CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Week ending August 20, 2010
Site plan compliance at Lawrence High School and Virtual School
The Planning & Development Services Department has provided the attached update on Special Use Permit site plan compliance issues for the Lawrence High and Virtual School sites.
Update on the status of the city’s appropriations request
Earlier this year, the City Commission authorized staff to submit the following federal appropriations requests to members of our Congressional delegation in the U.S. House and Senate: $2 million for the 5th and Maple pump station, $2 million for the construction of 31st Street from Haskell Avenue to O’Connell Road, $1 million for storm water improvements at 23rd and Ousdahl, and $1.8 million for a Coordinated Technology Systems project for Transit. Thus far, Representative Moore has requested that $500,000 be allocated for the 5th and Maple pump station in North Lawrence. Congressional staff did not anticipate further action on this until November when the House version of the bill is reconciled with the Senate version of the bill. Also, staff has not received additional information from the Senate because the appropriations process is still in the early stages. Staff will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Indiana Street transmission line replacement
On August 16, Lawrence Utilities Department crews began replacement of a 14” diameter transmission line from 3rd Street to 8th Street along Indiana (see map). The current transmission line is made of cast iron and was placed in service in 1886. Replacement is based on the age and condition of the current waterline. The new waterline is expected to provide better water quality, better volume, and additional fire hydrants. City staff expects completion by the end of December. The transmission line is a portion of the system that transports water from the Kaw Water Treatment Plant to the southeast area of the city and the Harper water tower. This project is the largest in size and scope that city crews have undertaken. The project will begin near 8th and Indiana and proceed north toward 6th Street. A second phase will begin at 3rd and Indiana and proceed south toward 6th Street. The City will contract the transmission line installation under 6th Street due to the specialized equipment necessary for boring the width of the street.
New fire apparatus in production
Pierce manufacturing has begun construction of a new fire engine to replace a 1988 fire engine. A weekly photo update is received on the status of the apparatus allowing the fire medical apparatus project team to review compliance with specifications. The apparatus is currently scheduled to be completed the last week of September. Once completed the apparatus will be fully inspected and tested before acceptance. Training will be provided by Pierce to all department members and the truck will be outfitted with all response equipment prior to being placed in service at Fire Station One. This $669,535 fire engine was funded with a combination of the multi-year sales tax plan ($500,000 annually), vehicle reserve funds and general obligation bonds. A 100’ Ladder Platform is awaiting start of construction and is estimated to be completed in late February 2011.