Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Cynthia Wagner, Assistant City Manager
CC:	Peak Oil Task Force Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager Eileen Horn, Sustainability Coordinator
DATE:	May 10, 2012
RE:	Peak Oil –Status Report

The Mayor’s Task Force on Peak Oil was established by the City Commission September 2, 2008 by Resolution 6795. The group began meeting in January of 2009 and worked for more than two years in development of a final report, which was presented to the City Commission December 13, 2011. At that time, staff committed to providing an update on the status of the top recommendations of the task force on an on-going basis. Below is a summary of progress in a number of areas.

Continue to implement fuel reduction policies and programs for the municipal fleet, such as route management, telecommuting, electric vehicles, and anti-idling.

GPS systems are currently installed in approximately 90% of the public works and utilities fleet, allowing monitoring of idling times, route management and allowing managers to efficiently monitor and manage routes for trash and snow removal.

An electric bucket truck has been ordered for traffic signal maintenance. The lift can run on battery power for up to an hour, eliminating the need for engine idling while the truck staff performs maintenance on traffic signals. This is a pilot purchase, but we are hoping to expand.

The City also has partnered with Black Hills energy to order a conversion kit for one truck to convert from diesel to CNG. Again, this is a pilot we are running to assess vehicle performance. A ½ ton vehicle has also been retrofitted to allow for gas or CNG utilization. Specs for one ton vehicles have been written to allow for the purchase of gas engine vehicles with the ability to be converted to operate on CNG as well. The 2013 public works budget request will include the purchase of a CNG solid waste loader. This purchase will be made only if a fueling station is available.

Lawrence is one of the collaborating cities on a Department of Energy EV Readiness Planning Grant. The project, called Electrify the Heartland represents a partnership with Kansas City, Topeka, Wichita, Salina to develop regional standards for EV charging infrastructure, permitting, and planning with area utilities. Lawrence will be featured as one of the case studies for successful collaborations (highlighting our partnership with Westar, KU, and the City to plan for EVs.)

Continue to develop and implement policies that facilitate efficient transportation design and planning, including a “Complete Streets” program and promotion of alternative fuel technologies.

Commit to a growth pattern that supports mixed-use developments that are compact and sustainable with convenient accessibility for biking and walking.

The City Commission adopted the Complete Streets policy on March 27, 2012.

Add edible landscape features, such as fruit trees, nut trees and community gardens, to City Parks and Recreation horticulture plans.

In July, 2011, Ordinance 8639 was adopted, allowing the picking of ripe fruit from trees on city property.

This spring, five sites were introduced as the first Common Ground projects:

Burroughs Creek Community Orchard – 830 Garfield
Garden Incubator: Community Garden and Children’s Discovery Garden (John Taylor Park, 7^th and Walnut)
Community Garden (13^th and Pennsylvania)
Student Farm (815 Oak Street)

Based upon the successful launch of the program, an additional four to six sites have been identified for expansion of the program in the 2013 growing season.

Partner with the Chamber of Commerce and economic development interests to aggressively recruit businesses engaged in research and manufacturing of renewable energy technologies.

Our efforts in economic development continue to look to opportunities that reflect the values of the community, including green energy. We are currently evaluating clean energy options related to the Farmland site.

Create incentives for local producers and consumers to reduce solid waste through volume-based charges for residential waste.

The report of the Solid Waste Task Force was presented to the City Commission in February. Pricing structure is based on container size.

In the coming months, a more intensive review of all of the recommendations of the task force will be conducted, with results of that review provided to the City Commission.