During a special meeting of the Eureka City Council on Wednesday, Jan. 21, the city council approved hiring William McClendon as the new city attorney after the position was vacated recently by James Watson. The decision came after a 15 minute executive session with the council and McClendon for personnel negotiations. No other business was discussed and the meeting was adjourned.
On Monday, Jan. 26, the Eureka City Council met for a short bi-monthly meeting.
The consent agenda included the minutes of the Jan. 12 regular meeting; Jan. 21 special meeting, the scheduled claims list for expenses due through Jan. 26 in the amount of $186,685.26, and purchase orders to JEO for $12,742.50 for services related to Safe Streets for All (SS4A); and Midwest Truck Equipment, Inc. for $18,045 for the new snowplow attachment for the city’s Freightliner truck. In October 2025, the council voted to purchase the device. The Western 10.0’ plow, including complete installation and mounting to the city’s Freightliner truck, was quoted at $16,325. Director of Public Works Chris Mitchell explained that Midwest Truck had discovered that some unanticipated fabrication was needed to properly install the plow attachment to Eureka’s truck, adding another $1,720 to the cost. Mitchell explained that the additional metalwork was necessary to be sure the plow support will hold the weight and the applied force of the plow. Mayor Stephen Coulter voiced frustration that Midwest had not given prior notice of the added cost, but said he understood that the additional fabrication was necessary and delivery was timely due to the recent weather. Mitchell said the new plow was used over the weekend and had worked well. The council voted to approve the consent agenda as presented.
During new business, the council voted to approve GAAP resolution 26-01, which will exempt the city from accrual accounting.
The next Eureka City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Eureka Public Library.
