Peggy Hawthorne returned before the Eureka City Council on Tuesday, October 10 to again discuss the property at 620 E. 2nd Street.
Hawthorne, whose brother owns an abutting property, requested an update as she thought this had previously been deemed an immediate hazard and the structure had recently been boarded up. Hawthorne told council members that boarding the structure up wasn’t the answer.
Officials clarified that the structure had not been deemed an immediate hazard during the August meeting when the property was last discussed. During that time, the party present had been informed that the city would be looking to resolve/ remediate the issue.
Recently, city staff cleaned the property and boarded over where needed. Officials asked Code Enforcement Officer Terry Ward his opinion of the property. Ward commented that the back porch is falling in, but the roof is fairly new and concluded by telling officials that he did not feel it was an immediate hazard.
During discussion, Hawthorne reiterated concerns expressed during the August meeting, also adding that the property produces a bad smell when temperatures are hot.
As conversation on the subject was carried, Assistant to the City Administrator Karen Simon provided an overview on the property. She shared that letters for structure violation had been sent out on the property. City staff spent approximately two days addressing property conditions. At this time Simon noted that taxes were paid for all years apart from 2022.
Council Chairman Kevin Lawrence discussed previous structures tore down by the city, noting that all others had been demolished as they caused concern for public safety. The city will continue through the code enforcement process and will look to schedule a public hearing date during their next meeting.
The property located at 405 N. St. Nicholas was on Tuesday evening’s agenda due to property conditions. It was reported that the property is in the process of selling and the purchaser is aware that the property has been cited for violations. The house is slated to sell in November.
It was noted at this time that if the property were declared an immediate hazard, the city would not have to begin the process over should the sale not go through. Officials noted that they were not condemning the structure, just deeming it a hazard to facilitate the process. Council members approved deeming the structure an immediate hazard.
Community member Belinda Requena was on the agenda requesting to extend her property line near the city water tower. Though Requena was not present for the meeting, council members held brief discussion with city staff on the matter. Discussion was tabled to afford council time to drive by the property and consider the item further.
Needed installation of lights at the Eureka Downs facility exterior was brought to the floor. This recommendation was presented for safety and security. It was reported that Evergy would complete installation and the monthly charge would be $40 per month per light installed. Council members approved for light installation.
The resignation letter of City Administrator Lucas Herb-Mullin was formally read and approved. The city will be advertising for the position.
Upcoming Community Events Tonya Casper, manager of The Gym, was present last Tuesday evening to request street closure for a glow walk/run event slated for Friday, November 4. This was approved contingent on agreement of the H a l f Dollar. The Gym will be look- i n g to host their event, with plans for blocking off Main Street from 1st to 3rd Street from 5:308:30 p.m.
Representing the Greenwood County Cattlemen’s Association, Lane Johnson was present to request the closure of 3rd Street for Cattlemen’s Day Saturday, November 4. Johnson told council members that this will be the 96th annual banquet and the 98th year of the organization. In efforts to build and improve the event, a steak cook-off has been added. As such, additional space will be needed. Johnson requested closure of 1/2 a city block of 3rd Street extending east of Main Street and 1/2 a block on the west side as well from approximately 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Barricades were approved contingent on agreement from Cake Batter Batter.
Regular Business The deadline for letters of interest in the open Ward 2 council seat is October 20. Letters of interest are still being accepted at the City Clerk’s Office.
Transfer of Lake lot 93 was approved. Following questions, the consent agenda was approved.
This included the following items: minutes if the September 25 meeting, scheduled claims list of expenses due through October 10 in the amount of $33,137.63, Purchase Order 728940 to Pishney Real Estate Services LLC for the amount of $6,852 and Purchase Order 728937 to Viking Industrial Painting for $33,326.
A 15-minute executive session for non-elected personnel for discussion of employee performance was held with the city attorney remaining. Following the session, no action was taken.
Mayor Stephen Coulter and Herb-Mullin were absent from the meeting.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, October 23 at 7 p.m.
