CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending May 6, 2016

USA Today Best College Town

USA Today held an online contest for the 10 Best Small College Towns.  Lawrence was voted the fifth Best Small College Town, beating Iowa City, Iowa, who placed sixth.  See attached for more information.

Planning and Development Services 2015 Annual Report Now Available

Planning and Development Services staff work hard throughout the year responding to customer inquiries, improving and enforcing regulations, refining departmental efficiencies, and processing development related applications. The 2015 Annual Report highlighting departmental efforts undertaken throughout 2015 is now available.

Sign Code Review and Amendment Process

On July 7, 2015, the City Commission, after reviewing a June 24, 2015 Staff Memorandum, initiated review of the Sign Code (Chapter V, Article 18 of the City Code), but directed staff to delay said review until a review of regulations regarding the property maintenance code and urban agriculture uses was completed.  On February 23, 2016, the City Commission adopted the 2015 edition of the Property Maintenance Code and on April 26, 2016, the City Commission adopted urban agriculture regulations in the Land Development, Property Maintenance, Animal Regulation and Weed Codes.

With these approvals, staff will turn our focus toward the sign code amendments, which will involve a large number of stakeholders.  Staff will eventually submit recommendations for amendments to the City Commission for its consideration.

City’s Earth Day Celebration draws a large crowd

On Saturday, April 23, 2016, the City’s Solid Waste Division hosted the 16^th Annual Earth Day Celebration at South Park (event summary and photos). Events included the Parade for the Earth hosted by KU Environs, South Park tree identification tours hosted by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department and 60 informational tables, with topics ranging from water conservation and fair trade goods to upcycled crafts and school gardens. The Lawrence Transit System offered free rides all day, providing the experience and benefits of public transportation on all fixed routes. Over 2,500 citizens participated in the Earth Day activities.

Solid Waste Division Manager receives Waste360’s 40 under 40 award

Kathy Richardson, Solid Waste Division Manager for the City of Lawrence, has been named to Waste360’s first annual 40 Under 40 awards list, which showcases the next generation of leaders in the waste and recycling space who are shaping the future of the industry.  See attached for more information.