City manager and staff report on BUILD grant, library bill, public works schedule and parks activities

City Manager Zack Daniel updated the Commission on several administrative and programmatic items. Daniel said the Giving Garden is engaged in downtown beautification, the Citizens' Academy begins the next day with Public Works as the first session, and a library bill has cleared steps in the State Legislature and now requires the governor's signature before becoming law. Daniel also said the BUILD grant review by the federal government is nearing completion and that the Commission scheduled an economic development retreat on April 11.

Public Works Director Branden Boyd told the Commission the Pavement Management Program will begin March 30, 2026. Fire Chief Justin Lee said the Fire Department is preparing to break ground on a new training center on the north side of town. Police Chief Wes Lovett reported the department will implement a wellness-checks program for officers after traumatic incidents. Parks and Recreation Director Sally Pennington said the department received a Kansas City Royals grant used to pour new concrete in dugouts, plans continued spring field work, will host youth ambassadors on April 22 to help Main Street beautification efforts, and will hold an Easter Egg Hunt on April 4 at 2:00 p.m. City Clerk Kelly Delay said Utility Billing will review sewer averaging in the next bill cycle and that the Eudora Senior Foundation report will be presented at the next meeting.

These updates outline capital and program schedules that will affect operations and community events in April and beyond.