CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
October Sales Tax Distribution
The October sales tax distribution was Lawrence’s highest ever. While this was the result of a lower September distribution and increased electric utility sales due to the high temperatures, it did provide a needed revenue boost. The 2007 original total sales tax budget was $23,050,000. If the November and December distributions are received as projected, the 2007 calendar year total sales tax distributions will be $22,086,000. The total 2006 calendar year sales tax distribution was $21,815,097. We may experience a reduction in the November sales tax distribution because the October distribution included more September sales than usual. Please see the attached spreadsheet for more details.
Last Call Licensing Hearing
The City has requested a hearing
from the Alcoholic Beverage Commission Control on the renewal of Last Call’s state
liquor license. The hearing was originally scheduled for Friday, October 26th
at 1:30 P.M. Counsel for the licensee has requested a continuance of the
hearing. The hearing is now scheduled for two days, the 19th
and 20th of November. It will begin at 9:30 A.M. on each day.
Alvamar Area Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project
Please see the attached final report on the Alvamar Area Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project.
North Kasold Project Report
Kasold from Peterson to the KTA was opened on Oct 12, 2007. The project is a boulevard facility with roundabouts at Tillerman and Grand Vista. A Rec Path (west side) and sidewalk (east side) were constructed. The street is 11” Concrete. This project ties into the newly completed Kasold Bridge over the KTA. This was a City/State project, with City staff providing the inspection. Please see attached photos of the project.
Pharmacy Construction Offers Opportunity for Better Access Management
City Engineer Shoeb Uddin recently worked with CVS and El Mezcal to get a single shared access onto 23rd Street, eliminating the need for an additional curb cut. This project was paid in part by KDOT as part of the Access Management project. The attached letter from the development company praises the work of Shoeb and the City on this project.
Sesquicentennial Point and DeVictor Park Dedicated
The Parks & Recreation Department recently held dedications for both Sesquicentennial Point and DeVictor Park. Please see the attached report for photos and more information.
Special Populations Division Wins Award
Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department’s Special Populations Division received the InterHab annual Kansas Inclusive Communities Award for 2007 at its annual state conference October 10-12 in Wichita, Kansas. The Special Populations Division is headed by Annette Deghand, who was singled out in the nomination for her work in developing inclusive programs and for encouraging individuals with disabilities to take part in any program offered by the department. Please see that attached report on the award.
City Website a Resource to Neighborhood Association
The Fall 2007 Oread Neighborhood Association newsletter included a full page of information on city ordinances related to Good Neighbors. The content was created and distributed by the City to help education residents new to neighborhoods become familiar with local ordinances. The material is on the city’s website at http://www.lawrencecourt.org/goodneighbor_broch.shtml, and is included in outreach efforts in the fall to correspond with the typical cycle of year long leases.
Fall Compost Giveaway a Success
The Fall Compost Giveaway was completed October 25-27. Over 1,550 tons of compost, created from April and May yard clippings, was given away over the three days. Please see the attached report for photos and more information on the event.