At the October 27 Eureka City Council meeting, Director of Public Works Chris Mitchell asked the council to consider estimates for a 96-inch V-blade attachment for the city’s skid loader. Mitchell explained that the fourin- one attachment uses a V configuration to plow big drifts, a reverse V to scoop snow into piles, or a plow blade pushing the snow left or right. Mitchell said that because most of his crew are efficient in operating the skid loader, equipping the loader with this attachment will allow more workers to be able to use it when needed. “It can also be used as a backup if one of the other plow trucks goes down,” said Mitchell. Estimates from Skid Pro and White Star (Bobcat) were reviewed. Mitchell told the council that funds to purchase the V blade are available in the same fund that was used to purchase the Western 10’ plow for the city’s Freightliner truck, which cost just over $16,000. The council discussed key differences in the attachments, and with Mitchell’s recommendation, chose the attachment from Skid Pro based on its weight of 1,400 pounds compared to Bobcat’s 800 pounds. A heavier blade is expected to withstand the rigors of plowing better than the lighter blade. The cost of the V-blade attachment from Skid Pro is $7,500 and includes a four-year protection plan. Mitchell said the blade should be delivered in about four weeks.
Mayor Stephen Coulter shared a letter that was written to the State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO) regarding buildings located at 100, 102, 104, and 106 S. Main Street, slated to be demolished to make space for the new fire station facility. The letter signifies that after investigation, it has been found that the location for the new facility is the most cost-effective choice and that the city has no feasible way to save these historic structures. Coulter explained that the buildings are in great disrepair but added that he hopes it may be possible to save the front facade of the T.J. Souders building for use elsewhere on Main Streets.
The T.J. Souders building was built in 1909 when Souders opened the city’s first garage and service station on Main Street. T.J. Souders’ son, Mahlon Eston “Cap” Souders, was the longest-serving fire chief in Eureka, serving as chief for 38 years of his 55 consecutive years with the department.
Fire Chief Luke Westerman presented architectural plans for the proposed new Eureka fire station, which is intended to occupy the same block as the current station. Westerman showed the council several street-level views as well as the facility’s floor plan, which incorporates the current station, creating a multi-purpose room for meetings and indoor training and space for city offices, if desired in the future. Westerman told the council that the facility will be constructed of red iron with a brick facade aimed at maintaining architectural harmony with the existing historic building.
The new facility will have four bays, ending the need to “stack” vehicles as is currently done in Eureka’s present station. Westerman explained that currently Eureka must custom-order its fire trucks to be sure they are short enough to fit in the bays. Council member Jason Brandt clarified, “You can’t walk around the back of the trucks or the front if the doors are closed and you’ve got to slip sideways to walk between them.” The bays in the new facility are to be 60 feet in length.
The new station is planned to include locker rooms, a workout facility, an SCBA room to store and maintain the crew’s self-contained breathing apparatus, and a decontamination area. “Decontamination is extremely important,” said Westerman, “to be sure that the carcinogens our firefighters are exposed to do not cause long-term effects.” Westerman added that the plans include adding additional parking in the front and rear of the building, making it more accessible to the crew and public.
Westerman has been working with Tessere Architecture for about seven months putting the plans together. Now, with the help of Tessere’s grant specialist, he plans to begin looking at grant options to fund the estimated $2.47 million cost of the project. Having the architectural plan completed is an important step in the development of grant proposals.
Coulter shared that the transportation committee met and discussed Safe Streets for All (SS4A). The SS4A program provides financial support for planning, infrastructure, behavioral, and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets. Coulter said that a plan is in action to provide a questionnaire to the public in order to get input on what the community feels are areas of need in the community. This important feedback will be instrumental in prioritizing improvements such as sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, etc. Coulter said the questionnaire will be accessible through a QR code, which he hopes will make it easier for citizens to participate.
In a discussion about housing, committee members discussed zoning and ordinances related to single- and double-wide mobile homes. Eureka’s Ordinance 3557 details the regulations regarding these structures, including allowable location and duration of occupancy. According to the ordinance, dwelling in a mobile home, motor coach, or travel trailer is limited to a period not to exceed 14 days within a six-month calendar period. The committees also discussed tiny homes. A tiny home is a small dwelling, typically under 600 square feet, that includes the basic living areas of a house, like a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. While there is no specific ordinance related to tiny houses, Eureka’s zoning ordinance states that a residential home must be a minimum of 600 sq feet. Dan Campbell said that the committees felt that changes to the ordinance may be needed, and the issue will be brought to the planning commission to get their input and recommendation. Council member Cinda Beals emphasized that until the ordinances are changed, it is important that the city adhere to the current laws.
The council approved the annual renewal of cereal malt beverage (CMB) licenses for three Eureka businesses: Pizza Hut, G&W Foods, and Casey’s General Store.
The council approved the consent agenda, including the minutes of the Oct. 14 regular meeting and the scheduled claims list through Oct. 24, in the amount of $134,495.82.
The council held two consecutive executive sessions to discuss legal matters and one executive session to discuss personnel. No action was taken as a result of any session.
The next Eureka City Council meeting is set for Monday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Eureka Public Library.
