CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending December 9, 2011

AT&T Video Ready Access Device (VRAD) Box Installations

Staff has prepared a memo outlining some concerns expressed about a recent VRAD box installation near 8th & Mississippi.  The memo summarizes the issues with this particular installation and the limits of city regulation of these type of utility structures.  The memo concludes that the City’s ability to impact the size or siting of the VRAD boxes is limited by the statewide franchise in Kansas.  Other cities in other states have had success in finding more ability to regulate these installations.  The City can be involved with right-of-way permitting, but can only influence the location of equipment if an installation has an impact on public improvements, causes a safety concern by limiting sight distances or other factors, or if there is mitigation such as landscaping to soften the impact of an installation that can be required in historic districts.

State Declares a Drought Watch for the Clinton Lake Area

In a November 23 letter, the Kansas Water Office issued a drought watch for water customers that use Clinton Lake, based on the percent of the conservation pool that remains and the downward trend of the incoming stream flow. Based on discussion with the Kansas Water Office, the letter stands as a preliminary warning to water users if precipitation remains low in the coming months.  Their expectation is for water customers that use Clinton Lake to activate their Conservation Plan at the water watch stage. These actions include repair of leaks upon detection, monitor water use and curtail activities such as hydrant flushing and other uses not critical to the system, contact large water users and request volunteer decrease, and curtail city water use for fountains, irrigation, and vehicle washing.

Utilities staff reviewed the City’s approved Conservation Plan. Overall water use is low during this time of year and many of the recommendations are normal operating procedure for Utilities staff. Utilities staff is also making adjustments in the operation of the plants to conserve water from Clinton Reservoir as operating conditions allow. Over the course of a year, the Clinton WTP withdraws less than what is discharged from Clinton reservoir. However there were months during this year and in previous years where the Clinton WTP has withdrawn more than is discharged from the reservoir. For example,

· 2011 through October

o Reservoir discharge –  10,692 MG

o Clinton WTP withdrawal –  2,650 MG

· October 2011

o Reservoir discharge – 150 MG

o Clinton WTP withdrawal – 333 MG

In addition, Utilities staff will continue to monitor the Clinton Reservoir levels, which have steadily decreased since July, and make other adjustments as necessary.

November Building Permits

The Building Safety Division issued 176 building permits in November, with total construction for the month valued at $7,858,197.  Total permit fees assessed for the month were $51,955. Staff issued three permits for new residential construction in November, all for new single-family dwellings.  Permits were issued for six new residential projects in November last year, also all for new single-family dwellings. The highest valued project for the month is for a renovation of the Poehler Building at 619 E 8^th St, valued at $4,400,000. Please see the attached memo, building permits summary, and building permits report for more information.