CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending July 6, 2004

Hazardous Waste Incident

On June 29, 2004 the household hazardous waste facility received a small (8 oz) glass container of crystallized picric acid included within a larger mixed load of household hazardous waste. Picric acid, when crystallized, is extremely unstable and very explosive. Kathy Richardson, WRR Specialist notified appropriate emergency personnel per the facility’s emergency management plan. The facility was isolated and the Douglas County (DGCO) Public Works facility was closed to outside traffic. Responding emergency units and personnel represented Lawrence Solid Waste Division, DGCO Public Works, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical, DGCO Sheriff Office, DGCO Emergency Management, and the Lawrence-Douglas County Hazardous Materials Unit.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) bomb/explosives unit arrived at the HHW facility, suited up in appropriate personal protective equipment, and safely detonated the picric acid within a the sand storage pile at the DGCO Public Works Facility. 

Federal ATF personnel suit up in specialized personal

protective equipment prior to detonation of crystallized

picric acid.

Long Distance Charges Drop

Ron Hall, Information Services Director, reports that the monthly long distance charges for all departments have been averaging around $1,000 per month since switching to a new vendor contract.  This compares to a $2,500 per month average per department for long distance charges in 2003.  The new rates were achieved as part of a cooperative RFP with Douglas County.

More Hybrid Vehicle Info Hybrid Vehicle Information

In response to a request from Commissioner Schauner for more general information on hybrid vehicles, Steve Stewart, Central Maintenance Garage Superintendent, provides the attached report.

933 Rhode Island Update Staff Report Photos

A report from Julie Wyatt, Environmental Inspector with the Neighborhood Resources Department, is attached, along with site pictures, as an update to the Commission on the progress of this project.