CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Update on Streets Projects
Work is progressing on the following streets projects:
® 600 Block of New Hampshire – midblock pedestrian crossing (see photos)
® Intersection of 7th and New Hampshire (see photos)
® 800 Block of New Hampshire – midblock pedestrian crossing near Farmers’ Market (see photos)
® 19th Street, Massachusetts to Barker - bike lanes installed (see photos)
® Barker Court – rebuilding to address drainage problems, severe deterioration, and base problems (see photos)
Pervious Concrete Seminar
Steve Lashley, Project Engineer-Infrastructure Management, Matt Bond, Stormwater Engineer, and Kevin Doyle, Infrastructure Development Coordinator, recently attended the 2006 Concrete Seminar presented by the Kansas Ready Mixed Concrete Association, in conjunction with Kansas ACI. The seminar focused on Pervious Concrete Pavements which are cement-based products whose porous structure permits a free passage of water through the pavement into the soil without compromising the pavement’s durability or integrity. The demand for Pervious Concrete is being driven by the EPA’s Clean Water Act that requires municipalities to deal with stormwater runoff. The EPA has recognized this method as a storm water pollution prevention Best Management Practice. Please see the attached brochure on pervious concrete and photos of a pervious concrete installation.
APWA International Public Works Congress & Exposition
APWA International Public Works Congress & Exposition was held in Kansas City, Missouri, from September 9th to 13th. The international meeting was hosted by the Mid-America Chapters of APWA – Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas City Metro. On behalf of the Kansas Chapter, Tammy Bennett and Terese Gorman served on the congress steering committee. In addition, they served as co-chairs with the Missouri Chapter for an operational sub-committee to provide session moderators during educational sessions, requiring the coordination of 150 volunteers. Seventeen staff members were able to participate as volunteers. At least 20 employees from Public Works and Utilities were able to attend some of the educational sessions or spend time in the exhibition, where over 100,000 square feet of equipment and products were available for viewing. Educational sessions were offered in the following areas: administrative management; emergency management; engineering and construction management; facilities; fleet; parks and grounds; personal enrichment; public works historical society; solid waste; snow and ice; stormwater/flood control; street/road maintenance; traffic operations; urban forum; utilities/ROW; water and wastewater. Several educational sessions related to issues of specific interest to the City Commission over the past year, including rain gardens, sidewalk programs, pavement preservation, and context sensitive design.
Home Energy Conservation Fair and Douglas County Sustainable Homes Tour
Waste Reduction and Recycling staff are coordinating the sixth annual Home Energy Conservation Fair and Douglas County Sustainable Homes Tour, Sunday, October 8th, 10:00-5:00 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. From remodel projects to new construction to state legislative updates, this year’s speakers will provide information about the costs, benefits and strategies to reduce energy bills in the home. See the attached schedule and flyer or more information. Information is also available at http://www.lawrencerecycles.org/energyconservation.shtml.