CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending August 6, 2010

Transportation Enhancement Grant Applications Unsuccessful

The city has been notified that its Transportation Enhancement (TE) grant applications for the lighted pedestrian pathway and Santa Fe Depot projects were not selected for funding. KDOT informed the city that demand for funding of TE projects far exceeded funding available, and that the pathway project could be strengthened for future applications if the steep slope, path width and bicycle access issues are addressed, and the depot project could be strengthened by resolution of the ownership issues and inclusion on the National Register.  Based upon the news about the Santa Fe Station Grant, staff will be requesting City Commission direction in the near future regarding the next steps in the acquisition process.

Funding opportunity: 2010 Midwest Region Alternative Fuels Project

Fleet Manager Steve Stewart, Sustainability Coordinator Eileen Horn and Assistant City Manager Cynthia Wagner are collaborating with researchers at the University of Kansas to apply for funds for an electric vehicle (EV) pilot project.  This funding is provided by the Department of Energy and the Clean Cities Transportation Sector Petroleum Reduction Technologies Program.   The proposed pilot would provide a plug-in hybrid Ford Escape for utilization by the Fire Department administration staff at Station 5.  This vehicle, along with the necessary charging infrastructure, would:

· collect vehicle usage and performance data for cost benefit analysis for KU researchers;

· establish a replicable model for future KU/Westar/City projects with EV technologies;

· reduce fuel usage and emissions associated with Fire Department staff travel.

The grant would fund a portion of the vehicle purchase price, the upgrade to plug-in technology, and the vehicle charging station.  The City would be required to provide a 50% match – which we would provide in form of the vehicle purchase price and in-kind parts and labor for the retrofit and maintenance of the vehicle. 

In addition to the EV application, funds for two city operated solid waste hydraulic hybrid vehicles and one county operated electric hybrid aerial lift would be included in the grant application.

Grant applications are due August 27, 2010 and project awards are anticipated to be announced in September.  If awarded the grant, implementation would begin in January, 2011.

Indoor Aquatic Center Annual Maintenance

The Parks & Recreation Department are completing work for the annual maintenance shutdown of the Indoor Aquatic Center. During two weeks in August, staff drained both pools and performed major maintenance, repair and cleaning projects in the facility. This year’s projects include painting the floor on the observation deck, replacing damaged counters in the men’s and women’s locker rooms, fiberglass repairs on the dragon slide, pool pump inspections and repairs, HVAC system repairs, power washing and cleaning all tile and concrete surfaces, and patching, sealing and striping the parking lots.

Arboretum Garden Addition

The Parks & Recreation Department recently completed construction of a new garden area at the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum. The project was privately funded by Eleanor & George Woodyard in recognition of their 50th wedding anniversary.