During the Eureka City Council meeting on July 28, Miranda Colangelo was present to express concerns about the current agree ment the city has in re gards to the Eureka Downs building. Colangelo told the council that the fees to rent the Eureka Downs facility are not affordable to many of Eureka’s citizens. Colan gelo stated that high rental costs will prevent commu nity members from using the facilities, placing the city in a poor financial po sition through their agree ment to cover utilities and insurance on the building. “It’s not making logical or financial sense to me,” stat ed Colangelo. (Editor’s note: The City of Eureka, Green wood County, the 4-H Foun dation and the Greenwood County Fair Association make up the board to over see the Greenwood County Community Center (GC3); Eureka Downs building and have a contract for a long term lease; The group has entered into an agreement where the City of Eureka pays utilities and insurance on the building with assis tance from the county and the city has rent-free use of the facility as a communi ty space and will keep the rental monies to offset the utility and insurance fees. The fee schedule was set by the GC3 committee, not the City of Eureka.)
Colangelo also expressed concerns about fundraising to cover repairs at the GC3. She referenced an article from the July 2 issue of The Eureka Herald, which had mentioned fundraising as an option to raise monies for use at the GC3 build ing. Colangelo expressed concerns that Eureka cit izens could be asked to fundraise for repairs to a facility that is unafford able to rent. Council mem ber Dan Campbell clarified that fundraising is just one option the GC3 Committee might use to raise money for future projects and that, as yet, it has only been a topic of discussion in committee. (Editor’s Note: The article referenced above stated: “It was also noted that there are no more funds avail able for the remodel of the building but that the fair board could ask the state for funding for smaller repairs. Campbell also stated the GC3 has the option to do its own fundraising for the project.”)
Colangelo then ques tioned the structural integ rity of the GC3 concourse building, saying that the upper floor of the building sways and that she believes that this is due to issues be yond the norm for this type of building. Her concern, as she stated it, is that the cost of structural repairs could be extreme. May or Stephen Coulter said that he is not aware of any structural problems with the building and reminded Colangelo that, because the city does not own the build ing, the cost of those types of repairs, should they be needed, would fall on the Greenwood County Fair Association.
As an alternative to the GC3 building
As an alternative to the GC3 building, Colangelo proposed that the city might use the Eureka Senior Center facility, citing that it currently gets little use but has several desirable features such as pool tables and a large open space. Mayor Coulter stated that he would be open to using the Senior Center as a potential community space but that he has not been approached about doing so. Coulter went on to say that while the Eureka Senior Center may make a good community space, “when you need a bigger venue, you could outgrow that place pretty quickly.” Coulter also noted that the GC3 building is a historic place and it is central to the community. “We should be supporting what’s already here as much as we can,” he said.
Several council members added their thoughts regarding community spaces in the city. Councilman Kevin Lawrence stated that the GC3 building is the most widely used community space in Eureka. “There are thousands that use that every year,” he said. Councilman Jason Brandt added that there are several other community spaces available that may be affordable to those who aren’t in a position to rent space at the GC3.
Mayor Coulter invited Colangelo to meet with him personally to discuss her concerns. Colangelo acknowledged the invitation but said that her preference was to address the issues publicly.
Several rental options are available for the GC3, including use of specific areas as well as rental of the whole facility. For more information on spaces available to rent, please see the related ad on Page 12. If you would like to include your space for rent, please contact The Eureka Herald to be added to the listing.
Loader & Kennel Purchases The council approved a bid for the purchase of a CAT 926 Wheel Loader from Foley Equipment Company for use primarily by the street department. The cost of the loader is $274,673.14 and includes a seven-year fullservice and PM agreement as well as a seven-year warranty. The CAT 926 will replace the current CASE 621E, which is about 16 years old. Director of Public Works Chris Mitchell had received two bids for loaders. The second bid was received from John Deere for a 524 P-Tier Wheel Loader for $274,600.
Steve French presented the council with a quote from Gator Kennels for new kennels for the animal shelter. French noted that Gator Kennels are being used in many new and remodeled animal shelters. The company provides custommade HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and hard anodized aluminum panels, ready to be installed on-site. They are not expected to rot, rust, or absorb urine, making them an ideal material for dog kennels. The remodel project includes installing ten new kennels in the same area where the current kennels now stand, utilizing the existing walls. The cost of the pre-made panels from Gator Kennels is $17,241. The council approved the quote as presented.
French also shared with the council that repairs had been made to the outdoor runs at the animal shelter. Wind had blown off a preexisting shade but it has been replaced, providing adequate shade for the runs. French also noted that a new air conditioning unit had recently been installed and that lately, the dogs had been spending time in their indoor space.
Veterans Wall
Councilman Richard Drake shared a request from the VFW Post #2712 regarding the need for repairs on the Veterans Memorial Wall located on Main Street. Drake explained that due to settling, the foundation of the wall and surrounding bricks have shifted, causing gaps and possible trip hazards. To correct the issues, a new footing is needed beneath the memorial. The cost is expected to be around $12,000. Through Drake, the veterans asked if the city would be willing to contribute toward the cause. The council agreed to donate, but would ask the travel and tourism committee for their recommendation to decide the amount to be donated.
The consent agenda was approved as presented, including minutes of the July 14 City Council meeting and a scheduled claims list for expenses due July 28, in the amount of $110,956.59 and Purchase Order #730449 to Garver, LLC, for $21,776.20 for the fuel farm and apron rehabilitation projects.
The next City Council meeting will be held Monday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. at the Eureka Public Library.
