CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Week ending September 10, 2010
Follow up on Commission questions related to employee health insurance
The City Commission had a request to follow up on two items related to employee health insurance. The attached memo provides information related to these items, including a historical summary of mid-year health insurance claims. The peer city information indicates that the City of Lawrence is more generous than most of the peer cities regarding the subsidy of employee-only health insurance premiums. Regarding the mid-year claims information, it appears that actual claims through June 2010 are generally on target with past years for this time period. Typically, health insurance claims during the last half of the year are greater than the first half, due to the effect of health insurance deductibles during the early part of the year. . Commissioner Chestnut Follow-up - added 09/13/10 Staff Memo in Response to Commissioner Chestnut - added 09/13/10
9th and New Hampshire bus stop relocation
The 9th and Massachusetts area bus stop location was moved this summer temporarily to the 9th & New Hampshire area in anticipation of accommodating the construction project on the southwest corner of 9th & New Hampshire. The bus stop relocation has caused some concerns from the owner and tenants of the Black Hills Energy building on the northeast corner of 9th & New Hampshire. City staff has met on several occasions with owners and tenants and has attempted to mitigate the concerns. Staff has also met with Arts Center officials regarding the possibility of relocating the bus stop to the southeast corner of the intersection, north of the Arts Center. Staff is planning follow up discussions with occupants of both buildings in order to discuss a possible solution that attempts to split the stop location to the corners of east side of New Hampshire at 9th. It is important for the stop to remain in the general area due to it being a key hub for the transit system and it is extremely important to maintain a close proximity of the stops in order to ensure ease in transfer between routes.
Rezoning of 155 acres on Farmer’s Turnpike
The City has prevailed on the challenge to the rezoning of the 155 acres along Farmer’s Turnpike. Please see the attached memorandum of decision for more information.
Public comments received regarding passenger rail service
In May and June KDOT conducted meetings with officials and members of the public regarding expanded passenger rail service in Kansas. The attached letter includes a summary of public comments received and outlines KDOT’s next steps, which include creating service development plans for two alternatives, a nighttime service from Oklahoma City to Newton and a daytime stand-alone service between Kansas City and Fort Worth.
New fire apparatus nearly complete
Fire Medical staff will be inspecting the new Engine 1 unit next week. Main assembly of the apparatus was completed last week. See attached photo journal from the manufacturer.
Transit System wins awards
At the annual Kansas Public Transit Association meeting, it was announced that the Lawrence Transit System has won two awards, the FTA Ridership Award and the KPTA Transit System of the Year award.
Wastewater Utility receives awards
The Lawrence Wastewater Utility received two awards during the annual Kansas Water Environment Association/Kansas Section of the American Water Works Association Joint Conference in Topeka. The awards included the Wastewater Treatment Plant Award in the large secondary treatment facility category and Wastewater Treatment Plant Safety Award.
Through receipt of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Award, the KWEA recognized the City for excellent wastewater treatment plant operation, high quality of wastewater treatment, and overall notable management and operations. The Wastewater Treatment Plant Safety Award recognized the Utility for consistently low lost time accidents, overall comprehensive procedures and programs for increased employee and community safety, and the general safety attitude and culture practiced by the Utility. The Utility was nominated for the award and underwent an inspection and interview by peers as part of the selection process.
The Kansas Water Environment Association is a professional organization for individuals involved in the wastewater treatment profession, including engineers, scientists, wastewater managers, lab technicians, and treatment professionals.
Utility staff member to lead state association
On September 1, the Kansas Water Environment Association named Jeanette Klamm as the organization’s President at the annual conference awards banquet. Jeanette is the Programs Manager for the Lawrence Department of Utilities and has been employed in the department for 14 years and in the wastewater industry for 19 years. She held the position of Residuals Committee Chairperson in KWEA from 1998-2005. In 2008, Jeanette accepted nomination to the organization’s board as Vice-President, followed by President-elect. She will serve a term of one year as president. The KWEA is a professional organization for individuals involved in the wastewater treatment profession, including engineers, scientists, wastewater managers, lab technicians, and treatment professionals.