On Monday, July 8, Eureka City Administrator Joel Laws advised members of the city council that Eureka was not one of the award recipients for funding through the KDOT Cost Share grant applied for. There were 71 applicants and 14 of those were funded. Other funding resources are being looked at to aid in extending budgeted dollars for street projects.
After learning that the city did not receive the grant through KDOT, work began to identify other avenues and resources. This research lead to the Community Development Glock Grant (CDBG) Neighborhood Development Street Grant. Laws noted that the city had budgeted for their match for the KDOT grant, in the event they were named a recipient. As this was not received, he noted that a portion of those dollars budgeted, $100,000, could now be channeled for use in conjunction with the $200,000 CDBG grant. Work will take place in the same zone where housing rehabilitation will occur, in the area of South Poplar Street from 1st to 3rd Street, West 3rd Street from North Poplar Street to Main Streets and River Street from South Poplar to North Main Street. Members of the council approved application for the CDBG street grant in conjunction with neighborhood development project for housing.
Laws anticipated that grant award notices would be expected in September and work would then likely be coming next year.
Progress in fiber optic installation was discussed. The city was divided into zones and IdeaTek has been making their way through town working to complete installation of the main branch.
Laws noted that he didn’t believe they would have all remaining work completed for the fall.
In relation to immediate hazard/condemned structures, it was reported that, with the aid of the Eureka Foundation, the city has recently demolished one house and have approximately nine remaining on the list.
After sharing that he and City Attorney James Watson had been working to clean up the language so paperwork has the appropriate wording, Code Enforcement Officer Steve French sought approval for once again deeming the structure located at 405 N. St. Nicholas an immediate hazard. He reminded members of the council that this had previously been passed for the property, however, around this time, the property had sold. Members of the council approved deeming the house and garage on the property an immediate hazard. The process of making the next phase of notification will now begin. The next structure slated for demolition is 620 E. 2nd Street. French noted that he anticipated to begin this Monday, July 15. French noted that it takes approximately one week for a structure to be torn down, adding that a non-profit is donating labor to complete this. Roll-off dumpsters are now being used to haul debris. French noted that this reduces the number of truck loads that were previously being made to the dump. Dirt saved aside from retention ponds is used for fill when houses with a basement are demolished. While the subject of Immediate Hazard was on the floor, French noted that his goal was to take more immediate action on such properties. The prospect of assessing such dilapidated properties and, if found to be redeemable, looking into flipping to return them to viable housing stock, was also mentioned. Eureka City Fire recently reached out inquiring about using a house for department training. It was noted that 607 N. Greenwood Street will be utilized as training before it is demolished.
French reported to council members that there has been some interest expressed from community members towards development of housing rehabilitation and looking at potentially creating a program in affiliation with Butler Community College that could provide credits for students affiliated with the field of construction. He noted that interest has also been shared in building a Habitat for Humanity house on one of the cityowned lots.
Roof repair to the city’s hangar at the Lt. William M. Milliken Airport is slated to start July 30.
Old business items noted included: The city is looking to complete some repairs to the New Holland tractor before selling it; Emergency lighting was installed in Eureka Downs and the city is awaiting response in regards to the KCAMP insurance claim submitted for the roof of the Eureka Downs.
Laws shared that, on Sept. 6, a Kansas Association of Airports meeting would be held and would feature a tour of the Emporia Airport.
The meeting with the Small Business Administration was slated for last Thursday. Laws noted that there were 50 people who had RSVPed and noted that any members of the council were welcome to attend.
Laws reported that himself, Clerk Renee Burk and City Administrator Assistant Karen Simon had attended a recent South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) meeting near Winfield. During this time, they had heard about the City of Hutchinson who used some American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to restore and resell housing.
Progress towards abating old fuel tanks at the airport was noted. Laws shared that he and staff member Jerry Rushmore have been working diligently to get a plan in place and underway to mitigate this. Greenwood County was previously contacted for provision of aid in labor to remove the tanks from the ground. Laws noted that a release form had been requested by the county and as of last Monday evening, the city was awaiting approval of the form. Before these are removed from the ground, soil samples will be taken by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). It is anticipated to take a couple of weeks for results to be received.
Earlier during council committee reports, Councilman Kevin Lawrence shared that an airport council subcommittee meeting had been held. Representatives of the city met with Garver and Associates pertaining to the status of the airport. They also discussed fuel tanks and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants.
Transfer of funds allocated by the FAA was revisited. During the last council meeting, officials had approved directing dollars to be utilized at the airport in Pittsburg. A request was received shortly after, asking for a redirect of those dollars. Members of the council approved for dollars to be directed for use in Dodge City.
Council member Cinda Beals shared that she had recently been contacted in regards to tiny homes. Beals reported that she passed along to the individual that this is not allowed and had noted she believed this at one time had been abused, which resulted in them not being permitted. It was further noted that the ordinance pertaining to tiny homes had been rescinded because structures being moved on to properties didn’t meet standards.
Mayor Stephen Coulter noted that the city wants people to be safe and structures need a proper foundation. As this subject was noted as something to potentially look into, officials suggested the idea of meeting with the planning board to consider tiny homes.
Currently, the City of Eureka has a 600 square-foot minimum for houses constructed within the city limits. The creation of a housing committee was noted for future consideration. A concern that has been voiced in past meetings was once again noted in respect to the shortage of housing. Mayor Coulter referenced the need for new businesses, but the lack of housing to accommodate people.
Councilman Lawrence noted that a committee meeting was held regarding banners which hang over Main Street. At this time, it was shared that as many of the Veteran banners were hung for the 4th of July holiday as possible. Needed repairs for a few banners were noted.
A representative with Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips, PA was present to provide a summary report over the 2023 audit. In review of the financial statement including receipt, expenditures and outlining cash balance, it was reported that all these items for the City of Eureka ended in a positive cash balance. Over all, the city came in under budget. Two minor violations were reported: one in regards to closure of a bond fund and the other pertaining to a slight delay in quarterly publication of financial statements. It was shared that two of the four statements were published slightly after the window allotted for this. Following review of the report, members of the council approved the audit of 2023.
The city is looking to hold another information meeting for the community in late July in regards to proposed renewal of the 1% street sales tax.
The consent agenda was approved. This included the following items: Minutes of the June 24 meeting and scheduled claims list of expenses due through July 8 in the amount of $61,572.56.
Transfer of Lake Lot 121 was approved.
The next regular meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, July 22 at 7 p.m.
