During the April 13 Eureka City Council meeting, the council discussed a request to vacate a portion of 3rd Street in Eureka. The council had previously discussed the need for an application or some kind of documentation when a request to vacate a street is made to ensure that the process is completed correctly and consistently. Eureka property owner Diane Snider Graves used the newly created process to request that the city vacate the portion of West 3rd Street that abuts her property on either side. Graves explained that she owns the properties on both sides of the eight-hundred block of West 3rd Street and that the street dead-ends thereafter. She said that drivers turning around at the end of the street have long been a nuisance and disturbance, especially at night when their headlights shine into her home. If granted the vacation, Graves plans to place a gate at the east end of the vacated street to discourage the issue. Graves stated that the City of Eureka has neglected that portion of the street and has not completed any maintenance there in over 30 years.
However, after review, recommendations not to approve the vacation were given by Eureka’s street foreman, director of public works, water department, and code enforcement. Reasons given for the recommendation included legal access to utilities, the concept of “giving away” city property (the street), and the possibility of setting a precedent for other property owners to insist on vacation of streets they are adjacent to. “We don’t want to get rid of a city street; that’s the bottom line,” said Code Enforcement Officer Steve French.
Graves expressed frustration with the council, saying she had received approval from the county commission for the vacation. (A portion of Graves’ property is outside the city limits). She also had attended a planning commission meeting, where it was indicated that the vacation might be granted but later received word that the city had not concurred. “It just doesn’t make you guys look too good; something is a little disorganized,” said Graves. Additional frustration was expressed by Graves, who stated that no member of the council had taken the time to come and look at the street, nor had spoken with her personally about the issue.
Councilwoman Miranda Colangelo admitted that she had intended to visit the area but had not done so due to work obligations. Colangelo said she did not feel comfortable making any decision, having not completed her research on the subject. She asked if the topic could be tabled until such time as more information could be gathered.
“Due to lack of a motion, we will see if we take it up again,” said Councilman Kevin Lawrence, which ended the discussion. Signage indicating no outlet and a dead end is currently present on the roadway approaching the area in question.
Main Street Director
At a recent meeting of the Kansas Main Street program, it came to attention that Eureka did not have a Main Street director. To comply with the regulation, Karen Simon, Eureka’s current city administrator assistant, was appointed to the role.
Street Projects
Director of Public Works Chris Mitchell gave an update regarding the Q Road and 7th Street mill and overlay project. Mitchell said contractor MMI Asphalt plans to start the project on May 5. The first phase of the project will begin on 7th Street at the bridge near the KDOT barn and continue to the intersection of Q Road. The second phase of the project will begin at the right-of-way on Highway 54 at Q Road and continue north to the intersection of 7th and Q. Mitchell said that during the first phase, the contractors will close one lane of 7th Street at a time to allow traffic to pass.
However, in order to complete the second phase without driving on the fresh asphalt, a detour will be established.
Mitchell also presented bids for pavement striping in downtown Eureka. The project will include a center line down Main Street, diagonal parking lines on the streets surrounding the courthouse, and crosswalks and stop bars on Main from River Street to 7th. Mitchell said that there had been just over $20,000 remaining in the budget from this year’s chip and seal project, which will be used to pay for the striping. Three bids were received for the plan, which included a base bid for waterborne paint at a thickness of 18 mils and an alternate bid for Hi-Build paint with a thickness of 30 mils. Several of the contractors, however, recommended against the thicker option as they felt that it may cause too much splatter on the newly chipsealed roadway. Mitchell’s team recommended choosing Traffic Control Services, whose bid was $19,919. Roadsafe Traffic Services’ base bid was $22,633.25, and Cillessen & Sons, Inc.’s base bid was $33,388.25. The council approved the bid from Traffic Control Services at the cost of $19,919. Ideally, pavement striping should be completed around two to three weeks after completion of the chip and seal, which is scheduled for July, 2026. Mitchell told the council the striping project is expected to be completed in August.
Window Amendment The council was asked to review and approve the amendment to the budget of the Memorial Hall Window Renovation project. The amendment increases the amount of the existing grant budget from $368,157 to $437,870 to include the addition of Alternate 1 (large windows on the upper level of the south facade) to the base bid from Pishny Restoration Services. City Clerk Renee Burk explained that the council has already approved the amendment and that no additional funds are being requested by the contractor. This review and approval are needed for official purposes only, as the grant requires the approval must pass through the council and must have the mayor’s signature to be proper, she said. The council approved as presented.
Code Violation
Code Enforcement Officer French presented two resolutions for the removal of vehicles. Resolution 26-02 relates to two vehicles, a black Volvo S80 and a gray Chevrolet Impala, located at 123 S. Mulberry in Eureka, which had been sitting abandoned for several years. Resolution 26-03 related to one vehicle, a black Dodge Ram 1500, located at 1012 N. Elm. French suggested the city not take the vehicles but rather use a tow service to remove them, after which, if the owner(s) would like, they can work with that tow service to redeem them. Both resolutions were approved.
French also presented Resolution 26-04 related to property located at 1507 N. Elm, which is in violation of the dangerous and unfit structures code. French explained that the house is in the process of collapse. The resolution is to set a public hearing to allow owners to show cause why their property should not be destroyed. A typo in the original document regarding the date of hearing was corrected to indicate June 8, 2026. The hearing is to be held at the Eureka Public Library at 7 p.m.
French requested two motions for immediate hazard inspection reports. The properties at 214 W. 4th and 600 N. Sycamore were each nearly destroyed by fire this winter. The property owners of both structures have stated intent to demolish the damaged homes; however, French explained, having the immediate hazard report allows the city to step in if necessary to remove the structures for safety reasons if the homeowners are not able to do so. French went on to say that although each homeowner has a deadline, the city intends to allow as much time as possible for them to remove what personal items are salvageable. Both immediate hazard inspection reports were approved by the council.
Alisha Fisher of the Greenwood County Extension office, on behalf of the 4-H Foundation, requested a $1,000 donation toward inflatables for the Greenwood County Fair. Fisher told the council that the county commissioners have also agreed to donate as they have in recent years. City Clerk Renee Burk said that a meeting is set for Thursday, April 16, to discuss allocation of funds for events, after which the city will follow up regarding the donation.
The council voted to accept hay bids for locations related to the city. The bids accepted were Brennan and Aubrey Lowe, Eureka Lake, whose bid was $7,540; Brennan and Aubrey Lowe, Airport, whose bid was $5,400; Braden Lowe, mixing grounds, whose bid was $350; and Braden Lowe, cemetery, whose bid was $350.
The consent agenda, including the minutes of the March 23 regular meeting; scheduled claims list for expenses due through April 13, in the amount of $105,156.47; purchase order #731280 to JEO Consulting Group for $15,267.50; and purchase order #731153 to Garver for $24,233.47, was approved as presented.
The next Eureka City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27, at 7 p.m. at the Eureka Public Library.
