CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Federal Transit Administration Discretionary Grant Funds Update
Staff has been notified that the City of Lawrence will not be awarded FY07 Bus and Bus Facility discretionary funding from the Federal Transit Administration. The City had applied for those funds to be used to address fleet replacement needs. See attached staff memo.
Smart Code Update
City staff is working with PlaceMakers to prepare a final draft of the Lawrence SmartCode. Staff is preparing comprehensive plan amendments, an ordinance to create the code and text amendments to the existing development code. On September 12 PlaceMakers will be in Lawrence to make presentations at the mid-month Planning Commission meeting and the County Commission meeting, as well as conduct a training session with staff.
Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant Not Funded
The City has received notice that the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical Department’s application for the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant will not be funded. LDCFM hoped to fund a Technical Rescue Vehicle with the grant.
National Gymnastics Day
National Gymnastic Day was held on Saturday, August 4th at the East Lawrence Recreation Center. This event was free to the public. Activities included open gym in the gymnastic room, moonwalk, face painting, hot dogs, drinks, demonstrations from the Level III and IV gymnastic participants, giveaways, McGruff the Dog and the Fire House. Over 275 people attended the event and it was a huge success for the first year. Dillon’s, Target and Pepsi helped sponsor this event by offsetting some of the costs. See attached photos.