With thoughts of moving the city shop to the same location as the water plant and potentially bringing an additional business to the community, the Eureka City Council discussed the possibility of building a new city shop during their most recent city council meeting on Monday, Feb. 10.
The discussion was relatively brief, but it was noted that the city sold surplus equipment last fall and has allocated the $57,000 from the sale for this project. It was shared that grants would also be sought, as well as more surplus equipment being sold. The council noted that they would then sell the current shop building with hopes of bringing an additional business or offering a larger site for an existing business. This was a preliminary discussion and the council would like to hear feedback from the community.
Preliminary Engineering Report
Bruce Boettcher with BG Consultants presented the council with a wastewater system preliminary engineering report. It was noted that throughout the City of Eureka, several lines are needing repairs. The plan included various projects and financing for those options. Council member Richard Drake expressed concerns regarding the project, asking, “How do we expect people to pay for it?” The report shared included three options 1) for Sanitary Sewer Rehab at a total project cost of $10,328,948, which would net an increase on average monthly bills of $19.49-$47.49 per user. 2) for a non-discharge lagoon irrigation project with a total cost of $3,785,000, which would net an increase on average monthly bills of $8.39$18.69. 3) For a sanitary sewer rehab to critical areas identified by city staff, totaling $1,944,195, which would net an increase on average monthly bills of $7.99-$10.59. “About 50% of this city right now is on the poverty level. If we start raising stuff, they are going to have to do away with medicine, food, or something,” stated Drake.
“You are taking food right out of their mouth,” he continued. Council member Kevin Lawrence stated, “If the sewer doesn’t work, we are in trouble. We can’t repair this on our own.” Discussion continued regarding the declining population and the need for adequate infrastructure. Mayor Stephen Coulter noted the council needed additional time to digest the information presented and planned to discuss the project again at their next meeting.
Job Descriptions Review/Pay Ordinance The council reviewed job descriptions for Director of Public Works and Foreman for the Water/Sewer Department, Public Properties and Street Departments. They also reviewed Ordinance 4337 regarding compensation for various city positions. Mayor Coulter shared that he wanted to review the titles/positions the city has. “I want the job description to fit the jobs that they do,” he stated. Discussion was held regarding separating Animal Control Officer and Code Enforcement, as well as noting they would like to discuss the Community Enrichment Manager and Community Enforcement Manager positions more in-depth. Mayor Coulter also noted that City Administrator Assistant Karen Simon had done good work with grants and noted that “grant coordinator” may need to be added to the title and/or description. The council will review the ordinance again at the next meeting.
Other Business
The council revisited the concrete estimate for the water plant sidewalk. Mayor Coulter noted that the concrete had been removed approximately five years ago but hadn’t been replaced. A bid for the work, totaling $3,200 was submitted by Ramsey Concrete LLC. Council member Jeff Marks questioned as to why city staff wasn’t being utilized for the project. It was noted that staff currently doesn’t have concrete experience with Marks noting that they wouldn’t get any experience if they didn’t start. No action was taken on the bid.
The council also received a bid from Ramsey Concrete LLC for concrete work at Eureka Aquatic Park. It was shared that Eureka Recreation Commission (ERC) Director Derek Larcom had approached Coulter regarding the project. The council asked Mayor Coulter to attend the next ERC meeting to ensure all parties are on the same page. The ERC meets on the last Wednesday of the month.
The council approved the Jan. 27 meeting minutes, claims list for expenses totaling $127,265.40, and a purchase order, totaling $6,255 for the replacement and installation of a water plant alarm agent.
The city received a letter from the Mid-Kansas Community Action Program (Mid-KS Cap) sharing they are looking for elected officials to serve on their board, which meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The council was directed to contact Mid-KS Cap if interested.
Resolution 25-06, regarding property at 222 S. State Street was approved. The legal can be found on page 5 of this week’s edition.
Simon shared with the council that the city was recently awarded a CDBG Grant to complete the windows at Memorial Hall.
See related article. She also noted that additional good news was coming; however, she was unable to share additional details at the time of the meeting.
The council will hold its next meeting on Monday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m., at the Eureka Public Library.
