CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending July 20, 2007

 

Improvements at 11th and Haskell

The Public Works Department recently completed improvements (see photos) at the intersection of 11th Street and Haskell Avenue and at the nearby railroad crossing on 11th Street. At the intersection two 40’ X 3’ islands were installed to keep traffic from taking the corner too wide. Concrete patching was also completed at the intersection. At the crossing on 11th Street the railroad removed one set of tracks and the City made improvements to the crossing surface.

 

Youth Sports update

The attached memo contains a report on participation in Lawrence Parks & Recreation Youth Sports summer programs.

 

Repairs to common wall in 800 block of Massachusetts completed

The Public Works Department recently completed repairs to the outer wall of a downtown building on the east side of the 800 block of Massachusetts Street. When the adjoining building was demolished years ago and a public walkway established in its place, the City assumed responsibility for the “common wall” left standing. Recent repairs replaced stucco that had been crumbling and allowing water to enter the building. See attached photos of the project.

 

Report on Sister Cities exchange

The Sister Cities Advisory Board sponsored the annual exchange trip to Hiratsuka, Japan from June 12 – June 25, 2007.  Michael Kennedy, Tammy Becker, and Sally Hare-Schriner chaperoned 22 Lawrence students in grades 7th – 11th to Hiratsuka. Highlights of the trip included rice transplanting at the Agricultural High School, a Japanese culture experience, a visit with Mayor Ritsuko Okura, tours of historical sites and host family stays. (See attached photos).

 

The Hiratsuka delegation is scheduled to visit Lawrence from July 24 - August 1, 2007.  The Welcome program is scheduled for July 24, 2007, 4:00pm at the Lawrence Arts Center. The Lawrence students plan to make a presentation about the trip to the City Commission in early September and at that time they will present Mayor Hack with a gift for the City of Lawrence from the City of Hiratsuka which was presented to them by Mayor Ritsuko Okura.