Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

 

TO:

Mayor and City Commission

FROM:

City Manager, David L. Corliss

DATE:

April 18, 2013

RE:

Current major City items/Capital Budgets

 

There is some risk in setting out a list of major City issues and items which are current or forecast because the list will not be exhaustive and will become quickly outdated.  There is value after the changing of commissions to provide a brief overview, which follows.  Additionally, staff has developed a capital plan website which we believe will be of use to the City Commission and the general public.

 

1.  A major item for the City remains the successful execution of the City’s adopted 2013 budget and the development of the 2014 budget.  Staff is already underway in preparation of a 2014 budget to recommend.  City Commission deliberation and decisions in June and July will result in finalization and adoption of the budget at a public hearing in August.

 

The 2013 City budget is accessed at www.lawrenceks.org/budget

 

Additionally, staff has developed a capital plan website at www.lawrenceks.org/budget/2013-capital-improvement

 

At the April 23, 2013 meeting I would like to spend some time with the City Commission on the capital plan website linked above.  Many of these projects represent current City commitments and substantial efforts from the City.   A Planning staff report on the status of Horizon 2020 and updates is included on this website and Scott McCullough will be present to discuss this item. 

 

2.  There are several projects the City is currently implementing:   Library addition/renovation and parking garage;  infrastructure installation on the former Farmland property; water/wastewater master plan projects; Recreation Center at Rock Chalk Park (receiving bids on May 14);   9th and New Hampshire TIF/TDD projects; BTBC (Bioscience and Technology Business Center) expansion; and other capital projects as linked above.

 

3.  Additionally, staff is working on implementation, per Commission direction, of a City curbside recycling program with a start date in the last half of 2014.

 

4.  Staff is working on follow-up report from previous City Commission direction concerning expansion of the City’s rental registration program.  A report should be available in May.

 

5.  Staff is monitoring legislation in the 2013 Kansas Legislature and will provide updates and recommendations on any necessary City ordinance or policy changes which will be required.

 

6.  A City retained consultant will present a report reviewing options to enhance broadband service in Lawrence in the coming weeks.

 

7.  We are conducting an academy for extra-board firefighters and are recruiting/extending offers for a new police officer recruit class.

 

There are numerous other projects and initiatives underway.  Other issues and items will also be generated in the future.  I look forward to our discussions and direction.