Discussion on the Eureka Downs facility continued at the Eureka City Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 27. Representing the Greenwood County Community Center (GC3), Jamie Lindamood shared an update on the facility. Lindamood stated that a contract has been signed with an engineer. She further noted that core drilling and drainage plans are being drafted for the race track, a roofing contract has been signed and the GC3 is looking to utilize students at Eureka Junior/Senior High School for construction work.
During a recent GC3 meeting, the committee approved transforming the Braden Room by constructing classrooms and removing the bar. The Greenwood County Fair Association (GCFA) received a $2 million grant for upgrades to both the facility and backside (track). Currently, the GCFA has received half of the funds and is working through the process to begin construction. Lindmood asked the council for $10,000 and their blessing with the Braden Room construction project. Lindamood noted that the city has put in $35,382.40 to Eureka Downs for utilities and maintenance over the last 18 months. Lindamood also reminded the council the city acquired $50,000 from the sale of the Matt Samuels Community Building.
“I still think we need to wait and figure out the county deal,” stated council member Jeff Marks. Lindamood had noted that she requested funds from the commissioners earlier that Monday, but didn’t receive an official agreement. It was hoped that the commission would approve funds during their meeting this week.
See related article. Marks continued his comments by stating, “We can’t be the only one financing this deal… You aren’t going to sell me on this until we get a partner.”
Council member Dan Campbell stated “This project has tremendous potential for this community which includes Eureka and the county. We finally have some movement from the county, verbal commitment. It’s not official.” He continued, “I for one am happy to take that verbal commitment and if it turns out that they don’t cough up the money, then we are out $10,000 but $2 million is still being invested. Regardless it will have a positive effect on Eureka and the county.”
During their work session, held before the meeting, council members discussed the sale of the Matt Samuels Community Building. Council member Marks noted that the sale needed to be looked at in the way of keeping a local business in Eureka. Council member Jason Brandt stated, “I think people have forgotten the condition of the community building.” He further referenced various items in the former community building that needed repairs to continue to function.
Council member Cinda Beals commented, “I know we want to get the kids going. It is a great project. I don’t want to say I don’t trust them (the commissioners) but it’s not a commitment – but I know there are some commissioners who aren’t 100% on it.” She then asked, “Can we wait one more week to have more discussion?” It was noted that waiting would delay the students’ progress and they may not be able to complete the project before the end of the semester. Campbell then stated, “I think we have a partner going forward. Maybe I will look like a fool; but, I think we have a partner going forward.”
“We have already budgeted to spend this money, I hate to see us hold up the process,” stated council member Kevin Lawrence.
It was noted that the $2 million grant funds, through the Department of Commerce, have specific requirements that stipulate specific usage of funds. It was shared that a portion of the funds will be used for the facility; while others will be used specifically for the track.
A motion was made and seconded to give $10,000 for the project. The vote was tied with three yes votes from council members Lawrence, Campbell and Brandt and three no votes from Marks, Beals and Richard Drake. Mayor Stephen Coulter broke the tie and voted in favor. It was noted that Marks, Beals and Drake wanted an official commitment from the county before moving forward.
Other Business
A single airport hangar bid was received from Flint Hills Aviation LLC. The bid totaled $300 per month and was intended for a threeyear lease, with Flint Hills Aviation LLC paying for the utilities related to the usage of the hangar. Discussion was held regarding the length of time with the council being in favor of the agreement but wanting to review the contract annually. A motion was made and approved unanimously to approve the bid on an annual basis, noting that the $300/month fee would be extended for up to three years.
Since the last meeting, the state made a surprise visit to the animal shelter for an inspection. It was noted that the city received good reviews on the most recent inspection. Staff is still working to gather quotes for updates/repairs at the facility. The council expressed appreciation for those staff members who have worked to clean the facility.
Code Enforcement Officer Steve French shared Ordinance #4164, referencing trees, and presented updates to the council. A brief discussion was held with the council planning to approve an amended ordinance at their next meeting.
Regarding cleaning bids for the Eureka Downs facility, the council reviewed two bids and approved the bid from Jeaneen Baumberger at $25 per hour. The second bid was from Blooming Clean LLC at $30 per hour. There was discussion regarding having a flat rate; however, it was noted that there will be times only specific sections of the facility will need to be cleaned. It was also noted that those renting the facility are asked to clean the facility or forgo their deposit.
The council approved the replacement of a park bench in front of Colangelo & Taber, PA, near 2nd and Main Streets.
Resolutions 25-04 and 25-05 were approved at a recent meeting but didn’t have hearing dates listed to afford for time required by statute. The resolutions were updated with hearing dates of March 10 and approved as revised. Both resolutions can be found on page 9 of this week’s edition.
A lake lot transfer was approved on the contingency that the inspection of the sewer was approved. The transfer was for Lake Lot 74 from Arthur and Dana Williams to Leslie DuLac.
Two bids from Ramsey Concrete were discussed for upcoming projects. The first was regarding repairs to the sidewalk in front of Copper Kettle on East River Street, as IdeaTek hit a water line when burying fiber and the sidewalk was damaged during the repair. The bid for $2,900 was approved. It was noted that a spreadsheet of the repair work being completed following IdeaTek’s installation had been drafted with an invoice for the expenses being sent to IdeaTek for reimbursement. Discussion of a bid for work at the City Water Plant was tabled for more information to be gathered.
Mayor Coulter shared a bid from B.E. Mowing & Tree Service, totaling $3,000, for tree work at Eureka Lake. Coulter noted that several trees in public areas need to be removed due to safety, as well as others needing to be trimmed. It was noted that B.E. Mowing & Tree Service will complete the work with city crews hauling off the branches.
The council held two executive sessions, totaling 15 minutes, for personnel to discuss employment positions. No action was taken.
The consent agenda, including the Jan. 13 regular meeting and Jan. 16 special meeting minutes, as well as scheduled claims list for expenses totaling $94,176.38 and a $7,504.83 Brenntag purchase order, were approved.
Before their bi-monthly meeting, the Eureka City Council met for a work session at Memorial Hall. During the session, the council discussed future city projects and their prioritization. The council also discussed their committees and merged the safety and personnel committees. This will keep each council member on two committees.
The next Eureka City Council meeting will be Monday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.
