CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending October 14, 2011

Update on Police Department booking station

As reported during budget development, late in 2010, the Police Department purchased a livescan booking station comprised of a fingerprint scanner, digital camera and printer for installation at the Law Enforcement Center. The system was purchased in order to save costs associated with booking prisoners for municipal warrants and other municipal minor offenses at the Douglas County Jail as well as reduce the per incident time officers spend on those activities.  While the new system went live in January, usage was limited until all officers were trained for use.  Since mid-February, the station has been used 198 times for a savings of $14,005 in jail costs. Additionally bonds for outstanding warrants have been collected totaling $54,632.  Having the booking station available has allowed police officers to “clean up” outstanding warrants.  Total savings and monies collected in to date is $68,637.40.   These savings are tracked on a monthly basis. It is anticipated that additional savings and new collections will increase as utilization of the station increases.  As noted earlier, the system was purchased earlier this year at a cost of $44,546.  Total cost for additional equipment and costs for installation, including moving some walls at the Law Enforcement Center, was $50,951.

MPO awarded grant funds for transportation studies

On July 29, 2011 the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) submitted three applications to KDOT for grant funding to complete three special studies in 2012-2013: a commuter park and ride study, a fixed route transit and pedestrian accessibility study, and a countywide bikeway system plan. Those applications were reviewed by KDOT and on September 30^th the MPO received the attached letter informing us that we have been awarded federal funds as requested for all three studies. Please see the attached memo for more information.

Staff presents at LKM Conference

Toni Wheeler, Director of the Legal Department, led a discussion during the Municipal Practice Roundtables at the League of Kansas Municipalities’ Annual Conference in Wichita, Kansas on Sunday, October 9, 2011. Wheeler spoke on, “City Insurance Policies:  Understanding Adequate Coverage.”  LKM’s annual conference provides an opportunity for elected officials and staff from cities across the State to network, discuss, and learn about important issues facing local governments.