CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending April 23, 2010

 

 

District Court Issues Opinion on Annexation of 155 Acres Near Farmer’s Turnpike

The Douglas County District Court rendered its decision concerning the City’s annexation of the 155 acres in the case, James Baggett, et al. v. Board of County Commissioners of Douglas County, et al. and ruled in favor of the City and the County. The court found the City and County’s actions were lawful, appropriate and in compliance with the annexation statutes. The opinion is attached. The plaintiffs’ challenge to the city’s rezoning of the 155 acres is pending in district court. 

 

Safe Winter Walkways program review

The 2009-2010 Safe Winter Walkways program is complete for this past winter season and will begin soliciting volunteers again this fall. Fifty-two residents were matched with community volunteers over the course of this past winter season. These volunteers committed to shoveling the sidewalks at the home of residents who needed assistance with snow removal. The attached memorandum provides specifics on the program and outlines additional methods that will be used in the future to garner volunteer support. A letter of appreciation from the Mayor will be sent to all the volunteers who participated in the 2009-2010 Safe Winter Walkways program.  

 

CDBG and HOME allocations

The City of Lawrence has received notification from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding the FY 2010 CDBG and HOME Allocations.  These grants are funded through the office of Community Planning and Development’s (CPD’s) formula programs.  The amounts for Lawrence are: 

§  Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)       $873,534

§  HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)   $692,784

 

The CDBG allocation is increased this year from last year by $65,760; however the HOME allocation was reduced by $3,121. The Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) has been meeting regularly to review applications in preparation for a recommendation of allocations to the City Commission. A Public Hearing was conducted on April 8, 2010 and the CDAC is finalizing the details of the recommendation. It is anticipated that item will be on the May 4, 2010 City Commission meeting agenda. Please see the attached memo for more information.

 

State surcharge to driver’s license reinstatement fees

Effective April 20, 2010, and pursuant to an Order of the Kansas Supreme Court, Municipal Court implemented a surcharge to the $59 drivers’ license reinstatement fee, for a docket fee and surcharge total of $76.50.  The City currently assesses its own $25 reinstatement fee, bringing the total drivers’ license reinstatement fee to $101.50.   According to correspondence from Supreme Court Justice Lawton Nuss, the surcharge is authorized by 2010 Senate Substitute for House Bill 2476, to fund the costs of non-judicial personnel.  In 2009, Municipal Court assessed 806 drivers’ license reinstatement fees.  So far in 2010, the court has assessed 331 drivers’ license reinstatement fees.  A copy of Justice Nuss’ correspondence and the Kansas Supreme Court Order 2010 SC 30 are attached. 

 

Record number of participants at city’s Earth Day Celebration in South Park

On Saturday, April 17, 2010, the city’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Division hosted the 10th Annual Earth Day Celebration at South Park. The event had a record number of participants and attendance was estimated at 1,000. Activities were for all ages and included live music, informational booths, food vendors, a Water Festival for Douglas County, and South Park tree identification tours. In addition, the Lawrence Transit System offered free rides all day, providing the experience and benefits of public transportation on all fixed routes. Please see the attached report for more details.

 

Floodplain management

During the month of April, Lawrence residents will receive a Flood Information Brochure inserted with their water bill. The brochure provides information on obtaining flood insurance, flood safety, obtaining a floodplain development permit, and historical information on floods Lawrence. This outreach brochure is sent out by the Planning Department annually and is part of the city’s participation in the Community Rating System (CRS), which enables property owners in the City of Lawrence to receive a discount on flood insurance. The City of Lawrence was recently re-certified as a CRS class level 8 community, which allows property owners in the city to receive a 10% discount on their flood insurance.

 

In addition, Amy Brown, Long-Range Planner, has successfully passed the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) examination and joins Matt Bond, Stormwater Engineer who has previously achieved this certification. The CFM program recognizes professional development that enhances the knowledge and performance of floodplain management professionals.