CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
APWA METRO Snow Expo and Training
The Central Maintenance Garage participates in the annual APWA METRO Snow Expo (http://midamericasnowrodeo.com/) held at New Century Airport (Gardner, Ks). The mechanics competition is put together by the APWA Metro Fleet Services Committee. It includes seven hands-on work stations and a one hundred fifty question written test. Mechanics are scored not only on the finished product of each hands-on task but on the proper procedure to complete the task. This is currently the only snow training expo (nationwide) that incorporates a mechanics competition.
This year's competition was held October 3 and twenty-three mechanics from eleven agencies competed. The garage sent four contestants who finished first, fifth, eighth, and fifteenth. The winner was Reese Nordhus; Reese joined our staff in May 2006. This is the first time he has been in this type of competition. The winners of the snow expo competitions will be sent on an all expense paid trip to Chicago to tour the Elgin Sweeper and Vactor Manufacturing plants. See attached photos from the competition.
Parks & Recreation Special Populations Trips
The Special Populations Division organized a number of trips this summer to destinations including Seattle, Wichita, Hutchinson, and Branson. The attached pictures are from the trips.
City/County GIS Award Featured in Kansas Government Journal
An article in the October 2006 issue of the Kansas Government Journal highlights the 2006 Special Achievement in GIS Award that the City of Lawrence and Douglas County won earlier this summer.
Home Energy Conservation Fair
The Waste Reduction and Recycling Division, with participation from various other City staff, recently held the Home Energy Conservation Fair and Sustainable Homes Tour. Please see the attached photos from the event.