Included on the Monday, Aug. 12 Eureka City Council agenda was continued discussion of truck routes to limit heavy traffic on side streets.
As the city works to address street conditions and unfold a more proactive plan for maintenance, heavy truck traffic has been noted as a concern in regards to street preservation and future longevity.
Garbage trucks, an ongoing concern in recent years, are slated for future discussion in 2025 when the city looks to renegotiate terms with the waste collection service. With this, the city hopes to stipulate terms in reference to truck weight. Councilman Kevin Lawrence, who led last Monday evening’s meeting in the absence of Mayor Stephen Coulter, noted that this may fall short of intended goals. Lawrence explained that having a truck route in place still allows for those with a destination route to pass through town with intent of delivery or to park at a business or residence. To achieve intentions of safeguarding side streets, parking ordinances may be something the city needs to look at. Lawrence noted that a truck route ordinance wouldn’t impact parking as they are intended to divert through truck traffic around a city. No action was taken on this item Monday night.
Updates in regards to ongoing work at the Lt. William M. Milliken Airport were reported. The hangar roof project has been completed and the new, now white, roof is anticipated to last 20 years. Skylights were removed from the structure to avoid the potential for future leaks. Cheney Door Company called and was slated to be in Eureka last week to repair the hangar door. Once this has been completed, the city will look at putting the structure out for bid seeking renters. A Request for Quote (RFQ) is currently being drafted. The water leak previously identified at the hangar has been addressed by staff members.
Members of the council revisited discussion of the New Holland tractor which was originally purchased through Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) dollars for use at the airport. During previous meetings, it was shared that use of this had, for a term, been specified and limited by the FAA. This resulted in minimal use. It was reported that, in addition to staff member Jerry Rushmore, Councilman Jason Brandt had visited the facility to look over the tractor, as the city considers whether or not repair is feasible.
It was noted that a consensus had been reached by staff that they would need to hire someone for repair. It was noted that two individuals had come to assess the tractor and a third was scheduled who believes they may be able to complete repairs. When asked about his thoughts, Brandt stated that this was a really nice tractor and it’s a shame. He added that this had never been maintained properly and still has some of the original filters on it. The tractor has 180 hours. Brandt spoke in favor of looking into completing repairs and then considering keeping it. Rushmore recommended looking into the status of needed repairs and ultimately selling it to get something of a more suitable size. City Administrator Joel Laws then posed the question to the council: did they want to explore repair or sell it as it sits? It was noted during discussion that a rebuilt gearbox would cost $13,800.
At this time, a bid for two government surplus John Deere 4700s in the amount of $11,000 was presented. Both units were reported as being diesels. Rushmore told council members that he had operated both and the engines were clean. He noted this was a good value. One tractor had 2,384.6 hours and the other had 2,397.5. It was shared that these had been used for mowing grass at a cemetery. Rushmore commented that the city would have the capability to complete any work or needed repairs that may arise in the future inhouse on these tractors and they would be a better fit in regards to size. It was noted that the city already has a 6-foot finish mower, needing some minor repairs, which could be used with these. It was shared that they would then look to purchase a brush hog. Brandt noted that in addition to this, the city would also have to look at getting a snow blower for snow removal at the airport. He noted that a metal plow should not be used on a runway. As the item was discussed, Laws commented that there is $57,000 in the general fund from the sale of equipment. He added that, though this was being tucked away with consideration towards potential construction of a building, this could also be used towards equipment. No decisions were made in regards to maintaining or selling the New Holland. Members of the council approved purchasing the two 4700s, with Brandt voting opposed.
In his regular report, City Administrator Laws discussed recent road paving, noting that he felt this had gone smoothly and the company has transitioned to completing work in Yates Center.
Before and after photos of 13th Street bridge were provided to council members. Laws noted that Ramsey Concrete had completed repair work and has now extended the life of the bridge. Laws added that in addition to street resurfacing, this is the type of work the 1% sales tax pays for. The City of Eureka is currently in conversation with Greenwood County in regards to drafting a shared project. Laws noted that he hoped by the end of fall, more work paving streets would be completed. Laws noted that where cost share grants are concerned, having two entities partnering on a project would increase the odds of getting the funding.
Laws attended a recent auxiliary meeting presented by the Greenwood County Hospital (GWCH). While present, he discussed low meeting attendance with Foundation Director/ Education and Marketing Coordinator Shannon Sanders. As the city has also experienced this, a joint meeting is being planned for Aug. 29 at the Eureka Public Library. The evening will feature a health presentation from GWCH which will be followed by a meeting regarding street repair plans and the 1% sales tax.
Laws shared that he had sat down with JEO Consulting Group as City Clerk Renee Burk pointed out that the company services had included flyer provision. Flyers are now being drafted by JEO Consulting Group at no cost to the city, promoting the 1% sales tax. Laws noted that the only expense would be for mailing these out.
In discussion of water and waste water, city crew members had to fix a sump pump in the water plant. Laws noted this issue had risen as the fair was beginning and that this had been resolved. The city is still waiting on the sewer lining project for Eastbrook. Laws shared that lines have been jetted and work is now anticipated to continue at the end of the month.
Laws met with IdeaTek. They are continuing work bringing fiber optics to Eureka and anticipate having completed ground work by the end of the year. The Eureka Public Library i s live, operating on the fiber service. Approval was received for construction of a training structure of the Eureka City Fire Department through grant dollars received. Additional details regarding this item are included in a separate article. While present, Eureka City Fire Chief Luke Westerman also shared that the department air conditioner went out. Westerman noted that, last year, it had to be repaired twice. In addition to looking into repair, Westerman expressed interest in seeing what replacement cost would be.
Operation Green Light Mary Hancock with the Greenwood County Health Department presented on an upcoming campaign project. Operation Green Light is a nation-wide program where communities honor Veterans by shining a green light at businesses, government offices and residences. Hancock shared that this will be observed from Nov. 4-11. The Greenwood County Health Department will be purchasing light bulbs through grant dollars received. These green bulbs will be available on a first come first served basis, until all have been distributed. One will be given per household. Hancock noted that the Health Department will be advertising the project, once bulbs are in.
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Regular Business
Members of the council approved the Consent Agenda. This included the following items: minutes of the July 22 meeting, scheduled claims list of expenses due through Aug. 12 in the amount of $95,562.16, Purchase Order 729331 to Brenntag in the amount of $5,979.89 for water plant materials, Purchase Order 729743 to Frank Bills Trucking/Cornejo for $7,829.75 and Purchase Order 729801 to Stanfield Roofing for $6,808 for the airport hangar roof.
Laws shared that a Brownfields meeting is being planned for Sept. 12 and is slated to be hosted at Eureka Downs.
On August 28, a Greenwood County Community Center (GCCC) board meeting is scheduled to be held.
So far, five bids for the roof of Eureka Downs have been received. Code Enforcement Officer Steve French has reached out for bids for door replacement within the building for public safety.
Last Wednesday night, city staff were slated to hold a meeting with the airport board.
City staff are still working on finalizing the application for the street portion
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of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grant.
In annual items, the 2024 audit and budget contracts for 2025 were approved.
Transfer of lake lot 71 was approved.
Laws shared that the bi-monthly claims report, provided in council packets, had been reformatted following a transition in software. Laws noted they are hopeful this will be a better system.
An executive session for legal matters, pertaining to contracts, was held for 10 minutes with City Clerk Renee Burk, Attorney James Watson and Laws. After returning to open meeting, no action was taken.
An executive session for personnel matters, pertaining to policies was held for 15 minutes, with the City Clerk, Attorney and Administrator in attendance. Following the return to regular session, a second executive session was called for the same subject, with the same individuals, for 10 minutes. Following the session, no action was taken.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, Aug. 26 at 9 a.m.
