EudoraNews.com

The Eudora City Council unanimously agreed June 11 to renew Eudora City Administrator Cheryl Beatty's contract with the city.

Beatty is contracted to work with the city to 2010 with a yearly salary of $78,000.

She came in August 2005.

"It seems like only yesterday we hired Cheryl," Eudora Mayor Tom Pyle said during the contract discussions. "I think you've done a wonderful job. I'm very happy with your work."

After Pyle presented the explanation of the item, the council discussed the administrator's review process.

Beatty will have a yearly employee review each fall.

Last year, the review period didn't happen.

"I'll take responsibility for that one," Pyle said.

In addition to appointing city department heads, the mayor also oversees the city administrator.

Beatty was offered the opportunity to move her contract discussion to executive session, but she declined.

"I'd prefer it would be discussed openly," Beatty said.

Councilman Bill Whitten questioned a clause in the contract that stated the administrator could not be terminated by the city within 90 days of a city council election.

The clause was a standard procedure.

In her first contract period, Beatty led the city through several new programs, including the formation of a utility reserve fund, a revamping of the city's zoning codes and the pending formation of a Tax Increment Financing district.

Beatty has also helped the city earn a transportation enhancement grant, which will help in the beautification and revitalization of Eudora's downtown.

She also helped organize a successful bond package for a $3.8 million pool and recreation center, slated to open in July.

Her responsibilities include overseeing city workers and keeping tabs on current projects.