At their October 14 meeting, Director of Public Works Chris Mitchell told the Eureka City Council that funds have been budgeted for 2026 to purchase a new mini-excavator. Mitchell’s hope is to find an excavator whose size will be compatible for use by all departments—street, utilities, and even help out with some code demolitions. After researching several size models, Mitchell told the council that he would like to go forward with a plan to lease a Bobcat E50 Compact Excavator for one month in order to determine if the unit is the right size to fit the needs of the city. Mitchell said that several projects have been lined up to do during the lease period to test the machine’s compatibility and usefulness. “We felt it would be beneficial to be able to use it for several projects versus a one-day demo,” he said. Mitchell presented a quote from Bobcat White Star for a 30day rental of the E50 for $4,265. Councilman Jeff Marks inquired if the Bobcat company imposed an hour limit during the 30-day rental period. Mitchell did not have that information but said he would verify with Bobcat before proceeding. The council voted to approve the plan to lease the Bobcat E50 compact excavator for one month, provided no hour restriction creates a challenge.
Mitchell also spoke to the council regarding the need for a new snowplow attachment for use by the city. Mitchell explained that the city currently has two dump trucks that have plows on them. The oldest truck, a 1980 model, has multiple mechanical issues. Mitchell told the council that the truck’s plow attachment is not transferable to their newer trucks due to a difference in the design of the vehicle’s frame. Mitchell presented a quote for the purchase of a 10-foot snow plow attachment through Midwest Truck Equipment of Wichita. The Western 10-foot Pro Plus HD plow, which features two wing attachments, allowing the blade to extend to 12 feet wide, is reversible, meaning that plowed snow can be directed either left or right, as needed. LED plow lights make it easier for the driver to see ahead. Mitchell told the council that he had traveled to the City of Kechi to learn about their Western plow, which has been in use for several years and had received their endorsement. Another important feature of the plow, Mitchell said, is that it is removable so the truck can potentially be used for projects without it, if needed. The quoted price of the Western 10-foot plow, including complete installation and mounting to the city’s Freightliner truck, is $16,325. After discussion, the council approved a motion to proceed with the purchase. The new snowplow attachment is expected to be operational in four to five weeks.
In old business, web designer Taylor Hunt gave an update and a short demonstration of the new website for the City of Eureka. Hunt presented the development version of the website; the official site is expected to go live soon. The website’s homepage displays video footage of Eureka, including drone footage taken during this summer’s Fourth of July celebration. “I wanted the outside world to see how alive we are,” said Hunt, who hopes to also highlight local businesses in the footage. Content matching Eureka’s Facebook page will also be available on the site, he said. Hunt shared highlights of the new site’s functionality, saying that the site’s resolution is set to expand to larger monitors as well as fit well on a phone screen. He noted that the site will be easily navigable, noting that the city code is 100% searchable. A documents and downloads section will allow the city to easily update the public with needed information. Hunt added that because the website will be “syndicated,” its content will be republished pretty quickly, making it accessible to a wider audience. Finally, Hunt described the high level of security the new site has, making it possible to process credit card payments securely. The City of Eureka currently accepts online payments toward water bills only, through a link on the existing website, www.eurekaks.org.
In public comment, Brance Boone addressed the council with a request on behalf of the Greenwood County Cattlemen’s Association. Boone asked that 3rd Street, both east and west of Main, be blocked off during the upcoming Cattlemen’s Day festivities and that Main St. be closed during the parade. Also, Boone asked if the city, as it had in the past, would provide trash receptacles and portable toilets for use by the public during the celebration. The council approved all requests. Cattlemen’s Day is Saturday, Nov. 1.
Two separate resolutions were presented regarding the same property. Code Enforcement Officer Steve French said that an abandoned trailer located at 1012 N. Elm St. has become derelict and unsafe. Resolution 25-21 was presented as environmental, to allow the city to clean up and remove junk and refuse from the property. French verified that contact was sent to the owners on April 30, 2025, and no response has been received. The resolution was adopted as presented.
French presented Resolution 25-22 to set a public hearing for the same structure with the intent to demolish and remove it for violation of the city’s Dangerous and Unfit Structures code chapter 4, article 6. The city is required to publish a notice of the public hearing before proceeding with any code demolition. Council approved the resolution as presented.
French also gave an update on the progress at the city’s old street repair shop. The shop, located at 400 W. River St., has recently undergone restoration after having been in limited use for some time due to storm damage. French reported that the repairs are almost complete with only a few small items to finish but a new overhead door must be purchased. The original plan had been to re-use the building’s existing overhead door; however, that door has deteriorated and is no longer usable. French presented two quotes for new overhead doors. The new insulated door, French said, will be 12’x12’ which is larger than the original door (10’x10’), allowing access by the city’s new wheel loader. He explained that both doors quoted are commercial grade and are very similar. Overhead Door of Wichita quoted the door for $5,642 and Cheney Door also of Wichita quoted the door at $5,479. French recommended purchasing from Cheney Door as their lead time for installation is three to four weeks whereas Overhead Door’s lead time was four to six weeks. The council approved the purchase of the door from Cheney Door Company.
The utilities committee reviewed an RFQ, or request for quotes, on water and sewer projects to which they had received qualifications from three engineering firms: Schwab Eaton of Manhattan, PEC of Wichita, and JEO Consulting Group of Wichita. If Eureka is to move forward with a water or sewer project, explained Mayor Stephen Coulter, an engineer must be chosen in order to apply for the grants to get the funding. The utilities committee recommended JEO Consulting Group, reasoning that Eureka has worked with them in the past with good results. Coulter noted that the council does have the option to request each of the three companies to make a presentation to bid for the position. However, council members voiced that they felt comfortable with what the subcommittee had recommended. The council voted to select JEO Consulting Group as Eureka’s water and sewer engineer.
City Clerk Renee Burk presented an invoice from JEO Consulting Group for $32,263.75 for services related to the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant. Coulter reminded the council that this total will be reimbursed but first must be paid by the city as per the grant qualifications. The council voted to approve payment of the invoice.
The consent agenda, including the minutes of the Sept. 22 regular meeting, the scheduled claims list for expenses due through Sept. 22, 2025, in the amount of $113,985.12 and the following purchase orders for: Brenntag for the amount of $5,856.16; Garver for the amount of $21,411.80; and BG Consultants for the amount of $9,980.00, was accepted as presented.
The council held two executive sessions to discuss personnel, one to extend the other, and then held one executive session to discuss legal matters. No actions were taken as a result.
The next Eureka city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Eureka Public Library.
