City Manager’s Report
July 2026
City Manager Jon Mendenhall
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
Marketing & Special Events
Our rivers are ready for you and your adventures! We want you to have fun and stay safe. Here are some safety guidelines to remember while you are on the water:
1. Wear your life jacket! It’s always possible to capsize in any water condition.
2. Make sure you know where you are going. Always tell a responsible person about your plans of where you will be and when you expect to return.
3. Check the weather forecast before you leave for your destination so that you can pack the proper equipment.
4. Know the water conditions. Sometimes the river will be high, low, or a dam may be releasing. This makes water conditions very different and it is important to know what to expect.
5. Know the rules to navigate the water. Find out what you need to know while on waterways.
6. Beware of Strainers. Strainers are fallen trees, bridge pilings, undercut rocks, or anything else that allows the current to flow through it while holding you. Strainers are deadly!
7. Never go boating or tubing while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
8. Know your paddling abilities and plan your outings accordingly.
9. Dress appropriately for weather conditions. Carry extra clothes in a dry bag in case you flip and go for a swim.
10. Never float or paddle over low-head dams, avoid fallen trees and other in-stream obstructions.
11. Do not stand up in a canoe or kayak and avoid weight shifts that may cause capsize.
12. If it is your first time on the water, travel with an experienced person that has navigated that part of the river before.
TOUCH-A-TRUCK is looking for cool vehicles to display on Saturday, August 15. If you have a piece of equipment, truck, etc. that you think kids (little and BIG) would enjoy seeing, touching, etc. please let us know. Please call 336-623-2110 and ask for Marketing & Special Events. This is an awesome event that kids really enjoy. Touch-A-Truck runs from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. We are so excited to be holding the event at FREEDOM PARK this year! Admission is a school supply item.
RIVERFEST IS ALMOST HERE! This year’s festival is lining up to be one of the best ever. There will be live concerts, over 100 vendors, delicious food, 250 year Celebration, Glow Foam Party, Gem Sluice, Kids Zone, Roving Entertainer, Golf Simulator, Stagecoach Show, Strolling Characters, DRBA Kayak Simulator, Build A Bear, and so much more. MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!
FRIDAY- September 18 – 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
SATURDAY – September 19 – 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.
WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE!
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Recreation Division
As we move into the heat of the summer season, the Parks & Recreation Department remains actively engaged in delivering programs, hosting events, and maintaining facility operations across the City.
Staff efforts are underway to fill the Prowlers Cheer and Volleyball Coordinator positions in preparation for the upcoming football, cheer, and volleyball seasons, which are set to begin within the next month. Registration and planning efforts are progressing as scheduled, and the department anticipates another successful youth sports season. Weekend fast-pitch softball tournaments at Freedom Park continue to perform exceptionally well, drawing teams and visitors to the community while highlighting one of the City’s premier athletic facilities.
The Mill Avenue Pool is currently operating Wednesday through Sunday and has consistently reached its maximum capacity of 80 patrons per day. The Splash Pad at Freedom Park remains a highly utilized amenity and continues to operate efficiently throughout the summer.
The department successfully hosted its first Skate Day at Freedom Park in June. The event was well attended and received positive feedback, and additional skate events are being considered for future programming.
Shelter rentals remain in high demand, with most facilities reserved on weekends for a variety of uses including family gatherings, birthday parties, reunions, and community events.
Summer Camp operations at the Mill Avenue Recreation Center are proceeding smoothly. Participants are benefiting from access to the new playground at Draper School as well as the Mill Avenue Pool, enhancing the overall recreational experience.
Pickleball participation continues to grow; with strong evening usage observed at both Freedom Park and Mill Avenue Recreation Center.
The Senior Center remains active in providing diverse programming for senior residents, while Bridge Street Recreation Center continues to support youth and community activities.
The Facility Maintenance Department continues to perform at a high level, maintaining over 50 park and facility locations on weekly and bi-weekly schedules. In addition to routine grounds maintenance, staff are completing monthly fire extinguisher inspections, conducting safety checks, and proactively addressing maintenance needs to prevent larger issues.
PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Planning Division
Local Codes & Inspections June 1 – June 30, 2026
Local Codes Inspected 107
Local Code Notices Sent 29
Local Codes Abated 38
Inspections & Permits
Total Inspections Performed 318(Does not include fire inspections)
Total Permits Issued 149
Boards & Commissions
Tree Board meeting was held on June 15. The board voted to approve applying to become a Bee City, which will be presented to Council in July. The board also discussed Christmas tree decorating.
Community Appearance Commission meeting was held in Downtown Draper and the board planted 28 flower containers.
Historic Preservation Commission meeting was held on June 22. The board voted to approve the beginning to update the historic design guidelines and beginning the historic resource inventory update.
Planning Board did not meet in June.
Board of Adjustments did not meet in June.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Fire Department responded to 219 calls for the month of June. The Fire Department completed 12 inspection and 10 reinspection’s in the month of June.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Our cadet graduated from Alamance Community College’s BLET program on June 11 and received his probationary law enforcement certification from CJ Training and Standards. He will be officially sworn in on July 7.
During the month of June, Axon conducted our in-car camera refresh. All patrol cars have updated cameras and Axon equipment.
On June 20 officers provided security for the City’s annual Oink & Ale event.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Streets
Street department crews worked to collect 925 cubic yards of vegetative waste. Crews also repaired and replaced 8 street signs.
Solid Waste
Solid Waste crews collected 596.23 tons of municipal solid waste. Along with routine daily garbage collection there were 31 containers repaired. Solid Waste employees continued the collection, transferring and hauling of solid waste to the landfill.
Collection & Distribution
Collection and Distribution crews completed 195 work orders in June. 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.
Construction
The Construction crew has continued work on Maryland Avenue, John Street, Riverside Drive, Meadowgreen Village, Merriman Street, College Street and Adam Street.
Fleet
The Fleet Division had 119 work orders, which includes all outside repairs, road calls as well as regular service, tires and NC inspections.
Utilities
JR Lynch Construction continue to make good progress on the North Basin Project. Currently they are right at 60% completion. The effluent wall has been poured, and water testing and backfilling will continue. In the next 30 days, construction of the Influent splitter box will begin along with getting the piers dug for the blower building. Handrailing is onsite and will be installed once pressure testing is complete.
