BY LUCIE KRISMAN
More local businesses will be able to apply for grant funding from the city that helps them make commercial improvements.
The City Commission approved revisions to the Downtown Grant Program at its meeting Monday. Management Fellow Lauren Freeman presented the recommended changes to the program to commissioners at a previous meeting.
The approved changes include expanding the program to include all businesses on 10th Street in addition to Main Street businesses, establishing a 50% match requirement for the amount of money requested, and changing the rule that previously prohibited businesses from applying again within three years.
Freeman told commissioners 15 local businesses have benefited from this program so far.
Commissioners also heard from Mary Kirkendoll, who requested a waiver of a building permit fee for the Eudora Giving Garden. The community garden, which provides fresh produce to local seniors, is in the process of moving from its current location on Main Street to a larger plot of land on 20th Street. The new location will include a greenhouse.
The commission approved the request on condition of receiving a lease agreement and documentation of 501(c)(3) status, which would establish the garden as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization.
In other business, the commission approved a resolution to submit a grant application to the Kansas Department of Transportation requesting installation of a new sidewalk on 10th Street between Church and Peach Streets.
Management Analyst Jeff Rhodes told commissioners an engineer is working on the final cost and design for the project. Through the approval of this resolution, the city will cover a maximum of 20% of the project costs.
"This is a huge opportunity for us to add some walkability and connectivity to our community," Rhodes said.
Additionally, the commission heard from Parks and Recreation Director Sally Pennington about necessary repairs to the Eudora Aquatic Center swimming pool.
After paint resurfacing last winter, the pool showed water loss during the summer and needs leak repairs. The commission approved the proposal for the repairs, which will be completed this winter at a cost of $19,000.
"We want to get this done and be ready for 2021 to let the community enjoy it again,” Pennington said.
The City Commission will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 9. Information on how to virtually attend will be posted to the city's website.
Reach reporter Lucie Krisman at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
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