The Eureka City Council spent much of its May 26 meeting focused on long-term redevelopment and housing and blight reduction efforts, while also approving a controversial lake fee increase after public comments. Council members discussed demolition priorities, Main Street revitalization, airport improvements and infrastructure projects before approving the amended lake fee proposal.
A major portion of the meeting focused on long-term housing and redevelopment efforts under the theme “Beautify, Renovate, Build, Recover, Prosper.” ( C. o.n. t in.u. e d.
Eureka City Council Advanced Development/Housing Plan; Lake Fee Increase Approved After Discussion .
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The Development/Housing committee, comprised of council members Dan Campbell and Cinda Beals, presented a broader overview of how Eureka can recover through beautification, renovation, demolition efforts and housing development.
Campbell said city leaders are continuing to learn how to better market Eureka to potential residents and businesses, noting state incentive programs may help attract new residents. He also pointed to cost-of-living advantages and recent relocation trends benefiting rural communities.
He discussed scaling back the proposed budget, due to budget concerns, and noted the postponement of the airport house relocation until next year.
Code Enforcement Officer Steve French said demolition plans have also been reduced, with the city now requesting approximately $12,000 for temporary staffing and abatement work rather than larger earlier proposals. It was clarified that previous discussions surrounding approximately $56,000 in funding were intended primarily for demolition work and labor costs associated with removing dangerous structures.
While the original focus centered on residential properties, officials acknowledged some commercial properties may also need attention.
Council members emphasized that Main Street revitalization remains part of the city’s long-term goals. Officials said the city has documented approximately 400 cases of residential blight and warned many aging structures are nearing the end of their usable life.
French said the city has begun issuing citations on Main Street properties after more than a year of legal preparation work. He stated several buildings are already eligible for abatement action, but funding limitations continue to delay progress.
Officials also discussed several fire-damaged and structurally unsafe buildings throughout the community.
Council members stressed that legal timelines and limited budgets continue to slow the process, but said delaying action further could worsen deterioration throughout the city.
Greenwood County Commissioner and Lake Lot resident Judd Everitt asked whether inmate labor had been considered for demolition assistance. It was noted that inmate crews were being considered.
Council member Miranda Colangelo emphasized that buildings on Main Street also need attention. She noted that in just a six-month time frame, the second floor of the Paul J. Burk building had collapsed. With the structural issue, Colangelo noted concerns that would directly impact her mother- in-law’s studio (BC Art Studio) if issues persisted. “I have watched the buildings decay,” stated Colangelo. “It is frustrating.” Colangelo would like to see funds be directed to Main Street locations as structural decay in one building could greatly impact adjoining buildings/ businesses.
Following discussion, the council voted unanimously to move forward and budgeted $12,000 for the project. The council voted to hire a seasonal employee to assist with demolition and abatement efforts.
Main Street Program The council also discussed ongoing transitions within the Main Street program. Mayor Stephen Coulter said key meetings for the Main Street organization are scheduled for the coming week and stressed the importance of having city representation present throughout the sessions.
Due to the unavailability of Director Karen Simon, Development/Housing committee chair Campbell plans to attend the upcoming meetings.
Committee Reports
Under committee reports, council members discussed a variety of ongoing projects.
The Quality of Life committee plans to review city parks and recreational areas, including Eureka Downs, Founder’s Park, Lion’s Park and City Park, before returning with recommendations for future improvements.
The Utilities Committee reported discussions with “On This Rock” regarding water and sewer access. Officials said extending water service would be the responsibility of the applicant, while sewer service costs still require additional analysis.
CDBG Street Project Moves Forward
Under old business, the council approved a single- source waiver letter for the Community Development Block Grant-funded First Street Rehabilitation Project after receiving only one construction bid. Officials said the lone bid submitted by APAC came in $633 above the engineering estimate prepared by JEO Consulting. The council approved both the waiver letter and acceptance of APAC’s bid.
Airport Improvements Continue Council members also discussed ongoing airport improvements tied to the Build Kansas grant program. Officials said grant funding will help pay for airport fuel tank upgrades and related maintenance infrastructure. The city is also working through water testing requirements before fuel operations begin.
It was noted that the installation of the new fuel tanks is near completion. Airport Manager George Turner provided quotes for Jet A and 100 low-lead aviation fuel, noting Jet A fuel is expected to move more quickly due to agricultural and jet traffic demand. Concerns were addressed regarding the amount of gallons to purchase, as the city doesn’t want to get stuck with fuel that won’t sell (due to high costs). Following the discussion, the council voted to purchase 5,000 gallons Jet A and have Turner reach out to the supplier for the 100 low-lead, for smaller quantity costs. If the city was able to sell it above a loss, the council approved Turner purchasing 500 gallons of the 100 lowlead, as well.
Lake Fee Increase
As the council was set to make its annual approval for the Eureka Lake license fees (Resolution 26-08), concerns were brought to the table from current Lake Lot permit holders, Larry Bills, Kathy Poling and Everitt.
The council said lake operations are currently running at a negative cash flow and argued fee increases are necessary to maintain infrastructure and services.
Officials compared the relationship between the city and lake lot renters to a landlord- tenant arrangement rather than a homeowners’ association structure.
Several lake residents objected to both the proposed increases and the process used to notify residents. Everitt argued that strong relationships between the city and lake residents require communication and cooperation from both sides. Bills and Poling stated they both serve on the lake advisory board but had not been notified in advance of the proposed changes, prior to the agenda being received on Tuesday of last week.
Poling, who lives full-time at the lake, requested additional cost analysis information, asked the city to improve communication and to hold face-to-face discussions with residents. Clerk Renee Burk noted that the Kansas Open Records Act request (KORA) needed to be emailed to her, noting the detailed items that were being requested.
Mayor Coulter acknowledged communication concerns and apologized for failing to communicate the proposed $200 increase to the lot license fee. The fee was also increased by $200 last year, which caused concerns on if the increase would happen annually.
Councilmember Campbell said the annual increases are tied to inflation and fees that the city incurs, while also trying to maintain a positive cash flow for lake improvements.
The original proposal of $1,300 failed on a 3-3 vote, with Mayor Coulter voting no. Coulter then recommended reducing the increase from $200 to $150. The amended proposal later passed 5-1, with Councilmember Colangelo voting no.
Councilmember Jason Brandt reiterated that the city needs to improve communication with lake residents moving forward.
Additional Business
During public comments, Tasha Brandt with Community Linc expressed appreciation to the city for its partnership and presented a donation check of $4,000 to the city to benefit the window project at Memorial Hall. Community Linc was praised by city officials for leaving the facility “better than how they found it” and for serving countless meals to community residents during their time of service.
The council also addressed Resolution 26-07 regarding a code violation at 123 S. Mulberry and approved a proclamation recognizing Historic Preservation Month as part of Main Street program requirements. Both were approved as presented.
Two executive sessions, totaling 20 minutes, were held for legal consultation with City Attorney William McClendon. No action was taken. The council also held a seven-minute session for personnel matters (employee performance) with Director of Public Works Chris Mitchell and Clerk Burk. After returning to open session, the council approved pay increases for Dalton Pool to $17.51/ hour and Terry Wolfsbauer to $18/hour.
The council approved the consent agenda, which included the May 11 meeting minutes and the scheduled claims list totaling $206,134.01.
The next city council meeting is slated for Monday, June 8 at 7 p.m., at the Eureka Public Library.
