CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Turnpike work to intermittently close levee trail
A portion of the levee trail in Lawrence Riverfront Park will be closed this month as work crews construct new bridges above the Kansas River. After the initial month long closing, the trail section will be closed intermittently for an additional five months, through the end of May. A message from the Kansas Turnpike Authority to their email update list said, “Although we understand this is an inconvenience for walkers, runners, bikers and general outdoor enthusiasts, it is for the safety of everyone that the trail be closed during construction. The closures will be in effect mostly while beams and decking are being lifted over top of the trail.”
Update on new EPA ozone standards
In March 2008 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established 75ppb as the new standard for ozone levels. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) no longer has an ozone monitoring station in Douglas County, but the last three years of available data indicate that Douglas County only stayed within the new standard because of an unusually cool summer in 2004. In March 2009 KDHE must submit to EPA recommendations for areas to be designated attainment and non-attainment. In March 2010 EPA will make final designations of attainment and non-attainment areas, and KDHE will have three years to produce an implementation plan outlining how ozone pollution will be reduced in the state to meet the new standards. There is a possibility that Douglas County will be considered a non-attainment area by the EPA and that ozone reduction strategies will be imposed on Douglas County in future years. Please see the attached memo for more information.
Rental Registration Report:
The Commission considered a program improvement to the rental licensing program during the 2009 budget process. The Commission directed staff to create a program for the Commission’s consideration that would meet the purpose of protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare while also keeping costs to a minimum striving for a cost-neutral program. Staff has provided a memo outlining a plan to introduce this program to the public in order to receive comments, as well as a memo explaining the proposal and an ordinance reflecting the program elements. This will likely be a City Commission agenda item in February pending completion of the public participation process.
Manhole Lowering Project Summary:
Attached is a summary report by Bob Brower documenting ongoing Utilities commitment to infrastructure improvement.
November building permits report
There were 167 permits issued in November 2008, bringing the total issued for the year to 2032. This compares to 240 permits issued during November 2007 and 2265 for through the end of November 2007. Please see the attached memo, summary report and full report for more information.