Three community members were present last Monday, October 24 after having submitted interest in serving in the vacant Ward 2 city council position. All three were allotted the opportunity to speak, before council members brought potential selection to the floor. Appreciation was expressed to all three candidates for their interest in serving the community. Councilman Jeff Marks abstained from voting on this item. Members of the council approved Dan Campbell filling the vacancy. During his address, Campbell shared that he had lived in Eureka for approximately 2 and a half years, had retired in December from his career as a financial adviser and shared that he would like to lend support to the city. Campbell will join the council during the next regular meeting.
A Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for housing rehabilitation, was brought to the council last Monday evening to consider submitting for the funding opportunity. Assistant to the City Administrator Karen Simon explained that the city had submitted for this in the past and funding goes towards the rehabilitation of existing structures. Simon shared that, if received, the town would be canvased for interest and noted that this is income based. She explained that code enforcement history is very important in property considerations, commenting that they want to make sure rehabilitation completed has a positive impact on the community. Work completed varies from house to house. Potential projects include roofs, electrical, siding and plumbing. Council members approved the application fee for grant services through South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD).
Associate Director of Public Works Loren Wools provided an overview of maintenance at the Lt. William M. Milliken Airport. Wools reported that they have been looking to get the fuel situation rectified at the facility. Fuel in the tank did not pass state inspection. Wools noted that as such, it will have to be disposed of. He told members of the council that this can be burned in carberated engines and explained that this is what has been planned for the fuel. Wools reported that he is looking to get a quote for a card reader for fuel purchases and he anticipated the receipt of a quote for lights needing replaced/repaired at the airport. Wools noted that all equipment is functional.
Mayor Stephen Coulter reported that a Greenwood County Community Center (GCCC) meeting was held recently. Repairs to the Eureka Downs building were a topic of discussion. Issues with plumbing and damage caused by varmints were items noted as needing addressed. The GCCC is looking to get a quote for the damage. Coulter noted that the GCCC discussed insulating and trying to better seal the building, adding that the wall behind the bleachers is not insulated and this has caused issues with plumbing. A plan for this is currently being drafted. Evergy will be putting three flood lights in the parking lot of the facility, an item approved during the previous council meeting.
Request for purchase of property from Belinda Requena was again included on the meeting agenda. Requena’s request to purchase a portion of the city lot abutting her lawn was first presented during the previous council meeting and was tabled to afford the opportunity for members of the council to drive by and review the properties. Requena was requesting a 7 foot by 150foot strip of the lot which the city water tower sits on. It was noted in the request that Requena was requesting this to protect her fence line and maintain the shade produced by trees which currently sit on the city’s side of the property line. Associate Director of Public Works Levi Lawrence noted if the property were kept, the city would be looking at the expense of cutting down the trees. Members of the council voted to sell the property for $1, plus transfer cost. This is for 7 feet of property north of the water tower. The sale was approved 4-1, with Councilman Jason Brandt voting opposed.
The property at 620 E. 2nd Street was on the agenda for continued consideration. A resolution declaring this a dangerous and unfit structure was presented. During discussion, Mayor Coulter reminded council members that crews had cleaned up the property and boarded up where needed. He commented that he was unaware of the interior condition, but the question was, judging the property as it currently sits, did the council feel it should be torn down? Councilman Brandt commented that boarding up the structure was not a permanent solution and added that the property owner had not contacted or responded to the city. Simon noted that all they would be doing was setting a public hearing date, they would not be ruling to tear the house down at this time. Members of the council approved declaring the property dangerous and unfit.
The City Administrator position was on last Monday’s agenda for discussion of the advertising timeline. Councilman Brandt spoke in favor of reviewing the contract for the position, before beginning to seek applicants. Following discussion, a committee of council members Marks and Cinda Beals was created. They will bring back recommendations to council. A consensus was reached to advertise for the position.
Coulter introduced Staci Crumrine to the city council, who is the new Community Enrichment Manager. Crumrine told council members that growth of the community is in her heart and noted that she thinks the community has a lot of potential and room for growth. Crumrine began working for the city on October 16.
Councilman Richard Drake voiced appreciation to outgoing Dog Catcher/ Code Enforcement Officer Terry Ward for his years of service in the position.
Community Events
Representing Top Hand Youth Rodeo (THYRA), Katie Greenwood and Shelly Decker were present to discuss the 2023 season which recently concluded. The rodeo averaged about 70 participants per day. Finals weekend was held September 30-October 1. Eight custom saddles and 150 belt buckles were awarded at the banquet. Greenwood expressed appreciation to Mayor Coulter for his aid in banquet setup - with lights and windows at Memorial Hall and to the city for its support of the rodeo. As she discussed the successes of the season, Greenwood shared that THYRA had 70 families participate in the 2023 season. This was a sizeable increase from the inaugural year and the event is anticipated to grow next year. Decker told members of the council that participating families were asked to submit receipts from Greenwood County purchases to enter into a drawing each weekend of rodeo action. She noted that just from those who participated in this, approximately $10,000 was spent locally. Greenwood added that all contestants received jackets which featured names/logos of THYRA donors.
Leann Winn with the Marshall Elementary PTA was present to request barricades for the annual Christmas on Main Street event. Members of the council voted to approve closure of Main Street between 3rd and 4th Streets. The event will begin at 5:30 on November 29.
Member of the council approved for closure of Main Street between 4th and 5th Streets for the VFW for Veterans Day.
Regular Business
Neighborhood Revitalization, an item updated annually, was brought the floor for approval. Simon noted that the city has been doing this since 2004, and added that this offers a rebate on new construction. Council members approved to continue the Neighborhood Revitalization.
Insurance dividend for last year in the amount of $19,262.04 was received by the city.
Members of the council voted to approve the consent agenda. This included the following items: Minutes of the October 10 meeting, Scheduled claims list for expenses due through October 23 in the amount of $302,785.38, Purchase order 728943 to GWorks for the amount of $8,925 and purchase order 728944 to RE Pedrotti for the amount of $8,925.
The proposed appointment of Brent Torrey to the Planning and Zoning Commission was presented. It was noted at this time that Torrey has previously served on the board. Council members approved for the appointment.
Transfer of Lake Lot 34 was approved.
A 15-minute executive session was held for discussion of legal matters with the city attorney remaining. Following the return to regular session, an additional 10-minutes were taken for the same subject, with the same individuals in attendance. After returning to regular session, no action was taken.
City Administrator Lucas Herb-Mullin was absent from the meeting.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, November 13 at 9 a.m.
