CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending March 27, 2010

 

 

Northeast Sector Plan

Planning Staff has released the 1st draft of the Northeast Sector Plan.  A copy of the 1st draft can be found at http://www.lawrenceks.org/pds/draft_plans. A public meeting to review the 1st draft will take place on Wednesday, April 7th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Prairie Moon School located at 1853 E 1600 Rd. Written comments for the 1st draft are due April 15th. 

 

Impact of lost demand transfer revenues

As explained in the attached article from the Kansas Government Journal, “Since 1991, cities and counties in Kansas have lost a total of $1,403,631,968 as a result of state budget decisions and tax policies. It is very important to note that while some of these monies are often referred to as ‘state aid’ in budget documents, the history of these funds does not support that classification. The LAVTRF and the CCRS funds were a part of an agreement between the State and local governments that involved the loss of local revenue sources in exchange for the establishment of these funds.”  

 

Building permit trends

The attached memo provides information concerning trends for building permits issued compared to previous years and to other area jurisdictions. Other area jurisdictions surveyed include the other permit issuing jurisdictions within Douglas County, including Douglas County, Eudora, and Baldwin City. Other jurisdictions surveyed were Topeka, De Soto, Olathe, Salina, Ottawa, Emporia, and Lenexa.

 

Update on Burroughs Creek Trail project

Work continues on the Burroughs Creek Trail project. The section north of 19th Street (to 11th Street) should be completed by May. The southern portion is very wet and completion is not expected until later this summer. Please see attached photos of the 19th street HAWK (High Intensity Activated Crosswalk) being installed. There is one operating HAWK on 11th near Haskell. The 19th street HAWK should be operational this week, weather permitting.

 

Construction begins on NY Street brick reconstruction

Construction began this week on the New York Street brick reconstruction project. This project is 100% ARRA funded. The project will restore the brick street from 9th street to 12th street. The project will be completed before school begins in August. Please see attached photos.