CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Community Housing Services Center
Victor Torres, Neighborhood Resources Director, recently attended the opening of Wichita’s Community Housing Services (CHS) Center. CHS was launched in 1995 and joined NeighborWorks Ful I-Cycle Lending network in 1996, with a goal to expand neighborhood revitalization through home ownership, rehabilitation, and education. A listing of programs and services associated with CHS is attached. Programs and Services
Transit Development
Karin Rexroad, Public Transit Administrator attended the Leadership and Quality Service for Kansas Transit workshop in Wichita, KS August 24 through 25. The workshop was presented by Kansas Rural Transit Assistance Program (KS RTAP) in association with the Kansas University Transportation Center and the Kansas Department of Transportation. The workshop focused on a clearer understanding of leadership, assessment and organizational development tools used to deliver the highest level of quality service within a transit environment.
Back to School Season an Opportunity for Outreach
The Lawrence Transit System contributed to several back to school activities with the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University collegiate communities.
· Transit participated in the University of Kansas Resident Assistant and Proctor Informational Fair on Thursday, August 12 during the Department of Student Housing Resident Assistant and Proctor training. Transit staff provided route planning and to answer basic questions regarding the Lawrence Transit System’s services. The informational fair was held at Mrs. E’s Cafeteria. Staff also participated in “T” pass sales and a transportation question and answer forum during Hawkweek at KU.
· Lawrence Transit System was well-received by those in attendance at Haskell Indian Nations University Highlight Night. Haskell Highlight Night is an informational fair which features campus and community organizations. Transit shared a booth with other city services where individuals could receive information on city services and the “T” fixed route system. Transit’s participation in Haskell Highlight Night led to the opportunity to address 300 attendees in the Haskell Freshman Composite Class on Thursday, September 16, 2004.
Harvard Road Traffic Calming Project Update
Please see the attached memo for a project update. Staff Memo
Day Tripping!
Ingram’s, Kansas City’s Business Magazine, has named Lawrence “Best Day Trip” silver award in the 2004 Best of Business Kansas City awards. According to Ingram’s “Day trips fulfill an important function: get out of town quickly and have some off-the-beaten-track fun.” Number one trip, for the gold is Weston, Missouri. Lawrence was named the silver contender. Lawrence was recognized for football, basketball, restaurants, shops, lodging, and more. The City of Lawrence received a plaque to commemorate the award.
GIS Applications Cited
An article in the September, 2004 issue of Kansas Government Journal features GIS applications used throughout the organization. As part of the Journal’s “Best Practices” section, the article points out how technology has “assisted the City of Lawrence in providing more effective services”. GIS Article
Certification Accomplishment
Phil Burke, Electrical Inspector with the Code Enforcement division of the Neighborhood Resources Department, passed the residential electrical exam recently. With this latest accomplishment, Phil has passed the Building Inspector, Mechanical Inspector, and Plumbing Inspector exams, and is now a Certified Residential Combination Inspector. This certification will enable Phil to conduct all inspections on a residential project as opposed to sending four inspectors. Other inspectors within the department are working to achieve the same certification, with the objective to have all construction inspectors achieve the residential combination inspector certification.
Award for Xeriscaping
Mollie Mangerich, Waste Reduction & Recycling Office, and staff from the Recycling Division won an award for xeriscaping at the Waste Reduction and Recycling division facility. Crystal Miles, Landscape Supervisor with Parks and Rec, also assisted with the landscaping. Nomination Form Attachment
Fire Station 5 Schedule Updated
Jim McSwain, Fire/Medical Chief, provides the latest project schedule for the completion of Fire Station 5. Proposed Schedule