CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending June 13, 2008

Conversion and backup of critical signals continues

At the intersections of 6^th & Kasold, Clinton & Kasold, 23^rd & Louisiana, and 23^rd & Haskell all signals have been converted to LEDs and battery backups have been installed. The Public Works Department is implementing the conversion and backups at critical intersections as budget allows. Please see the attached photo of a battery backup installation at 23^rd and Haskell.

Mill and overlay project update

The attached memo contains information regarding the downtown street maintenance project, which includes the mill and overlay of sections of Massachusetts Street, 7^th Street, and Kentucky. When the mill and overlay of Massachusetts from 6^th to North Park is complete, contractors will begin work on 7^th Street from Vermont to New York, and Kentucky from 6^th to 12^th. At least one lane of traffic will remain open on Kentucky during milling, but three block sections of Kentucky will be closed to traffic and parking for one day each during the overlay phase. Impacts of the work include restrictions on on-street parking along Kentucky for a few days during the paving work and possible detouring of some traffic.

KTA Bridge Replacement and Plaza Improvement Project Update:

On Monday, June 16, westbound access to and from Plaza 202 (West Lawrence) will be closed as part of the Kansas River Bridges Replacement and Plaza Improvement Project. This access will be restricted for approximately six months. During this time, those going west toward Topeka and those coming to Lawrence from the east must use Plazas 204 or 197 (East Lawrence or Lecompton).

Temporary set aside agreement process for protecting sensitive areas

The Certificate of Survey process for dividing land within the unincorporated portions of Douglas County includes a provision for the protection of natural resources or environmentally sensitive areas on the site. The intent of the agreement is to protect sensitive areas on developing lands until such time as a property is annexed into the city and developed to urban densities. Upon annexation and development, the sensitive areas could be permanently protected through the development process, dedicated as park land, or otherwise developed per city code. Section 20-804(c)(2)(ii)(a) and Section 20-805(c)(2)(ii)(a) require a Temporary Set Aside Agreement be executed between the property owner, the City and the County for Certificates of Survey which occur within the Urban Growth Area (UGA). The Temporary Set Aside Agreement prohibits any development or other activity which might negatively impact the sensitive areas or natural resources located on the site. Section 20-810(j) contains a list of the resources and environmentally sensitive areas which are to be protected. A Certificate of Survey was recently completed for a Cluster Development located on property within the UGA (one-half mile north of the intersection of N 900 Rd and E 1100 Rd) which contains floodplain, one of the listed environmentally sensitive areas. The Temporary Set Aside Agreement was signed by the property owner, the Chair of the County Commission and the City Manager. The Temporary Set Aside Agreement will expire 2 years after the date the property is annexed into the City, unless further action is taken by either the City or the property owner to secure its continuance.

Sustainability Advisory Board receives recycling survey results

The Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) received the results of the recent recycling survey at its June 11 meeting. Chris Tatham of ETC Institute, the survey firm, attended the meeting to present the survey results and answer questions. The SAB indicated it would like to formulate a recommendation to present when the City Commission receives the survey results in September. The survey results are attached. 

City Attorneys Association of Kansas Spring 2008 Meeting

On June 6, Toni Wheeler, Director of the Legal Department, Jerry Cooley, City Attorney, and Scott Miller, Staff Attorney attended and were presenters at the Spring 2008 City Attorneys Association of Kansas (CAAK) meeting in Lenexa. The CAAK is a not-for-profit association affiliated with the League of Kansas Municipalities whose purpose includes providing city attorneys the opportunity to study, learn about, and exchange ideas with other persons associated with municipal law. Scott Miller gave a presentation on Police Use of Tasers. Toni Wheeler and Jerry Cooley were part of a panel discussion on the Kansas Open Meetings Act. At the same meeting, Toni Wheeler was elected to serve her second term on the Board of Directors. She was also elected to the office of the Board of Editors.

Vehicle maintenance personnel achieve certifications

Central Maintenance Garage personnel have participated in two Heartland Emergency Apparatus Technicians training programs (please see the attached memo for more information on HEAT). The following technicians have passed the Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification tests listed by their names. These certifications are required as part of the Fire & Medical Department’s recent accreditation.

Terry Eaton	Ambulance Electrical
	Fire Apparatus Electrical
	Fire Apparatus Foam Systems
	Law Enforcement Vehicle Installation Technician
Jim Sparkes	Ambulance Electrical
	Fire Apparatus Electrical
	Fire Apparatus Pump and Accessory Systems
	Law Enforcement Vehicle Installation Technician
Reese Nordhus	Ambulance Electrical
	Fire Apparatus Electrical
Tim Hays	Ambulance Electrical
	Law Enforcement Vehicle Installation Technician
Don Winklmeier	Ambulance Electrical
	Law Enforcement Vehicle Installation Technician

Summer Parks and Recreation events and projects

The Parks and Recreation Department has been involved in many successful projects and events recently, including:

§ The Chinese acrobats performing at South Park (see photos)

§ The South Park wading pool is open for business (see photo)

§ The summer playground programs are in full swing (see photo)

§ The entire Skate Park floor at Centennial Park has been crack sealed and resurfaced (see photo)