CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending November 5, 2016

Benchmark Survey Results

In 2010, the Lawrence Police Department sought inclusion in the Benchmark City Survey as one way to measure performance and demographics as compared to similar communities. This annual survey, which is compiled by the Overland Park Police Department, has been in existence since 1997. Today, there are 30 participating agencies from around the nation.  A large percentage of the agencies are clustered in the mid-states region and several are college communities; making Lawrence’s inclusion in the survey more relevant.

The survey allows participating agencies to examine how their organizations compare with others in several key areas: Demographics, General Information, Crime Statistics, Clearances, and Traffic Safety.   Departments can then exchange information with each other concerning initiatives and programs which appear to have led to a particular agency’s success in an area.

After some delay, the 2015 Benchmark City Survey is complete.

Parks and Recreation Activities

Parks and Recreation held National Gymnastics Day to introduce gymnastics to the public.  Besides free activities, demonstrations and performances were provided by gymnastics and tumbling teams. See attached report for photos of each event.

Parks and Recreation continues to have success with its partnership with Crescent Moon Winery.  Another Vino Vinyasa Workshop was held with great enrollment support.

Parks and Recreation held a fundraiser in support of breast cancer awareness with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Oncology Department at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Animals and the Law Seminar

On Friday, October 28, the City Attorney’s Office and the Lawrence Human Relations Commission sponsored a seminar on Animals and the Law at the Cider Gallery in the warehouse arts district; see image.  The seminar was designed to educate housing providers and tenants about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and our local Chapter X concerning service and emotional support animals.  Over 60 persons attended the free event.  Attorneys could also earn CLE credits. The event was videoed by City communications staff for future use. The event was co-sponsored by the Lawrence Humane Society. 

Future Agenda Items

Attached (updated 11/07/16), please find a summary of future agenda items.

Future Work Session Items

Attached, please find a summary of future work session items.