CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Request for Capital Improvement Project Submissions
The process of developing the 2008-2013 Capital Improvement Plan has begun and the public has been encouraged to submit improvement projects for consideration. The forms needed to submit a project for consideration, as well as guidelines and procedures for their completion and an explanation of the Capital Improvement Plan and the CIP development process, were emailed to neighborhood associations and developers. The deadline for submittals is March 2nd. See the attached Guidelines and Procedures, Project Request Form, and Project Summary Form. These documents are also available on the City’s website at http://www.lawrenceks.org/budget.shtml.
January Building Permit Report
The attached building permit report for January 2007 shows that permits, permit fees, and permit valuations are down compared to January 2006.
Police Recruiting Methods Considered
The Police Department will be examining best practices and alternative methods of recruiting in order to maintain budgeted staffing levels. The attached memo illustrates the challenges the department has faced in maintaining staffing at full authorized strength.
Sanitary Sewer Stub Outs
As of March 1, 2007, the Utilities Department will be adding a residential sanitary sewer service connection stub out detail to the standard sanitary sewer details of construction. The goals of the new detail are to minimize excavation and utility conflicts for the plumbers at the time the service connection is made; and to reduce the amount of inflow/infiltration from substandard sanitary sewer service taps into the sanitary sewer system. The attached memo outlines the implementation process to date.
Commuter Survey Results Posted on Transit Website
Last fall the Lawrence Transit System developed and distributed a commuter survey via utility bills. The full results of the survey, which show, among other things, that Kansas City is the top destination and employment is the top reason for commuting, are posted on the Transit System’s website at www.lawrencetransit.org.
2007 Diversity Training Program
Diversity training centered on the City’s Statement of Individual Respect is conducted every year for City employees. On February 16 and 21 the Administrative Services Department will be holding “Train the Trainer” sessions to instruct trainers from each department how to conduct the training in their own staff meetings. For more information see the attached format and agenda for the training sessions.
International Slurry Systems Workshop
Bryce Campbell, Eveart Barnes, Wayne Hall, Tim Driggs, Steve Lashley and John Vannicola attended the slurry systems workshop in Las Vegas February 6-8. The conference included mix design, inspection, construction, and specifications. The conference included “hands on” demonstrations and workshop discussions. Contractors, suppliers, equipment dealers, and owners from 13 countries attended. This workshop provided the staff with the training necessary for the micro-surfacing component of the 2007 street maintenance program. The staff witnessed paving demonstrations, how mixes are made, equipment calibration, and troubleshooting. Several local contractors were at the conference and were able to interact and ask specific questions regarding their operations. Staff is planning to present the 2007 program to the City Commission in early March. See attached photos.
Household Hazardous Waste Tour
Waste Reduction and Recycling Specialists Kathy Richardson and Tom Hogan led officials from KDHE and Barton County Community College (the State’s hazardous waste training contractor) on a tour of the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility on February 1. The officials remarked that the facility was exceptionally clean and well organized, and BCCC would like to return to the facility to film staff at work for use in their educational materials. See attached photos of the tour.
Daddy/Daughter Date Night
The 5th annual Daddy/Daughter Date Night, held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 3, was enjoyed by 203 participants. The theme this year was the 50’s. Food was sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings, Maceli’s and McDonalds. All couples received a 5x7 photo and a DJ played a variety of music throughout the evening. Door prizes were giving out through the evening and all the girls received a flower as they left for the evening. Parks & Recreation staff wore pink bee hive wigs to get into the theme. Please see the attached photos of the popular event.