City Administrator Joel Laws voiced a big sigh of relief at the Eureka City Council meeting held on Tuesday, Nov. 12, as he shared that renewal of the 1% sales tax had passed during the recent election. Laws noted that, pending council approval of the affiliated ordinance, the tax would be in place for the next 10 years. Council members expressed appreciation to Laws for his efforts in presenting and making information accessible to the community. Members of the council later approved Ordinance 4333.
In efforts toward accessibility at the Greenwood Hotel, Laws shared that work painting lines, pouring an ADA ramp and work to remove the tree stump had been completed and the city is looking to add a rail in the future.
Laws shared that the traffic light had been burnt out for a while. A boom truck was used to replace this and, while doing so, they also replaced the flag on the Eureka sign over Main Street in time for Veterans Day. He noted that Veterans banners along the roadway would remain until Thanksgiving, when they will be changed out for Christmas decorations.
Discussion was had in regards to beginning work towards replacing the budgeted manholes. Meyer Specialty Services began work Monday of last week and completed approximately 10 manholes. Efforts were concentrated in the area of 10th and Mulberry Streets.
In old business, application for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant was discussed. This funding is being sought for steps towards constructing a sidewalk along River Street. Clerk Renee Burk noted that the Federal Highway Administration just got the agreement back to the city a short time ago. The city is now waiting for them to review documents so that a Request for Proposal (RFP) for engineering can be sent out. Burk noted this was a slow process.
Once needed steps towards engineering are completed, attention will turn towards funding sidewalk construction.
IdeaTek is still working on fiber installation in the community with plans for hosting an informational meeting Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Eureka Public Library. See related article and insert for additional details. IdeaTek is hoping to have work completed in the spring. Locates have begun for residents within areas where connection has been established. Council woman Cinda Beals noted that the company features plans for low-income individuals.
A hiccup was experienced with Christmas ornaments for the Memorial Hall fundraiser. The product from the vendor arrived and ornaments were not in good condition. This was reported to the vendor and a new ornament order has been submitted.
A property acquisition contract for 1475 Q Road was presented to members of the council. This is located next to the Greenwood Cemetery and would offer space for future expansion or for future development of an industrial park. This property is 9.6 acres of land. A purchase price of $50,000 was shared. The first half would be due within 10 days of the purchase/ signing of the contract. Members of the council approved the acquisition, 5-1, councilman Jason Brandt voting no.
In committee reports, Councilman Dan Campbell (Development Committee) again shared thoughts in regards to the Greenwood County Community Center (GCCC) and the Eureka Downs. Campbell noted that the GCCC would be holding a meeting Wednesday, Nov. 13 and sought approval for presenting options for proceeding in the future. Campbell also noted plans for another communication with the board and county commissioners after presenting involvement options. No opposition was voiced to presenting the communication at the GCCC meeting.
Councilman Jeff Marks shared that the City Council personnel committee had met (comprised of Marks and Beals). Administrator Laws commented that several items had been discussed, but the primary focus was needs in regards to the personnel manual. Laws explained this hasn’t been updated in approximately 20 years and shared plans for doing so in conjunction with personnel committee members. The entire handbook was drafted in 1995 with a section being updated in 2004.
Heidi Boone with the Marshall Elementary School PTA was present to request closure of Main Street between 3rd and 4th Streets on December 3 for the Christmas on Main Street event. Council members approved the request. Barricades are to be in place at approximately 4 p.m. and the event will begin at 5 p.m.
Insurance renewal options through Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) was presented for consideration. Laws shared that an increase of approximately 17% (roughly an increase of $3,000 monthly) would be seen by the city through the provider. After he referenced the financial impact this would have, Laws noted this could be considered and revisited in the next regular meeting. Laws commented they could look at alternate options if council members were in favor of this. As options were reviewed by council members through BCBS, it was noted that option one would be feasible. The city budgeted for a 7% increase. Campbell asked that Burk inquire about adjusting services offered, to seek a lower premium. Questions are to be posed to the BCBS representative and the subject will be revisited.
Mayor Stephen Coulter asked that members of the council consider putting cleaning of buildings open for reservation (Memorial Hall, Phillips Cabin and Eureka Downs) through the city out for bid. Coulter referenced the recent craft show held, stating that the building had been cleaned prior to the event by volunteers. He then noted he felt it was important the city work to better manage its facilities. After it was questioned if this were the city’s responsibility, in regards to the Eureka Downs facility in particular, Coulter commented that as long as the city takes reservations and collects funds, he felt ensuring the building was clean would also fall under their roles. Campbell was slated to bring up cleaning at the GCCC meeting. The concept of an as-needed oncall building manager was discussed. Councilman Kevin Lawrence voiced opposition to adding additional staff to manage the facility. Adding a janitor or contracted cleaning service was noted in conversation for future consideration. Support was given for seeking bids for cleaning of the structures.
Coulter next brought the subject of debris removal at sites of demolished structures to the floor. He noted that debris remains on some properties where the city has torn down structures and he noted the need for addressing this. City staff present noted that this had been brought to them by Code Enforcement Officer Steve French and it is being worked into the schedule.
Annual Christmas bonuses were discussed. It was noted the city currently has approximately 25 individuals on staff.
Addition of rock at the cemetery was discussed. Coulter questioned the plan in regards to discussion which had been held with staff pertaining to addition of a road at the Greenwood Cemetery. The area in question has a handful of graves along it, but only a grass path to drive down. Associate Director of Public Works, Loren Wools commented that 2-inch rock needed to be added for a base and AB3 would be laid over this. Wools commented that they only had four blocks worth of rock in the budget. Coulter stated that though he would like to see the entire length completed, it was important to at least get a road to the graves in place.
Employee Christmas bonuses were approved. Each employee is to receive $200.
Cereal Malt Beverage License renewals for Casey’s To run Nov. 27 ( #37)
Martin Burtin General Store and G&W Foods were approved.
An open position with the city has been advertised and posted.
Officials approved the consent agenda. This included the following items: Minutes of the Oct. 28 meeting and the Scheduled claims list of expenses due through Nov. 12 in the amount of $71,959.38.
A 30-minute executive session was held for discussion of personnel pertaining to performance, which included Laws, City Attorney James Watson, Associate Directors of Public Works Joey Caylor, Levi Lawrence and Wools in attendance. No action was taking following the session.
Three executive sessions, each for the duration of 15 minutes, were held with Laws remaining for discussion with council members. Following the sessions, no action was taken.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, Nov. 25 at 6 p.m.
