Eureka Springs City Council heard from Building Inspector Jacob Coburn for his year-to-date report at Monday’s meeting. Coburn said he’d worked on distributing information to homeowners on common code violations, established inspections for short and long-term lodging, created documents for contractors and business and property owners to refer to for code requirements, and other items. He’s also administered 262 building permits with a revenue for his department of $41,858 to date compared to last year’s total $24,358.
Aldermen discussed scenarios including what would happen if Coburn is unable to work for several weeks. Mayor Butch Berry explained that the city has an agreement with Holiday Island and Berryville building inspectors to pick up work if needed.
Alderman Autumn Slane said Coburn is expected to work many different jobs and, “With the burden that you have on you cleaning up what we have to clean up is enough” and that he “truly needs an assistant.” Alderman Harry Meyer said that he hoped the budget would allow the hire of a part-timer.
During Public Comments Ashley Ochoa, owner of Lush Salon and Spa below the Super 8, explained the onset of a wide range of symptoms shortly after opening the salon. She said she has three types of mold in her system, including black mold as well as Mass Cell Activation. She said that the Super 8 has had flooding, a continual leak in the hotel, and that Coburn had done an air quality test in the salon showing mold in the vicinity. She said the hotel had been aware of the leaks but had not informed her.
Coburn explained that mold issues throughout town are common. Alderman David Avanzino questioned if the issue has been addressed and Coburn explained that he had with management of the building. He said that he is in a back and forth on who is responsible for cleanup and remediation. Avanzino said it is, “One-hundred percent their job to remediate it” with Coburn responding, “Yes, sir.”
Coburn said he wished to have the city do an inspection with a mold remediation company. He said that it is very common to hear complaints of mold and wants to get these issues resolved to prevent others from getting sick.
Coburn suggested that while the International Building Code includes items related to mold remediation, the city should add to code items regarding it. Meyer asked that Coburn bring an example of what should be added to council.
Leaks discovered and patched
Alderman Terry McClung read a report from Public Works Director Simon Wiley on progress on water leaks throughout the city. With McKim & Creed in Eureka Springs detecting leaks, Public Works has been on the streets repairing several mains and service lines since the last council meeting.
Meyer suggested having them back on a regular basis. Slane asked how much the work would reduce water loss and Berry told her that they won’t know until it’s completed. He said that Public Works does have leak detection equipment and would be striving to get employees trained on its use in the future.
Other Items
- 2345 amending Tree Preservation code was passed on second reading with an amendment to fees regarding improper tree cuttings. The fine for cutting down trees of sizes defined in the ordinance increased with small trees at $250, large trees at $750, and heritage trees at $1,000.
- Joe Gunnels Tours was renewed for the transit tour franchise.
- Aldermen also began discussions on ADA compliance in the city and made suggestions on what the city may be able to do to increase the city’s accessibility. Slane suggested that ADA compliance become a reoccurring topic at future meetings.