Housing Rehabilitation and increased momentum towards removal of derelict structures have been a subject of growing conversation during meetings of the Eureka City Council.
Last Monday, July 22, Eureka City officials were presented with progress towards the demolition of dilapidated houses. It was reported that work was shifting to removal of the structure located at 620 E. 2nd Street. Eureka Code Enforcement Officer Steve French notified members of the council that the Eureka Foundation had begun work that day, starting efforts towards preliminary clean-out of the house. Once work has been completed at this property, efforts will turn towards the structure utilized for training in a recent Eureka City Fire exercise, located at 607 N. Greenwood. Councilman Jason Brandt, who also serves with the Fire Department, noted that this has provided a good learning experience for upper ventilation training. During continued discussion, French noted that working in conjunction with the Eureka Foundation reduced the cost of structure removal to approximately $1,500 per house. In addition to disposal of materials, this process also includes the capping of sewer lines and meeting with energy companies. French noted that by addressing derelict houses that blite neighborhoods, the hope is to encourage new housing construction.
As discussion turned to the goals of getting houses rehabilitated and new ones built on vacant lots in the community, French introduced council members to the Shovel Grant. French explained that this newly identified grant through the Department of Commerce not only aids with infill houses – vacant lots where there are already utilities- but for housing rehabilitation. It was shared that this incentivizes contractors to build and can also be utilized by individuals or the city. It was believed the match is $5,000 and the grant award is $25,000. French reported that he is making efforts to identify vacant run-down properties that could be rehabilitated.
Public interest has been received in building Habitat for Humanity houses as well as looking to partner with schools for class credits toward trade programs. It was noted that something like this could result in some youth remaining locally to practice a trade. In reference of housing plans, a diagram featuring goals and targeted/ongoing steps in relation to code enforcement, housing rehabilitation and incentives for new construction. Included on this list were certifications for rental housing and licensing for contractors. As vacant city lots were referenced, it was shared that there are currently few available which would be good for building. French noted the city could look to get more desirable lots as structures are demolished. The potential option of purchasing ideal lots at tax sale to channel for new construction was noted. Providing incentives such as through waiver of fees or reduction of utility costs for new construction was included within discussion.
A series of purposed documents, including two ordinances, were presented for future consideration and adaptation. These included a vacant building ordinance and an ordinance pertaining to work conducted in residential areas at night. A proposed draft of rules and regulations for potential application at the airport was also presented.
The Vacant Building Ordinance was drafted with the intention of providing incentive for commercial building owners who have been letting structures remain unused and in deteriorating condition, to market them. This was also created to serve as a preventative measure to avoid the issue in the future. Proposal of required registration of vacant buildings and related fees were also noted. Verbiage within the draft also affords for application for exception. It was later shared that an exemption request could be filled out for such items as hobbyists who fix up structures to do wood working. As discussion was held, Mayor Stephen Coulter noted there was a business looking to expand into downtown, but they cannot find a space. When the subject of buildings which should be in service was brought to the floor, structures referenced included the hotel located at the intersection of River and Main Streets, the former laundromat on Main Street and the building on River Street which once housed Howard’s Grocery Store. French stated that a number of buildings have been allowed to deteriorate from lack of use and upkeep. Coulter noted during discussion that the city had previously turned a blind eye and such neglect
has now resulted in houses being torn down. City Administrator Joel Laws commented that this would give building owners the opportunity to approach the city and be asked what can be done to help. Hope was expressed that having such an ordinance would provide incentive for replacement of roofs and to get some on the market for new businesses. Concerns related to unintended consequences for long-time building owners who use structures for storage was voiced as a concern. Members of the council were encouraged to take their copies of the draft and make notes, mark out items they feel are not needed and highlight areas for recommended adjustments. This was referenced as buildable, a drafted stepping stone for making applicable to the community. The Planning Commission will also review this.
As downtown structures
were discussed Councilman Jeff Marks referenced work being conducted in the former Red Owl building, questioning about dirt and expressing concerns about this washing down the road. French noted plans for speaking with them that day, but no one was present.
The proposed draft of a “Night Work” Ordinance was presented. French noted that more changes are anticipated, but this was being presented for consideration. This was noted as being created to prevent business operations from being conducted during late night/early morning hours in residential districts. Such operations would include work involving grinding, jack hammers etc.
As discussion unfolded, it was clarified that this was not designed to keep homeowners from working on their own homes in the evening. This was provided for future consideration, however, some early suggested changes were noted last Monday evening. Marks expressed interest in adjusting times, to account for daylight hours and summer plans designed to beat the heat. Laws noted this had been drafted due to complaints. When reference was made to the noise ordinance, French clarified that this was geared towards sound produced by automobiles. When Marks questioned who would enforce this as it would be after city operating hours, the Sheriff’s Office was noted. This ordinance was referenced as being geared to further enforce zoning classifications of commercial versus residential. Special permits are also outlined within the document and available for exceptions. Language within the draft was noted as needing further consideration; the spirit is to keep commercial business from occurring in a residential area. Times, details and additional verbiage is to be considered further.
Airport rules and regulations were drafted by Lt. William M. Milliken Airport facility manager Jerry Rushmore. This was noted as being beneficial for safety and liability. This was presented for review and is slated to be revisited at the next meeting. Interest was expressed in seeking input from the airport board.
An update on airport projects was provided. In repairs to the city hangar, before and after photos of the amp system were provided to council members. The facility now features a 200amp service. The next phase of work to be completed was noted as roof, which was slated for this week. Hope that this would be completed prior to the next meeting was expressed. A water leak was identified as electrical work was being completed. Plans were shared for having this addressed.
Laws shared that Cheney Door was still interested in mitigating the hangar door issue. Another individual was identified and the city is seeking a bid for future consideration within the next month. Once repaired, this will be marketed for a tenant. The city has been working with Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to reduce cost for fuel tank removal. Rushmore shared that DoubleCheck (aviation affiliated company) had visited the airport and went over the system of removal. The company has the appropriate licensing and ability to oversee tank removal and agreed they would do so. The fee would be $120 an hour, totaling less than $5,000 instead of the original $50,000 the city initially thought they would see in cost. A KDHE representative will be present to take soil samples as digging is done and tanks are pulled out. Backfill will be completed after the tanks are pulled and broken apart for appropriate disposal. Scheduling was noted as a factor as they look to coordinate all parties to be present for removal. The City of Eureka previously reached out for county aid and had not heard back as of Monday evening. In earlier meetings, the city shared future plans for installation of a new tank once this has been completed. This will afford for provision/ sale of fuel at the facility. Upgrades in technology at the airport were next noted. The weather unit was recently inspected and a part had to be replaced. City officials shared that the unit is good through 2027. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was also present. A light on the system had to be replaced. This was noted as the only item earmarked by the FAA. In continued conversation about technology, interest was expressed in bringing WIFI to the pilots’ lounge. The was referenced as being conducive to those who utilize the airport as well as the facility manager. The city will be looking to get bids for this.
In his regular report, Laws shared that himself, City Administrator Assistant Karen Simon and City Clerk Renee Burk were slated to attend a Grant Session meeting the next day (Tuesday, July 23) in Independence.
Laws noted he was still looking to carve out a time to meet with Greenwood County Road and Bridge for discussion. He noted interest in cross training on equipment for street crew members so the city is less reliant on use of companies like APAC for repair projects.
In regards to water/ waste water, Laws reported that they hadn’t heard back from Mayer Specialty Services in regards to their official start date for the relining project at Eastbrook Subdivision, however this is slated to begin soon.
Laws noted that for any council member who hasn’t been to the water plant, he would take them through the facility if interested. At this time, it was shared that a propeller issue had been experienced at the facility recently. Staff immediately found and fixed the issue. Laws then recognized Associate Director of Public Works, Levi Lawrence and water department staff for their quick action.
The Housing Rehabilitation Grant still pending finalization. Plans were previously shared for looking to obtain funds for streets in conjunction with this. Surveys were sent out last week in this process. Letters in relation to this are due back August 1. Laws noted this is a 50% grant and the city would be looking at a match of $113,000 for roadwork now being targeted. Laws expressed confidence that this would be obtained.
A public hearing in regards to this grant as well as a grant being sought for Memorial Hall will be held in the future.
In regards to Eureka Downs, Laws shared that he would be meeting with the fair board president later last week to discuss plans. They are continuing to seek bids for needed work to the roof. The city is looking to set a meeting with the airport board in August. Plans for a second community information meeting in regards to proposed renewal of the 1% sales tax for streets were shared. The city is looking to hold this Wednesday, July 31.
Laws reported that rock had been ordered for roads at Eureka Lake. Councilman Marks later questioned if the rock purchased for roads at the lake was obtained locally. When it was shared that this was purchased from a company out of Severy, Marks spoke in favor of supporting Eureka businesses. When Marks noted previous conversation amongst members of the council where officials spoke favorably about utilizing local services, Laws suggested that a buy-local policy could be adopted by the city. Interest was expressed in proceeding with looking at drafting such a policy. In reference to conversation in regards to local businesses, Council woman Cinda Beals commented that the food catered by TNT Catering for the Small Business association meeting had received positive feedback.
Greenwood County 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator Annissa Boulanger presented a request for hosting the State Archery Qualifier at Eureka Lake on the east side of the dam. She explained that this event would look similar to the county qualifier hosted there earlier this season. Set up would take place the evening of Friday, Aug. 9 and the event itself would be held Saturday, Aug. 10. It was noted during discussion that 22 kids had participated in the county event and no issues had been experienced. The bait house restroom was also opened for the county event. Members of the City Council approved this item.
Chamber Events
Steve Brown with the Eureka Chamber of Commerce was present regarding two annual events. In preparation for Christmas festivities, Brown requested for parade route closure from roughly 4:30 – 6 p.m. on Dec. 7. Members of the council approved for closure.
Brown notified city officials that an individual had reached out expressing interest in matching dollars allocated by the city so that next year’s 4th of July fireworks show is held on the actual holiday. Brown shared that this will be on a Friday in 2025, adding that he was providing city officials a heads up that this was in conversation.
Regular Business
A draft of the proposed budget for 2025 was provided to council members for review. Intent to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) was noted, however the city is looking to maintain the same mill levy rate, as was in place for the previous fiscal year, of 74.9801. As the subject was on the floor, it was noted that valuations will be seeing an increase, so the dollar amount coming in will see an increase even though mills will remain unchanged. When Councilman Dan Campbell questioned if this would create budgetary constraints, it was shared that, were the 1% street sales tax renewal to fail, it would cause budgetary struggle for the street department. While council members reviewed the budget form, Councilman Brandt identified an error in hearing location listed on one page of the document. This was to be corrected. Budget hearing is slated to be held at the Eureka Public Library on Sept. 9 in conjunction with that evening’s regular meeting.
Ramsey Concrete will be completing walkway installation at the Eureka Public Library. Work was underway as of Tuesday, July 23. A new flag pole is planned for installation in front of Memorial Hall.
In committee reports, it was shared that the finance committee had met with accountants in the process of budgetary planning. The Safety committee held a brief meeting with French and Court Clerk Cindy Wolfsbauer. This was noted as positive conversation.
Laws offered a reminder to council members that the deadline for early sign up for the upcoming League Conference was approaching. After noting that such conferences are very beneficial for newer officials, Laws concluded by noting that their deadline for sign up would be Wednesday, July 24.
Members of the council voted to approve the consent agenda. This included the following items: Minutes of the July 8 meeting, scheduled claims list for expenses due through July 22 in the amount of $134,165.27 and Purchase Order 729709 to Jerry Miller Electronics for $6,650.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m.
