CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Week ending October 30, 2015
October Sales Tax Report and September Financial Report
The City is on track to collect the property taxes and franchise fees as revised for 2015. The sales tax estimates are above original budget but slightly behind the mid-year estimates. Expenditures are on track to come in under budget for budgeted funds. October Sales Tax Report September Financial Report
Ousdahl Road Watermain Replacement Project
The watermain on Ousdahl Road between 22nd Street and 19th Street is an 8-inch cast iron main constructed in 1955. Over the years, multiple main leaks have occurred with the latest occurring on October 8 and October 9. On December 1, Utilities field staff will begin replacing the watermain with 12-inch plastic pipe because of the age and condition of the existing main and in preparation for the KU Central District Project. The new watermain will be installed on the west side of Ousdahl and take approximately 3 months to construct, see attached map.
Ousdahl will be closed one block at a time. The closure will be during work hours only, 7am to 5:30pm. The road will be reopened nightly. Utilities staff met with the school district and the transit system. Both are on board with the traffic plan. Residents along the route will be notified 3 weeks prior to the start of the project. Staff will work with residents along Ousdahl to allow them access to their driveways.
City Employee Survey Conducted
During the month of August, city employees participated in an employee survey to gauge working conditions and employee satisfaction. 567 employees completed the survey, representing 67% of the City’s total workforce. The last time the City conducted an employee was in 2008. The 2015 survey indicates that 78% of city employees are satisfied with their employment with the City- and this figure is up 18% from the 2008 survey. Priorities for improvement for city employees include equipment and resources, compensation and benefits. A number of employees also mentioned concern with facilities. City management and departments are continuing to discuss survey results. Staff Memo & Attachments
City Twitter Account Reaches 10,000 Followers
The City of Lawrence's Twitter account, @lawrenceks, reached a milestone this week - 10,000 followers. The city has taken a very active approach to social media over the past year specifically and have steadily seen social media numbers rise over the past few years. The Communications Office oversees 10 Facebook pages and three (3) Twitter accounts and works with departments to ensure timely and engaging content. Social media continues to be a relevant and important tool in our 'communication toolbox' and will continue to evolve as the city launches additional citizen engagement and feedback opportunities.