Week ending September 1, 2018
The Planning and Development Services Department will have two noteworthy ordinances for consideration on the regular agenda at the September 18, 2018 City Commission meeting and thought it worthwhile to provide early preview to the community and commission. The Short-Term Residential Rental Property Code (Airbnb), Ordinance No. 9560, and the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code and amendments thereto, Ordinance No. 9563, will be presented for the commission’s consideration.
The Short-Term Residential Rental Property Code is the result of a year-long process which has included an open house stake holder meeting on September 26, 2017, a Lawrence Listens Survey (September 12, 2017 to October 13, 2017) and guidance provided by the City Commission from their November 14, 2017 work session.
The City’s adopted Property Maintenance Code establishes code provisions that are designed to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare by setting forth standards for all existing residential and nonresidential structures and all existing premises within the City by establishing minimum requirements for premises, structures, equipment, facilities for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection from the elements, safety from fire and other hazards. It is typically adopted on a 3-year cycle.
While most of the proposed 2018 edition of the Property Maintenance Code remains the same as the City’s current 2015 edition, there are considerable new code regulations for the parking and storing of recreation vehicles and trailers on private property. Standards related to the number of RVs and trailers allowed and their location on properties will be presented. Previous review and guidance of these proposed regulations include a citizen survey and input from the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission on several occasions.
The ordinances, memorandums and other relevant documents for each of these items will be provided for the September 18, 2018 City Commission meeting. Questions on both of these items can be directed to Brian Jimenez, Code Enforcement Manager at 785-832-3111 or bjimenez@lawrenceks.org.
July Building Permit Report
The Building Safety Division issued 229 building permits in July, with total construction for the month valued at $6,496,213. Total permit fees assessed for the month were $51,333, and total review fees assessed were $2,715. Permits were issued for 10 new residential projects, including nine (9) single-family dwellings and one (1) duplex. Staff Report Monthly Permit Report Year-to-Date Summary
Moody’s Investors Service Annual Comment on Lawrence
The City recently received a Moody’s Annual Issuer Comment Report (see attached). This report is a research publication for potential investors which provides a single reference source for the City. The report provides a summary of key economic, demographic, financial and operating information within the context of Moody’s ratings methodologies.
The report states, in part, that: “Lawrence's credit position is very good, and its Aa1 rating is stronger than the US cities
median of Aa3. Key credit factors include a robust financial position, an ample tax base and a strong wealth and income profile. The credit position also reflects a light debt burden and a somewhat elevated pension liability.”
City Percent for Art Policy
There have been some recent questions regarding the City’s percent for art policy. The policy is set forward in Resolution No. 7070, which provides that the City may set aside up to two percent (2%) of certain projects for public art. For the 2019 budget, the City has budgeted $422,000 related to percent for art items. This amount represents the full two percent (2%) of the following projects included in the 2019 Capital Improvements Program budget: East Lawrence Recreation Center Renovation -$100,000, Police Facility Phase 1 - $17,000,000, and Multi Modal Transit Facility, $4,500,000. The budgeted amount reflects the high end of the public art budgets but does not require that amount of funding be spent on the projects. The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission then creates subcommittees per the resolution to recommend selection and placement of art.
July 2018 City Population Estimates and Projections
Planning & Development Services provides the City’s 2018 Population Estimate and Projection for the Commission’s and public’s information. See attached for more information.
Jayhawk Watershed Stormwater Concerns
The attached memorandum responds to questions raised by Donna Giesler and Sarah Merriman during the City Manager’s Report portion of the August 21, 2018 City Commission meeting.
Kansas League of Municipalities Annual Conference, October 6-8, 2018, Topeka, Kansas
Commissioners and staff are encouraged to consider registering and attending the annual conference of the League of Kansas Municipalities. It will be held in Topeka at the Maner Conference Center/Kansas Expocentre and the Capitol Plaza Hotel October 6-8. The theme for this year’s conference is “Ideas Worth Exploring.” The conference provides workshops focused on local government issues and provides networking opportunities. See the attached flyer. Commissioners interested in attending may contact Bobbie Walthall in the City Manager’s Office for assistance with registration.
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.