Week ending August 4, 2018
812 Ohio Status Update
Attached is a completed stormwater report regarding the Jayhawk Watershed, which includes 812 Ohio Street.
June 2018 Sales Tax Report
The June 2018 Sales Tax Report has been posted on the Finance Department’s site, https://lawrenceks.org/finance/accounting/sales-tax/. The June report shows year-to-date sales tax revenues saw a 1.8% increase over the same period in 2017. June 2018 saw a 1.58% decrease over the same month in 2017.
SafeBar Update
At the February 20, 2018 City Commission meeting, Commissioner Ananda inquired about whether the City could mandate SafeBar training for all City drinking establishment venues. In an April 2018 City Manager’s report, staff recommended that while additional research is conducted into this question, the Lawrence Police Department (LKPD) could participate in conjunction with the Care Center in future training, and that such training would be provided to bar staff on a voluntary basis.
To briefly review, SafeBar was created in Lawrence by the Sexual Trauma and Abuse Care Center (Care Center) approximately seven years ago and is designed to train bar staff members on sexual violence. The goal of the program, according to the Care Center, is to treat bars as an ally in combating sexual violence by providing bar staff with skills to intervene when sexual misconduct occurs.
Staff has concluded that it is possible to require licensees to undergo SafeBar training in order to receive a local drinking establishment license from the City. Staff has confirmed with the Kansas Department of Revenue and League of Kansas Municipalities that there is no state law that would prohibit such a requirement. The City of Wichita currently mandates that all licensees undergo such training.
The Care Center Executive Director states that the Care Center would be supportive of mandatory training but notes that funding and staff time matters should be addressed. If the City Commission would like this item returned to it for consideration, staff will draft an ordinance mandating such training. Additionally, City staff, including representatives from LKPD, will meet with the Care Center to identify how the City can assist with the training, and report back to the City Commission. Staff awaits direction on how to proceed with this matter.
Mental Health Board Update – Updated 08/06/18:
At a July 2018 City Commission meeting, Mayor Boley asked about the Mental Health Board. According to a 1986 Interlocal Agreement between the City of Lawrence and Douglas County, the Joint Board of Mental Health was to consist of five members, with two selected by the City, two selected by the County and the fifth to be a joint appointment. The Agreement specifies various responsibilities, from making budget requests to the County, to providing reports to the City and County. At some point, the members of this Joint Board seem to have been folded into what is now the Bert Nash Board of Directors, which is larger than the 5 members appointed by the City and Douglas County. There are other elements outlined in the 1986 Agreement which do not reflect current practice. Updating the interlocal agreement should be a future discussion with the County and Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center.
Staff is not aware of any additional documentation regarding the mental health board, however there are some agreements between the City and County regarding the community mental health facility that came after the 1986 agreement. Therefore, it would appear that the 1986 agreement is still valid regarding the board.
Women’s Foundation Appointments Project strives to enhance diversity by encouraging women to apply for appointments to boards and committees:
In conjunction with the City’s goal of increasing the diversity of advisory boards and committees, staff has learned about the Appointments Project of the Women’s Foundation (see attached memo). Staff believes that participating in this project, along with other cities in the Kansas City metro area, would help to promote diversity. Learn more about the Appointments Project here. The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change. Staff plans on contacting the Women’s Foundation to join the Appointments Project to further this diversity goal.
June Monthly Building Permit Reports
The Building Safety Division issued 309 building permits in June, with total construction for the month valued at $23,331,023. Total permit fees assessed for the month were $122,641, and total review fees assessed were $8,851. Permits were issued for 24 new residential projects, including 23 single-family dwellings and one (1) duplex. Staff Report Monthly Permit Report Year to Date Summary
Single-Use Plastics Update
The Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) voted to adopt the issue of single-use plastics as a board priority at the July 11 meeting. A work group is in the process of being formed to do further research and develop a recommendation. This priority aligns with the Food Policy Council’s (FPC) goal of eliminating waste in our local food system. Michael Steinle (SAB and FPC member) will serve as the chair and the work group will include FPC members, SAB members, and other interested public.
Food Policy Council hosted statewide Symposium, Harvesting Opportunity in Kansas
The Douglas County Food Policy Council, a joint city-county advisory board, took lead to host a statewide symposium on May 31, 2018, Harvesting Opportunity in Kansas, at the KU Business School in Capitol Federal Hall. The event drew inspiration from new publications from the Federal Reserve of St. Louis and USDA on the subjects of investment and economic development in regional food system development. With close support from the Lawrence-Douglas County Sustainability Office, the symposium brought to Kansas national experts in building community wealth through food and farming. Over 120 individuals attended the successful event from food & farm councils and economic development agencies across Kansas. A new, interactive “Story Map” has just launched, capturing the keynote speeches and main ideas presented and discussed during the day. Additional tools for advancing food systems economic development will be released later this summer.
US Senate Approves Appropriation Vote to Maintain Southwest Chief Train Services
Please see the attached news release summarizing an amendment approved to secure Amtrak’s Southwest Chief Route, which serves Lawrence.
Future Agenda Items
Attached (updated 08/06/18), please find a summary of future agenda items.
Future Work Session Items
Attached, please find a summary of future work session items.