James Krstolich with IdeaTek was present at the Eureka City Council meeting on Monday, December 11 to discuss the broadband grant received.
After Krstolich presented the grant agreement to council members for signature and noted that an invoice for 50% of the city’s $25,000 contribution would be sent, he briefly discussed the anticipated project timeline. Krstolich explained that work was slated to start between January and March and the goal would be to have the project completed within 9 months. He noted that they must be completed within 2 years. After sharing that IdeaTek is excited to partner with the City of Eureka, Krstolich told council members that preconstruction meetings would follow the signing of the franchise agreement which is slated for presentation at a later date.
IdeaTek is currently working towards completion of installation in Augusta. Krstolich noted that this project has taken approximately 6 months. Once the service is available to the community, Krstolich explained that when prospective customers contact IdeaTek wanting service, they will continue the line from the pedestal (aboveground access point) to the given house. As discussion concluded, members of the council voted to approve the grant agreement and match dollars.
Members of the City Council entered into a public hearing regarding the property at 620 E. 2nd Street. The property owner( s) were not present to speak, however relative of a neighboring property owner, Peggy Hawthorne, returned before the council on the matter. ( Note: 620 E. 2nd was discussed during the following meetings and included in coverage by The Eureka Herald: June 15, 2022, September 11, 2023, October 10, 2023, October 24, 2023, August 28, 2023) As she spoke in favor of the structure being demolished and reiterated sentiments expressed during previous meetings that an oversight had been made (noting that she had thought there were already plans for tearing the structure down), Hawthorne told members of the council that the property is still in violation of city codes.
After it was shared that there are 7 structures that have been declared immediate hazards, Hawthorne questioned when these issues had arisen. She then stated that this had been brought to the council’s attention a year-and-a-half ago. As Hawthorne spoke in opposition of other structures being put in front of this one on the demolition list, Mayor Stephen Coulter noted that there were some properties that have been going through the process longer. Hawthorne discussed performing research into when the other properties were added to the list.
Coulter noted that part of the dilemma is not having a high enough budget designated for demolition. He also referenced the need for additional housing in the city. As discussion continued, Coulter noted that the city would be putting more pressure towards getting properties dealt with. As Hawthorne referenced time spent waiting for something to be done to the property, Coulter commented that $2,200 had been spent by the city in efforts to address the conditions. “We are attempting to try and make things better,” said Coulter as he discussed the city utilizing tax payer dollars to improve the property. Hawthorne also noted during discussion of the subject, that she was formerly under the impression from prior meetings and coverage, that the structure was already on the list to be torn down. Following, Coulter reiterated that there is an expense associated with tearing down structures. Hawthorne referenced the current condition of the property, again noting that the structure stinks during the warmer months. Coulter referenced time spent cleaning the property and then noted that most people are not happy with how high property taxes are now. He continued, adding that it would take additional funds to remedy issues. As discussion continued, it was again noted that taxes are current and dollars spent remedying the condition would be added on to taxes. It was also shared that a structure cannot simply be torn down, time has to be allotted as they move through the process. In continued conversation, it was shared that when a property sells, the process must start over again, should conditions persist. Resolution 23-21 was approved and affords the following: If the property owner does not repair or remove the structure, the City of Eureka can do so. After Hawthorne asked if there were neighbors of the other properties who have voiced complaints, Coulter responded by noting that they had received complaints for other properties. Hawthorne then asked if mistakes had been made in regards to any of the others.
Reference to Resolutions from 2016 and 2019 were made as the subject was discussed. Hawthorne stated, “I don’t know, but I think you guys need to get your ship in order.” As discussion continued towards closure, Coulter stated, “Your words are not falling on deaf ears.”
Resolution 23-22, for the property located at 506 N. Adams Street, affording for the city to abate environmental issues including “Wood, junk, metal and other various refuse on private property,” was approved. It was shared that 506 N. Adams Street was slated to be eligible for tax sale next year. Resolution 2326, setting the property for public hearing, was approved.
(In error, coverage of the September 11 meeting read as follows: “Resolution 23-12 was approved, deeming the property at 620 E. 2nd Street an immediate hazard and in violation of environmental code. Herb-Mullin told members of the council that the city had not heard from the family associated with the property. Any cost associated with abating conditions will be assessed to the property taxes. Herb-Mullin noted during discussion that taxes for the property have been getting paid.” The first sentence should have read: Resolution 23-12 was approved, deeming that the property is still in violation of environmental code.) A Public Hearing date of February 12 was set for two properties through the passage of the following Resolutions: Resolution 23-24, 0000 West 8th Street, structure conditions include broken windows, unsecured openings and a roof in disrepair, and Resolution 23-25, 303 N. Pine, deteriorating condition includes holes in the roof and unsecured upper-level windows.
Last Monday night’s meeting opened with a statement of appreciation, with city officials expressing gratitude to all involved in making the gateway over Main Street a reality. During this time, Mayor Coulter stated that this was, “Just the beginning of revitalizing Eureka Main Street.” The city is looking into the potential of lighting the sign. It was explained that a street light was removed to afford for post installation for the sign. Coulter shared that there are plans for future additions to the sign, one item being the anticipated incorporation of an American Flag.
Council members voted to approve Ordinance 4327 pertaining to trash rates. It was noted that the city is seeing an increase on the provider’s end by 2%.
Members of the council approved the consent agenda. This included the following items: minutes of the November 27 meeting and scheduled claims list for expenses due through November 27, in the amount of $68,731.95.
Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) license renewal for Pete’s was approved.
An executive session requested by Councilman Jeff Marks was held for legal discussion for the duration of 15 minutes. This included City Attorney James Watson. After taking another 15 minutes for the same subject, with the same individuals remaining, city officials returned to regular session and no action was taken.
The next regular meeting of the Eureka City Council will be held Wednesday, December 27 at 7 p.m.
