The Eureka City Council tackled a wide range of community issues during its May 11 meeting, with housing blight, downtown revitalization, airport improvements, and code enforcement dominating discussion throughout the evening.
Much of the meeting focused on a proposal from the city’s Housing and Development Committee aimed at addressing Eureka’s growing number of vacant and deteriorating homes. Council member Dan Campbell acknowledged disappointment following previous council discussions and said the committee realized it should have first presented a broader vision for the project rather than introducing smaller beautification efforts individually.
Campbell argued that improving residential properties and eliminating blight would generate long-term financial and community benefits for Eureka. He estimated the project could create approximately $85,000 in revenue and more than $330,000 in long-term value. Campbell shared examples of rehabilitation work already completed by his team, including homes purchased through tax sales and renovated for resale.
“There are 30 vacant homes that need to be renovated and 400 homes that are blighted,” Campbell said during the discussion. “People want to move here. I need some help.”
Campbell stressed that the committee was not attempting to burden taxpayers unnecessarily and noted that local investors and organizations had already expressed interest in helping revitalize properties. He also emphasized that improving neighborhoods would encourage residents and prospective buyers to invest in the community.
Several council members supported the goal of reducing blight but questioned the financial projections and funding structure of the proposal. Council member Miranda Colangelo said she wanted to see more detailed numbers before supporting the plan and argued that downtown Main Street properties should also remain a priority in the city’s revitalization efforts.
Mayor Stephen Coulter agreed that blight remains a serious concern but noted the city often struggles with enforcement because many property owners lack the financial ability to comply with cleanup orders. Council members discussed the difficulty of balancing compassion for residents with the need to address unsafe and deteriorating structures.
“We would all like to be proactive instead of reactive,” Coulter said.
The proposed allocation of $56,000 for housing development and blight elimination ultimately failed on a 2-4 vote after several council members requested a more detailed budget proposal before approving funding.
Main Street/Community Development Concerns The discussion also expanded into broader concerns involving downtown Eureka and the city’s Main Street program. Council members and residents expressed frustration over neglected buildings and the slow pace of redevelopment efforts. Officials noted that several downtown structures continue to deteriorate and require costly repairs before they can be safely reused.
The council also received updates connected to improvements at the Greenwood County Community Center (GC3). Officials reported that organizers have invested heavily in building upgrades, including insulation, waterproofing, and future HVAC improvements estimated at $1.5 million.
Airport Projects Move Forward Council members approved several airport-related items tied to state and federal grant funding. The council awarded a contract to Screed Tech for apron and taxiway improvements, contingent upon receipt of grant funding. Officials noted the low bid of approximately $490,000 came in significantly under original projections exceeding $600,000.
The council also approved a Kansas Airport Improvement Program grant agreement totaling $180,000, a Federal Aviation Administration grant agreement totaling $409,787, and a construction administration agreement with Garver.
Other Business
Additional business included approval of a $4,068.17 change order for restoration work at Memorial Hall after contractors discovered deteriorated mortar and window seal issues requiring repairs. Officials said the revised amount was substantially lower than earlier estimates, over $19,000 and would not delay the project timeline, with plans to tuck point Memorial Hall next year.
The council also approved several code enforcement resolutions involving nuisance properties at 517 N. Jefferson and immediate hazard actions for properties at 1316 N. Main and 418 N. Sycamore. Officials stated the actions would allow the city to proceed if property owners fail to address ongoing safety concerns.
The meeting concluded with comments from new chief plant operator Matt Wright, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community. stated Wright. “I have impossible shoes to fill,” stated Wright. “I take this very seriously, and it means the world that you have faith in me,” he continued.
A 15-minute executive session to consult with Attorney William McClendon on legal matters was held. No action was taken.
City officers (City Clerk Renee Burk, Assistant City Clerk Kristi Stapleford, Treasurer Mary Hodgson, Fire Chief Luke Westerman, Municipal Judge Phyllis Webster, Attorney William McClendon and Building Inspector Steve French) were reappointed for another year. The council approved the consent agenda, including minutes from the April 27 regular meeting, scheduled claims totaling $98,064.78, and purchase orders for Brenntag and Garver engineering services.
During public comments, Tabitha Ptacek received approval for a temporary street closure request involving 3rd Street between Main Street and the alley for a graduation event planned on Sunday, May 17. The council also approved a request from the Greenwood County 4-H Archery program to use the area by the dam for upcoming archery shoots, as in previous years. The council approved the request, with the Greenwood County 4-H Archery Shoot being held on Saturday, June 20 and a state qualifier event being held on Saturday, Aug. 15. The walking trail will be closed on those Saturdays from 8 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m., or until archers have completed shooting.
The council also approved applying for a Build Kansas Matching Grant. The state program could help with the matching portions of the grants the city is awarded.
Regarding travel and convention funds, the council noted that due to funds being lower due to not collecting as much bed tax (with Bluestem Lodge being closed), the account currently stands at $8,189.31, following the first quarterly payment. The budget committee recommended the following: PRCA Rodeo $900; Chamber Events (Eureka Days, Party in the Park, Christmas) $2,000, Field Trials $250, Top Hand Youth Rodeo Association $750, County Fair Bounce Houses $600; Fireworks (Party In The Park) $3,100. The council approved the allocations for 2026, noting they believed the remaining quarterly payments should be larger than the first.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Eureka City Council routinely meets on the second and fourth Mondays of the month; however, due to the Memorial Day holiday, they will meet on Tuesday, May 26, at 7 p.m.
