CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending October 19, 2007

Attached is a spreadsheet that calculates the changes in assessed valuation since 2000. For the 2008 assessed valuation, used for the 2009 budget, the spreadsheet uses a 2% increase in existing valuation and one half of the average new additions since 2000. The overall increase over 2007 is calculated at 3.7% with these assumptions. These assumptions will be re-examined in early 2008 in order to plan 2008 expenditures, and again in April or May as the 2009 budget process begins.

19^th and Louisiana Improvements

The attached memo is an overview of the project to make geometric improvements on 19^th Street between Ohio Street and Alabama Street. The improvements will include widening of existing pavement width to add and lengthen center/left turn lanes on 19^th Street, installation of a bus turn-out for school buses on Louisiana Street, mill and overlay, construction of a sidewalk on the north side of 19^th Street, reconstruction of sidewalk on the south side of 19^th Street, construction of storm water inlets, and traffic signal improvements at the intersection of 19^th and Louisiana. This project also includes replacement and relocation of an old 1930’s water main. The project is expected to bid in February 2008. The water main lies behind the curb and gutter and could be completed in April/May with minor traffic impacts on 19^th Street. The street work cannot begin until schools are out and, therefore, we are specifying that 19^th Street from Ohio to Alabama be closed from June 1 – July 31. Discussion with neighbors and property owners received no objections to closing the road.

I-Codes Implementation Report

The attached memo provides information concerning International Code Council code update cycles and plans for review and adoption of future code editions and plans for notification and implementation of the new codes.

Preventing Demolition by Neglect

On October 2, 2007, the City Commission requested that staff provide a report on the City’s efforts to prevent “demolition by neglect.” The attached memo provides a summary of the Code Enforcement Division’s structural blight enforcement efforts, including current inspection practices, staffing levels, goals & objectives for 2008, issues involving deteriorating structures and a recommended course of action. Additionally, the Community Development Division’s Comprehensive Housing Rehabilitation Program assists low- to moderate- income homeowners with needed home repairs and improvements to eliminate code violations, increase safety and decrease energy costs. More information on this program may be viewed on the Community Development webpage at http://www.lawrenceneighres.org/HomeImprovement.shtml.

KNRA Presentation Prepared for City/County/USD Meeting

Staff has prepared the attached presentation on the Kansas Neighborhood Revitalization Act for the joint City/County/USD study session scheduled for October 29, 9:00 a.m. at the Douglas County Courthouse.

City Hosts Kansas Built Environment and Trails Summit

On October 18^th & 19^th the City of Lawrence hosts the Kansas Built Environment and Trails summit (see attached brochure). This is the first year for this educational summit, which we hope will become an annual event. The City’s parks & recreation staff have been involved with the planning and development of the event that will bring professionals from all over the state to Lawrence.

Public Works Projects

Recently completed Concrete Crew projects include the following (click on links to view photos):

Base Repair / Asphalt Overlay - Iowa St. / Haskell Ave. / Crestline Dr. / E. 23rd St. / E. 11^th St.
Valley gutter Installation – Prestwick Ct. / E. 15th
Curb and Gutter Replacement – Carmel Dr. / Riverview Rd. / Oread Ave. / 2nd and McDonald Dr. / N. Iowa St. / Somerset Ct.
Gutter line Patching – Harvard Rd. / Lawrence Ave. / Applegate Ct.
Install Wheel Chair Ramp – 20th and Mass.
Emergency Street Repairs – E. 19th St. / Tomahawk Dr.

The Traffic Engineering Division recently completed the following projects:

31^st and Iowa traffic signal: A vehicle detection camera at 31^st and Iowa was re-aimed in an attempt to reduce glare from the morning sun which was causing the signal not to see westbound vehicles for a few minutes every morning. See attached photo.
15^th and Iowa traffic signal: The signal was rewired to eliminate an outdated form of overlap that had been used to make the northbound right turn signal function (this needed to be completed before the new poles and wiring are installed). See attached photos.

The Waste Reduction and Recycling Division recently hosted the annual Home Energy Conservation Fair and Sustainable Homes Tour. Please see the attached report regarding the event.

Equal Opportunity Law Update Seminar 2007

The City of Lawrence Human Relations Division of the Legal Services Department held their annual seminar October 16 & 17 at the Lawrence Holidome. More than 70 registrants participated the first day and 107 on the second day, which included mediation training. Up to 16 continuing legal education (CLE) credits could be earned and 6 CME credits for certified mediators. Speakers included Scott Miller, Staff Attorney of the Legal Services Department, Frank Reeb, Director of Administrative Services and Dan Affalter, Captain with the Lawrence Police Department, who spoke on conducting effective internal investigations. The successful seminar was organized and planned by Human Relations staff Paul Winn, Michelle Smith and Cynthia Colbert. Staci Kemerling of legal services staff also assisted with conference registration.