Council member Richard Drake was recognized on Monday, Nov. 24, as he has reached the end of his term with the Eureka City Council. “This has been one of the best boards to work with,” said Drake as he accepted a plaque commemorating 12 years of distinguished service. “I thank God that he gave me a project to do for the city that got completed, which is the splash park for kids that can’t afford to go to the pool.”
Drake thanked the citizens of Eureka for “helping me so much during that time. It’s a pretty good feeling when you have a little six-yearold come up and give you six cents for the splash park.” Of his tenure with the Eureka City Council, Drake said he had enjoyed his time and learned a great deal.
Resident Mark Hayes addressed the council to ask for a variance for his property located at 615 N. Myrtle so that he might build a 20’x30’ carport-type shed for storage at the south edge of the property. Hayes explained that he owns the adjacent property to the south, but the zoning code prevents him from constructing the proposed carport at the property line. He had already approached the Eureka Board of Zoning Appeals, which granted him 1/2 the required yard and gave a recommendation that the City Council grant an additional 12.5 feet on the south side of the property so the structure would be in compliance with city code. The council voted unanimously to grant the variance.
The council discussed Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) and merit increases for city employees for the year 2026. City Clerk Renee Burk explained that 7% was budgeted for the two increases. After discussion, the council approved a plan to provide a 4% COLA increase to all city employees. Also, each employee will undergo a performance review or evaluation. Employees will receive a merit increase equal to 1%, 2%, or 3% of their current wage depending on the results of the review and approval by city council. Additionally, the council voted to approve a $200 Christmas bonus for each city employee.
The council also voted to approve the renewal of the health insurance plan for city employees. The renewal carried a 9.3% increase from last year, which was within the 10% the council budgeted for last year.
The council heard two requests for street barricades. LeAnne Winn with Marshall PTA made a request to block off Main Street during the annual Christmas on Main Street event scheduled for Dec. 3. Winn explained that Christmas on Main Street is a come-and-go event happening between 5:15 and 7 p.m. and asked that Main Street be blocked between 3rd and 4th Streets during the event to ensure the safety of those attending.
Steve Brown reminded the council that barricades will also be needed on Dec. 6, blocking Main Street from 1st to 7th Streets during Eureka’s annual Christmas Parade. Brown asked that the barricades be in place between 4-7 p.m.
Both requests for barricades were approved.
Annual cereal malt beverage (CMB licenses were renewed for two Eureka businesses: Pete’s #51 and Dollar General.
Mayor Stephen Coulter made appointments to two zoning boards, the Planning and Zoning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Emily Hansel has been appointed to both boards, and Stuart Campbell has been appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The consent agenda was approved as presented, which included the minutes from the Nov. 8 regular meeting; the scheduled claims list for expenses due through Nov. 24, in the amount of $101,068.21; and two purchase orders, #731001 to Viking Industrial Painting for $30,852 for maintenance and #730995 to Garver for $10,170 for engineering services at the airport.
The next Eureka City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Eureka Public Library.
