CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Traffic Calming Devices - Briefing
David Woosley, Traffic Engineer, will brief the City Commission on traffic circles, roundabouts, and signage for motorists. Traffic Calming Brochure Roundabout Signage Traffic Calming Presentation (powerpoint presentation 15.2MB)
Hazard House Grant
Rich Barr, Fire Marshall, reports that the Lawrence/Douglas County Fire & Medical Department has obtained a grant from KDHE that will be utilized to purchase a product called “Sparky’s Hazard House’ which is a small model of a single family residence that has numerous interactive features. The department plans to utilize this product in conducting small class fire safety presentations, particularly in the Firesetters Intervention Programs that are currently provided for at-risk children with a history of firesetting behavior. Additionally, the House is portable and can be used by the department in a variety of demonstration venues throughout the community. The House provides scenarios that simulate smoke travel in homes, electrical hazards, the important of escape planning, and numerous other accident scenarios.
Department staff was made aware of the grant opportunity through their partnership with the Douglas County Safe Kids Coalition. This partnership has in the past worked to develop bicycle helmet, smoke detector, and child safety seat fitting programs. The grant was awarded for the amount of $5,475 to purchase the house and protective cover. The web link for viewing the Hazard House is www.modeltech.com/sparkyhouse.htm
Floodplain Management Program Report – No Deficiencies FEMA
The attached letter from FEMA summarizes the recent Community Assistance Visit (CAV) that took place in January as part of the assessment of this community’s floodplain management program in meeting the criteria for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). As noted n the letter, meeting this requirement allows for the next step to take place in the Community Rating System (CRS) process (see attached timeline).