City commissioners will hear Monday night about the struggle to find a contractor to work on the historic Pilla building at 701 Main St.
The property owned by Paul and Kawehi Wightreceived a $250,000 federal grant in early 2022 for building renovations. However, the third bid opening this summer only attracted a single bid that raised questions about the financials submitted.
City staff is recommending the commission reject the bid. The Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission is working with the Wights on options going forward.
In other business, commissioners will get updates on the next five years of capital improvement plans. These plans for 2024-2028 are part of the city’s strategy to enhance infrastructure and to purchase large pieces of capital equipment.
For 2024, projects include cemetery storm sewer improvements, fire response vehicle enhancements, chip seal improvements, aquatic center maintenance and fitness room equipment. The total cost for the 2024 plan is nearly $1.7 million.
The commission will also see a new master fee schedule of city rates, fees and charges for city facilities. The city is recommending that commissioners raise the rates of parks and rec services like pool parties, pool passes, shelter rentals, fitness center admission and memberships.
The commission will receive a staff update about new pool employees, a new management fellow, fire recruits and other city hires.
At the meeting, Eudora will also receive the results of Gordon CPA’s 2022 financial audit of the city.
Kate Dinneen with Douglas County Emergency Management will give commissioners an introduction on the upcoming community emergency response team. The event will be free Oct. 13-15 and hosted by the fire department.
Ben Hart from Baker Tilly and Shelby Exposito from Gilmore Bell will present the results of the GO bond series 2023-A.
The city will also vote on alcohol at the Main Street Market from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 6 instead of its original date Sept. 7.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at eudoratimes.com