CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Good weather has helped the Kasold project progress well. All of the storm sewer is complete, the intersection at Augusta Drive is complete, and work on the retaining walls on the west side is progressing. The intent is to complete the intersections and retaining walls this winter, begin paving in the spring, and do sidewalks and fencing in early summer. Please see the attached photos of recent work on the project.
City legal staff has completed publication of the Code of the City of Lawrence, 2006 edition, with hard copies printed and distributed by the City Clerk. The code had an effective date of December 1. The last version of the City Code was published in December of 2003. The new version of the code includes the new land development code, Ch. 20, which became effective July 1, 2006. Only 50 hard copies of the City Code were initially printed as users tend to now rely on the on-line version of the Code available on the City website. The City Code on the website has also been completely updated. Hard copies of the City Code are available for sale in the City Clerk’s office.
As mentioned in last week’s City Manager’s Report, Administrative Services is meeting with employees and participants to continue to inform them about the proposed recommendation to change the deferred compensation 457 Plan provider arrangement for administrative, investment and recordkeeping services from ICMA-RC to Diversified Investment Advisors. In addition to four scheduled informational meetings (the first of which occurred on December 12) and issuance of a notice regarding the proposed recommendation, information is being posted on the City’s intranet on an ongoing basis including two informational flyers from Diversified Investment Advisors.
Trees Planted in West 6th Street Islands
The forestry division, with assistance from the landscape division, has recently completed the tree planting on west 6th street (see photos). A total of 70 trees were planted on the islands from the Wakarusa intersection to Hwy 10. The trees are a mixture of flowering varieties and shade trees. These islands should be very colorful in the spring once the trees mature.
Utilities Department Plans Safety Training
Please see the attached 2006 & 2007 Safety Training Calendars for the Utilities Department. The calendars outline the safety training that occurred this year and the training scheduled next year for both the water and waste water divisions. The divisions submit their planned safety training schedules in December of each year. Training topics include CPR, shoring and trenching, blood borne pathogens, chemical hazards and many more.
City Staff Presents at International Right of Way Association Meeting
Scott Wagner, Management Analyst in the Legal Services Department, made a presentation on Friday, Dec.8 to the Chapter 5 meeting of the International Right of Way Association held in Kansas City, Missouri. The organization is a professional association of individuals involved in rights-of-way and other types of property acquisition. Scott’s presentation focused on recent challenges from a property acquisition standpoint, associated with the Baldwin Creek, Pump Station 48 project.
K-10 Bus Service Links KU Lawrence and Edwards Campuses, HINU, and Johnson County Community College
A new regional transit service will link KU and Haskell Indian Nations University campuses in Lawrence to the KU Edwards Campus and Johnson County Community College campuses starting January 17, 2007. The attached message was sent to all KU and JCCC email addresses last week announcing the startup of the service.
New Additions to Fall Adult Sports Lineup
The Adult Sports program for the remaining months of the year consists of basketball, volleyball, and dodge ball. This year’s lineup includes a new men’s power volleyball league, and a new women’s basketball league. Please see the attached memo for more information on Fall Adult Sports.
Parks & Rec “Breakfast with Santa” Wishes You Happy Holidays!
The Lawrence Parks & Recreation Department put on their first Breakfast with Santa event on Saturday, December 9 at the Community Building. This event included an all-you-can-eat pancake feed catered by the famous Chris Cakes who was busy flipping and sailing pancakes to children, parents, grandparents, as well as relatives and friends. (see our own June Morton, Administrative Assistant at South Park Center making a cake catch). There was a Holiday Arts & Crafts booth, a Holiday Face Painting Booth, and to top the event off we also had Santa Claus himself (our own Bill Rogers from the Facility Maintenance Division) in attendance to give the children another opportunity to tell him what they wanted on their Christmas list. There were 175 adults and children attending this event. Out of the 175 attending this event, we fed 151 children and adults combined. This was a great Holiday event and we are looking to make it a traditional event next year as well.