City Manager’s Report
August 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 water. 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.
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!
Our SOLD-OUT Summer Grown & Gathered was held August 6 and was amazing. It was a great evening celebrating local food, beverages, music and a beautiful and historic venue. Thank you to Jarrett Nycamp of Blissful Palette, Proper Pour, Timeless Treats, Johnson’s Florist, Fine Arts Festival, Locust Hill Cattle Co., Mark Bishopric of the Spray Mercantile, Bull Moose Sauce, Tuttle’s Farm, L&L Crumb Co., Glenn Denny of G&D Recording and our wonderful team of helpers that made it so special.
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Recreation Division
The Parks & Recreation and Facilities Department continues to maintain City parks, recreation centers, athletic fields, greenways, public buildings, and other City-owned properties while also supporting recreation programs and special events.
Recent improvements at Ernestine Hampton Park include new LED lighting under the shelters, outside water access at the shelter, and 10 additional parking spaces.
Freedom Park continues to receive regular maintenance and improvements, including work around the shelters, amphitheater, playground, skate bowl, RV area, and other park facilities.
The Mill Avenue Pool completed its summer season and closed this month for the upcoming fall and winter months. Staff will continue normal maintenance during the off-season.
Our Summer Camp program is wrapping up after a great year. We are now looking forward to the After-School Program, with close to 30 children already registered.
Our Senior Program continues to be very active, with seniors participating in programs and activities at both Orchard Drive and Bridge Street.
Eden Prowlers athletics are in full swing, with football, cheerleading, and volleyball currently underway. Participation continues to be strong, and we look forward to another successful season for our young athletes.
Perfect Game continues to hold fast-pitch tournaments approximately twice each month, with tournaments scheduled through December. These events continue to bring teams, families, and visitors to Eden.
Facility Maintenance continues to handle repairs and upkeep at City Hall, the Police Department, Public Works buildings, fire stations, recreation centers, shelters, restrooms, and other City facilities.
Despite a small staff and a large number of properties to maintain, the department continues to keep facilities operational, safe, and available for the public.
PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Planning Division
Local Codes & Inspections July 1 – July 31, 2026
Local Codes Inspected 72
Local Code Notices Sent 44
Local Codes Abated 11
Inspections & Permits
Total Inspections Performed 238(Does not include fire inspections)
Total Permits Issued 164
Boards & Commissions
Tree Board did not meet in July.
Community Appearance Commission did not meet in July.
Historic Preservation Commission meeting was held in July and approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for the window replacement at Draper Elementary School.
Planning Board meeting was held on July 28. The agenda was revised and the only case recommended to City Council was the Floodplain ordinance which is scheduled for a public hearing at the August 18 City Council meeting.
Board of Adjustments did not meet in July.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Fire Department responded to 190 calls for the month of July. The Fire Department completed 15 inspection and 7 reinspection’s in the month of July.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Our Cadet was officially sworn in as a police officer on July 7. Officer Waller has been assigned to A-shift and has begun the FTO program.
On July 18, officers provided security for Shaggin’ on Fieldcrest.
We have ordered two Ford PIUs as part of our CIP for FY26-27. These vehicles are in the build process at the manufacturer.
During the month, we began a comprehensive review of crime data to develop a crime mapping system.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Streets
Street department crews worked to collect 962 cubic yards of vegetative waste. Crews also repaired and replaced 32 street signs.
Solid Waste
Solid Waste crews collected 583.20 tons of municipal solid waste. Along with routine daily garbage collection there were 41 containers repaired. Solid Waste employees continued the collection, transferring and hauling of solid waste to the landfill.
Collection & Distribution
Collection and Distribution crews completed 132 work orders in July. 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 installing a new water main. Repaired a storm drain on Irving & Hamilton Street.
Fleet
The Fleet Division had 166 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 69.7% completion. The effluent wall has been completed, and water testing and backfilling will continue. The piers have been poured for the blower building and the basin effluent reactor box has been poured. The effluent reactor box is being hydrostatic tested currently. Over the next 30 days, electrical conduit will be roughed in for the blower building, handrails will start being installed, and injection sealing will continue for the basin to fix the small leaks.
