After pushback from the City Commission about the type of traffic signal planned for the new apartments across from the elementary school, commissioners approved a new agreement Monday night.
During the April 14 meeting, the commission, city staff and developer GW Weld discovered miscommunication on the kind of signal that would be used at the crosswalks. The commission decided to hold off on approving that part of the resolution to have more time to weigh options and discuss costs with Weld and partner Dustin Baker.
Since then, city staff drafted an agreement that increases the amount of money the city will offer to help pay for the traffic signal, as well as the sewer upsizing necessary for the area. The commission approved the agreement Monday night.
The agreement does not specify what traffic signals will need to be put in place near the elementary school, but rather recognizes this will be decided later.
“What it does is essentially recognize both parties recognize the need for some level of traffic improvement in the site at a future date to support the increased activity out there and, whatever that is, that is solely within the city’s purview,” Assistant City Manager Zack Daniel said.
In the original plan, Weld and Baker would pay the city $15,000 for the use of flashing beacons it already had from the Kansas Department of Transportation. Weld and Baker would have been responsible for the installation. With the new performance agreement, they will pay the city up to $75,000 for a future traffic solution with the city responsible for any purchase and installation.
In the original draft, the city’s maximum cost-share for the sewer upsizing was capped at $150,000. In the new draft, the city’s maximum cost-share for the sewer is $200,000.
The maximum cost to the city with the new agreement would be between $200,000 and $245,000. A final cost will be determined after the traffic solution is decided.
During the previous meeting, commissioners voiced concerns about using rapid flashing beacons (like the ones on 20th Street) and said with the crosswalks being in front of the elementary school, they would be more comfortable with red lights forcing drivers to stop.
Commissioner Jolene Cullen said Monday night that, after doing more research and seeing other traffic signals like the ones originally planned, she was okay with the idea. Cullen also said she would rather push students to cross right in front of the elementary school rather than at the top of the hill on Peach Street.
Mayor Tim Reazin said he appreciated this agreement as it gives the developers the chance to get started on the project while the city continues to work internally to decide on the final traffic signal. Reazin said he was still in favor of the red lights.
He also confirmed that the commission would be able to plan out for these expenses in future budget conversations since this would be a more long-term project and isn’t something the city has to pay for out of the 2025 budget.
As far as the sewer line upsizing costs, Reazin said this is something worth it for the city to invest in sooner, rather than having to pay more to do a bigger upgrade in the future.
Commissioner Alex Curnes said he appreciates the pledge to pay up to $75,000 for the traffic signalization and said he felt more comfortable with the new draft.
Commission Tim Bruce asked that the commission plan a work session to decide on the traffic signal measures rather than discussing it during regular budget work sessions.
Public Works Director Branden Boyd said to keep in mind that signals can take between 28 to 30 weeks to get, so addressing this sooner rather than later will help make sure it doesn’t hold anything up.
During staff and commission comments, Commissioner Roberta Lehhman thanked Public Works for getting the small stop signs at the K-10 bridge taken down.
City Manager Kevyn Gero said budget discussions would start during a work session ahead of the regular May meeting.
Gero also said the Library Board had received the city’s letter about a possible collaboration on a new City Hall/library and that a conversation was going to happen later this week.
She also said county commissioners are in Washington, D.C., and would bring up to elected officials the $21 million RAISE grant funding now on hold.
Fire Chief Justin Lee said he will look at changing regulations in the open burn rules. Lee said the current policy doesn’t allow residents to have a fire pit unless inspected by the fire department, and Lee said that’s not something they do and that could be changed.
Lee said the department is continuing to do volunteer firefighter recruitment and said the recent utility bill gave residents information on volunteering.
He asked that down the road the commission meet for a work session to discuss future planning with department leadership to discuss staffing and apparatus so everyone is on the same page with a plan to move forward.
Parks and Rec Director Sally Pennington said they will begin filling the pool next week with plans to open May 31. She also reminded people the farmers market starts May 13.
The commission also approved the purchase of a new John Deere mower for Public Works at a cost not to exceed $17,608. This was an unbudgeted expense, but because of about $47,000 in revenue resulting from Purple Wave equipment sales, the year-end balance for the equipment reserve fund would be around $36,634.
The city also pre-approved a new patrol vehicle for the police department. The new Dodge Durango for the department will not exceed $42,000. This is a cost included in the budget.
The city approved a resolution to make May 5 through 11 Shop Local Week. Eudora Convention and Visitors Bureau President Jason Musick spoke about the importance of supporting small businesses and keeping tax dollars in town. Musick said they recently did a leakage report that showed 60 cents of every Eudora dollar leaves the community. Businesses in town will be running deals for the week, he said.
The city also declared April as Child Abuse Awareness Month. Bev Turner, from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County, spoke to the commission and recognized the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. She thanked the police department and the city for supporting the proclamation.
The commission also approved the following resolutions:
May 4-10 Public Service Recognition Week
May 1 National Day of Prayer – The Eudora Baptist Church will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and welcomes members of the community to join them in a Day of Prayer.
