CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Repairs to Intersection of 2nd and Locust
Attached are photos of the repairs the street division has completed at 2nd and Locust. The City is discussing with KDOT the possibility of advancing the reconstruction project to an earlier bid date (current schedule is to bid October 2007). Public Works has established a meeting with the adjacent properties (Depot, Lawrence Parks & Recreation, Johnny’s, Ted Boyle, and Cory Brinkerhoff, owner of property on SW corner) for April 19, 9:00 am at the Depot to discuss the project. The concepts have been submitted to the Historic Resources Administrator and the City’s Parks & Recreation Department for review. Public Works is also planning to meet with the North Lawrence Improvement Association on May 8 at their regularly scheduled meeting to discuss the concepts. Pending public comment and discussion, the concepts will be presented to the City Commission in late May or early June.
Crack Sealing Program Progress
The contractor, Vance Brothers, has completed phase 1 which includes those streets with a PCI > 60 east of Iowa and south of 15th. They have used approximately 1/3 of the crack seal material. They have started on phase 2, originally planned for the fall. Phase 2 includes those streets with a PCI > 60 located south of 6th Street and east of Wakarusa. Based on the quantity used in phase 1 we are anticipating being able to crack seal additional streets after phase 2 is complete. Attached are photos of the work being completed.
Lawrence Alliance Update
Rehelio Samuel, Human Relations Department Director, is now the staff liaison to the Lawrence Alliance. The mission of the Lawrence Alliance is to encourage diversity, celebrate individuality, and reduce prejudice and discrimination in Lawrence. Deb Taylor currently serves as the chairperson of the Lawrence Alliance, an advisory board to the Lawrence City Commission. The Alliance partners with the City of Lawrence, Kansas University, Haskell Indian Nations University, USD 497, and other groups to help make Lawrence a tolerant and welcoming community for all people. More information on the activities of this Board is available at www.lawrencealliance.org, or the City’s website at www.lawrenceks.org.
Historic Preservation Conference to be Held in Lawrence
The Kansas State Historic Preservation Conference will be held in Lawrence May 4-6, 2006. Partly funded by the City of Lawrence, the conference will address issues relevant to statewide historic preservation efforts and includes tours of historic sites in Lawrence and Douglas County. Downtown Lawrence, Free State Brewery, the Eldridge Hotel, the KU Campus, Prosoco and numerous other sites will be highlighted throughout the conference. The attached brochure contains more information.