CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Week ending May 28, 2010
New York brick street reconstruction update
The first phase of the project, reconstruction of the 1000 block, began March 22, 2010. Despite unfavorable weather conditions work has progressed steadily and the first phase of the project has been completed, reopening the 1000 block of New York to local traffic this weekend. The brick being salvaged is in good condition and we anticipate having adequate reusable brick to finish the project. Due to the larger traffic volumes using 11th St., the 11th & N.Y. intersection was reconstructed using red concrete, stamped with a herringbone brick pattern.
The second phase of the project, the 900 block of New York, is underway and will conclude prior to school resuming at New York Elementary in August 2010. The neighborhood has been receptive to the project so far. With favorable weather the project will be completed this fall. The attached report and photos document the progress.
Burroughs Creek Trail update
The main trail and street crossings have been completed from 11th St. to 19th St. This section of trail is open to the public and is already accommodating pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The completed sections of trail have been backfilled, seeded and signage installed.
A pedestrian bridge connecting Parnell Park to the main trail will be installed next week. Due to topography and drainage concerns, additional time is being spent grading the section of trail from 19th to 23rd Street. The attached report and photos document the progress.
Public Works staff member honored
Tamara Bennett was recently honored at the Spring Conference of the Kansas Chapter of APWA. She was awarded the George Williams Award for Excellence in Public Works. The Award is given to an outstanding Kansas leader in the public works field, recognizing excellence and dedication in public service. Tammy Bennett began her employment with the city in 1991 as an Administrative Intern in the City Manager’s Office. In 1993 she began her career in Public Works as a Management Analyst II. Tammy is currently the Assistant Public Works Director – Administration and Services, which includes oversight of the Public Works budget, personnel, Solid Waste and Central Maintenance. We are extremely proud of Tammy’s continued commitment to provide excellent city services.
Searchable cemetery records available online
Genealogy searching in Lawrence just got easier. The City of Lawrence now offers a searchable online database containing burial records for Oak Hill, Memorial Park and Maple Grove cemeteries. The database includes records of individuals buried in all city-maintained cemeteries and provides a listing by name of the burial date, the cemetery, section and lot where the deceased is buried, as well as the owner of the plot. Records include burials from December 1832 to present day. The database will be updated monthly. The database can be accessed at http://www.lawrenceks.org/lprd/parks.
The online searchable database was created to better assist patrons and requests for plot locations. The database was created by the city’s Information Systems Department in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation Department and the city’s Communication office.
Public Works staff completes building operator certification
Facilities Manager Steve Bennett and Assistant Director of Public Works Mark Thiel have completed a 7-class course series to earn their Building Operator Certification (BOC) designation. The program educates building operators who handle the day-to-day maintenance and operations of large buildings and their complex heating, mechanical, and electrical systems. They received a nationally-recognized certification by completing a series of monthly training sessions, exams and project assignments. They gained firsthand experience using the tools and methods taught in class to build records on their organization's electrical systems, HVAC operations, lighting levels and controls, and annual profiles of energy consumption.