CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Library Expansion Project – added 10/28/05
Bruce Flanders and Steve Clark will give an update to the City Commission regarding the Library Expansion Project.
Third Quarter Financial Report
Ed Mullins will present this report to the City Commission.
2005 Employee Survey Underway
The 2005 City Employee Satisfaction Survey got underway October 28 and more than 25 meetings will be held through the end of November to allow all City employees an opportunity to take the survey. ETC Institute, the firm assisting with this survey, will then present a Final Report to the City Commission (tentatively scheduled for the December 20th meeting). Department meetings to discuss department specific results will begin in January, 2006. The survey process will follow the survey results use procedures that were approved by the Commission with the 2002 employee survey. A committee of members chaired by Administrative Services staff and representing the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), the Lawrence Police Officer’s Association (LPOA), the Employee Relations Council (ERC), the City Manager’s office, and various departments has been working with the survey consultant to update and improve the previous survey and develop the implementation plan and schedule for this year’s survey.
Monthly Progress Report
The attached report is provided by Black & Veatch to summarize the activities associated with the Wakarusa River Water Reclamation Facility Project that were completed this past month.
Avian Flu Info
Attached is a report on Avian Flu provided by Kay Kent, Lawrence/Douglas County Health Department Director.
Home Energy Conservation Fair A Success
Lawrence’s fifth annual Home Energy Conservation Fair was held on Sunday, October 9th at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and coordinated by Waste Reduction and Recycling Division staff. Speakers and workshops scheduled throughout the day provided nearly 400 citizens with information on weatherizing to keep home heating costs low; and energy efficient new home construction, remodeling, and related topics. A report and photos from the fair is attached.
Housing Authority Annual Report
The Lawrence/Douglas County Housing Authority 2004 Annual Report is attached.
Park History
An historical history of the development of the Lawrence Parks system is attached. Noted in this summary are the park properties donated to the system by various groups/individuals.
Sales Tax Exceeds Budget
The sales tax receipts for both city sales tax and the city’s share of the county-wide sales tax through October are attached.
Internet Access Upgrade
In October, Information Systems staff and SBC completed an upgrade to the City’s Internet connection. This upgrade effectively combines two circuits together into a multi-link 3Mbps frame relay connection providing potentially double the bandwidth. John Williams, Network Administrator, coordinated the equipment change out and software changes for this improved connection. The result of this upgrade translates into faster Internet web access, file transfers, and email service for City staff. This upgrade is part of the City’s e-government initiative to provide improved Internet accessibility to city information for citizens and staff.
11th Street Safe Access Update
David Woosley, Traffic Engineer with the Public Works Department has been meeting with Janet Good, representative from the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association to discuss safe pedestrian crossings on 11th Street. Feedback from conversations with folks at the school and around the neighborhood indicates a preference for a mid-block push button crosswalk. Further discussions will take place with the neighborhood prior to this item being reviewed by the Traffic Safety Commission.
City Saves Money Installing Signal @ BBP and Wakarusa
This Public Works project was designed and planned in house, equipment was procured by staff, and sidewalks were installed by staff. A contractor was hired to set the poles and wire the signal. Total out of pocket cost for materials, equipment and contractor was $104,047.44. Estimated engineering would have cost $25,000 - $30,000, and using the conventional design/bid/install process, this project could have cost $175,000, thus the City realized an estimated savings of over $70,000.
System Development Charges
Notices were sent to interested parties within the local building and development community that water and wastewater system development charges would be increasing in 2006. The new rates were established in the City’s 2004 rate study and approved by the City Commission.
Action Items from 10-25 -05
A report on the action items assigned to staff during the 10/25/05 City Commission meeting is attached, along with an update of previous action item assignments.