Additions to pending city street improvements and sewer lining projects approved The subject of the 1% sales tax in place for improvement of city streets was brought to the floor at the Eureka City Council meeting held on Tuesday, May 28. The item was included on the evening’s agenda as this tax, which makes up approximately two thirds of the city’s street budget, is slated to expire in April of 2025. If it were allowed to sunset, Eureka’s tax rate would see a decrease however, this would have a staggering impact on not just day to day street maintenance, but also on plans being established with JEO Consulting Group (engineering consultant) for a more proactive approach to repair/resurfacing. In the affiliated chart provided, red indicates the budget impact of these tax dollars. If approved through the upcoming election that will be held November 5, the tax would be in place for another 10 years. JEO Consulting Group has been compiling an assessment report and soon will present this to the council. This includes a proactive rather than reactive plan for use of these dollars. Implementation of new maintenance strategies was referenced. Spray patching was noted as one step taken towards improved road maintenance. This has alleviated the need for street crews to go back and readdress sites that have previously been patched each time it rains.
As they look towards adopting a more proactive approach, heavy truck traffic on residential streets was referenced as a concern. After the concern was brought to the floor, Mayor Stephen Coulter, who reference this as a blessing and a curse, noted that this was something that should be considered as they look to resurface roads. As this was discussed and negativity on social media was noted, Coulter voiced appreciation to the council for their investment. “Our guys are working hard. Too much of the time all we hear is criticism. Every single one of you guys, you are all appreciated for what you are giving to your community.” He continued, “The whole reason I did this was to make a difference. I want things to be better here and I know that is what all of you want too.” As discussion continued, the garbage truck was referenced as something the city is hoping to negotiate at the conclusion of their contract. When development of a truck route was mentioned, Coulter noted that this could be designated and explored, but his current fear was for citizens who drive trucks. He commented that he would like to have a secure location for those individuals to park if the city were to implement this. As discussion drew to a close, Ordinance 24-11, inclusion of the question on election ballots which will determine the future of the sales tax, was approved.
Councilman Jeff Marks reported that the transportation committee had held their meeting with JEO Consulting Group and noted that a few things were going to be changed before finalization of their road assessment report. JEO Consulting Group is still looking to be present at the council meeting June 10.
An update on the pending chip and seal project approved during the last council meeting was provided. City Administrator Joel Laws presented the proposed addition of 16,587 square yards for the amount of $42,746.20 to the council. The additional road work was approved. This brings the total square yardage of the pending project to 56,587. Streets which will see surface work include: Country Club Drive and Fairway Drive, 13th Street from Elm Street past North School Street, 7th Street from Main Street east to the city limits and North Jefferson Street from River Street to 7th Street (seal only).
An addition to the previously approved sewer lining project in the Eastbrook subdivision was presented to the council. The addition of 585 linear feet on Quincy Street was approved for inclusion to the planned scope of work. The additional work was quoted at $23,563.80. At this time, ongoing exploration into the purchase of an interchangeable head for the sewer machine was shared with council members as a means to better address roots in the line. It was noted that the current head is designed more for cleaning and has issues eating through roots. The new head they are looking to purchase is specifically designed to address root issues.
Headstones at Greenwood Cemetery were brought to the floor for discussion. Laws explained that the matter of fallen headstones had been brought to his attention by Councilwoman Cinda Beals. When the matter was assessed, it was determined that recent winds had downed 8 aged stones. Lineage and current living relatives cannot be traced and the city is not able to properly lift and fix these. Laws noted that he has reached out with inquiries to a company for an estimate on cost for repair. Beals noted that this was a matter of pride for the community.
Needed repair of the 13th Street bridge was brought to the council’s attention. Laws reported that the condition of a corner of the bridge had been assessed by Ramsey Concrete and the estimated total for needed repair was $15,000. Laws noted that if this weren’t addressed, the city would be looking at having to replace the entire bridge in the future. Council members approved to proceed with repair. Dollars will come from the Capital Improvement fund.
The subject of the sidewalk at the Eureka Public Library was presented by Laws on behalf of Director Connie Mitchell. Laws noted that he had met with Greenwood County Commissioners earlier that morning and offered clarification as they had been under the impression the library had been requesting they pay half or the total sum of the project when information was submitted on the item. Laws explained that after clarifying, commissioners had approved paying 1/3 of the project cost for the addition of a sidewalk extending from the south door of the library to the existing walkway. Laws noted that the library was asking the city to contribute 1/3 of the project total, with plans for the remaining third to come from the library budget. Council members approved to pay $1,066.67 for 1/3 of the project.
Councilman Marks requested the addition of two items to the council agenda last Tuesday evening: golf carts/side-by-sides and over-hanging tree limbs.
Permits and the ordinance on golf carts/side-bysides was added by Marks as it had been brought to him by a frustrated community member. Individuals are able to drive these on city streets if done so in accordance to the city ordinance which includes having visited the city office for a permit. It was shared during conversation that those who attain the required permit receive a sticker to be placed on their golf carts/side-by-side. Marks noted that the individual was questioning why the city had this requirement when most people are not getting a permit and this is not being policed. Marks presented an inquiry, questioning, “Isn’t it an ordinance we pay the sheriff’s office to police?” Marks questioned why they are charging and making some individuals have insurance, while others are not, adding that this is not fair to those who do follow the code. Marks noted that if this were not going to be policed, this should be reconsidered. It was noted that those designated for farm use still have to pay the permit fee to drive them in town. Laws was asked to contact the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office in regards to policing the item.
Trees with branches overhanging city streets which are higher traffic areas were noted as a concern by Marks. He shared that complaints had been conveyed to him recently regarding overhanging branches along 7th Street in the vicinity of the Elm Street intersection and proceeding on West along 7th towards Main Street. Legal Counsel James Watson commented that violation notices could be sent to notify property owners of the need to trim branches.
During his regular report, Laws shared that the June 10 meeting agenda would include the Housing Rehabilitation Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which will be opening for bid. Laws reported that he had held discussion with El Dorado Building Systems and he was planning to speak with staff later last week as the city plans to look into what the cost would be to put a new metal building in by the water plant.
Three representatives of the City of Eureka attended a recent Airport Executive meeting. Laws shared that KDOT has devoted a pool of funds to help improve airports throughout the state and noted that the city would be looking into getting an allocation from those dollars. Jerry Rushmore, the city staff member who manages the Lt. William M. Milliken Airport facility, provided a brief overview of additional meeting content and shared the most significant takeaways from attending. In addition to increasing revenue, grant funds and networking/ connections were among items noted. Rushmore told council members that the most significant information gained was from breakout sessions. Insights were gained in regards to the city’s underground fuel tanks and solutions to address those without removing them were shared. Rushmore noted that they had also learned about a funding resource available that would aid in this. The need for grant writing in conjunction with funding resources and the pool of dollars available to the local airport from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was noted. As provision of fuel at the facility and tanks were discussed, Rushmore noted that they had the opportunity to speak with Garner and Associates and they could look at city tanks and aid with seeking grant dollars. It was explained that the administration fee for this would come out of the grant dollars received, if they were awarded. Rushmore concluded by noting that the meeting had been a good opportunity for networking and a valuable experience.
In old business, the city hangar door was revisited in discussion. Photos and information on the recommended replacement were provided. Due to concerns and additional questions, the subject was tabled. Laws will follow up on the questions and report back to the council.
A request on behalf of Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness was presented in regards to their newly constructed park located in the lot behind their office on North Main Street. It was shared that the Greenwood County Sheriff had contacted city representatives asking if they would aid with provision of a trash poly cart for the new park. Following brief discussion, this item was brought to a vote which carried 5-1, Councilman Richard Drake voting no. During discussion of the item, Drake sited lack of knowledge about the construction of the park as an issue. He noted having first heard about its pending construction after reading the newspaper. He added that he felt they should have presented plans to the council before breaking ground.
Following a comment shared by Councilman Drake, who voiced disappointment to fellow city officials in regards to the lack of flags on Main Street for Memorial Day, the subject of creating a schedule for banners -Veterans, Eureka and EHS Classes – was discussed. The Quality of Life council subcommittee is slated to coordinate a meeting on the subject. Banners are slated to be added as an item under new business in a future council meeting.
Council members voted to approve the consent agenda. This included the following items: Minutes of the May 13 meeting, Scheduled claims list for expenses due through May 28 in the amount of $120,595.35, purchase order 729647 to JEO Consulting Group for $6,980 and purchase order 729327 to Brenntag for $5,044.94.
Councilwoman Beals requested an additional council committee be added. Beals requested that the board consider the addition of a personnel committee. With support being voiced for this, the committee was established. Beals and Marks will be serving on this council subcommittee.
Councilman Kevin Lawrence noted that the Greenwood Cemetery had been well maintained/trimmed for Memorial Day weekend.
Councilman Dan Campbell provided positive feedback in regards to implementation of department reports and memorandums summarizing need and expense for larger items. Campbell noted that these were professional and appreciated.
Council members concluded their meeting with two executive sessions for the subject of non-elected personnel, each for 15 minutes with City Clerk Renee Burk and City Attorney James Watson in attendance. No action was taken following the session.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, June 10 at 7 p.m. Members of the Eureka City Council hold their regular meetings on the second and fourth Monday of the month at the Eureka Public Library.
