CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending May 22, 2009

May 15 storm report

On Friday, May 15, Lawrence experienced very heavy rains over a short period of time, leading to some weather related emergencies and damage around the city. Rainfall data indicates that Lawrence received one inch of rain in only fifteen minutes, and a total of more than three inches (3.41 inches was measured at the Maple Street pump station) over a three hour period. City departments reported the following effects of the storm:

• Notable street flooding at 23^rd and Ousdahl, 11^th and Haskell, 7^th and Lyons, 5^th and Maple, and 2^nd Street underpass;
• 5^th and Maple pump station had to be manually operated for about two hours because a float that enables automatic operation malfunctioned;
• Sheet flooding at Memorial Park Cemetery and water damage at the cemetery office/shop and 2 houses nearby;
• The Actiflo water treatment process was active for 24 hours beginning 9:00 p.m. on May 15;
• One sewer backup was reported to the Utilities Department;
• The Fire Medical Department performed a water rescue of two individuals in a disabled vehicle in the 1300 block of Brook;
• Fire Medical Stations 5 (1911 Stewart) and 1 (746 Kentucky) had leaks which are being addressed by Building Maintenance;
• The Police Department responded to 41 storm related calls for service, including 17 motorist assists, 8 non-injury and 3 injury accidents, 6 roadway obstructions and a few burglar alarms that may have been triggered by the storm.

Lawrence Municipal Airport 80^th Anniversary

The city had a successful 80th airport anniversary event. Attendance was estimated to be over 3,000.  Recognition was given to Delbert Erhart for long term service to the airport.  Photo

Baggett v. County Memoranda of Decisions

Douglas County District Court Judge Fairchild granted the City’s motion to dismiss plaintiffs’ appeal of the decision of the City to annex the 155 acres at K-10 and Farmers’ Turnpike.  The Court also granted the City’s motion for judgment on the pleadings on Count II (challenging the City’s actions related to the annexation) of plaintiffs’ petition filed pursuant to KSA 12-760.  The Judge’s Memoranda of Decisions are attached.

The City’s actions related to the rezoning of the 155 acres remains in the litigation.  The county’s actions in approving the annexation of the 155 acres also remains in the litigation, the City has intervened in this action as well.

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