Storm Siren Testing Schedule Slated To See Shift Due to lack of quorum at their regular meeting last Monday, June 25, Eureka City officials called Councilman Jason Brandt to appear by phone conference so that items on the evening’s agenda could be approved. This did, however, limit discussion topics for the evening.
Greenwood County Emergency Management Director, Levi Vinson attended the Eureka City Council meeting in regards to updates to the siren Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Region H Hazard Mitigation Plan. Vinson reported that the updated MOU for storm sirens included additions to address deficiencies. This included changing the time and days that sirens are activated for testing. Under the updated MOU, municipal sirens located in Greenwood County will be tested on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Vinson shared that he expects this to take affect sometime in August. Holding testing on Tuesdays removes the conflict of no one being present during the many observed holidays which fall on Mondays. Members of the council approved the MOU. The Hazard Mitigation Plan was presented to city officials. Vinson explained that this must be updated and approved every five years. He noted that the benefit to having this in place is access to grant opportunities. Members of the council approved Resolution 24-11, the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan. Community event organizer and Chamber representative, Steve Brown provided a briefing over Eureka Days and the upcoming July 4 celebration. Brown shared that the 2024 Eureka Days event had featured a record number of cars in the annual car show, which totaled 59 entries. After questioning if the outlet in the Riverside Park (City Park) had been checked for functionality, Brown shared that he was looking to find two large flatbed trailers for bands to set up on Wednesday, July 3 for the 4th of July celebration.
Councilman Brandt noted that he had one. As of last Monday evening, Brown was still needing the use of one trailer. While Brown was present, city officials were provided with the updated events schedule for Party in the Park festivities for the 4th of July. Events were slated to begin Sunday, June 30, picking up on the 3rd and concluding Thursday, July 4, though subject to change.
Pam Kurtz announced that the lake board would hold their annual boat parade on Saturday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. Lineup will begin at the east boat ramp.
In the regular City Administrator’s update, Joel Laws shared that a schedule had been developed for banners on Main Street. Veteran’s banners were slated to soon be hung for the 4th of July. Cleaning and camera work to the area where the sewer re-lining project is to be completed in Eastbrook kicked-off the project. While the electrical work was being completed at the Lt. William M. Milliken Airport, a water leak was identified.
It was shared that Blue Valley had repaired the storm siren located at Eureka Lake. While present, the company inspected all sirens owned by the City of Eureka.
Laws shared that he had discussed mitigation of the fuel tanks at the municipal airport with Greenwood County Commissioners in attempts to move forward with a plan to reduce costs. He expressed hopefulness that the county will be providing aid in the process of pulling the tanks out of the ground.
The first community meeting pertaining to the 1% sales tax was held. The city is slated to hold these monthly until the upcoming election.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) meeting for small businesses or for individuals who may be interested in opening a small business is upcoming. This will be held July 11.
Community member James Osborne requested closure of a portion of Mesa Drive on July 5 for a block party. Osborne explained that this was to provide safety for kids in attendance. Members of the council approved the request for street closure.
Members of the council approved the consent agenda. This included the following items: Minutes of the June 10 meeting, Scheduled claims list for expenses due through June 24 in the amount of $85,322.71 and Purchase Order 729657 to Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips, PA for $8,000.
Kathy Poling and Robert Codreay were reappointed for another threeyear term with the Lake Board.
Council members Dan Campbell and Kevin Lawrence were absent from the meeting.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m.
