City of Lawrence

Neighborhood Resources Department

MEMORANDUM

TO: Mike Wildgen, City Manager

THRU: Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manager

FROM: Victor Torres, Director, Neighborhood Resources

DATE:         January 20, 2006

RE:              Neighborhood Resources Department 2005 accomplishments

The department implemented several new programs and staff proved to be very active in obtaining certifications and training last year.  A list of completed objectives is included in this memorandum that describes division specific and employee accomplishments during the 2005 year.  I am proud to present the following information for your review.  

Codes Enforcement Division Accomplishments - 2005

Staff achievements

v Phil Burke – Commercial Plumbing Inspector certification

v Brian Jimenez – Residential Building Inspector certification

v Patrick O’Brien – Residential Combination Inspector certification

v Tim Pinnick – Plans Examiner, Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector, Zoning Inspector, Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner certifications

v Treni Westcott – Zoning Inspector certification

v Mark Mills – LEAP award, found lost child and returned to parents

Division Accomplishments

v Implemented Contractor Licensing Program

v Created and implemented mowing contractor standards and bid specifications, awarded mowing contracts – spent $21,500 to abate weed violations

v Created revised permit applications for one- and two- family dwelling projects, multi-family dwelling projects, and commercial projects

v Completed reports and recommendations to the City Commission regarding possible amendments to the City code to require storm shelters in single-family and/or multi-family dwellings

v Performed research and provided findings to the Centennial Neighborhood Association regarding nuisance complaints associated with noise, parties, and related disturbances

v Created online application forms, including building permit applications in which the applicant is able to electronically complete the form.  These forms may be printed and submitted with building plans, or emailed.

v Numerous upgrades to the website, including streamlining navigation to make the website more user-friendly

v Numerous mailings to contractors, designers, and other interested parties

v Created and implemented use of specialized building permit cards based upon the type of project under construction.

v Created and implemented field file system for projects under construction.

Statistics

v 2,711 building permits issued

v 14,073 building inspections performed

v 2,285 new complaint cases

v 35% staff initiated (803 of 2,285)

v 6,123 enforcement inspections performed

v 1,958 notices sent

v 178 total hours of external staff training

Community Development Division Accomplishments - 2005

CDD staffed the following Boards and Committees:

v Neighborhood Resources Advisory Committee

                   Completed allocation of $1.8 M in CDBG/HOME funds

v Housing Practitioners Panel

          Completed Exhibit A of the Continuum of Care Supportive Housing           Grant

v Application for the Salvation Army - $48,877 Award

v Task Force on Homeless Services – Community Commission on Homeless

v CDBG Grant Review Board

                   Comprehensive rehab applications are reviewed and approved by                       the Board. 

v Housing Trust Fund Board

                   Board allocated $570,800 for affordable housing activities. 

Division Accomplishments

v Participated as the liaison for the Community Housing Assessment Team

v Worked with Tenants to Homeowners toward the creation of a local Community Land Trust and the HOOT Program into the Community Land Trust and Housing Program.

v Completed a successful audit of the CDBG and HOME programs and HUD monitoring of the HOME program. 

v Updated and enhanced the division client database and completed the update of division program policies, guidelines, and general conditions. 

v Prepared 19 Mortgage Releases and 12 Subordination Agreements.

v Partnered with Tenants to Homeowners’ and Habitat for Humanity staff in both land acquisition projects and new housing construction to provide affordable housing for first time low and moderate income homebuyers. 

v LEAP Recognition for Larry Hamm and Tony Hoch for their customer service and continued efforts and willingness to help out with division/department/City activities. 

Statistics

v An average of 50 vendors through the CDBG program and 5 vendors through the HOME program were reimbursed each month. 

v Affordable housing efforts for a total of $978,060 were provided for 119 clients through the Comprehensive Rehab, HOOT First Time Homebuyer, Emergency and Furnace Loan, Weatherization, and Independence, Inc. Accessible Housing Programs during the 2004 grant program year.  

v Neighborhood Public Service activities ($36,029) and Capital Improvement activities ($6,885) for a total of $42,914 was provided to 18,935 neighborhood residents in the Brook Creek, East Lawrence, North Lawrence, Oread, and Pinckney neighborhoods during the 2004 grant program year.  Of the 119 clients noted above, 54 were residents of these neighborhoods.   

v Emergency Sheltering activities totaling $88,416 were provided for 3,904 clients.  Rental assistance in the amount of $284,109 was paid on behalf of 61 individuals/families

v 228 total hours of external staff training