CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Week ending April 15, 2011
2010 Annual Report Online
The 2010 City of Lawrence annual report highlights projects that illustrate the city’s commitment to improving the quality of life in Lawrence. Throughout the year, elected leaders, staff and community members dedicate themselves to accomplishing projects that fulfill Commission goals including growing our local economy, enhancing neighborhoods, celebrating our community and improving infrastructure. The report can be viewed online at www.lawrenceks.org/annual_report/2010.
Enhancements to Burroughs Creek Trail continue
The Parks and Recreation Department recently installed signs and maps (see attached photos) at various entrances to the Burroughs Creek Trail. These enhancements follow improvements to the landscaping and installation of benches along the trail. Installation of drinking fountains is planned for the near future.
Planning and Development Services 2010 Annual Report
Planning and Development Services staff work hard throughout the year responding to customer inquiries, improving and enforcing regulations, refining departmental efficiencies, and processing development related applications. The 2010 Annual Report highlights efforts undertaken throughout 2010 by the department.
Flood Brochures Distributed to Residents
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 in the 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.
March Building Permits
The Building Safety Division issued 176 building permits in March, with total construction for the month valued at $6,930,707, compared to $9,200,761 in March 2010. Total permit fees assessed for the month were $60,031, compared to $66,457 in March 2010. There were 21 permits issued for new residential construction in March, including 13 single-family dwellings, one duplex, and seven multi-family dwellings containing 47 dwelling units. Permits were issued for 29 new residential projects in March last year, 26 for single-family dwellings and three for duplexes. Please see the attached memo, summary report, and full building permits report for more information.
Fire Medical 2010 Annual Report
The Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical Department has prepared the attached 2010 Annual Report detailing the activities and accomplishments of the department.
Pavement Management Program Summary and 2011 Project Update
The attached memo summarizes results of our Pavement Management Program and provides an update of 2011 projects. An aggressive maintenance program was implemented with the support of the 2008 sales tax for infrastructure maintenance. Results from the second review (cycle) of the street infrastructure provided a positive movement towards overall sustainability. New applications, such as crack sealing, microsurfacing, patching, and mill and overlay treatments have slowed deterioration rates and increased pavement life. With continued support from the community we are confident the PCI numbers and street conditions will continue to improve.
Staff Presentation at State Recycling Conference
Tom Hogan, Waste Reduction and Recycling Specialist, was a speaker at the 2011 Kansas Department of Health and Environment WORKS conference in Wichita. His presentation highlighted the City of Lawrence / Douglas County Household Hazardous Waste and Small Quantity Generator Programs. The WORKS conference focuses on recycling, composting and hazardous waste disposal. Please see attached photos.
Student Volunteers Help City During “The Big Event”
On March 31, 2011, approximately 500 University of Kansas students participated in “The Big Event” to help Lawrence residents and organizations with community projects. Six students helped the city’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Division by volunteering to pull weeds and prep garden beds for spring at the Solid Waste Annex North building, located at 320 NE Industrial Lane. Please see attached photos.