CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Overview of 211 and 311 Service
Staff has reviewed options for 211 and 311 telephone services in Lawrence and Douglas County, and has prepared the attached report. 211 and 311 are often created as “one-stop shops” for citizens to find information on social and government services. Future City Commission consideration of funding a 311 system is desired and is possible as a future budget item.
Franchise Fee Increases
As part of the 2007 budget process, staff was directed to pursue enactment of ordinances establishing franchise fees at a 5% value for all utility providers. The attached memo discusses the work of Legal Services staff to prepare ordinances phasing in franchise fees increases for utility providers. The memo also contains links to correspondence sent to the utilities and draft franchise fee ordinances. Ordinances will be then be forwarded to the City Commission for adoption as they are finalized with utility providers.
Wakarusa Water Reclamation Facility Progress Reports
Black & Veatch has provided the attached monthly progress reports for Phase 1-A and Phase 1-B of the Wakarusa Water Reclamation Facility project. Both phases are proceeding below budget.
Haskell Ecology Club Hosts WWRF Meeting
The Haskell Ecology Club hosted a meeting regarding the Wakarusa Water Reclamation Facility on November 14 at the HINU campus. City staff, the consultant team, and a member of the Public Advisory Committee also attended the meeting. John Keller of Black & Veatch gave an overview of the site selection process, including information on why the selected site is the best location for the facility. Keller also reviewed key steps in the site acquisition and annexation process, as well as design issues. Staff and the consultant team also answered questions regarding odors, wetlands, archeological resources, flooding, biosolids, access, and tribal involvement in the site selection process. Minutes from the meeting will be posted online at a later date. On a related topic, Assistant Utilities Director Dave Wagner discussed issues and concerns related to Pump Station Number 5, which is located near the campus, and offered tours of the existing Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant. Subsequent to this meeting, several HINU students have visited the Plant for tours.
Planning Department Conducts Flood Information Outreach
During the first week of December, owners of property located in the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA’s) within the City of Lawrence will be receiving a Flood Information Brochure in the mail. This endeavor is part of the City’s efforts to raise awareness of the potential hazards of and resources available for flooding and flood protection. This outreach brochure is sent out by the Planning Department and is part of the city’s participation in the Community Rating System (CRS), which enables property owners in the City of Lawrence to receive a discount on flood insurance.
PLAY Update
As part of the PLAY Feasibility Study and Needs Assessment Project a stakeholders meeting was held November 8 at Central Junior High, and a public meeting was held November 20 at the Arts Center. Please see the attached memo for a report on those meetings.
GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
Earlier this year the City of Lawrence was notified that we received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). GFOA recently released the attached list of all the award winners.