CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending October 5, 2007

 

Sales Tax Distribution Report

The September sales tax distribution represents retail sales that occurred primarily in August. Our distribution represented a 3.4% increase over the September 2006 distribution and was slightly less than the September 2007 projection. Our total year to date sales tax distributions are $15,000 higher than the same period in 2006, but still below the amounts projected in the 2007 budget. Please see the attached spreadsheet for details.

 

Update on Stoneridge Water Tower

The City owns property at 5600 W. 6th Street (6th Street and Stoneridge Drive) intended as a site for the construction of an elevated water storage tank. The 2003 Water Master Plan identified the West Hills Service Area as requiring additional storage volume to meet future water demands. The Stoneridge Elevated Water Storage Tank Project is currently in the design phase. The attached memo contains more details on the project, including an architectural rendering of the tank design. The design of the tank, with a steel bowl and concrete base, is a first for Lawrence. The closed pedestal tower will allow for a future booster pumping station to be located inside the tower, and the overall design will decrease maintenance requirements compared to metal open leg towers.   

 

Lawrence Featured in Kansas Government Journal

The City of Lawrence was featured prominently in the latest edition of the Kansas Government Journal. An article by Communications Manager Lisa Patterson gave a history and overview of the Lawrence Public and Workplace Smoking Restriction ordinance. A second article by the League of Kansas Municipalities’ legal counsel analyzed the decision of the Kansas Supreme Court to uphold the City’s smoking ordinance. Finally, the Journal reported on an award received by the Lawrence Parks & Recreation Special Populations Division.  

 

Transit Survey

Lawrence Transit System staff and volunteers are currently conducting on-board passenger surveys of all “T” fixed routes so that staff can learn more about passengers currently utilizing the service. In October the Transit System will also be conducting, via a utility bill insert, a community-wide survey of perceptions and preferences related to public transportation. Please see the attached memo for more information regarding these surveys.