Week ending June 2, 2017
May Sales Tax Report
The City’s May sales tax distribution was lower than expected. The distribution was down 5.7% from May 2016. This drop adjusts the City’s year-to-date sales taxes to only 1.8% over year-to-date last year. The estimated 2017 budget as proposed on May 9th was based on 4% increase over prior year. The budget estimates are being revised to reflect only a 2% increase. A lower increase in sales tax of 2% instead of 4% will have an impact to the general fund of approximately $500,000 in both 2017 and 2018. This will be reflected in the budget presentation at the June 13 meeting. See attached report for more information.
Chief of Police Selection Process Update
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.
Four individuals were selected 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, it is anticipated that a job offer will be extended early summer.
Parks and Recreation Director Selection Process Update
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 were selected to advance to the first round of interviews which were scheduled for May 17, 2017. Staff anticipates inviting three individuals to participate in an 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 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 conversations with those attending. Feedback forms will be provided.
Following background checks and other standard employment activities, it is anticipated that a job offer will be extended early summer.
Monthly Building Permit Report
The Building Safety Division issued 193 building permits in April, with total construction for the month valued at $11,764,165. Total permit fees assessed for the month were $74,910, and total review fees assessed were $4,704. Permits were issued for fifteen (15) new residential projects, including ten (10) single-family dwellings and five (5) duplexes. Staff Memo Monthly Report Year-to-date Summary
Planning & Development Services Monthly Project Report
Attached is an update on Planning & Development Services projects.
White Paper on Sustainable Construction and Energy Conservation
Staff has prepared a white paper, with considerable input from the Sustainability Advisory Board, that responds to the Commission’s questions regarding energy conservation and sustainable construction (or “green construction”) programs in comparison with the City’s adopted energy code standards. The paper includes particular emphasis on and comparison of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program and the International green Construction Code (IgCC), but also contains information about other certification programs, including Energy Star, Green Globes, Living Building Challenge, NZEB, Passive House Institute US, and SITES. The paper also includes recommendations to the Commission regarding design and construction of City buildings, and applying economic incentives to qualifying projects that achieve equivalence with certain levels of LEED certification. White Paper & Attachments
Assessment of Fair Housing Update
The Community Development Division of Planning and Development Services, the Fair Housing Division of the City Attorney’s Office, and the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority have continued to work through the Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH), a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirement under the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule. The AFH is required of all communities and states that receive federal funding, as well as all public housing authorities. The AFH process has been ongoing since fall of 2016, and has included statistical analysis, formulation of narrative, AFH committee meetings, public meetings, and public participation. The purpose of the AFH is to assist the community in setting Fair Housing goals and priorities for the City. The final AFH document is due to HUD on November 1, 2017, and city staff will be bringing the draft document with the draft goals and priorities to the City Commission in September, with adoption being requested in October.
Lawrence Loop Alignment Study
The Lawrence-Douglas County MPO has hired BG Consultants to conduct a Lawrence Loop Alignment Study to determine the feasibility of alignments for two incomplete sections of the Lawrence Loop Shared Use Path between the north end of the Burroughs Creek Rail Trail along 11th Street to the Shared Use Path in Burcham Park and the west side of the Sandra Shaw Trail to the Peterson Road Shared Use Path.
An open house to gather public input on the alignments is scheduled for June 12 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Lawrence Public Library Auditorium (707 Vermont Street). There will be no formal presentation at the meeting, so people are encouraged to attend whenever convenient.
For more information and to see the study timeline visit: www.lawrenceks.org/loop.
Horizon 2020 Comprehensive Plan Update
Planning and Development Services is working toward completing the draft for the Horizon 2020 comprehensive plan update. The Horizon 2020 Steering Committee is scheduled to meet Monday, July 31, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room at City Hall to discuss the draft plan and provide direction to staff on how to engage the public on its review. Staff intends to release the draft copy of the plan for the committee’s and public’s review on or around Monday, July 17, 2017.
Facilities Conservation Improvement Program Update
Attached is the May, 2017 progress report for the Facilities Conservation Improvement Program.
Oak Hill Cemetery Mausoleum Update
Attached is an update on repairs to the Mausoleum at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Kansas School of Gymnastics Team
Attached is an update review of Parks & Recreation gymnastics team and improvements in the program.
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.