CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending October 12, 2007

Intangibles Tax Report

At the request of a City Commissioner, Legal staff has prepared the attached memo on the gross earnings tax on intangible property.

Staff Leads Discussion on Smoking Bans

Legal Services Director Toni Wheeler recently led a Municipal Practice Roundtable discussion at the League of Kansas Municipalities 99^th Annual Conference in Overland Park. The topic was, “Smoking Bans: Issues and Options,” and centered on the legal issues surrounding the recently decided Kansas Supreme Court case that reinforced the ability of cities to establish smoking bans.

CDBG and HOME Applications Available

Applications for CDBG and HOME funds are available on the City’s website at www.lawrenceneighres.org. Applications are due December 3, 2007 by 5:00 PM for the program year beginning August 1, 2008.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Newsletter Set For Distribution

Local, state, and federal representatives in the Lawrence-Douglas County area are exploring ways to use technology to improve the efficiency and safety of roads, public transit and emergency services. The goal is to develop a long range plan using technology to improve the transportation system. Possible technologies include cameras for monitoring real time traffic conditions or vehicle location systems on transit buses and emergency vehicles so dispatchers know exactly where each vehicle is located. The plan will lay out how all of the agencies and technologies will communicate and work together to improve transportation. The attached draft newsletter describing the project will be placed in the City’s newsletter, website, and Channel 25 in the coming weeks.

Report on Public Works Projects

31^st and Kasold: Sediment and debris removed from west side of culvert; grade re-established, seed, and erosion matting installed. See attached photos.
633 Illinois: Replaced two old inlets with one new standard inlet. See attached photos.
Solid Waste Presentations at Quail Run School: Solid Waste crews gave two presentations to 1st grade classes. The Presenters were Craig Pruett, Tommy Taylor, Jason Smith, Jeffery Moten and Marco Ramirez. As always with these presentations there were a lot of great questions from the kids and big awes when the tail gate is opened and raised. See attached photos.