Lawrence City Commission Goals

(Adopted by the City Commission on July 7, 2009)

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:  Promoting the economic development of Lawrence to provide varied work and business opportunities.

 

Recent successes

 

                                         Next steps                                                             Actions and Assignments

Staff to provide Commission with status briefing on former Farmland Industries property and city’s efforts to facilitate industrial park development at the site; proceed with annexation of property.

Annexation Ordinance No. 8435 annexing 448 acres adopted and effective. Staff recommending acquisition of property at the March 23 City Commission study session and meeting.

Proceed with providing water/sewer infrastructure at the Lawrence Municipal Airport and continue to promote the airport for economic development opportunities.

Waterline construction to be completed March 2010. Sewer design completed early spring. Construction completion anticipated in late 2010. Commission approval of Hawkeye lease in February. Continued contacts with economic development prospects for airport development.

Proceed with improvements to the development process to ensure adequate facilitation for quality development, including incentives for infill development

Development Code improvements continuing. See  McCullough report of 9/6/2009.

Redevelopment contact program underway

Schedule Commission discussion on governance structure for economic development partnership

Partnership continuing to work on several items and projects.  

In cooperation with our economic development partners, the city should focus efforts to:

 

Make Lawrence among the most attractive for “green” jobs

Bowersock dam improvements completed March 2010.  Staff meeting to discuss additional opportunities.

Staff and Chamber staff met with Johnson County Community College representatives in July 2009 at their Lawrence campus regarding job training and “green job” opportunities.  Stimulus funding opportunities in this area are being monitored. 

 

Enhance and market Lawrence as a retirement destination

Staff plans to review retirement strategies undertaken by other communities, identify key tasks and infrastructure needed to enhance the community as a retirement destination, identify community leaders to build these resources.  City to cooperate with Chamber efforts.

From MARC newsletter - EPA guide to smart growth and older Americans.  The guide is geared toward community leaders, but also provides guidance for cities in developing a community that better accommodates senior citizens.

Explore additional industrial park locations

Chapter 7 of Comprehensive Plan adopted. PDS and Economic Development Coordinator will provide report.  Farmland acquisition on CC agenda 3/23/2010.

Promote additional research fields at the University of Kansas with economic development benefits

City staff to schedule meetings.  Incubator under construction.   City and County acquired West Labs Building in January 2010.

Provide staff report on economic development successes in other communities and analysis of tools used.

Staff provided an extensive survey and digital presentation on various tools used by other communities in a January 2008 Study Session:  http://www.lawrenceks.org/study_sessions/2008/01-14-08/01-14-08h/eco_devo_staff_memo.html

Provide staff report on economic development financing options used in other communities.

Cit City staff to schedule meetings.

 

 

PLANNED GROWTH:  Encouraging growth that protects our environment, neighborhoods, and cultural features while benefiting all of our citizens.

 

Recent successes

 

                                         Next steps                                                             Actions and Assignments

Continue efforts to improve the responsiveness and outcomes of the development process, including:  participation with development stakeholders in recommending Development Code amendments which reflect community values and needs, appropriately encourage infill development, establish appropriate measurement tools for the development process, and reflect scale and cost reasonableness.

Development Code amendments underway. See McCullough report of 9/6/2009.

Redevelopment contact program underway.

 

City staff to schedule meeting on performance measurements.

Continue city’s master planning efforts, including a review of the Urban Growth Area boundaries.

Northeast sector plan first draft available March 2010.   PDS to provide additional report on UGA review.  Coordination with utility master planning.  

Complete water and waste water master plans to ensure appropriate attention to maintenance, growth and regulatory needs.

CC approved contract for wastewater master plan.

CC to consider water master plan contract.

Staff report on waterline conditions.

COMMUNITY BUILDING:  Creating social capital and celebrating our heritage.

 

Recent successes

 

                                         Next steps                                                             Actions and Assignments

Commission direction on planned rehabilitation of the former Carnegie Library.

Construction started in March 2010. Anticipate completion in mid/late 2010.

Staff report on options for increased cleaning efforts in Downtown areas.

Staff reviewing options for improvements

Review opportunities for enhancements at the Lawrence Public Library.

City Commission to consider library referendum proposal.  HVAC and roof improvements in planning stages.  

Commission discussion on homeless shelter with focus on city’s role.

CC  extended SUP for LCS Kentucky site to April, 2011.

LCS Franklin Park site on Planning Commission agenda March 2010.

Staff report on efforts to enhance Lawrence community events, including review of efforts in other communities, opportunities for city signature event and city coordination and promotion.

Staff assisting with existing events: St Patrick’s Day Parade;

Earth Day Parade and associated event in South Park;

Kansas Marathon; Ironman; Tour of Lawrence; Downtown Fireworks; Busker Fest;  Bert Nash Anniversary Event;

Christmas Horse Parade.

 

 

Staff report on community planning process to develop a recreation center located west of Kasold.

City Commission received comprehensive Parks and       Recreation needs and facility planning review in early 2010.  Additional analysis on possible projects is underway.

 

Schedule Commission discussion to consider charging a body with completing an inventory of historical structures and recommended prioritization of the structures.

PDS provided report on issue.

Seek educational and publicity opportunities to encourage recreational activities including walking and biking downtown.

Burroughs Creek Rail/Trail groundbreaking on October 6.   Transportation planners to provide report on current and possible future efforts for pedestrian and bicycle activity.

 

ENVIRONMENT ISSUES:  Integrating the environment into our decisions as we work towards a sustainable city.

 

Recent successes

 

                                         Next steps                                                             Actions and Assignments

Facilitate public discussion and review of possible city sponsored curbside recycling program, including explore feasibility of a pilot program and in-depth review of possible program costs and benefits.

Recycling division provided report.   “Lawrence provides curbside recycling” campaign underway.          

Continue to use stimulus funding to support transit system.

Transit Administrator to provide report.

Update Memo  

Seek publicity opportunities to tell the city’s story of green efforts including alternative fuel transit vehicles and energy saving projects.

City worked with ESPN for College Green Day promotion activities. 2009 annual report highlights sustainability efforts including ARRA grants received with an environmental focus.  All ARRA projects were highlighted in the Dec. 2009 Flame which gave brief descriptions on each project including the EECBG and transit grants for hybrid buses.  Additional promotion opportunities being evaluated.

Hire Sustainability Coordinator (possibly in cooperation with the county) and task the position with raising the sustainability message and substance for the community, including reducing city energy consumption and costs, green business enhancement and other sustainable initiatives.

Grant approved.   Next steps for implementation underway. CC approved cooperation agreement for coordinator position on October 13.  County proceeding with recruitment.  

Schedule Commission receipt of report from Peak Oil Taskforce.

Preliminary report from the Task Force received in January 2010, with final report due in August.

Staff report on status of Chapter 16 (Environmental Chapter of Comprehensive Plan)  including timeline for report to City Commission.

First draft scheduled to be available by end of March, 2010.

Schedule Commission discussion of sensitive land language in development code and farmland preservation issue.

City Commission will receive multiple opportunities to discuss sensitive land issues during Chp. 16 review.  Text amendment language likely to Planning Commission in April and to City Commission in May.

Staff report on existing tools and possible enhanced tools  that support infill development

City Commission to review draft CID policy.

 

 

NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY:  Improving the livability of all Lawrence neighborhoods.

 

Recent successes

 

                                         Next steps                                                             Actions and Assignments

Schedule Commission discussion about approved and unfunded traffic calming plans to focus on funding options and timeline expectations.

Public Works report.   List attached.  Discussion with City Commission should include priority of pedestrian/school crossing.

Staff report on number of school crossing locations that are absent crosswalks.

Public Works and USD officials meeting to review possible improvements.

Staff report on sidewalk gaps in areas surrounding schools.

Public Works and USD officials meeting to review possible improvements.

Staff report on options for enhancing City Code compliance regarding zoning (single-family residence), yard and blight maintenance, including development of useful performance measurements.

PDS provided report.

Seek educational and publicity opportunities:

 

·         To encourage proper yard maintenance including mowing and trimming;

Included in the above PDS report. April 2010 Flame includes articles on top code violations, including mowing and trimming.

·         For TND so neighbors are informed about allowed and prohibited uses in infill development;

PDS provided report.

·         On sidewalk maintenance responsibilities including repair and clearing;

CC to discuss sidewalk maintenance and funding options. December 2009 Flame included an article on snow ordinance and citizen responsibilities for sidewalks.

·         To highlight street equity issues and demonstrate that all neighborhoods are receiving street maintenance including the analytical basis for decisions of street and curb repairs.

City 2010 street maintenance program demonstrated city-wide planned improvements. February 2010 Flame included an article on PCI data and how city rates streets and prioritized needed maintenance.

 

TRANSPORTATION:  Improving access for all citizens.

 

Recent successes

 

                                         Next steps                                                             Actions and Assignments

Schedule Commission briefing on South Lawrence Trafficway and US 59 highway from state and/or federal transportation agency.

KDOT briefing held on October 6.

 

Complete phase II of transit planning effort to coordinate routes with improvements launching in summer/fall 2010.  Consider additional opportunities for KU coordination and other improvements to increase ridership.

Coordination efforts with KU are underway.  Recent successes include the new shared Route 11 and a joint Guide to Ride map.  Commission approved joint City/KU transit facility memorandum of understanding.  Commission will review proposed route changes in early spring 2010 which will bring additional route changes and more coordination for August 2010.  An update was provided at the August 11 City Commission meeting on efforts to date:  http://www.lawrenceks.org/web_based_agendas/2009/08-11-09/08-11-09h/pt_coordination_update_memo.html

 

Staff report and briefing on past and current efforts to extend 31st Street east of Haskell Avenue.

Final design to be completed summer, 2010.  CC budgeted some funds for ROW acquisition in 2010 budget.  Federal appropriations requested included this project.

Staff report on existing tools that facilitate development supporting other modes of transportation.

PDS to provide report, include highlighting of existing tools:  mixed-use district, sidewalk standards, transit oriented design; and ideas on how to encourage these uses.

 

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT:  Enhance the vitality of downtown while maintaining it as a unique community treasure.

 

Recent successes

 

                                         Next steps                                                             Actions and Assignments

Staff report on options to increase foot patrol and cleanliness efforts in the downtown area.

See parking fee/fine item below.  Additional foot patrols in downtown area underway as resources permit.

Engage merchants to help identify strategies to garner support for hosting events in downtown.

City participating in KU 2010 Spring Athletic event promotion.  Other events and opportunities.

Staff report on opportunities to encourage additional re-development in the downtown area, including newly enacted legislation for community improvement districts.

Staff prepared draft community improvement district (CID) policy for City Commission consideration.

Staff report on parking fees and fines for downtown parking system.

Ordinance No.  8413 adopted.  Effective September 1.  Resource enhancement for foot patrols and downtown beautification.

Staff report on other communities’ activities to be proactive with downtown development.

Staff report to be prepared.

Carnegie rehabilitation and active use

Construction began March 2010 with early fall completion date.  Future home of CVB and FFNHA.

Library improvements

City Commission to consider library expansion proposal.

 

SERVICE DELIVERY:  Provide excellent city services consistent with resources available.

 

Recent successes

 

                                         Next steps                                                             Actions and Assignments

Staff report on improvements to performance measurement system, including engagement of citizens and stakeholders in selected metrics and measurements that better define “success” in city services.

Budget Manager to provide report.

Staff report on employee cross training efforts.

Staff to provide report.

Staff report on quality assurance standards used when working with vendors.

Staff to provide report.

Conduct citizen survey in 2010.

Citizen survey budgeted for 2010, likely fall work item.

Staff report on current and past eGov initiatives including efforts with electronic utility bills and online payments.

Staff is working on a report and E-gov initiatives.  Staff is discussing options to centralize credit card payments to better facilitate online payments and possibly consolidate and negotiate better fees.