Eureka City Council met with Brownfields representative
During the regular meeting of the Eureka City Council held on Tuesday, Oct. 15 Mayor Stephen Coulter, who joined the meeting later in proceedings, presented an item for council consideration. Coulter shared that the skating rink in Emporia had closed and he reached out for an itemized quote. Coulter noted he had expressed potential interest in skates, wheels and tools. He commented that a big complaint heard in the community is that there is nothing for kids to do. He proposed making skating available at Memorial Hall with limited availability when the building is not being rented. The quote received Tuesday night included lighting, video games and disco balls with the skates for $10,000. A number thrown out informally for 300 pairs of skates was $3,000. To be addressed and noted within conversation was leveling the floor. Lawrence noted they could look to community organizations for potential provision of concessions. In discussion, mention was made of contacting the Eureka Recreation Commission for potential support. Council members approved spending up to $4,000 for skates, parts and wheels.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Brownfields representative, Seth Mettling was present to discuss a grant opportunity with members of the city council. After first explaining that the Brownfields program provides free environmental assessments for properties that are underutilized, this includes structural assessments and mold sampling among other services conducted, Mettling introduced an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant available for the next two years. The EPA is offering two states $2 million to provide assessments for communities. Mettling noted grants of such a nature are typically non-competitive, however, these are. Mettling explained that he has begun writing a grant and is looking for communities to participate.
Approximately a month ago, Mettling and an associate from Kansas State University (KSU), toured sites in Eureka including Eureka Downs, Main Street buildings and the former nursing home, looking at prospective sites.
Mettling noted that they could do environmental assessments of structures including hazardous material and structural assessments with hopes of getting people interested in using the buildings. Environmental assessments are required in application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Mettling noted that since Brownfields provide the service for free, this would already be done, enabling the city to seek this funding resource. A new requirement is Radon testing, which can also be included in assessments.
Mettling also spoke on capabilities of his associate through KSU, which he referenced as being extensive. Market analysis, renderings of downtown or projects, assist with visioning-compiling community ideas for facilities such as the Eureka Downs, were all noted as areas she could assist in. Mettling drew to a close by reiterating that he has the grant nearly completed and stated that, if officials were interested, Eureka could be added. There will be no cost to the city for this. Council members approved moving forward with inclusion in the grant application. Properties to be focused on are to be discussed.
Jared Seeley, President of the Greenwood County Cattlemen’s Association, was present seeking support for the upcoming Cattlemen’s Day event. Seeley first asked for closure of two blocks on 3rd Street: the blocks just East and West of Main Street on Nov. 2. Event lineup includes kids’ activities, trade show, food trucks and a steak cookoff. Seeley shared that the organization has had some complaints from people that there has been nowhere to go to the restroom other than the Greenwood Hotel and no trash receptacles were available. Seeley then asked if the city would contribute portable restrooms and trash for the event. When the subject of cost in relation to portable restrooms was brought to the floor, it was noted that a company from Fredonia had been contacted which offers portable restrooms on a trailer that are heated. Seeley noted that they had yet to receive an exact number, but anticipated roughly $75$120 for weekend rental. He commented that they were hoping to get three. Councilman Jason Brandt stated that this is one of the biggest events held throughout the year and noted that there were dollars in the travel and tourism fund for items such as this. It was noted that no travel and tourism dollars had been contributed to the Cattlemen’s event yet this year. Members of the council approved $750 for contribution from travel and tourism dollars. Trash cans are to be moved to the street corners for Cattlemen’s Day use.
In his regular report, Laws shared that he had spoke at the Masonic Lodge earlier that evening about the 1% Sales Tax.
Last Thursday Oct. 17, a special meeting consisting of a public hearing for the CDBG for Memorial Hall and the housing rehabilitation/street project was held (Note: coverage of this is included elsewhere in this week’s edition). Following the special meeting at 7 p.m., the city was slated to hold another 1% Sales Tax presentation for the community. These are being conducted on a monthly basis to provide the public with information and to highlight the imperative nature of the tax.
Laws commented that a lot of volunteers worked throughout the community for the recent community service day. Work included the start of a mulch project at the City Park (Riverside Park). The remainder of this project is slated for completion in the spring.
A League meeting was attended by city representatives including Laws, French and City Administrator Assistant Karen Simon. The first portion of this meeting was referenced as beneficial. Laws commented that he had spoken with a uniform vendor in regards to consideration being paid to potential provision of uniforms for the City Street Department. The meeting also provided opportunities to speak with engineering firms to be considered for the future.
Animal Control Officer Jerry Rushmore provided council members with an update on numbers and operations. The number of dogs rescued has increased. Rushmore shared that this was now 36. Seven dogs were at the facility and six of these were abandoned in the city limits. Rushmore noted that he is working to get people to court. The biggest issue Rushmore is working to address is feral cats throughout the community. After sharing that he has been receiving calls from people wanting him to pick them up, Rushmore noted that there are hundreds in town. He explained that there have been ranches taking cats in, but those who have been taking some are full and no longer need any. Any ranches looking for some cats are asked to reach out to the city. Rushmore met with an individual who has experience with trap, neuter and return. This is being looked at as a means of reducing population growth. When questions were posed. Rushmore shared that Eureka is a no kill shelter/pound. Homes are sought for animals, with many dogs being relocated throughout the Midwest.
Rushmore, who also serves as facility manager of the Lt. William M. Milliken Airport, reported on ongoing projects and discussed consulting services. Preliminary work towards the tank removal project started. Excavation has begun around tanks. Crew members were slated to finish this phase of digging so the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) could complete their assessment late last week. This must be completed before tanks are pulled out of the hole. KDHE was slated to collect dirt samples to send to the lab and look for signs of contamination. Once given the queue to proceed, the city will remove the tanks for disposal. No special disposal is necessary. Significant savings is being experienced through doing work in-house. Invena is slated to aid with pulling tanks out of the ground. It was noted that Double Check, a petroleum services company, had not been present the day digging had started as was scheduled, but they were slated to be there for the remainder of work. Rushmore noted he had estimated cost, with work being conducted themselves, at $7,500 and commented that it is looking like they are going to come in under budget and ahead of schedule.
In regards to the Airport Consulting Services Request for Quote (RFQ), two were received: one from Olsson and the other from Garver. Rushmore told city officials that he felt Garver was the way to go. He noted that, based on the quotes, Olsson was unrealistic in terms of the city’s budget and proposed work. Rushmore shared that he had spoken with the Director of Transportation for Kansas for Aviation who informed him that the state and federal organizations have compacted the time allotted for acceptance of grants. As of Tuesday night, the city had two weeks to submit for funding. Rushmore told council members that he was assured by Garver that they will meet the deadline for submission. This is in relation to non-competitive dollars. FAA emphasis is on safety projects and pavement maintenance. Crack sealing and repairs on the runway were noted as a need. Another need noted is widening of the taxiway. Funding this year is a 5% match, which is a new occurrence. The city’s match would be $52,450. Rushmore also sought council support for contacting air med services to see if there would be interest in putting a base in. He noted they would likely lease the house and build their own hangar. Rushmore noted that access to fuel would be important. He noted that this is high on the state’s priority list and plans for air med would increase likelihood of receiving grant funding for the fuel system. Rushmore noted the goal of revenue generation for the airport facility to support operations. Rushmore noted he was hoping sale of the New Holland tractor would cover the match. It was noted the city was hoping to get $70,000 for the tractor. Laws noted earlier in meeting proceedings that the cost of repair was $5,200. Council members approved proceeding with services through Garver as airport consultant. Garver does not receive payment unless the grant is obtained. Members of the council also approved paying for the tractor repair.
Laws shared that himself, Simon and Rushmore had been working on an airport hangar Request for Bid Proposal. If approved, Laws noted it would be published, put on the Kansas Aviation Association website and due back Nov. 22. Bids received will then be brought to the council. Laws also noted that this contract had been offered to John Ferguson for the targeted lease amount. He then commented that previous tenants are open to place a bid. Council members approved opening the item for bid. The request listing can be found on page 4 of this week’s edition.
An update was provided on the grant being sought for Memorial Hall. Five letters of support were paired with the application. Laws reminded the council that a hearing was slated for last Thursday.
A quote for concrete work for the new flag pole and sidewalk repair was provided from Ramsey Concrete. The option for color stamped concrete was included in the bid. The upcoming 100th anniversary of Memorial Hall was referenced. Discussion was had in regards to dedicating the flag pole for this. Two quotes for plaques were presented: $750 for bronze and $350 for aluminum. Lawrence commented that they could look to dig up a time capsule. Council members approved the bronze plaque and concrete. Interest was expressed in holding an event for the building’s anniversary. Also mentioned was the idea of fundraising for the building by having a donation basket. Offering group tours and a scavenger hunt was mentioned in potential activities. Laws commented that a State of the City address had been discussed for inclusion of activities prior to the Christmas parade. The following week would then feature an open house with festivities honoring the building.
Community member Becky Schaffer was present questioning what needed to be done for tiny homes to be allowed within city limits. Schaffer noted she thought there had been previous discussion on the subject, and they were briefly allowed and later the city moved to make them no longer permissible. In regards to the subject, Schaffer noted that she owns 602 N. Plum, a double lot she stated would be ideal for a couple of tiny homes or a duplex. Schaffer commented during discussion that she was not close to constructing anything, but expressed interest in the city looking to set strict guidelines and once again permit this. Councilman Lawrence noted that currently these are not permitted as the city had faced issues with this in the past. Lawrence shared that his suggestion would be involving the Planning Board as well as Code Enforcement Officer French to look at what is allowed in other communities in regards to minimum requirements. French told Schaffer that currently the ordinance affords for homes to be built at 700 square feet or larger. He noted that current requirements could be provided to her. French noted that homes must be permanently anchored, plumbed and insulated. He noted issues had historically arisen with homes at the 150 square foot mark and expressed that, in his opinion, they were not good for the community. He told Schaffer that she could build a 700 square foot house under current requirements. Councilman Jeff Marks added that previous regulations were too generic and people were trying to make small sheds homes. Schaffer noted she would be in touch with French. Discussion concluded with French noting that if she were wanting to seek changes, the Planning Board would be the place to start.
Resolutions 24-12 and 24-13, pertaining to the structure at 920 E. 7th which has been in court due to conditions, were presented and approved. This established a hearing date of Nov. 25, to coincide with the regular city council meeting.
In annual items, the updated Standard Traffic Ordinance, Ordinance 4331, was approved. The annual update of the Uniform Public Offence code, Ordinance 4332 was approved.
Cereal Malt Beverage license renewal for Dollar General was approved.
Two executive sessions, each for the subject of property acquisition for five minutes, were held with members of the council and Laws remaining for discussion. No action followed each session.
The consent agenda was approved. This included the following items: Minutes of the Sept. 23 meeting and scheduled claims list for expenses due through Oct. 15 in the amount of $207,947.21.
The next regular meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.
