiliated conferences and meetings are held throughout the state. Laws noted there would be a small fee for membership.
When questions were posed, it was shared that flagging along 7th Street was being done in regards to fiber internet installation.
Laws attended a recent Library Board meeting and reported that their website is now mobile friendly. The community will now be able to better navigate their website with smart phones.
The consent agenda was approved with one change being noted to the minutes of the March 11 regular meeting. Councilman Dan Campbell was marked absent from the meeting. This was changed, as he was in attendance. Additional items approved under the consent agenda included: Scheduled claims list of expenses due through March 25 in the amount of $176,518.81 and Purchase Order 729452 to Victory Pyrotechnics for $6,735.70 for the fireworks display slated for Wednesday, July 3.
Members of the council approved seeking hay ground bids for properties including the airport, industrial park (south of town), cemetery and lake.
A reappointment for the Library Board affiliated with the Eureka Public Library will be included on the agenda for the next council meeting as Mayor Stephen Coulter was absent and unavailable to make the appointment.
An executive session for discussion of Legal matters was held with City Attorney James Watson, City Clerk Burk and City Administrator Laws for the duration of 15 minutes. Following the session, no action was taken.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, April 8 at 7 p.m.
