Representatives from Digital Office Systems were present for the September 11 Eureka City Council meeting to discuss their services offered and answer any questions city officials may have.
Based out of Wichita, Digital Office Systems provides various IT services and offers network protection and cybersecurity. During review of the company and services offered, City Administrator Lucas Herb-Mullin noted that the city has utilized their services on an as needed basis on multiple occasions in the past. He explained that after having reviewed multiple providers, Digital Office Systems was his recommendation.
Herb-Mullin noted that in years past, the city has not had an IT service plan. With their new insurance provider, certain services must be in place. He shared with council members that this would not only add needed security, it would also backup files and documents. If an issue were experienced with a city computer, documents would not be lost.
As the item was discussed, it was shared that the city budget for the next fiscal year included IT services. In regards to bids received from other providers, Herb-Mullin told council members that Digital Office Systems was competitively priced and the city has had good luck with their services provided in the past. Council members approved to proceed with the IT service plan presented. The fee for this service will include a $1,050.70 monthly charge for 36 months and a onetime fee of $12,948.20.
City Council members approved a letter informing the Kansas Department of Commerce that the Eureka Project LLC is forfeiting Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars awarded for restoration and development of the former City Drug building. In the letter submitted to the city, Eureka Project affiliates explains that bids came in much higher than the anticipated $360,000 - the lowest bid received coming in at over double this projected cost. The Eureka Project will be evaluating their options including procuring new bids to make the building viable for a tenant, donating the structure to a charitable organization and sale of the structure.
Resolution 23-12 was approved, deeming the property at 620 E. 2nd Street an immediate hazard and in violation of environmental code. Herb-Mullin told members of the council that the city had not heard from the family associated with the property. Any cost associated with abating conditions will be assessed to the property taxes. Herb-Mullin noted during discussion that taxes for the property have been getting paid.
City fees were reviewed and approved a few months ago. Last Monday evening, ordinances reflecting the adjusted fees were presented for approval. This included the following: Ordinance 4319, increase of 25 cents per thousands and 25 cents on the minimum monthly charge for sewer; Ordinance 4320, an increase of 25 cents each tier of water rates; Ordinance 4321, burning of a structure by the volunteer fire department increasing from $500 to $1,000; Ordinance 4322, Peddler/ Solicitors fee $10 to $25 (this doesn’t apply to or impact school organizations); Ordinance 4323, Airport Hangar lease, annual payment, $250 to $500; Ordinance 4324, cemetery fees, graves four feet in length and under, weekday burial, $200 to $250 and graves four feet in length and under, weekend/holiday burial, $400 to $450; Ordinance 4325, inspection and copy fees, increase in copy fees from 50 cents to $1 per page; Ordinance 23-10, mowing and street excavation fees, street excavation permit- $250, cutting curb and gutters (from middle of street to curb) $40 to $150, cutting sidewalks $30 to $150, cutting asphalt (per linear foot) $1 to $5 per linear foot and mowing fees $100 per hour plus $11 per man hour to $200 per hour. 2311, Lake Sewer Permits, new home, laterals or tank replacements.
During his regular report, Herb-Mullin briefly discussed two council subcommittee meetings held recently. He shared that the Quality of Life and Safety Committees had met. Herb-Mullin provided a brief overview, noting that the Quality of Life meeting had included discussion of ideas for use of the lot adjacent to the library. Ideas included additional parking or a park. Herb-Mullin also shared that community service day for Eureka High School students was coming up during the month of September.
Herb-Mullin shared that an engineering firm would be attending the next council meeting to provide an introduction to their company. It was noted that the transportation committee had met with firms for consideration and had felt positive about this company. Herb-Mullin noted that in good faith, the company has applied for funding that would aid in a sidewalk.
A request was presented on behalf of Health Department Director Vicki Lindsey. She requested closure/barricades of one lane of 1st Street between Oak and Walnut Streets from 2-5 p.m. on October 2 for a flu clinic. Council members approved the closure.
The consent agenda was approved. This included the following items: minutes of the August 28 regular meeting, minutes of the September 5 special meeting, scheduled claims list for expenses due through September 11 for the amount of $84,604.93 and Purchase Order 78863 to BG Consultants for $10,580.
A 10-minute executive session was held. In addition to city council members, the following individuals remained for the session: City Attorney James Watson, Clerk Renee Burk, Associate Directors of Public Works Joey Caylor and Loren Wools, Herb-Mullin and community member George Turner via phone. No action was taken following the session.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, September 25, at 7 p.m.
