City of Eureka looking to kick-start road improvements Continued progression through the process of obtaining funds through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for housing rehabilitation was made last Monday, May 16 when the Eureka City Council officially selected the target zone for dollars to be invested in.
City Administrator’s Assistant Karen Simon reported that over 200 applications had been submitted by residents throughout the community. She noted that South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) was impressed as this was the highest number of applications that have been submitted during a preapplication phase. Simon explained that an inspector came in to look at where the greatest impact would be and provided a recommendation for the target area. The recommended area, later approved by council members, includes houses within the following square: South Poplar Street from 1st to 3rd Street, West Third Street from North Poplar Street to Main Streets and River Street from South Poplar to North Main Street. Homeowners within this zone will receive a letter and be eligible to apply for the final stage of selection. Funds will be invested for qualifying improvements to be made to 10-12 houses. There is a possibility for expansion of this zone if the city does not receive enough applications from residents within the given area. Once grant funds are depleted, the city will look at applying for another round of funding to invest within another target area. Simon noted that a couple of grants of this nature have been awarded to the city historically, and had a significant impact on community members. A drafted resolution and public hearing are the next steps to follow in the grant process.
City Administrator Joel Laws presented a memorandum pertaining to pavement management which included bids from three asphalt companies, the fiscal impact and recommendations for phased street upgrades. Phase one includes surface work to 360,000 square feet of road. Laws shared that the city already has chips for this project, however for phase two, additional material would need to be purchased. Laws noted that the ball was in motion looking towards this before he stepped into his role and explained that Associate Director of Public Works Joey Caylor had begun work seeking bids. The three bids received were as follows: Triple A Asphalt of Arkansas, 50 cents per square foot totaling $180,000; Harbour Construction of Kansas, 26 cents per square foot plus sweeping charge totaling $102,400 and APAC of Kansas, 27 cents per square foot with sweeping included totaling $97,265. Laws noted that APAC is working in a nearby community and this could reduce cost for mobilization. He noted that there would be $619,427.16 remaining in the Street Sales Tax Fund and the city could potentially be able to pave more. The prospective project was noted as south of River Street beginning near the Riverside Park (City Park) and spanning as far as they can go towards Jefferson Street. Council member Cinda Beals asked Councilman Jeff Marks, who is employed with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), his opinion of APAC. Marks voiced positivity towards the company and noted this chip and seal project looked to be a good opportunity. Members of the council voted to proceed with the project through APAC.
Laws reported that JEO Consulting Group had submitted the nearly finalized draft of their pavement assessment report and are slated to hold a virtual meeting with the council transportation committee in late May, with official presentation of the final document to the council planned for Monday, June 10.
Presentation of a prospective sewer lining project in Eastbrook Subdivision was made. It was shared that the city has received a number of complaints. A camera was sent through the line and an image taken during this process was shared with the council. This showed roots penetrating the line. The relining project, estimated at $42,092.60 was approved through Mayer Specialty Services. The line to be addressed runs behind Pizza Hut, along Mission Road, south towards Quincy Street and will result in relining of 1,045 linear feet. The city is hoping to include an additional 600 feet of line in the area within the scope of work.
A stabilization project in the form of emergency concrete work to the storm drain was recently conducted at Second and Adams Streets. Laws noted that this needed project had been brought to his attention by Caylor and action had been taken. Laws shared that they would be moving to another location, located on 13th street, with another needed project, budget permitting.
It was reported that the city had a sewer collapse on 2nd and Walnut Streets. The sewer main was repaired. City crews began work one afternoon at 1 p.m. and concluded the project at 11 p.m.
Additional coverage of the May 16 meeting can be found elsewhere in this week’s edition.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Tuesday, May 28 at 7 p.m.
