Week ending January 13, 2018
December 2017 Sales and Use Tax Distribution
The City received its December sales and use tax, along with its share of County sales and use tax distribution. Total received was $3,254,648 of this amount, $2,911,061 was from sales taxes and $314,216 was from use taxes. The remaining $29,371 was from sales and use taxes from within the three Transportation Development Districts (TDD). The 2017 revised budget was based on 2.1% increase in sales taxes over 2016 actual. The total cash basis revenue for the year in sales and use taxes was 1.9% over 2016 for a total of $39,032,939. This amount is $381,061 less than the 2017 revised budget of $39,414,000. These amounts will change when we convert to our modified accrued receipts. Therefore, the City’s final sales tax numbers for the year will not be known until we receive the January and February sales tax distributions that reflect November and December actual sales. Report
December 2017 Monthly and 2017 Annual Utility Billing Report
Attached is the December 2017 and 2017 Annual Utility Billing Report.
Lawrence Humane Society Grant/Fund Raising Update
On January 3, 2017, Commission declared the intention to provide a grant of $2.5 million and provide a separate loan of $2.5 million to the Lawrence Humane Society. The resolution considered that funds would not distributed until the Society received $2.5 million of private donations. The Society has indicated to staff that they have reached their $2.5 million goal. However, they may elect to finance the separate loan of $2.5 million through other avenues and may not be requesting the loan. City staff and Society staff are working to have a $2.5 million grant agreement for future Commission consideration.
Pavement Management Program Update and 2018 Comprehensive Street Maintenance Program
Attached is supplemental information in response to questions on the Pavement Management Program Update and 2018 Comprehensive Street Maintenance Program. Update Memo Street Maintenance Map
Planning & Development Services Monthly Project Report
Attached is an update on Planning & Development Services projects.
December 2017 Monthly Building Permit Reports
The Building Safety Division issued 139 building permits in December, with total construction for the month valued at $5,480,863. Total permit fees assessed for the month were $42,251, and total review fees assessed were $2,925. Permits were issued for six (6) new residential projects, including five (5) single-family dwellings and one (1) duplex. Memo December Permit Report Year-to-date Summary
Assessment of Fair Housing Submittal
At the end of October, the Community Development Division of Planning and Development Services, The Fair Housing Division of The City Attorney’s Office, and the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority submitted the Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH), a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirement under the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule. The AFH is required of all communities and states that receive federal funding, as well as all public housing authorities. The AFH process was a one-year process which began in fall of 2016, and the preparation for the final document included statistical analysis, formulation of narrative, AFH committee meetings, public meetings, and public participation. The purpose of the AFH is to assist the community in setting Fair Housing goals and priorities for the City.
On December 13 staff received notification from HUD that the City of Lawrence/Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority AFH has been accepted by HUD and no further amendments or clarifications need to be submitted. HUD has provided technical assistance to staff for carrying out the activities and goals set forth which will be implemented in the 2018-2022 Consolidated Plan and forward.
North Lawrence Tree Inventory and Assessment
Attached is a report regarding a citizen concern of a tree located at Fourth and Elm Streets.
Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical November Monthly Activity Report
Attached is the activity report for November 2017.
Sedgwick County Lawsuit Regarding Opioid Addiction
Attached is a brief article regarding Sedgwick County Commissioners suing opioid distributors and manufacturers.
Local Food Recognition, Coverage
In mid-December, a national on-line publication, New Food Economy, featured a story that highlighted the work of the Douglas County Food Policy Council to build a stronger local food system and increase access to healthy food. Also, a City of Lawrence e-news release shared news about two recent awards received for local food initiatives:
Future Agenda Items
Attached, please find a summary of future agenda items.
Future Work Session Items
Attached, please find a summary of future work session items.