The Eureka City Council meeting on June 23 began with the approval of the consent agenda, including the minutes of the June 9 regular meeting, claims list totaling $116,726.60, and Purchase Order #730430 to Viking Industrial Painting for $17,234.
Software
City Clerk Renee Burk received quotes from three software companies. The clerk’s office plans to replace the current software in an effort to correct issues they are experiencing. The software will be used for utility billing, fund accounting, payroll and cemetery. “All three of these companies have good references from other cities that use them and all would fit our needs,” stated Burk. It was explained that software costs are typically split between general administration, water and sewer. With Burk’s recommendation, the council approved to move forward with Jayhawk/Advantage Computers in the amount of $22,111 with an annual subscription fee of $7,000 with the costs being split between the three funds accounts.
Eureka Downs
An update was given by Quality of Life Committee Chair Dan Campbell regarding progress at Eureka Downs. Campbell stated that the roof is now complete and the building is serviceable without any other major work and can be leased out. It was also noted that there are no more state funds available for the remodel of the building but that the fair board could ask the state for funding for smaller repairs. Campbell also stated the Greenwood County Community Center has the option to do their own fundraising for the project. Council member Cinda Beals inquired about progress in the Braden room, to which Mayor Stephen Coulter said that, to his understanding, remodeling in that room is ongoing, with the carpet having been removed and some work yet needed on the floor.
Citizen Feedback
It was relayed through a council member that negative feedback had been received from a business owner in Eureka. The citizen stated that they feel the business community does not get much encouragement from the Eureka City Council. The citizen suggested the council make a better effort to contact business owners and express appreciation or recognize that they (local businesses) are making a positive impact on the community. “As a council, we do appreciate what the businesses in Eureka provide, but are we good at saying it? Probably not as good as we should be, obviously,” stated Mayor Coulter. The council discussed ways to improve showing appreciation to the business community, with several suggestions being made by council members.
Request for Reimbursement
Community member Scott Valentine spoke to the council regarding an ongoing sewer issue that began in October 2024. According to Valentine, several attempts had been made to clear a blockage in the sewer line at 508 N. Myrtle. After hiring several plumbers, installing a new sewer cleanout and hiring an excavator to access the problem, the cause of the blockage was found to be caused by a borer grazing the clay sewer line which eventually caused the line to collapse and the subsequent blockage. The approximate cost to complete the repair was $4,000 and Valentine felt some of that cost should not be his responsibility. Associate Director of Public Works Levi Lawrence confirmed the damage had been caused by a borer. The council recognized its responsibility with the issue and asked Valentine to present additional receipts and documentation of his expenses and a determination of reimbursement will be discussed at a later date.
SS4A
In old business, the council approved the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) scope of services from JEO Consulting Group, as presented. SS4A is a grant program that provides financial support for planning, infrastructure, and operational initiatives toward overall safety on roads and streets. This approval will allow the project to proceed as planned. The ten-month project’s total cost is $174,930, with the city’s portion being 5% of that amount.
The council held a short executive session to discuss personnel matters, employee evaluations. After returning to open meeting, the council approved to move Jayme Robertson to street foreman at a rate of $24.16 per hour, and approved pay increases for Bodie Lyon, Oliver Wade and Matt Richey to $16.55 per hour.
The next city council meeting will be held Monday, July 14, at 7 p.m. at the Eureka Public Library.
