City Manager’s Report
February 2026
City Manager Jon Mendenhall
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
City forces successfully navigated back-to-back winter storm events in January. I would like to take a moment to commend the departments and employees on their joint response and their continued development of advanced incident command techniques using ICS.
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Recreation Division
Programs & Activities
Youth and adult recreation programs continue to operate at a high level across all facilities.
Eden Prowlers athletics remain active with ongoing basketball operations and preparation for upcoming seasons.
Open gym activities, pickleball, corn hole, walking programs, and senior activities continue to see steady participation. Adult league volleyball should start once a director for the league is hired.
Freedom Park remains heavily used by walkers, skateboarders, and families utilizing the playground.
Facility Use
Bridge Street Center: Senior citizens continue to utilize the center regularly after-school programming remains strong.
Mill Avenue Gym: Basketball, pickleball, and open gym use ongoing.
Freedom Park: Daily public use with walkers, skateboarders, and playground activity.
PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Planning Division
Local Codes & Inspections January 1 – January 31, 2026
Total Local Code Inspections Performed 32
Local Code Notices Sent 3
Local Codes Abated 4
Inspections & Permits
Total Inspections Performed 142 (Does not include fire inspections)
Total Permits Issued 95
Boards & Commissions
Tree Board, Community Appearance Commission and Historic Preservation Commission did not meet in the month of January due to inclement weather.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Fire Department responded to 193 calls for the month of January. The Fire Department completed 7 inspections and 10 reinspection’s in the month of January.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
We took delivery of the 2nd patrol vehicle this month. Both vehicles purchased in accordance with our CIP request for FY 25-26 are now fully operational and in service.
The Police Department also officially sworn in two police officers on January 5, 2026, and have begun the field training program.
Our newest cadet began the Alamance Community College BLET program on January 15, 2026.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Streets
Street department crews worked to collect 1,225 cubic yards of vegetative waste. Crews also repaired and replaced 50 street signs. Crews deployed 13 trucks with plows and added 4 salt spreaders and serviced them before the winter storm in January. Crews worked during the snowstorm in January to salt, plow and clear City streets.
Solid Waste
Solid Waste crews collected 505.9 tons of municipal solid waste. Along with routine daily garbage collection there were 40 containers repaired. Solid Waste employees continued the collection, transferring and hauling of solid waste to the landfill. Importantly, solid waste employees navigated icy conditions in order to provide sanitation services for residents.
Collection & Distribution
Collection and Distribution crews completed 80 work orders in January. Crews made repairs to numerous water lines / laterals, cleared sewer blockages and installed new taps. Work continues daily to address all sewer issues and water leaks that were reported. Crews worked during the snowstorm in January to salt, plow and clear City streets.
Construction
The Construction crew has assisted with Collection & Distribution crews on Church Street to turn valves off and dug test pit holes. Crews also attempted to locate force main and secured holes. Crews also assisted with preparing equipment and assisted with snow removal during the winter storm.
Fleet
The Fleet Division had 98 work orders, which includes all outside repairs, road calls as well as regular service, tires and NC inspections.
Utilities
JR Lynch Construction continues to make good progress on the North Basin Project. Currently they are at 40% completion. They will continue to pour the remaining walls and elevated slabs in the next few weeks. Electrical conduit has been installed and is ready to have concrete poured. After this is completed, water testing will be conducted.
