CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Week ending December 2, 2011
2011 pavement maintenance program projects, before & after
The Public Works Department has prepared the attached photo summary showing engineering projects before and after completion.
City pursuing compressed natural gas vehicle pilot project in 2012
City staff is recommending pursuing a pilot project converting a gasoline vehicle to a compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle in 2012 with the assistance of several partners, including Black Hills Energy. Staff recommends conversion of a Public Works truck to CNG, a cleaner burning and more cost efficient alternative to gasoline or diesel. Staff has prepared a memo outlining the project and will continue to examine ways to incorporate CNG and other alternative fuels into the City's fleet as a way to reduce fuel consumption and be more environmentally responsible. In 2010, the City spent approximately $1.3 million on gasoline and diesel fuel for use in city operations.
City website is where to go to stay in-the-know about snow
During snow operations, residents can set their browsers to www.lawrenceks.org/snow to receive the latest information on snow plowing, salting, city closures and other related information. The website will provide a listing of current press releases, contact information, citizen responsibilities and snow-related resources. The snow operations map will only be utilized when crews are in full snow operations mode; crews may pre-treat areas if slick road conditions are predicted but the map will be most helpful when accumulation or major winter weather is predicted or occurring.
During snow operations, Public Works staff will be responsible for monitoring areas that have been addressed and updating the snow map. The operations map will provide citizens with general information on where trucks are operating, where streets have been plowed, sanded or salted, and the ability to review traffic cameras at major intersections to see how traffic is flowing during snow operations.
The system has been tested on multiple occasions and is easy to use. The web page and mapping system were designed in-house with existing staff resources.
Parks and Recreation snow/ice removal plan
During each winter weather event, the Parks and Recreation Department works to clear snow and ice from 67 parking lots, 30 miles of trails, 25 miles of sidewalks, and 7 miles of streets. Attached is the Parks and Maintenance Division’s snow removal plan listing the areas cleared and priorities for each maintenance district.
ERRP reimbursement request approved
The Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (ERRP) is a Federal program that was established under the Affordable Care Act. Under the ERRP, the Federal government reimburses a plan sponsor of an employment-based health plan for some of the costs of health care benefits paid on behalf of early retirees and certain family members of early retirees that are on the healthcare plan. The program expires on January 1, 2014.
The City of Lawrence is one of 62 employers in the state of Kansas that has been accepted into the program. The City will use the ERRP reimbursements to reduce or offset increases in the costs for maintaining our healthcare plan as well as implementing wellness incentives, such as the new WellCare Clinic. To date the City of Lawrence has received reimbursements totaling $129,713 from ERRP.
City staff performs outreach in honor of America Recycles Day
On Monday, November 14th and Tuesday, November 15th, 2011, the City’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Division performed three outreaches in honor of America Recycles Day. Waste Reduction and Recycling Specialists Cassandra Ford and Wyeth Atchison presented information about recycling options in Lawrence to the Boys & Girls Club at Langston Hughes Elementary and at Broken Arrow Elementary schools as well as hosted an informational table at the Lawrence Public Library. Please see the attached report for more information and photos.
Prairie Park Nature Center birds take part in commemorative event
The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department’s Prairie Park Nature Center took part in the 30th Anniversary of the Rediscovery of the Black-Footed Ferret Event at the Stenberg Museum in Hays, Kansas. The nature center had static displays, as well as some of its birds of prey on hand for short programs and to be showcased. Lakota, the golden eagle, was especially good natured during the event, which was attended by more than 1400 people. Please see the attached report for photos.
Common Ground informational meeting held
On Monday, November 28th, the Sustainability Coordinator and the Douglas County Food Policy Council hosted an informational meeting for interested applicants to the Common Ground urban agriculture/community gardening program. Approximately 30 interested applicants attended. Overall, interest and enthusiasm for the program was very high, and attendees represented a wide range of growers – from small farm operators to nonprofit organizations interested in job training for disadvantaged youth.
The application process and timeline was reviewed (applications are due December 16th). Key questions from applicants included questions about water meter infrastructure availability (as not all sites currently have meters), and the proof of liability insurance requirements. It was communicated to the applicants that as this is a pilot program, we will work closely with successful applicants to refine their applications to ensure that the farms/gardens can be successful and well-integrated into the surrounding neighborhoods.