Local citizen Matt Wilson asked to share some information he had compiled on pit bull dogs with the council before they decided on possible changes to the city’s pit bull ordinance. Wilson presented a chart listing the 100 most popular dog breeds based on objective measurable traits such as size, bite strength, and genetic temperament. He explained that, according to his research, the top 20 dog breeds account for 85% of reported injuries and fatalities from dog attacks in the United States. He noted that 76% of that 85% could be attributed to two specific breeds, the Rottweiler (rank 16) and the Pit Bull Terrier (rank 20). Wilson also provided several pages of peer-reviewed scientific studies supporting the information on the chart. “I sought objective evidence as much as possible,” he said. Lastly, Wilson noted the recent threat of legal challenges to the city’s current pit bull ordinance and indicated a list of case law where breed-specific language was successfully defended.
Councilman Jason Brandt reported that the safety committee had met several times to discuss the pit bull ordinance and had presented a rough draft to City Attorney William McClendon for his review. Brandt said he expects the committee to have an ordinance ready to present to the council at the next city council meeting. Filling in for committee member Jeff Marks, councilwoman Miranda Colangelo called the meetings “productive” and said she felt this (the ordinance) is going to be a good positive direction.
Grants
City Administrator Assistant Karen Simon presented the council with information regarding the Kansas Rural Champion grant, an initiative through a partnership between the Kansas Sampler Foundation and the Office of Rural Prosperity that provides 12 rural communities (population 40,000 or less) with a $20,800 stipend and resources to hire a dedicated leader for one year to drive critical, local projects. It aims to overcome capacity or capital gaps in housing, childcare, or development. Simon explained that a match of $5,200, which can be a mix of in-kind and cash, would be required from the city if the grant is awarded. Simon presented a proposed scope describing duties a candidate might fulfill in the Rural Champion role and suggested a social media post and newspaper ad that might be used to find the right applicant. The grant-dependent position would require 20 hours per week at a rate of $20 per hour. Simon stressed that time is short; the grant application is due by Feb. 20. Mayor Stephen Coulter stated that he felt that this could be a big help toward economic development and promoting Eureka. The council gave approval to move forward with the application for the grant.
Council Approved Online Publication Of City Codes . . . . . . . . . .
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Information and details can be found on Facebook at City of Eureka, KS - Municipal Government or by contacting the city directly.
Simon also spoke about the T-Mobile Hometown Grant program. The T-Mobile Hometown Grant program is an initiative supporting rural community development by awarding up to 100 grants annually, each worth up to $50,000. The T-Mobile grant is a non-matching grant, meaning it does not require the recipient to contribute their own funds to cover a portion of the project costs. If awarded the grant, Simon said that her recommendation would be to apply the funds toward electrical wiring repairs and updates at Memorial Hall. With that in mind, Simon has requested a quote from Cornett Electric for the needed updates and expects to receive that bid soon. The council voted to move forward with the grant application and agreed with Simon’s recommendation for the project at Memorial Hall.
In an update regarding the housing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Simon said a bid tour was held; several contractors looked at 3 different houses, and bids to complete repairs and weatherization will be available by Feb 23. According to the grant, over $30,000 per house may be available. Simon also said that the grant allows nine houses in Eureka to receive the grant, and there is still room for three more homeowners in the target area to submit their applications. Those interested or needing additional information should contact the city at 309 N. Oak, (620) 583-6140.
Codes
City Clerk Renee Burk presented a proposal from American Legal Publishing to publish Eureka’s city code online. The cost of the service includes a one-time setup fee of $695 and an annual hosting fee of $595. According to American Legal, many municipalities rely on online publishing as the best way to keep their municipal codes current and easily available to the community. The council voted to approve the proposal as presented. The codes are to be made available on the city’s website, eurekaks. org.
Mixing Grounds Cameras Director of Public Works Chris Mitchell asked for input from the council about replacing the cameras located at the city’s mixing grounds. Currently, three mounted trail cameras monitor the area, but, according to Mitchell, they are not ideal for the task. The cameras must be accessed by ladder to replace batteries or to retrieve the SIM card in order to view the footage. Photo quality has also been an issue. Mitchell explained the need for cameras is to help control illegal dumping. The city mixing grounds has an area meant for dumping brush and tree limbs up to four inches in diameter. However, furniture, household garbage, and other prohibited items have sometimes been dumped there, which causes an issue for city employees who must remove those items before hauling away the brush. Coulter explained, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) regulates what we can and can’t take, and if we’re not doing a good job policing it, then we get ourselves in trouble.”
Mitchell had researched several options for cellular cameras and recommended TACTACAM cellular cameras, which use rechargeable solar power and, with an annual data plan, would allow city employees to access the cameras using a phone app. The new cameras are expected to have better image quality and low-light imaging, which will help with identifying potential violators. The cost to purchase three TACTACAM cellular cameras is $759, and the cost is $120 per camera for an annual data plan. Mitchell also told the council that recently new signage has been placed at the mixing grounds noting that the lot is under video surveillance and posting the rules regarding what can and cannot be dumped.
Water Plant Filters
Mayor Stephen Coulter reported that one of the two filters at the water plant was cleaned recently, as was decided by the council in December. Mitchell explained that chemicals were added to the filter area and allowed to work for 24 hours, then were backflushed to remove the dirt and sediment that had been cleaned off the filter media (materials that trap or absorb contaminants). Mitchell said it took six backflushes to complete this preventative maintenance process. The second filter is expected to receive the chemical cleaning in 2027.
The council reviewed and approved an agreement with the JEO Consulting Group for engineering services on the Jefferson Street project. Eureka has received a costshare grant to reconstruct Jefferson St. from River St. south to the city limits. This 80/20 grant means that the state will cover 80% of the construction cost, and the city will be responsible for the other 20% plus engineering fees, inspection, and so forth. The city’s estimated cost is around $415,000. According to the agreement with JEO, the fee for engineering the project is a lump sum of $91,250.
The consent agenda, including minutes of the Jan. 26 regular meeting, the scheduled claims list for expenses due through Feb. 9, in the amount of $179,049.45, and purchase order #731138 to JEO Consultants for $11,051.25, was approved as presented.
The next Eureka City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb 23, at 7 p.m. at the Eureka Public Library.
