Awarded Grant For Sidewalk Engineering Along River Street
After swearing in new member Dan Campbell on Monday, November 14, members of the Eureka City Council heard from Connie Mitchell with the Eureka Public Library.
Mitchell shared that the City of Eureka is currently working with IdeaTek, an internet service provider, in hopes of bringing fiber internet to the community. Mitchell told council members that, in an effort to make the grant application more attractive, she was asking that $25,000 of the sales tax set aside for the library and pool be offered towards the project. She noted that internet strength and stability was an issue and this would better the lives of the community. She told council members $25,000 was not a lot in terms of the total project, but it would reflect community support.
Mayor Stephen Coulter elaborated on the ongoing application for fiber, explaining that this is an underserved area in the State of Kansas and IdeaTek approached the city, looking to bridge this gap. He noted that the city is not required to contribute, but it reflects well to do so.
Of the $2.8 million project, IdeaTek would be financially backing the project, coupled with the grant if it is received. Coulter explained that internet is vital when looking to grow the community and attract younger families. It was shared that, if received, there would be opportunities for low-income individuals for connectivity as well. Council members approved offering the funds toward the fiber grant application.
In the absence of a City Administrator, Mayor Coulter provided a report to commissioners. JEO Consulting Group submitted a grant application to be applied towards sidewalks along River Street. Coulter announced to members of the council that the City of Eureka had been awarded the grant totaling $140,000. He noted that if approved, the city contribution would have been $35,000, but the receipt of a secondary grant had reduced this to $8,000. This would cover planning and engineering. Council members approved to accept the grant.
Council members heard from outgoing manager of the Lt. William M. Milliken Airport John Ferguson with Saxon Unmanned Joint Training Center (SUJTC). Ferguson told members of the council that he was still serving in the management capacity (outlined within the contact under termination, is the provision of 90 days written notice) and was hoping that they could work through past issues. He then provided members of the council with an update on his recent efforts, noting that he had held a coffee day at the facility which saw marginal success and had also posted about the airport on the Kansas Aviation site. Ferguson noted that this had resulted in increased air traffic at the facility.
As Ferguson once again discussed his operations, both political and through his company, Councilman Kevin Lawrence stated the following: “It seems like you are doing awfully big things to then climb on a mower and make sure the airport gets mowed.” Lawrence then told Ferguson that he didn’t want to see him leave the airport and the community, but the city is looking at management of the airport and potentially discontinuing the manager position. After sharing that continuation of the position had come in to question before, Lawrence explained that the monthly expense allocated toward payment of the manager position could be invested into the facility.
Mayor Coulter commented that the city needs an airport to encourage economic benefit, adding that at one point, the facility provided that, but hasn’t in a long time. Coulter explained that the city is looking at maintenance costs that were not budgeted for and dollars paid to the position could be saved to allocate towards the facility. During this time, he noted that approximately $4,300 would be spent for light repairs (he noted earlier in discussion that needed lights had been ordered) and the city is looking to invest in a card reader for fuel purchases.
When Ferguson commented that Saxon Aerospace and Patriots Coffee as well as a couple of planned events would leave Eureka if an agreement were not reached and also once again noted the impact of recent posts on aviation social media platforms, a community member present posed questions to the outgoing manager, asking why it had taken so long for him to do that and also questioned if it were because the company was terminated.
As discussion continued, Coulter explained that the city cannot continue with the airport as it is. He then noted that they were not finding fault with Ferguson, however there were facets of the facility that need investment. Coulter offered that if Ferguson were interested in leasing the hanger, this could be discussed. Ferguson stated that this would be something he would consider. Lawrence noted that as this is considered, the city needed to take into account what Ferguson has invested in the hanger.
Eureka Fire Chief Luke Westerman discussed bunker gear. Westerman reported that bunker gear has to be replaced every ten years and there are 9 sets that need replaced. A Fire Marshals grant coupled with sale of items on Purple Wave would aid in the purchase of the needed gear. Westerman shared that the cost of bunker gear totaled $30,127, with $16,220 being applied from Purple Wave sales and $6,226 applied from grant dollars awarded. Remaining dollars for the purchase would come from fire budget. Needed fire hose was also discussed. This amounted to $12,139.48 from Emergency Fire Equipment. Council members approved the purchase of bunker gear and the needed fire hose: 8 – 5” supply hose 100’ and 10 – 1 ¾” attack hose 50’. Westerman also discussed multiagency training that was slated for Sunday, November 19. He explained that the live fire training was an exciting opportunity to provide locally and shared that they would be utilizing the house behind Memorial Hall for this.
Westerman told council members that he is working on seeking bids for future replacement of the city rescue truck. He noted that the truck currently in operation was purchased as a split between the city and Greenwood County as Eureka provides county rescue services. After noting that sometimes delivery of trucks takes a couple years, Westerman told officials that he wanted to make sure the truck was order so it was delivered when needed. As he discussed compiling a committee for this to continue considering the future purchase, Westerman asked that a member of the council join. Council member Jeff Marks will serve on the committee.
The contract for the City Administrator position was included in agenda items for council review. Proposed changes included adjustment to compensation in the event of termination without cause, compensation time was adjusted to match that provided to other positions, monthly auto stipend was reduced from $600 to $300 if a vehicle is not provided by the city and the contract also saw change in vacation which was altered to match the personnel manual. No opposition was voiced to the changes.
It was noted that a handful of applicants have submitted for the position. An interview committee was established Monday evening and consists of Mayor Coulter, Clerk Renee Burk, and council members Cinda Beals and Jason Brandt. The city is hoping to see a few more candidates submit resumes before they continue proceeding towards the selection process.
In regards to the vacant Code Enforcement/Animal Control position, it was noted that two employees are rotating coverage of the role. Mayor Coulter commented that after a little discussion, his personal opinion was that the position be split. He explained that he felt it would be beneficial for Code Enforcement to be separate from Animal Control. He then noted he would like to see a road crew position combined with Animal Control and leave Code Enforcement on its own. Officials discussed the potential for the Code Enforcement position being part-time. Job descriptions and wages are slated to be presented at the next meeting. Members of the council approved splitting the position.
JEO Consulting Group was discussed. Mayor Coulter told members of the council that he believed the company could establish a good plan for street maintenance. The contract for scope of services with JEO was approved for the amount of $46,400. JEO will analyze all streets and develop a plan.
Associate Director of Public Works Loren Wools shared that he anticipated to receive the bid for a card reader for the airport Tuesday, November 14. Wools told council members that the pump had been repaired and contaminated fuel in the tank was in the process of being removed. It was noted that the fuel had gotten condensation in it and they were researching solutions to this issue.
Community member and event organizer Steve Brown reported that he had received a request from Santa asking that the Christmas parade be moved to 5 p.m. for the safety of children who run into the street to grab candy. Council members approved for street closure at the earlier time. The parade will be held December 2, with parade lineup by the old mini mall at 4:30 p.m.
It was brought to the planning commission’s attention that boats in disrepair were becoming a factor on properties. This resulted in the drafting of an ordinance to not only include vehicles, but boats and trailers as well. Members of the City Council voted to approve Ordinance 43-26.
Councilman Lawrence noted having attended various recent events at the Eureka Downs and noted that the structure serving as a community building seemed to be going smoothly. He noted his concern would be cold weather and winterization. During this time, Mayor Coulter asked that council members visit the site to see if they felt additional exterior lights would be recommended.
The personnel manual and stand-by compensation were briefly discussed.
Increasing compensation to employees on-call was noted as something that needed to be addressed. Employees will be spoken to and the item will be further discussed at a later date.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield was presented for annual renewal. Clerk Burk reported that health had seen a 12.8% increase. Council members approved the renewal.
Members of the council approved Christmas bonuses at the same rate as was provided last year, $200 for full-time staff members and $100 for part-time.
Cereal Malt Beverage renewal was approved for Casey’s General Store.
Coulter voiced appreciation to those who provided aid in digging holes for the sign to be installed over Main Street.
City surplus property was discussed. Mayor Coulter noted that there were items the city needed to sort through and liquidate what is unused/ unneeded. He asked that a list be compiled of items no longer needed.
Members of the council approved the consent agenda. This included the following items: minutes of the October 23 meeting, scheduled claims list for expenses due through November 13 in the amount of $98,633.33, Purchase Order 728491 to Brenntag Southwest Inc for $5,551.44 and Purchase Order 728963 to Mayer Specialty Services LLC for $10,765.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held on Monday, November 28 at 7 p.m.
