CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending May 6, 2017

 

 

Parks and Recreation Director Selection Process Update to the City Commission

As Interim Director Ernie Shaw prepares to retire from the Parks and Recreation Department, the City of Lawrence is actively recruiting a Parks and Recreation Director. The position was opened to both qualified existing department staff, as well as, individuals outside the organization who met the requirements for the position. During the recruitment phase, 75 individuals submitted an application for the position.   Candidates making application self-identified as 19% female, 75% male, 7% chose not to identify; 24% minority race, 64% Caucasian and 12% chose not to identify.  Assistant to the City Manager, Brandon McGuire is coordinating the selection process in conjunction with the Human Resources Division.

 

Thirteen applicants were invited to participate in a pre-interview written exercise, of which seven have been selected to advance to the first round of interviews which are scheduled for May 17, 2017. Staff anticipates inviting three individuals to participate in on-site interview process scheduled for Wednesday, June 28, 2017. Those selected will have an opportunity to tour Lawrence, engage in a public meet-and-greet, and interview with the City Manager and executive staff. Community members will have an opportunity to meet the candidates during the open house meet-and-greet on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. hosted in the Legacy Room at Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Lane. Candidates will give a short introduction and then be available for one-on-one brief conversation with those attending. Feedback forms will be provided.

 

Following background checks and other standard employment activities, the City Manager anticipates extending a job offer early summer.

 

Chief of Police Selection Process Update to the City Commission

With the impending retirement of Chief Tarik Khatib, the City Manager's Office, in conjunction with the Human Resources Division, has engaged in a search for the City's next Police Chief.  The position was opened to both qualified existing department staff, as well as individuals outside the organization who met the requirements for the position.  During the recruitment phase, 31 individuals applied for the position.   Candidates making application self-identified as 3% female, 97% male, 32% minority race and 68% Caucasian.

 

After completing an evaluation of the job application, resume, and cover letter, 11 candidates were selected to participate in a pre-interview written exercise, of which eight candidates were selected to advance to the first round interviews which were held May 10 and May 11, 2017.

 

The City Manager, following feedback from City staff involved in the first round interview, will select approximately three individuals to participate in an on-site interview process to be held June 15 and June 16, 2017. Those selected will have the opportunity for a brief tour of Lawrence, interview with two facilitated community panels, and an interview with City executive staff. 

 

Community members will have an opportunity to meet the candidates during an open house to be held at the Carnegie Building, 200 W. 9th Street, on June 15, 2017, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Candidates will give a short introduction and then be available for one-on-one brief conversations with those attending.  Feedback forms will be provided.

 

Following background checks and other standard employment activities, the City Manager anticipates extending a job offer early summer. 

 

Affordable Housing Guidance related to City Economic Development Policy

In response to inquiries from developers, staff has prepared a quick reference guide relating to the income eligibility limits and the rent limits for affordable housing units (both rental and ownership units) that are created to comply with the City’s economic development policies.  Staff believes the intention of the City Commission and the Affordable Housing Advisory Board was to limit the consideration of student status for eligibility for affordable housing in line with the restrictions in place with the Housing Authority.  Such restrictions are also in line with federal regulations which require a student to be at least 24 years old and is either a veteran, or is married, or has a dependent child, or files an individual tax return.   Staff wanted the City Commission, the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and the public to be aware of this interpretation.  In the future when the policy is updated, it would be important to have formal City Commission consideration and inclusion in the policy. 

 

Monthly Utility Billing Report

Attached is the monthly Utility Billing report for April.

 

Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Monthly Activity Report

Attached is the monthly activity report for March for the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Department.

 

Junior Olympics Monthly Summary

Attached is the Junior Olympics monthly summary for April.

 

29th Annual Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition

This year marks the 29th anniversary of the exhibition.  Grace Peterson, the Arts Services Coordinator for the Salina Arts & Humanities Department―and KU alum and former Lawrence resident―reviewed 23 proposals and artworks submitted by 15 artists and selected eight artworks for this year’s eclectic exhibition. Parks and Recreation staff works closely with the artists to install their artworks.
 
The opening reception and walking tour will begin at Buford Watson Park near 7th and Kentucky, starting at 5:30 P.M. on Friday, June 23. The tour and reception are open to the public and Grace Peterson will be on hand to share insights.

 

Attached is the working map showing the artworks and their anticipated locations.
 
Here are the 29th Annual ODSE artists with the titles and locations of their artworks:

 

Future Agenda Items

Attached, please find a summary of future agenda items.

 

Future Work Session Items

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