CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending May 23, 2008

Changes to KDOT Local Transportation Programs Announced

The City recently received the attached letter regarding KDOT funding for local transportation programs. KDOT will not be able to fund these programs at the same levels as in the past, so the agency’s focus will be on preserving the existing transportation system and there will be few funds available for improving the system. Accordingly, KDOT continues to accept applications for KLINK resurfacing projects but is not seeking applications for the Economic Development and Geometric Improvements programs.

KTA Construction Impacts on Lawrence Toll Plazas

Due to the Kansas River Bridge Project, starting on June 16, 2008 a portion of Plaza 202 (“West Lawrence” or North Iowa Street) will be closed for construction. The westbound entry and exit ramps will be closed at this time and traffic that utilizes these ramps will need to use Plaza 204 (East Lawrence) or Plaza 197 (Lecompton).  By contract this work needs to be completed by 180 consecutive calendar days. People can sign up to receive updates on the project at www.spanningthefuture.com.

K-10 & Farmer’s Turnpike Plan Update

In February planning staff began the process of drafting a sector plan for an area generally around the intersection of K-10 and I-70 and approximately 4 miles east. All information regarding the plan can be found at www.lawrenceplanning.org/draftplans.shtml. Staff has utilized mail, email and a public meeting to solicit comment on the draft plan. A second draft is in the works and should be presented to the Planning Commission in June. See the attached memo for more details.

Utilities Department Project Updates

Stoneridge Elevated Tank Construction (see attached rendering) – The contract was awarded to Landmark Structures of Fort Worth, Texas on December 18, 2007. Landmark began construction on April 28, 2008 and completed the construction of the tank foundation (see attached photos) on May 13, 2008. The crew that will construct the concrete pedestal will be on site May 29, 2008, and the first lift of the pedestal is expected to be poured on June 9, 2008. The contractor works a 10 day stretch and takes 4 days off. Weekend and evening hours are being coordinated with St. Margaret’s Church which adjoins the tank site to the west. The project is currently on schedule to be completed July 13, 2009.

Kaw Water Treatment Plant Transmission Main Design (see attached map) – the contract for engineering and construction phase services was awarded on January 29, 2008. The team of Burns & McDonnell/Professional Engineering Consultants is working with Staff on preliminary designs, corridor identification and evaluation, and property acquisition. Staff has mailed notifications to those property owners potentially affected by the project to alert them to survey activities and other investigations along the proposed alignment. Staff is also meeting with property owners individually as requested or deemed necessary. Staff will be holding a neighborhood meeting at Woodlawn School in June to provide information on the project to the public and answer questions. Representatives from Burns & McDonnell and PEC will assist with the meeting. While the construction is to be completed in three (3) phases staff and the project team are working to define and acquire property for the entire alignment as part of the current Phase I activities.

Staff Investigating Options for BNSF Depot

Several staff members have been meeting with citizens over the past few months concerning the BNSF depot located on E. 7th Street.  Citizens have expressed interest in the historic restoration of the facility and concern about the current condition of the facility.  With the recent discussions about the potential Northern Flyer Amtrak route, interest in the facility has increased.   Additionally, there is interest in having the City explore potential ownership of the facility through a donation from the BNSF.  City staff has compiled a memo regarding this matter and anticipates the development of a more thorough staff report to be placed on the City Commission agenda in the next few weeks. 

Flood Information Brochure Sent to Property Owners

During the week of May 19th, owners of property located in the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA’s) within the City of Lawrence will be receiving a Flood Information Brochure in the mail. This endeavor is part of the City’s efforts to raise awareness of the potential hazards of and resources available for flooding and flood protection. This outreach brochure is sent out by the Planning and Development Services Department and is part of the City’s participation in the Community Rating System (CRS), which enables property owners in the City of Lawrence to receive a discount on flood insurance.

Utilities to Obtain After-hours Support from Local Answering Service

The Utilities Department and Finance Department maintain after-hours response capability by keeping selected staff members on call. This capability includes a manager-level staff member for both water and wastewater services, as well as field personnel to repair water mains, clear sewer lines, repair lift stations and plant equipment and respond to other utilities-related emergencies 24 hours a day, every day.

Up until now, the Utilities Department’s two night plant operators at the Kaw Water Treatment Plant have fielded after-hours calls on the Water Emergency phone line, whether related to utility services, utility billing, locates or other citizen/customer service needs. Concurrent with increased staff deployment to daytime shifts (which reduces overtime costs while increasing productivity), Utilities is arranging for after-hours telephone answering service support from Rueschhoff Communications on an as-needed basis. This arrangement will assist both the Utilities Department and the Utility Billing Division of the Finance Department in providing cost-effective and improved customer service response and support the Kaw Plant night operations’ primary focus on water process and treatment.