CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Comparison of noise complaint statistics from 2005 to 2006
The attached report contains information comparing noise complaints received by the Police Department in 2005 and 2006 and the enforcement actions taken in response to those complaints. The numbers show a 12% reduction in the number of noise complaints received but a 36% increase in the number of enforcement actions taken. Enforcement actions include issuing citations or sending a report to the prosecutor without issuing a citation (this only occurs a few times per year, when officers arrive after a party has already dispersed, but the individual calling to report the violation still wants enforcement action taken; in such cases the prosecutor decides whether to press charges using the complainant’s testimony).
Pothole reporting through the City web site
On February 19, a web site headline was put on www.lawrenceks.org reminding visitors of the availability of the online pothole reporting form. From February 19-28, Tammy Bennett, Assistant Director of Administration and Services for Public Works, reported 61 submissions through the online pothole reporting form. Bennett said the 61 reports were a significant increase from the typical number of reports received from the web site form, indicating the benefit of promoting its availability on the City web site. The online reporting is an interactive form available for web site visitors to submit a report of a pothole and is always available on the City of Lawrence’s Public Works Department web site at: http://www.lawrencepublicworks.org/pothole_report_form.shtml.
Census information - population estimates
The attached memo outlines staff’s practices in establishing population estimates for our community.
Yard trimmings collection to begin Monday, March 5
Yard trimmings collection will start on Monday, March 5. Cans, carts or compostable bags should be set out by 6:00 a.m. City of Lawrence Solid Waste crews will make the weekly pick ups on Mondays through December. Yard trimmings, grass clippings, leaves, and small, brushy and garden debris, are not sent to the landfill. Yard trimmings are transported directly to the City's Wood Recycling and Compost Facility. Only cans, carts and compostable paper bags may be used for yard trimmings for curbside collection. Plastic bags are not allowed for the containerization of yard trimmings. Plastic bags may continue to be used for regular trash set outs. More information is available at http://www.lawrencerecycles.org/lawncare.shtml.
Volunteers needed for Dog Park improvement project
A partnership of the City of Lawrence Parks & Recreation Department, Corps of Engineers, Kansas Trail Council and StreamLink is adding some features to the Mutt Run Off-Leash Dog Park. The partnership is seeking volunteers to help build trails and clear brush (see attached flyer). The first work day will be Saturday, March 3, with work continuing for a number of weekends this spring. Volunteers can contact StreamLink at (785) 840-0700 or streamlink@streamlink.org for more information.