CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending September 21, 2012

Another phase of DeVictor Park Trail development completed

The Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department staff recently completed the newest phase of the DeVictor Park trail in west Lawrence. This phase included grading and installing ag lime on the trail to replace a section that was previously a mowed-grass trail.  At some point in the future, as funding allows and once sewer lines are established to serve development in the area, the section will be converted to concrete. The trail has developed as funding has allowed over the past five years. Plans to start the development of the trail down the east side of the park are hopeful for next year. Please see the attached report for a map of the trail and photos of the new section.

Building Code Review

Since early spring staff has been working with advisory boards on review of the 2012 International Code Council (ICC) model building codes for possible adoption by the City. Staff anticipates reviews will be complete and ordinances drafted for City Commission consideration in the last quarter of 2012 for a recommended effective date in the first quarter of 2013. Please see the attached memo for more information.

Staff member receives “Affordable Housing Trail Blazer” award 

Margene Swarts, Assistant Director of Planning and Development Services, was honored at the 2012 Kansas Housing Conference with the Affordable Housing Trail Blazer Award (see attached photo). This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and service in responding to affordable housing or community development needs within the state of Kansas. Swarts, employed by the City since 1979, administers the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships Program grants to aid with community development, neighborhood revitalization, and affordable housing in the community.  

The nomination for the award was submitted by Tenants to Homeowners, Inc., the City’s certified Community Housing Development Organization and a primary provider of affordable housing in Lawrence.  Swarts was introduced at the conference for the award by Rebecca Buford, Executive Director of TTH.  The City has long partnered with TTH in the provision of affordable housing in the community. Swarts designated Tenants to Homeowners, Inc. as the non-profit organization to receive the $500 check associated with the award.