CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending April 16, 2010

1^st Quarter Financial Report

The attached report summarizes the financial activities of the City of Lawrence through the end of the first quarter of 2010 on a budget basis.  The report provides budgetary highlights from the major funds of the City, and also compares financial activities to the budget and the two previous years. 

NEA Mayors' Institute on City Design 25^th Anniversary Initiative Grant Update

The City has learned that it was not selected to submit a formal proposal for this grant opportunity.  Over 200 grant applications were received and the NEA anticipates only awarding approximately 15 grants. The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission, in conjunction with the Lawrence Arts Center and other partners, had proposed to establish an Arts Resource Officer to develop a Downtown Lawrence Arts District, create new initiatives and expand existing initiatives. 

End of season snow report

The 2009 / 2010 snow season was one of the worst in Lawrence’s history. We had a total of 12 events that dumped a staggering 42.45 inches of snow, breaking many state and local weather related records. Crews worked a total of 37 days managing these storms at a total cost of $700,312.94 for manpower, material and equipment. Last year we had a total of 10 events with a snow total of 10.6 inches at a cost of $300,062.84. Please see the attached report for more information.

March building permits

There were 201 permits issued in March 2010, compared to 144 in 2009.  Permit valuation was $9,200,761 compared to $14,411,989 last year.  Fees were $66,457.70 compared to $86,271.48 last year. Staff issued 26 permits for new single-family dwellings, compared to one in March last year. For the second consecutive month, new single-family and duplex dwelling permits accounted for a major proportion (61% in March) of the total valuation of permits issued. Please see the attached memo, report, and summary for more details.