Eudora Commission approves rezoning, OKs $25,000 farmers' market grant and routine business

The Eudora City Commission on Feb. 23 unanimously approved an ordinance rezoning three parcels from agricultural districts to industrial, adopted a $25,000 implementation grant resolution for the Eudora Farmers' Market, and carried routine consent and administrative items.

City Manager Zack Daniel introduced a rezoning application from Main Street Development Group and said the Planning Commission recommended approving corrections to the legal descriptions and rezoning the parcels. The commission passed Ordinance 1184 to rezone the properties at 1432 E 2300 Rd (Tract 1), 1434 E 2300 Rd (Tract 2) and E 2300 Rd and N 1420 Rd (Tract 3) from AG-1/AG-2 to I (Industrial). The motion was moved by Commissioner Roberta Lehmann and seconded by Vice Mayor Alex Curnes; the minutes record approval as 5–0.

Parks and Recreation Director Sally Pennington said the Eudora Farmers' Market qualified for a non-competitive $25,000 Implementation Grant under Pathways to a Healthy Kansas. The commission adopted Resolution 2026-02 authorizing the director or designee to complete the grant's minimum requirements. "The Farmers' Market has qualified to receive $25,000 grant and must pass the resolution presented to move forward," Pennington told the commission.

The meeting's consent agenda included approval of the Feb. 9 minutes, the January 2026 People Service report, Amendment 1 to the CDBG Pilla Park grant concerning Department of Commerce procurement procedural updates, and warrants for Feb. 6–19, 2026. The commission approved the consent items as submitted.

Kelly Long of the Eudora Chamber of Commerce reviewed fourth-quarter 2025 activity, citing events such as Coffee Connections, Scoops for Support and Trunk or Treat; Long thanked participating businesses and said the Trunk or Treat supported over 1,000 visitors. The Chamber plans six Coffee Connections in 2026 and a Trunk or Treat on Oct. 17.

City Manager Daniel reminded the commission of two upcoming work sessions: a March 14 commission retreat at Anchored Collective and a March 9 meeting to review sales tax history and the commission's vision. Assistant to the City Manager Michael Gentry said the property tax rebate program will open in May 2026 for the 2025 taxing year. City Clerk Kelly Delay said utility-rate increases approved in 2025 will be reflected in bills drafted Feb. 24 and that a mailing will ask residents to update contact information.

Director Boyd reported several capital-project items: the Peach Street lift station will be decommissioned over spring break with message boards and temporary road closures; utilities work at Paschal's Landing and 10 Union Lofts continues; and the RAISE/BUILD grant has one outstanding question that staff are resolving.

Fire Chief Justin Lee said the department is watching high fire-hazard conditions and will impose burn bans as necessary. Police Chief Wes Lovett reported the department was again rated the No. 1 Safest City for the third straight year. Commissioner Roberta Lehmann raised a concern about grading and flooding on the Lucy Kaegi Trail; Boyd said staff will investigate. Vice Mayor Alex Curnes noted the Church Street sidewalk floods and that it is KDOT property; Boyd said staff will look for possible solutions.

The commission adjourned the meeting at 7:59 p.m.