City Manager Barack Matite announced his resignation at Monday’s City Commission meeting, and he has accepted the position of deputy city manager of Rockville, Maryland, starting in January.
In a statement read aloud to meeting attendees, Mayor Tim Reazin said Matite excelled in his profession, making him highly sought after.
“It is with a heavy but joyful heart that we say goodbye for now,” Reazin said. “He will be missed here in Eudora. Rockville will be a better community with the addition of Barack.”
Matite started as an intern with the city in 2012 while completing his master’s in public administration at the University of Kansas. He was officially appointed city manager in August 2016.
Matite was instrumental in the city’s long-term growth plan, including the Nottingham development and the recently-announced STAR Bond district.
“Barack has been a true community member,” Reazin said. “His infectious smile and willingness to help others is a true asset in life. I will always remember that baby steps are how we get projects done.”
“I think we’ve definitely been a better community because of the efforts of Barack,” Commissioner Roberta Lehmann said.
The process of finding an interim manager has begun and any findings will be announced at a later date, according to the statement.
In other news, plans for a Scooter’s Coffee shop at Nottingham Center are in the works, as commissioners viewed a letter of intent from the business.
The letter does not equate to a real estate sale agreement, but means the city will negotiate exclusively with the business for that particular space.
Commissioners also approved a purchase and sale agreement between Eudora and MidAmerica Bank, which will bein Nottingham Center as well. The bank is expected to break ground in early 2023, and will employ between four to six workers.
“It’s a really good opportunity for the community,” Reazin said.
In other news, commissioners approved an agreement with Stinson LLP for Todd LaSala to serve as special counsel for the STAR bond project. LaSala will continually make sure the site meets all requirements for a STAR bond project.
LaSala will also work closely with the Kansas Department of Commerce and keep it up to date on all developments related to the project. He has worked on STAR bond projects before.
“It’s a very powerful economic development tool,” LaSala said. “When it’s done right and leveraged properly, it can actually be transformative to communities.”
Commissioners entered into a work session to discuss proposed water and wastewater rate changes. The water rate will increase by 1.5%, and wastewater by 7%.
There will also be new, recurring membership options at the community center.
Reazin said he wants to be transparent about these increases with the public, and make information available online. He also encouraged residents to come to the next meeting if they have questions.
In other business, the Police Department may have a new vehicle soon. Commissioners authorized Matite to spend $25,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds, plus any money earned from selling and trading in two other vehicles.
In other news, Reazin reminded the commission about Wednesday’s Christmas tree lighting, along with a candy cane hunt, starting at 5:30 p.m. in Lucy Kaegi Park.
In other announcements, Police Chief Wes Lovett said Coffee with a Cop will be from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. this Wednesday at Zeb’s Coffeehouse.
Fire Chief Mindy Andrasevits announced that five firefighters recently graduated from recruiting academy. She plans to introduce them to commissioners at the next city meeting on Dec. 19.
The Dec. 12 and 26 City Commission meetings were canceled in favor of a Dec. 19 meeting, due to city holidays and conflicting schedules.
Reach reporter Abby Shepherd at [email protected]
