During the public comments section of the Tuesday, Oct. 15 Eureka City Council meeting, community member Miranda Colangelo was on the evening’s agenda to express concerns in relation to the condition of Eureka Downs and use of the Eureka Downs as a community building. Colangelo explained to members of the council that she had recently helped someone who had reserved the structure for a wedding and the experience was a mess. In addition to pricey rental, they had to clean the building themselves which included scrubbing toilets. Colangelo shared she had inquired about someone from the city cleaning bathrooms or getting supplies from the city for cleaning and was told hours later that she had to come get cleaning products. Colangelo noted she felt, at that price, someone from the city should be cleaning it.
After expressing that cleanliness and cost were her concerns, Colangelo noted that the Civic Center in El Dorado rents for $1,200 which includes table set up, use of a full kitchen and air conditioning. Colangelo commented that the building was booked a year in advance and was a bit of a disappointment. She offered the recommendation of utilizing the work release program to clean the building. Colangelo told council members that she had heard similar commentary from others who have rented the building. Appreciation was expressed to Colangelo for bringing the issue to the council’s attention. Colangelo was asked to provide letters and information to the Greenwood County Community Center (GCCC) organization which oversees the facility.
Betsy Moore, the bride, was also present and told council members that, at the time the building was reserved, it was noted that updates were being completed. It was noted that they had chosen to hold their event in Eureka and this was sad to see. When the pair asked who they need to talk to if not the city, information was provided for the GCCC. Colangelo stated that, in her opinion, they should consider holding off on renting the building to the community until the facility is more suitable for use.
Councilman Dan Campbell, who serves with the GCCC, explained that the organization had begun renting it as-is with knowledge and intent that improvements were going to be made. Campbell noted that work has been done to improve the building through volunteers. He then commented that serious money had been received that will be applied towards the facility.
Campbell shared that he had personally rented the structure in August, but had been aware of the current standings of the structure due to attendance of meetings. After noting that it had worked well for him, Campbell questioned if they had the opportunity to look at the building before renting it. When it was affirmed that they had, and were given the opportunity to go in a day early and clean, Campbell noted that they knew what they were getting.
Moore noted that if initial promises in regards to the structure had not been made, they would not have rented it. Moore added that she had expected a level of cleanliness and after leaving the building cleaner than found it, noted that they had been told they would not be receiving their cleaning deposit back.
Code Enforcement Officer Steve French reported that they really had the building for 6 days, which would cost $4,500, not $900. He told council members that when inspected, the building smelled bad and there was garbage left behind. French commented that the party did come back the day following his inspection and dispose of trash. He noted that kids during community service had cleaned the trash cans with Clorox to address the condition left.
Colangelo commented that the restrooms smelled like feces when they walked into the structure the Friday prior to their event and they had to scrub excrement off of the toilets and floor. After noting this, Colangelo commented that the point of their coming to the council was that there was some miscommunication and disorganization in the system and they wanted to bring this to the council’s attention. Colangelo commented that even the former community building had some maintenance needed, but expressed understanding noting that the city is operating under a budget. Colangelo told members of the council she defended the sale of the Matt Samuels building as Midwest Mill is a priority. She then explained when she heard others had similar experiences with rental of Eureka Downs, she felt it should be brought to the council’s attention. Colangelo noted she loves her community and is willing to provide help.
City Administrator Joel Laws offered further details, commenting that he had met with the bride’s mother Sept. 20 and at that time, she asked him if it would be okay to paint and he had said okay. He commented that the wedding had been held October 5, and the bride’s mother had purchased paint and painted prior to the event.
Moore noted her concern was the lack of transparency when rented and misinformation of who to contact. She expressed interest in making this better and commented that the way it was handled was not appropriate when having a contract with someone.
Councilman Campbell questioned Moore, asking if someone rented a building from her and she didn’t get paid, would she give their money back? Moore commented that she and her now husband had a lot of money going out for the wedding, paying for such items as catering and flowers, and a member of the city staff had at one point told them they paid in full. She referenced this as being confusing as they had later been told they hadn’t paid in full.
Councilman Jeff Marks questioned if the city had inspected the building before the rental date.
French noted he had inspected it following the last rental. After the last event it was reserved for, the facility had been cleaned. He noted however that the bathrooms were not checked. Marks noted buildings should be inspected prior to each event on the reservation calendar.
Colangelo commented that if this was going to be used as a community building, after referencing that a lot of the community is on fixed income/ disability, she asked that this be taken into consideration. She then expressed that a community building should be affordable. Colangelo then commented that for the cost, this had been disheartening. Marks noted it was important for people like Colangelo to share their thoughts with officials. Moore and Colangelo were invited to attend the next GCCC meeting. Moore suggested creation of a check-in and check-out list for renters.
After commenting that, moving forward, there were things to be considered, Councilman Kevin Lawrence noted he had been told during a GCCC meeting that someone had utilized the structure and not paid. Lawrence noted he had questioned how, if the fee hadn’t been paid, they had gotten in. Clerk Renee Burk explained that typically payment is received at the time keys are provided, or two weeks prior. Burk noted they had gone in to paint before the event and already had the keys. Burk told council members that deposits are due on the date of rental and the amount paid for reservation had been $250 for the space used. Lawrence spoke in favor of the party receiving their deposit back once the rental fee has been paid. Campbell noted this would be a GCCC decision.
Laws underlined that there is not an employee on staff to conduct cleaning and noted that contracting this out may be something to consider for the GCCC.
Campbell noted the building is not actively being promoted as a venue, but they are affording interested parties to reserve it.
Later in council committee reports, a written quality of life council subcommittee report was provided by Campbell to his fellow council members. Campbell proposed, and Marks spoke in favor of, submitting this to The Eureka Herald for information to be published. Brief commentary was made about looking for county support for Eureka Downs with it being underlined that the Fair, 4-H and Rodeo are county events. Officials approved the report for publication.
( Further coverage of the Oct. 15 meeting is included elsewhere in this week’s edition.)
