The Eureka City Council met Monday, June 8, where they discussed several items, including the Main Street Kansas program.
Council member Dan Campbell provided a report on his recent attendance at the Main Street Kansas conference in Ottawa. Campbell, who noted he attended at his own expense, described the program as a valuable resource for rural communities seeking economic development, downtown revitalization and historic preservation opportunities. “I was skeptical before attending,” Campbell said, “but I saw firsthand the benefits and resources available to communities like Eureka.”
Campbell reported meeting with representatives from numerous Kansas communities, including WaKeeney, Seneca and Belleville, who offered support and guidance for Eureka’s downtown revitalization efforts.
The council also discussed Eureka’s current probationary status within the Main Street Kansas program. Mayor Stephen Coulter noted that some reporting and communication issues contributed to the probation designation, along with staff turnover and a lack of participation in required training sessions during recent years. It was mentioned that Eureka must demonstrate progress by December 2026 to maintain its standing within the program. Training opportunities are offered quarterly, and participation is expected from local representatives.
Committee Shared Lake Lot Fees/Related Statistics The Finance and Personnel (Budget) Committee presented information regarding lake lot lease rates and lake budget information in recent years. According to the committee, annual lake lot rates were set at $600 in 2006 and are currently set at $1,250 in 2026, representing an average annual increase of approximately 3.74 percent over 20 years. The committee reported estimated annual lake property appreciation over the last 20 years at approximately 4.19 percent. It was noted that the lake budget resulted in a -$44,772 balance in 2023 and a -$14,493 in 2024. The lake showed a positive balance in 2025 at $22,105; however, current figures are showing an estimated balance of -$2,714 for the current year. The latter includes the $150 increase to the lake lot fees to $1,250. Without the increase (leaving the rate at $1,100), the lake budget is expected to show a deficit of approximately -$21,150.
The City of Eureka collects lot fees to fund the lake budget, while property taxes paid by lot owners go to the county and Eureka Township.
SCADA Improvements Water Superintendent Chris Mitchell outlined a proposed multi-phase upgrade to the city’s water treatment plant monitoring system. The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) improvements would allow operators to remotely monitor plant conditions and receive real-time information about water levels, pressure and chlorine concentrations. Currently, staff can receive warning notifications but often must travel to the plant to determine specific conditions.
Mitchell proposed implementing Phase 1 as early as 2026 if funding becomes available, with additional phases potentially completed over the following several years. City officials emphasized the importance of selecting technology that will remain functional and supported for the long term.
Other Business
The council reviewed an amendment to its consulting agreement with JEO Consulting Group related to the ongoing 1st Street Improvement Project. City staff explained that while much of the project inspection work is expected to be completed in-house, the amendment would allow JEO to provide additional support on an as-needed basis. The services would be billed hourly and would not exceed the approved amount. Funding for the services would come from the city’s street sales tax fund.
Gary Chadic presented information about the AirMed Care Network membership opportunities for city employees. The program provides coverage for emergency air medical transportation services through EagleMed and affiliated providers. Chadic noted that air ambulance transport can cost approximately $100,000 per flight. Under the membership program, covered individuals would not be responsible for additional transport costs. Memberships would be offered through payroll deduction. The council approved allowing Chadic to present the program directly to city employees.
During public comments, Principal Stephanie Nelson and Hamilton High School senior Jax Adams presented a proposal to operate a fireworks stand at the entrance to Eureka Lake as a fundraiser for Hamilton High School students.
The fundraiser would help support annual senior class trips. Nelson explained that students previously operated fireworks stands in Hamilton and Toronto and hoped to expand operations to Eureka. Nelson noted that several Eureka- area students attend Hamilton schools. Council members discussed permit requirements and location logistics. The stand would operate July 2-4 and store inventory in an enclosed trailer. Following discussion, the council approved the proposal contingent upon approval from the Eureka Lake Board and the bait shop operator. The fee to have a firework stand in Eureka (or on city-owned property [Eureka Lake]) is $600.
The council approved several code enforcement resolutions involving refuse accumulation and a junk vehicle located on East 6th Street. The resolutions can be found on page 9 of this week’s edition.
Mayor Coulter appointed DaQota Williams to the Recreation Board. The mayor also appointed Shally Gard, Tom Troilo, Jim Boone, Larry Bills and Luke Adkins to three-year terms on the Eureka Lake Board. No objections were raised by the council.
The council held two executive sessions, totaling 25 minutes, to consult with City Attorney William Mc-Clendon regarding legal matters protected under attorney- client privilege. No action was taken following the sessions.
Before adjournment, Mayor Coulter addressed ongoing concerns regarding Eureka Lake. “The Lake concerns have not fallen on deaf ears,” Coulter said. He noted that the council, staff and himself would be looking into various items.
The council approved the consent agenda, including minutes from the May 26 regular meeting, scheduled claims totaling $63,927.51, and several purchase orders for professional services and operational supplies.
The council’s next meeting is Monday, June 22, at 7 p.m., at the Eureka Public Library.
