CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Budget projections
Year to date revenue and expenditure information has been reviewed by staff (see attached memo) and updated 2009 General Fund projections are attached.
Douglas County Historical Society seeks input
The Douglas County Historical Society has scheduled a series of public meetings during September to gather input on the future direction of the society and Watkins Community Museum. The meetings and an online survey that will be available soon are the first steps in a strategic planning process that the society hopes will help it focus its mission and set a positive course for the future. Four public meetings are scheduled, including one at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, at the Watkins Museum in Lawrence. See the attached release for more information.
Curbside recycling pilot program under development
Public Works staff has developed the attached recommendation for a curbside recycling pilot program. The recommendation was presented to the Sustainability Advisory Board at its September 9 meeting, and will be considered by the City Commission at a future date.
Video detection installed at intersection of 23rd and Naismith
In conjunction with the project to resurface Naismith Drive, video detection has been installed at the intersection of 23rd and Naismith. Please see attached photos of the installation.
Status on City Commission goals statement
Staff has been working toward goals and tasks identified in the City Commission’s Goal Statement. The attached document has been updated to reflect progress on those items. Also attached is a memo updating the City Commission on improvements to the development process and a list of potential text amendments to the development code and their status.
Water Treatment Plant Reduction in Chemical Use
In the last two years, the Utilities Department has experienced nitrification of water storage tanks several times. Excess ammonia in the tanks increases the likelihood of this occurrence. Once this process has started, correcting the problem is time consuming and labor intensive. Last year the Department spent approximately $2,300 to correct nitrification. Earlier this year, the Department started a daily testing program for free ammonia, total ammonia, monochloramine, and total chlorine levels. The results are used to set a more precise target range for aqua ammonia and sodium hypochlorite addition and therefore decrease the excess ammonia and free chlorine in the tanks. This additional testing has not only reduced the likelihood of nitrification and the chlorine taste in the water, but also resulted in reduction of chemical usage. The Department anticipates an approximate yearly savings of $15,000 due to the decrease of aqua ammonia usage plus the cost of correcting nitrification problems.