CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Commissioner Highberger Travels to Sister City
City Commissioner Boog Highberger represented the City of Lawrence on a recent trip to our sister city of Eutin, Germany, and will provide a report to the City Commission.
City to Challenge Census Population Estimates
In an ongoing effort to monitor demographic trends, Planning Staff produces biannual population estimates. Staff has researched population estimation and projection methods of other communities and of the Census Bureau and continually refines our methods. Staff is confident that Census Bureau underestimated both the Lawrence and Douglas County population for July 1, 2006, and is preparing to challenge those estimates. The attached memo provides more information on the population estimates, as well as information on the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) program for the upcoming Decennial Census in 2010.
Retail Market Report
Planning staff has developed a retail market report for the City of Lawrence in accordance with Horizon 2020 and the Land Development Code. This report analyzes the commercial market in the city for 2006.
Calendar of Transit Activities
The attached memo contains a schedule of various tasks the Transit System plans to complete over the remainder of 2007 and into 2008, such as developing a new operating contract with a private transportation provider in 2009 and beyond and addressing fleet replacement needs.
Alcohol Compliance Training Seminar Well Attended
On September 10th, 2007, the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, in conjunction with the Lawrence Police Department and the Regional Prevention Center, presented a 2 hour alcohol compliance course to individuals involved in the liquor service industry. The event was well attended, with twice as many attendees (approximately 200) as expected, including bar owners, managers, wait staff, security personnel, grocery store representatives and liquor store owners. An ABC agent spoke about State laws and ABC rules and regulations, City Prosecutor Jerry Little spoke about local ordinances, fines and municipal court actions, and a prevention specialist spoke about the effects of alcohol.
Horizon 2020 Chapter Update Report
The attached report is a summary of the progress of the update of Horizon 2020, The Comprehensive Plan for Lawrence and Unincorporated Douglas County. Horizon 2020 was originally adopted by the Planning Commission May 22, 1996, by the City Commission January 28, 1997, and by the Board of County Commissioners May 18, 1998. There have been amendments to various chapters since the adoption of Horizon 2020 and several complete chapter updates.
Final Report on 24th & Crossgate/Harvard & Wakarusa Sanitary Sewer Improvements
The Utilities Department has provided the attached report on the recently completed 24th & Crossgate/Harvard & Wakarusa Sanitary Sewer Improvements.
Solid Waste Stats from Move-in/Move-out Week
Previous City Manager’s Reports have provided photos of the trash situations Solid Waste crews encounter during move-in/move-out weeks for university students. The table below compares the pounds of waste hauled on a typical non-moving week to the amounts hauled during a typical moving week this year.
|
Pounds of Solid Waste Hauled |
|||
|
|
Typical Week, June 4-8 |
Moving Week, July 30-August 3 |
% increase |
|
Monday |
130,650 |
439,880 |
237% |
|
Tuesday |
467,330 |
599,930 |
28% |
|
Wednesday |
141,600 |
588,180 |
315% |
|
Thursday |
390,190 |
453,990 |
16% |
|
Friday |
141,600 |
220,240 |
56% |
Pooch Plunge a Growing Success
On Tuesday, September 4, 2007 the Aquatics Division held the 5th Annual Pooch Plunge (see photos) at the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center. The day after the swimming pool closes for the season, we open the gates of the Outdoor Aquatic Center for our 4-legged friends. Pet owners registered 398 pooches this year, which broke the previous record by over 100 dogs. Along with a mandatory doggie bag, each dog and owner received several free goodies from local pet supply/service vendors. The event is an exciting way to end the outdoor swimming season. The Parks & Recreation Department received several positive comments from both new and returning pooch owners.
City Prosecutor Serving on State Senate Task Force
At the request of Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger, City Prosecutor Jerry Little is serving on the Electronic Motor Vehicle Financial Security Verification System Task Force. This task force, created by the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, is studying issues relating to a Senate bill providing for the development and implementation of an electronic system for real-time verification of auto insurance coverage.
Staff Attends Floodplain Management Conference
On September 5-6th, Stormwater Engineer Matt Bond and Long-Range Planner Amy Miller attended the Kansas Association for Floodplain Management Conference that was held in Lawrence. The conference included informative sessions on general floodplain issues, the National Flood Insurance Program, floodproofing techniques, and obtaining state fill and levy permits. The event brought in floodplain professionals from all over the state and included a variety of speakers.
Planners Attend State Planning Conference
Planners Joe Rexwinkle and Dan Warner attended the 2007 Kansas American Planning Association (APA) Conference in Manhattan on September 6th and 7th. Approximately 100 planners from around the state participated in the two-day event. The conference included sessions on Fort Riley’s expansion and its effect on surrounding communities, the Kansas Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan, the BNSF Intermodal Facility and Logistics Park, and the Arkansas River Access Plan and Kansas Watershed Enhancement Plans.