Strategic Planning Process

Departmental Objectives for

City Commission Goals and Priorities

(updated 02/11/04)

CITY COMMISSION GOAL

Economic Development: Promoting the economic development of Lawrence to provide varied work and business opportunities.

Administrative Services

• Continue to develop and implement long-term plan for recordkeeping and document retrieval, particularly tax abatement and IRB documents in support of City Commission and Public Incentive Review Committee.

Status: Fully executed ordinances and resolutions going back to 1991 have been electronically stored.  In addition, we’ve improved the search and retrieval features of our City Commission meeting minutes database to improve customer service.

City Manager’s Office

• Schedule a study session on tax abatement.

Status: A study session was held on December 10^th for the City Commission to discuss the tax abatement policy.  As a follow-up item to that study session, the Chamber has been asked to provide a presentation on the use of incentives in the economic development process or “ED 101” at a study session scheduled for February 25, 2004.

• In partnership with the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, provide information, assistance, and appropriate support to businesses interested in locating or expanding in Lawrence.

Status:   City staff is participating in tours of existing industrial companies.  Ongoing meetings regarding the Farmland property have included various staff members from the City Manager’s office. Additionally, staff is meeting with Chamber staff in order to appropriately present Chamber alternatives for Commission consideration.

• Market the Lawrence Municipal Airport to potential aviation-related businesses.

Status:  Minimum Standards review is in final stages with Aviation Advisory Board.  Next step is to provide for public comment prior to sending recommended standards to the City Commission for their review/approval. T-hangars are being marketed to regional aviation community.

Finance

• Monitor revenues to determine trends and alert the City Commission to potential areas of concern.

Status: An updated projection of fiscal year 2003 general fund results will be provided to the City Commission on February 11^th, as well as a projection for future years.

• Bill in lieu of property tax payments on a timely and accurate basis.

Status:  This objective was met, by the billing in November of payment in-lieu of property taxes.  The County did not notify the Finance Department of any in-lieu of payments that were not received.

Fire & Medical

• Continue fire prevention and inspection efforts to reduce fire incidents in commercial occupancies.  Annual inspections of these occupancies reduce the number and severity of fire hazards, thereby reducing the frequency of incidents that could potential stop production and lay off employees.

Status: Providing an initial review of building plans for new construction and for remodels to ensure compliance with Uniform Fire Code and Life Safety Code.  During 2003 the Prevention Division performed 112 building plan reviews and 221 site plan reviews. In addition we provide business with annual hazard inspections in an effort to identify hazards for the building owner.  Annual inspections of these occupancies reduce the number and severity of fire hazards, thereby reducing the frequency of incidents that could potentially effect production and layoff of employees. During 2003 the Operations Division performed 2554 business inspections

• Maintain the City’s ISO rating by providing appropriate staffing, training, equipment and water supply.

Status: Implementing 1995 Public Safety Plan and CIP as part of maintaining the current ISO Class 2 rating.  The department is currently working with an architectural firm to determine the estimated construction costs for the construction of Station 5 located at 19^th and Stewart Ave.

Parks & Recreation

• Continue to develop quality programs and maintain existing facilities that improve the quality of life for our citizens, both existing and potential.

Status:  Adding wide variety of new classes and events to program offerings.  Staff is continuing to solicit national type events to facilities such as Indoor Aquatic Center and Clinton Lake Softball Complex.

Public Works

• Continue to develop quality transportation and infrastructure networks that improve the quality of life for our citizens, both existing and potential.

Status: Major infrastructure projects completed:  31^st & Iowa, N. Michigan; Wakarusa, Overland, and Congressional Drive north of 6^th. Drainage improvement projects:  The drainage project for 13^th and Oregon will start mid-February.  15^th and Lawrence Avenue is in the design stage.  The City Commission approved the North Lawernce Drainage study 12-30-03.  Major streets in various stages of development: [under construction]: 6^th and Kasold, 6th and Lawrence Avenue, 6^th and Comet Lane, and E. 11^th Street.  [design stage]: George Williams Way (6^th to Harvard); Peterson Road (Kasold to Monterey Way); O’Connell Road (23^rd to 31^st); 31^st and Nieder Road (under contract); West 6^th Street (Wakarusa to SLT); and Folks Road (6^th to Harvard).  Maintenance completed:  Overlay contract, phase I, II, and III; KLINK Project - N. 3^rd Street, and 23^rd Street from Learnard to Harper; concrete repair projects and white topping.  Traffic Calming projects:  19^th and Barker construction to begin January 15, 2004; Harvard Road, between Monterey Way and Wakarusa, is in the planning stage.

Utilities

• Provide water and wastewater services at reasonable cost for residential and commercial customers, optimizing operations and maintenance efforts.

Status:  Proposals being considered to upgrade three older lift stations.  Black & Veatch will complete the new rate study which will consider rate structure for water and wastewater and provide different options based on user categories. The rate study estimated completion date is mid May 2004.   A meeting has been scheduled for February 11, 2004 with the City Commission to consider the rate study and other issues. Water production for 2003:  4,569,760,000 gallons is 1.5% lower than 2002.  The chemical cost for Kaw is $.13 per 1000 gallons and Clinton is $.11 per 1000 gallons.  2002 cost was $0.14 and $.12 respectively.  The overall chemical cost is slightly lower than 2002. The YTD expenditures of the Administration and Quality Control O/M budget for 2003: Administration – 87%; Quality Control – 91%. The YTD expenditures of the Water Utility O/M budget for 2003:  Kaw – 86%; Clinton – 94%; Distribution – 89%. The YTD expenditures of the Wastewater Utility O/M budget for 2003: WWTP – 93%; Sanitary Sewer -84%. Continue with preventative maintenance activities at each plant and in the distribution/ collection system.  Lift station and WWTP control and monitoring integration is underway with six lift stations complete and additional work ongoing on the other stations. In 2004, the Distribution Division will continue to evaluate expenditures for water distribution maintenance and repair and identify areas of possible reduction such as fuel, equipment and maintenance expenses.

CITY COMMISSION GOAL

Planned Growth: Encouraging growth that protects our environment, neighborhoods, and cultural features while benefiting all of our citizens.

City Manager’s Office

• Implement City Commission direction regarding Adequate Public Facility policy in a clear, user-friendly manner to potential developers of residential, commercial, and/or industrial property.

Status:  Staff has completed their review/update of the current development policy and it is being formatted into ordinance form.  Staff continues to attend and provide information for the Mayor’s APF task force meetings.

Finance

• Issue debt as needed to fund required infrastructure projects for future development.

Status: The Finance Department will be issuing debt in May of 2004 to fund new projects and refinance outstanding temporary notes in the amount of $11,090,000 due June 1, 2004.

Fire/Medical

• Continue planning activities to include proposed addition of Station 5 to assist in meeting necessary response times as outlined in NFPA standards.  Plan was approved by City Commissioners in response to current and future growth trends.

Status:  Implementation of the department’s facilities plan which includes the construction of Station 5 (19^th and Iowa) and the relocation of Station 4 to 22^nd and Wakarusa to assist in meeting the necessary response times as outlined in NFPA 1710 Standards. The department is currently working with an architectural firm to determine the estimated construction costs for the construction of Station 5 located at 19^th and Stewart Ave. This project along with the remaining projects in the 1995 Public Safety Plan are critical in maintaining the city’s current ISO Class. The department is currently working with an architectural firm to determine the estimated construction costs for the construction of Station 5 located at 19^th and Stewart Ave.

• Continue active plan review process, to include site plans and building plans, ensuring that new sites provide adequate access and infrastructure to support fire protection and suppression efforts, as well as adherence to fire codes.

Status: During 2003 the Prevention Division performed 112 building plan reviews and 221 site plan reviews.

Information Systems

• Continue expansion and refinement of Geographic Information System in support of Planning, Utilities, and Public Works Departments.

Status:  GIS continues to be an important tool for infrastructure planning in these departments.  GIS has now further expanded and is used by all but one department.

• Utilize GIS infrastructure resources for GASB financial reporting requirements.

Status:  Information contained in the GIS is being used to report infrastructure data to meet GASB requirements.  This goal has been met unless the Finance department requires additional information in the future.

• Update and add new planimetric data and aerial photography to the GIS system.

Status: Updated aerial photography, planimetric data and contours have been received from M.J. Harden, Inc. and installed on the City GIS system.

• Implement GIS Internet mapping service to more easily share GIS information.

Status: An agreement with the Data Access Support Center (DASC) at the Kansas Geological Survey was made to web host City of Lawrence GIS data.  The GIS steering committee agreed upon the content to be presented on the website, and all requested modifications to the system have been completed.  The system is now linked in as part of the City’s Egov website offerings.

Legal Services

• Continue to provide innovative legal services in support of planned growth, as related to City laws governing development, zoning, etc.

Status: Ongoing staff effort in this area, including the following improvement projects: legal and management support for implementation of development policy; legal support for innovative planned growth initiatives, such as deferred special assessments report, sign code improvements, area annexation proposals for O’Connell Road and possibly Miller/Wells acres area.

Neighborhood Resources

• Revise the Sign Code to a more user-friendly version to include graphics and tables that will provide direction to staff and the public regarding appropriate signage throughout the community and the downtown district.

Status:  A revised draft is awaiting review by the Legal Services department.

• Revise the trade contractor ordinance to ensure that planned growth in the community is completed by appropriately licensed and certified trade contractors.  The revision will also ensure citizens in the commercial and residential districts are protected by appropriate provisions that provide licensing, insurance requirements and contractor accountability.

Status: The Lawrence City Commission directed staff to draft an ordinance to license building, framing and concrete contractors in Lawrence.  Staff will be contacting Johnson County Licensing for a discussion on providing a continuing education program for Lawrence contractors.

• In conjunction with the Planning Department, develop a brochure/pamphlet providing “the process” to secure specific permits and approvals as required for projects in the community.  Examples may include site plan approval, lot splits, historic preservation reviews, flood plain permits, annexation, rezoning, platting, comprehensive plan review, building permits, sign permits, and demolition permits.

Status:  Flow charts describing the various processes are complete and will be included on the department website by January 30, 2004.

Parks & Recreation

• Continue to provide good stewardship of public lands, working toward protecting natural resources and the sensitive areas of our environment.

Status:  Purchased four acre site in Stonegate III area for future park and green space; completed Clinton Lake Master Plan to help preserve open space, wildlife habitat and unique vistas; working with planners to encourage developers to dedicate trail easements for future  neighborhood connections to parks.

• Utilize professional park planning to forecast and anticipate growth patterns in order to provide for future parks before development occurs.

Status: Completed long-term master plan for the 1600 acre regional park at Clinton Lake, including adding 97 acres to lease. Contracted with firm to design a Sesquicentennial Plaza on this site.

• Continue to work with other existing master plans (Utilities, Stormwater, etc.) and departments (Planning, Public Works) to coordinate programs, operations, and maintenance efforts.

Status:  Attended study session regarding Water/Wastewater Master Plans; staff is following UGA expansion issue and potential impacts to parks system.

Planning

• Promote compatible development by providing direction to coordinate new development and redevelopment projects with the planned timing and extension of city services and infrastructure with the end goal of supporting balanced growth and enhancing the unique character of the community.

Status:  The City Commission received the Adequate Public Facilities report.  A Mayor’s task force is currently exploring this issue.  See updated status below.

• Review projects based on adopted Adequate Public Facilities standards, a tool to implement the community’s goals in HORIZON 2020, and the City Commission’s policy objectives.

Status:   Mayor’s   Public Improvements Task Force [PITF] has met three times on this topic.  The last meeting was October 21^st when Johnson County (or former Jo CO) staff was invited to attend and present on impact fees and street assessment charges and how these have been incorporated into the development process. The Mayor’s PITF group has four additional meeting scheduled for 2004.  They are proceeding to a common goal by reviewing each major element of public infrastructure based on that infrastructure’s role in directing or following growth & development.

• Design a development code that integrates zoning and subdivision regulations, another tool to implement the goals and policies in HORIZON 2020 regarding new development, in-fill development, and environmentally sensitive development.

Status:  The Planning Commission has held six Listening Session on the draft Zoning Regulations. The Planning Commission has met twice at mid-month meetings to discuss the draft regulations.  The City and County Commissions have also been introduced to the draft regulations. The first public hearing on this document was deferred in September (due to meeting length) and will be held October 22^nd. A second public hearing will be held before action is taken on the document and it is forwarded on to the City Commission. The current status of the draft zoning regulations is: the planning commission has two additional work sessions scheduled this month [the 7^th and the 14^th, both 7:30 AM meetings] to wrap up review of potential revisions that have been presented by the public, planning commissioners and planning staff.  The final public hearing will occur on the draft zoning code at the January 28^th Planning Commission meeting.  A memo listing the revisions recommended to the May 14, 2003 draft document will be posted on the department’s website and forwarded on to the City Commission. Staff will make all revisions to the document, with the exception of insertion of illustrations, prior to the City Commission’s review and adoption. (Grammatical and spelling errors will be corrected but will not be included in the memo listing revisions.)  The draft subdivision regulations will be posted to the planning website in January and a schedule of listening sessions similar to those held for the draft zoning code will be established for February and March. The first of two public hearings on the draft subdivision regulations should be in March.

Public Transit

• Continue efforts to influence planning process so public transportation is considered in all site and development plans and infrastructure improvements.

Status:  The Public Transit Administrator (PTA) attends site plan review meetings on a regular basis, works with developers, and participates in public meetings being held by the Planning Department.  PTA serves on the Planning Department’s Technical Advisory Committee and is a partner in the Unified Planning Work Program.  Additionally, ongoing work is taking place with Public Works (Traffic Engineering and Street Divisions) and Utilities Departments to coordinate public infrastructure improvements with transit projects.

Public Works

• Continue to provide quality, timely review of submitted development proposals and stormwater management proposals in order to assure planned growth.

Status: On-going staff effort in this area.  The Engineering Division (City Engineer and Assistant, Stormwater Engineer, and Traffic Engineer) reviews all development proposals to ensure planned development is consistent with current requirements.  These are on-going efforts for the department.  All reviews are completed within two weeks of submittal.  Engineering Division has worked with neighborhoods on various traffic calming plans.   Policies established: Bike lane requirements and Speed Hump policy.  The Traffic Impact Study requirements will be considered by the City Commission in January.

• Provide appropriate inspection of all public and private infrastructure projects.

Status:  Quality, timely, and appropriate inspections for infrastructure are on-going responsibilities for the Engineering Division.  In June, the function became fully staffed for the first time this year.  The division purchased a nuclear density testing gauge to assist in materials analysis in the field.  Two senior inspectors have received training on this equipment.

Staff is currently providing inspection on State project at 6^th and Kasold.  Plan to have inspection staff receiving LPA/ACI training in early 2004.

• Utilize education and outreach activities by both waste reduction/recycling and stormwater divisions to educate public and developers regarding beneficial re-use options, NPDES compliance, and other regulatory issues related to growth and development.

Status:  Participated in “Rolling Down the River”, a community event.  Have implemented Best Management Practices (BMP’s) and working with local builders on compliance issues.  Staff is using GIS and AS400 to do a stormwater utility audit. 

Utilities

• Complete Master Plan and obtain City Commission endorsement and permission to follow up with rate study.  Complete rate study to incorporate Master Plan recommended CIP into rate structure that will provide adequate revenue to fund projects according to schedule.

Status: Master plan completed and adopted by CC. Rate study by B&V to be underway in January.

• Assist in completion of Adequate Public Facilities policy and follow up with revised Development Policy.

Status:  Awaiting direction on Adequate Public Facilities policy and revised Development Policy. Staff has met with the City Manager’s Office and Public Works to provide formal comments to the previous version of the Development Financing Policy.  Staff has also attended several meetings of the Public Improvements Task Force (PITF) to gather knowledge of the topics.  Finally, a meeting was held with a representative from the City of Olathe to understand Olathe’s policies concerning development financing.

CITY COMMISSION GOAL

Community Building: Creating social capital and celebrating our heritage.

Administrative Services

• Provide continued support for the concept of inclusiveness, the value of diversity, and recognition of the contributions of all our employees.

Status: Staff has developed the 2004 Diversity Training titled “The Generation Mix.”  The objectives include identifying and discussing the four different generations in our workplace (customers and co-workers) to better understand how socio-historical events influenced each generation; and to encourage and enable all of us to draw on each persons unique skills, perspectives, and values.  Twenty five classes have been scheduled at various locations across the City in February and early March.  Using the “train the trainer” concept, City staff, representing nearly all departments, will lead these sessions.

City Manager’s Office

• Provide continued support for Heritage Area Development Plan.

Status: City Manager met with Rep. Moore and Ryun in March at the National League of Cities meeting.

• Provide support to opportunities for community building.

Status: The City Manager has been working with representatives from the Innovation Group to host a forum on the topic of “Youth at Risk & Crime Prevention”.  The event will involve presentations of case studies of innovative programs. As part of the seminar, to be held in March, 2004, the Lawrence Police Department will be presenting a program on School Resource Officer Intervention.

Human Relations/Human Resources

• Provide continued support for the concept of inclusiveness, the value of diversity, and recognition of the contributions of all our citizens.

Status: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration was conducted on January 17 – 19, 2004. The event was well attended.  Guest speakers for this year’s event included Mark Mangino, KU football coach, and Lisa Miree, Miss Black USA.  A leadership seminar for the Utilities Department was conducted in November, 2003. The Department is currently engaged in an expanded community outreach effort.

• Continue to provide appropriate training for City staff, the business community, and other agencies in areas such as Equal Opportunity Law, mediation training, dispute resolution, etc.

Status: A Core Mediation Training course is being conducted on March 9 – 11, 2004 and marketing efforts to the local community are in progress. Fair Housing seminars are in the planning stage and are to be conducted during on April 23 & 24, 2004. The Equal Opportunity Law Update Seminar (Oct. 2004) is in the early planning stages. Partnership Initiative funds have been requested and approved by HUD to provide accessibility compliance support for local housing providers.

Parks & Recreation

o Provide opportunity for wide-range community input and support of the master plan for the leased area adjacent to Clinton Lake, including input from the Sesquicentennial Commission for a public commemoration of the City’s sesquicentennial.

Status: Entered into contract for detailed planning and design for a future Sesquicentennial Plaza.

o Continue to organize community events and festivals which celebrate our diverse heritage.

Status: Several staff members directly involved in planning for 2004 birthday celebration in Lawrence. Staff is involving Parks and Recreation Advisory Board where possible.  Developing partnerships with Haskell Indian Nations University, Downtown Lawrence Association and Douglas County Historical Society.  Recently became promise partner with Douglas County Promise organization to emphasize services to youth. 

Planning

• Provide continued support for Heritage Area Development Plan

Status:  Planning, through the Historic Preservation effort, provides support for the Commission’s action in regard to this goal. This is an on-going practice. No fourth quarter work has been directed toward this effort.

CITY COMMISSION GOAL

Environmental Issues: Integrating the environment into our decisions as we work towards a sustainable city.

City Manager’s Office

• Assure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to environment.  Encourage innovative measures to increase sustainability efforts within City departments.

Status: City Manager’s office is participating in discussions with Kansas Water Office regarding allocation issues from Clinton Reservoir. Operations within the City organization continue to be compliant with appropriate regulations.

Fire & Medical

• Assimilate new role of domestic defenders into preparedness and response capabilities and operations to include all types of hazardous material incidents including Weapons of Mass Destruction responses.

Status:  Implement the regional response plans that have been jointly developed by Douglas County Emergency Management, Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical.  These plans identify the fire services role as first responders as domestic defenders.  In addition we will continue to apply for federal grants in an attempt to obtain state-of-the-art equipment for hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction response.  . Douglas County received $75,965 in 2002 grants and we are currently reviewing 2003 grant requests. $47,878 went toward fire service response and $28,087 toward law enforcement response capabilities.  Twenty-four members of the department received Hazardous Materials Technician certification through a program offered by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

Information Systems

• Utilize E-gov solutions in part to reduce paper and printing requirements when transacting City business functions.  Projects include online utility billing, online recreation class enrollment, City employee intranet, internet mapping, web-based agenda, jobs online, construction permits and inspection online, and information kiosks for Lawrence citizens.

Status: Utility Billing online has been available since June 2003 and allows citizens to view current and past utility bill information.   Online recreation class enrollment was launched on August 3, 2003 to permit citizens to enroll in recreation classes and make payments online.  An initial rollout of the employee intranet is being used to provide information to employees and continues to be refined. An Internet mapping site has been developed by DASC and is ready to be linked into the City’s main website.  Online building permits and inspections have been installed and are scheduled to be launched on the City website in early February 2004.

Parks & Recreation

• Continue working with other departments, neighborhoods, and commercial entities to develop/maintain parks as natural buffers to improve water quality, serve as storm retention facilities and help improve air quality.

Status: Work with Kansas Wildlife and Parks Dept. to improve fishing opportunities at the Pat Dawson Billings Nature Area. 

• Continue development of pesticide free parks and maintain responsible application practices for pesticides and herbicides in other park areas.

Status:  Ongoing staff effort in this area.

• Maximize parks, urban forestry systems and Nature Center as environmental public education facilities.

Status:  Completed eagle sanctuary area at the Prairie Park Nature Center and have received both a rehabilitated Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle for display and use in educational programs.

Public Works

• NPDES Phase II stormwater regulation compliance activities will include public education, public involvement in prevention, detection and elimination of pollutant sources, management of construction site pollution, development review for environmental impact, and training of city employees on pollution prevention.

Status:  Ongoing coordination with other City departments and businesses to manage discharge or potential discharge events, including sessions with Water Quality Division staff from Utilities Department.  A native grass mix has been standardized that will be utilized in drainage ways to maximize bank stability and environmental elements. Educational information has been produced on construction site pollution.  A reorganization of the engineering inspection function has been completed that will provided more trained personnel in the field to identify on-going compliance issues.   

• Complete Phase I of compost site on 11^th Street.

Status:  Phase I (Solid Waste composting area) of the overall compost site plan has been completed.  The revised compost site permit application was submitted to KDHE on August 4^th.  Expectations are that the site will begin operating in March of 2004.

• Implement city-wide commercial office waste paper program.

Status:  Solid Waste crews began collecting mixed office paper from City Hall in May.  The city-wide pilot program has expanded to include 45 pick up locations weekly, serving 81 businesses. 

• Expand paper yard waste bag pilot program.

Status: Oread, Barker, North Lawrence, Alvamar, & Quail Ridge East neighborhoods participated in the pilot paper yard waste bag program in 2003.  An educational process to facilitate discontinuance of plastic bags for yard waste will be undertaken in 2004 with the goal of eliminating plastic bags from yard waste use in 2005.

• Install second horizontal baler, per grant.

Status: Grant was approved and specifications are being prepared for baler and installation.The horizontal baler has been purchased and installed.  Project is complete.

• Expand Environmental Procurement Policy to include expansion of alternative fuel vehicle pilot program, increased use of recycled construction materials, use of energy efficient lighting, and promotion of “green” construction practices.

Status:  Pilot program is in place for alternative fuel vehicles with 3 hybrids and 9 flex fuel vehicles in the City fleet. We continue to evaluate and track hybrid technology as well as alternative fuel development, with the goal of making the fleet as environmentally friendly as is feasible and practical.

• Increase accessibility and usability of Household Hazardous Waste program.

Status: The facility is now available by appointment generally Monday through Saturday.  Over 1,400 customers have been served by appointment in 2003.

Utilities

• Complete construction of Kaw Water Treatment Plant Lime Residuals facilities and final operational plan for long-term disposal of lime residuals.

Status:  The force main contract portion of this project is complete and has been tested by the contractor.  The plant improvements/pump station contract is approximately 98% complete.  Substantial completion occurred on December 31, 2003 and final start up is presently underway.  Compliance for the NPDES permit is March, 2004.  The City Commission has been updated on this project.  Applications for the monofil permit at the Waste Water Treatment Plant have been sent to the appropriate agencies.

• Continue development of source water and watershed protection planning.

Status: In the fall of 2003, members of the Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy Core Working Group gave 15-minute presentations on progress the group had made in 2003.  These presentations were given to key persons in Federal, State and Local government.  The intent of the presentations was to educate and spread the word on the group’s initiatives and future plans for implementation of goals presented.  A publicity campaign is being developed by the core group and funding is being solicited through application of available grant money. Signs which say “Entering the Watershed” have been made and will be placed throughout strategic areas of the watershed area.  The group is also working with K-State personnel on a bacteria source tracking project.  Also, the group is planning to have an information booth set up at the March 2004 Water and Future of Kansas Conference.

• Evaluate water quality parameters and present/future regulations to provide appropriate planning for changes in the operation and capital improvements to meet future regulations.

Status:  Staff has worked very extensively with the Douglas County Health Department in dealing with the 2003 Cryptosporidium issues. Utilities and Health Department staff met after the Cryptosporidium incident to discuss actions taken during the incident and planned strategies for any future incidents. In addition, work has begun with other treatment issues such as zebra mussel observation.  El Dorado Lake has now been affected with zebra mussels and it may be a matter of time before the Clinton reservoir or other bodies of water in Kansas have the same situation.  Preliminary testing (primarily visual observation) over the last year has not indicated any detect of the fingernail-sized organism and have not seen anything at our intake facilities. In December 2003, department staff met with Corp of Engineers and also Tom Mosher who has been involved with the El Dorado Zebra Mussel issue. The purpose of the meeting was to be aware of potential zebra mussel invasion and its implications. Information pamphlets titled “Zap the Zebra” have been distributed and staff is hopeful that Department of Wildlife & Parks and the US Army Corp of Engineers will take the initiative for more public involvement. The Water Quality Division has submitted the 4th quarter Stage I DBP rule regulatory data and all parameters are in compliance with the regulations. Also, the Lead and Copper Bi-weekly data was submitted for the year 2003.   The Department of Utilities continues to be in compliance with all pertinent regulations. Staff is coordinating efforts with HINU and PR to improve the Wakarusa lift station appearance. Application of odor control chemicals to migrate odors is currently taking place on a trial basis upstream of the station. 

CITY COMMISSION GOAL

Neighborhood Planning: Improving the livability of all Lawrence neighborhoods.

City Manager’s Office

• Continue dialogue with various neighborhood organizations re: livability issues, specifically as relates to Rental Registration/Inspection Program.  Develop measurement of Program’s impact on livability.

Status: Responding to ongoing requests for information and maintaining dialogue with neighborhoods in relationship to complaint tracking.  Providing periodic inspection result updates to neighborhoods regarding Rental Inspection and Zoning Code Enforcement programs. 

Fire & Medical

• Continue multi-family and congregate residence inspection program to educate tenants on fire safety practices and inform tenants and landlords of their responsibilities regarding fire safety appliances in apartments.

Status: Continuing to establish a “fire safe” rapport as part of our multi-family inspection program to educate tenants and landlords on fire safety practices (including exit drills in the home and the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms).  During 2003, the Operations Division conducted 1512 multi-family inspections.

• Continue to provide all hazard safety education for all neighborhood schools.

Status: Operations Division members conducted 55 school education programs.

Information Systems

• Install and configure new Building Permit System for Neighborhood Resources Department.

Status:  A new building permit system has been installed and is operational.

• Replace and update network infrastructure components to maintain continual network uptime and to increase network performance as support measure for all departments involved in improving the livability of Lawrence.

Status:  Two critical ISDN routers in City Hall that connect city computer facilities to all outlying facilities have been replaced with a new Cisco router.  This new router also expands to accommodate additional facilities as the need arises.  A new tape backup system has also been installed that has significantly shortened the data backup time of the City’s computer servers.  Additionally the new backup system has proven to be much more reliable than the replaced system.

Legal Services

• Continue to enhance livability by the effective prosecution and fair adjudication of City laws impacting our community.

Status:  Ongoing staff effort in this area, including review of possible additional efforts for fine collection activities.

Neighborhood Resources

• Evaluate the Rental Housing Inspection Program to ensure the program is meeting the objective of improving the livability of all Lawrence neighborhoods.

Status:  In an effort to identify additional rental properties located in single-family zoning districts Neighborhood Resources and Information Systems staff have developed a computer program utilizing the City’s geographic information system.  Over 1000 properties were identified as rental units and the property owners were notified via letter of the rental registration requirement.  Since the notification, property owners have contacted our office resulting in over 500 registrations and approximately 200 properties identified as non-rentals.  

Parks & Recreation

• Increase networking capabilities with other departments in efforts to upgrade existing neighborhood parks and facilities.

Status:  Mark Hecker and Ernie Shaw now attending bi-weekly operations meeting with other department to coordinate/discuss projects, programs, etc. Implemented agreement with Douglas County for shared maintenance of Broken Arrow Park (city-county park).

• Continue maximizing opportunities to link neighborhood parks with walking and hiking trails, enhancement of public landscaping, renovation of playgrounds and expansion of open space.

Status:  Ongoing staff effort in this area. Currently working with the  Neighborhood Resources Dept. to help improve both Brook Creek and Clinton Park. Working with neighborhood associations to help renovate Brook Creek and Clinton Parks. Finalized landscape plan for Haskell Indian Nations University cemetery area with City and HINU cooperation.

• Evaluating first year of street tree ordinance/regulations where city plants trees.

Status: Installed over 600 trees in 2002-03 through this program.             Recently bid an additional 550 trees for installation in the next 6 months.  Recently adjusted fees after review of street tree ordinance.

Planning

• Complete County-wide Historic Preservation Plan with goals and objectives that can seamlessly address the city and county’s built heritage and the preservation/conservation of these resources.

Status:    This document was submitted to the Historic Resources Commission in July. They will hold public hearings in October and November on the Plan prior to adoption of it. The HRC has held a work session on this document and one public hearing. They will hold an additional public hearing in January 2004 at which time this document will be forwarded to the Planning and City Commission’s for receipt and action.

• Propose amendment to the City/County Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Horizon 2020, to include policies and goals that address Historic Preservation and Heritage issues at both city and county-wide levels.

Status:  An executive summary element has been prepared to amend into HORIZON 2020, Chapter 11, after the Historic Resources Commission has reviewed and adopted a final version of the Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan. .  After the Planning Commission receives the Historic Resources Commission’s recommendations and action on the Comprehensive HP Plan, the PC can initiate a text amendment to HORIZON 2020, Chapter 11.  Amendments to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan [HORIZON 2020] follow a timeline that takes approximately 115 days to complete from initiation to adoption and publication of the joint city/county ordinance/resolution that amends the Plan.

• Develop specific zoning and subdivision regulations that take into consideration established neighborhood character, compatibility of design issues for in-fill development, and public review of large institutional buffer areas.

Status:  The Zoning Regulations are in the public forum now being discussed, reviewed, and modifications recommended.  The Subdivision Regulations will enter the public forum in November for the same type of review, discussion and public comment listening sessions. The Zoning Regulations are included in the draft zoning code.  The Subdivision Regulations will include language that accommodates and takes into consideration existing platted lots and typical street frontages and yard to lot/street relationships in the older, more established neighborhoods that are near in the urban core (6^th Street to 23^rd Street, Iowa to Haskell Avenue).

Police

• Utilize additional staffing, equipment, and improved technology in efforts to work with citizens to improve the livability of all Lawrence neighborhoods.

Status: Mobile data computer development and installation continues with seven Traffic Unit vehicles completed, and ten patrol units in process.  This is part of the overall $400,000 grant to the Sheriff’s office to build the infrastructure for mobile data communication county-wide.  It is a multi-year project because of the cost of equipping emergency vehicles in the fleet.  The department continues its technology development with scanning and electronic communications technology to relieve the backlogs that have plagued the front office staff.  Digital imaging technology now extends to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office to move towards a less paper oriented transfer of police investigative records.  We have implemented a project to computerize self-initiated activities of officers that are now unrecorded by the Computer Aided Dispatch system.  This development will better reflect the volume of work conducted by officers.

• Continue dialogue with neighborhood groups regarding departmental responsiveness to calls for service.

Status: Complaints concerning parking and noise issues continue to drive neighborhood demands for service.  These have not been met to the department’s satisfaction as we continue to work to prioritize our call response while providing adequate resources for serious crimes and complaints in our community.

Public Transit

• Place passenger amenities such as shelters, benches, and signage in order to increase comfort level of passengers, new and existing.

Status: Placement data still being collected for the next round of 14 shelters.  17 shelters are being installed at this time.  Route Sign Master Plan is completed through Route 5 and Route 6 is in process.  Amenities Committee actively working on ways to utilize $497,000 Federal Earmark for transfer station.  Exploring bus cut out for 23^rd & Harper (southeast) intersection.

Public Works

• Patch potholes within 48 hours of calls.

Status: Pothole repair is an on-going activity.  New equipment allows for hot asphalt placement for more permanent pothole repair in cold weather.

• Increase frequency of street sweeping.

Delivery of the equipment is estimated for March 1, 2003.

Status:  If all three units are operational, we are running the sweepers each work day as weather conditions permit.

• Clean/reconstruct catch basins, drainage systems.

Status:  The stormwater maintenance crew continues to focus on catch basin replacement and continual debris removal. Channel re-grading projects are scheduled for cold weather periods. A CDBG project to improve drainage on Funston Avenue in North Lawrence has been completed.

• Complete annual sidewalk program.

Status: 2003 Sidewalk Repair Program is complete.  The program was scaled back in 2003 due to budget constraints.  Public Works coordinated with Lawrence Transit to develop collaborative 2003 program to address gaps and accessibility concerns for general public and “T” patrons in particular.  The program in 2004 will be of limited scope due to budget considerations.

• Maintain integrity of levee and stormwater pumping capacity to protect North Lawrence.

Status:  Annual inspection for 2003 completed successfully.  Two major projects in planning stage: Maple Street lift station (short-term project) and underpass pump systems (long-term project).

• Implement stormwater CIP plan.

Status:  Implementation on-going.  21^st and Naismith project is complete. 21^st and Barker Project is complete and a second phase project was bid in December for the 19^th and Learnard area. The 13^th and Oregon CIP and the Haskell Mitigation Basin will also both be bid in February.

• Assist neighborhood organizations with neighborhood clean ups and street sweeping efforts

Status: Alley clean-up and neighborhood events such as North Lawrence and Pinckney have been conducted in 2003 and will be planned for 2004.  Significant departmental efforts are focused on managing move-in, move-out wastes during the turnover of rental units (July / August) and return of students to campus housing.

Utilities

• Continue annual water distribution improvements to upgrade neighborhood waterlines and eliminate “red water” calls.  Evaluate needs with respect to pipe age, fire protection capabilities, and water quality concerns.

Status: The Water Treatment Manager at the Kaw Plant continues to run semi-annual corrosion studies on the distribution system.  The latest study ended on November 24, 2003.  The 2003 waterline improvement projects were completed, including E. 17^th Street (NH to Barker), Rhode Island (15^th to 17^th), 8^th Street (Ky. to NH), and Haskell (Lynn to E. 19^th St.) and Jayhawk Blvd.  RFP’s for the design of 2004 waterline improvement projects were sent out, reviewed and engineers selected by staff.  The design has started and staff anticipates construction bids in spring of 2004. Replacement of the water lines on New Jersey, from 11^th to 14^th will be especially effective in reducing "red water" calls from that area. Replacement of the water lines on 10^th and 11^th streets in the downtown area will continue the goal of upgrading the water distribution system in the core downtown area. To improve the reliability and fire protection in the area, water lines were replaced in 2003 by city crews on Nebraska St., Dakota St., and the 2300 block of Vermont, and Moundview Dr., from Rockledge to Crestline. Moundview Dr., from Crestline to Century Dr., will be replaced by City crews in 2004. Selected areas of North Lawrence with undersized water lines will also be replaced by City crews in 2004.

• Continue maintenance of sanitary sewer collection system, including line cleaning and manhole inspection to reduce the number of system backups.

Status: Implementation of revised CIP to include continued efforts for rehabilitation of aging lines and manholes within the system for 2004 at same level of effort as in previous years.

• Continue maintenance of water distribution system, including system flushing, cross connection control inspection, and adequate system pressures for fire fighting purposes.

Status: Staff has developed a policy for addressing issues with one aspect of the existing cross connection control program; this is currently in the review phase. The distribution system flushing program continues to concentrate on preventing possible water quality concerns in new subdivisions and service areas that are served by dead-end water distribution lines.

• Implement a water quality control program in the distribution system that provides increased monitoring and response to detect areas of vulnerability with respect to changes in water quality.

Status:  Samples are currently being obtained at strategic locations in the distribution system on a daily basis.  Water quality information gathered from the testing of these samples provides a database that will be used to analyze the results and correlate with other distribution system data.  Additionally, staff has checked into other potential monitoring applications that are being used in the water industry.

CITY COMMISSION GOAL

Downtown Development: Protecting the integrity of downtown while maintaining it as a unique community resource.

City Manager’s Office

• Research options for dealing with “atmosphere” issues that may be affected by a proliferation of drinking establishments in the C-3 zoning area, as well as any opportunities to strengthen retail activity in the area.

Status: A preliminary report has been provided for the City Commission.  A study session is scheduled for February 18^th to review additional staff research on this topic.

• Present Downtown Infrastructure Master Plan for CC consideration, to include infrastructure improvements to alleys, waterlines, etc.

Status: A short-range plan document has been developed in coordination with Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and Utilities departments.

• Study “rebate” option for Historic District buildings.  Coordinate research with Downtown Lawrence Association.

Status: Currently under staff review.

Fire & Medical

• Continue focus on downtown area in operations of Night Consultant Program, which routinely checks occupancy, exiting and life safety appliances in downtown structures at night, thus protecting patrons of these businesses.

Status:  Provide life safety checks of all life hazard occupancies in the downtown area.  These inspections are conducted by members of our Night Consultant program.  Routine inspections during high occupancy time frames are made to check occupant loads, exiting and life safety requirements thus protecting patrons of these businesses.  Our night consultants conducted 930 life safety inspections during 2003.

• Continue annual inspections of all downtown businesses to identify and correct fire hazards, thus preserving the historic and unique structures of this community resource.

Status: Provide annual hazard inspections of all downtown businesses to identify and correct fire hazards, thus preserving the historic and unique structures of this community. 100% of all downtown business is inspected annually.

Parks & Recreation

• Protect investment in downtown infrastructure by adequately maintaining parks, public buildings, streetscape and landscaped parking lots.

Status: Adding landscaping as funds are available. New landscaping has been completed at Lawrence Arts Center. Staff is coordinating landscaping efforts with Downtown Lawrence Association, utilizing plans from both entities and involving more business employees in planting flowers. Staff has contracted the painting of light poles on Mass. St. We recently adjusted fees after review of the street tree ordinance.

• Continue to offer programs to attract people to the downtown area.

Status:  Ongoing staff effort in this area.

Planning

• Complete amendments to the commercial chapter of Horizon 2020 that update the commercial/retail development issues and the market evaluation tool for review of large commercial development proposals in respect to their impacts on the Downtown Retail, Social, and Governmental Center.

Status:  The City Commission has approved a modified version of the Planning Commission’s approved and recommended chapter changes.  The County Commission will receive the Commercial chapter recommendation of the City and Planning Commissions in November for action. The Planning Commission, at their December 17^th meeting, reconsidered the revisions to the commercial chapter that the City Commission approved and the Planning Commission included in their reconsideration comments from the County Commission regarding both the City Commission version of Chapter 6 and the Planning Commission’s initial recommendations for revisions to Chapter 6.  The Planning Commission concurred with some revisions the City Commission made but failed to achieve a positive vote on revisions to the CC500 Community Commercial Center or changes to future nodes from CC500 to CC200.  In failing to achieve a positive vote, the Commission’s original recommendation was reaffirmed on these points.

Police

• Focus on the integrity of downtown in policing efforts.

Status:  The Department continues to assign a patrol unit to a district comprised exclusively of downtown Lawrence (district 127).  The current service levels required by the growing number of street-people and associated complaints make the district very busy.  The police interventions generated by patrons in the drinking establishments downtown continue to challenge our resources. 

Public Works

• Contribute to the aesthetics of downtown with continued weekly alley clean-ups, parking lot/garage trash and debris removal, graffiti removal, and maintenance of curbs, crosswalks, parking lots, parking structures, and lighting.

Status:  On-going alley clean-ups (weekly), parking lot trash (daily), graffiti removal (as needed).  Curbs and crosswalk projects are established annually.  Replaced two brick inlay crosswalks with stamped and colored concrete.  An overlay project was completed for Vermont Street, 7^th to 9^th, re-striping the roadway to 3 lanes.  Staff is coordinating with Utilities Department regarding waterline installation and street repair.  The Department is reviewing issues with the continued viability of the current downtown lighting system.

Utilities

• Improve and maintain utility infrastructure in downtown corridor.

Status:  Continue Rehabilitation of sanitary sewers in older areas of town including: Downtown, Pinckney and East Lawrence neighborhoods. Waterlines in downtown and the surrounding area continue to be included on the priority list of water mains to be replaced each year.  Engineering services for 2004 waterline improvement projects were started in October that includes:  10^th St., Tenn. to NH; 11^th St., Tenn. to Mass.; and Vermont St., 9^th to 11^th.     Maps of improvements and future work have been provided to the City Manager’s office. A timetable for the replacement of the downtown Massachusetts Street water line will be developed. It is the goal of the department to begin design and detail planning in mid to late 2004.  This will include public input from downtown businesses and property owners.

CITY COMMISSION GOAL

Transportation: Improving access for all citizens.

City Manager’s Office

• Assist Public Transit Administrator in anticipating accessibility issues as transit system continues to mature.

Status: Communications Coordinator working with new Marketing Coordinator to enhance public awareness and accessibility efforts.

Parks & Recreation

• Continue cooperation with transportation planners in planning safe hiking and biking trails for the community.

Status:  Ongoing staff effort in this area.  Staff representative is now attending Bicycle Advisory board meetings.

• Continue working with Public Transit Administrator on making recreational facilities accessible and convenient for all citizens utilizing the “T”.

Status: A bus route adjustment to access Prairie Park Nature Center is being considered.

Planning

• Complete update to Comprehensive Transportation Plan, T2025, a policies and goals document that provides systematic review of the multi-modal transportation opportunities in Lawrence.

Status:  The Plan has been completed, published, and is posted on the department website [www.lawrenceplanning.org]. 

• Develop access management policies for major streets and roads.

Status: A draft document will be presented to the City Commission at their 13^th or 20^th meeting. The draft document will be posted on the planning website for the public’s access prior to the City Commission’s consideration.

• Create major thoroughfares map to guide long-range planning for location of street extensions and rights-of-way projections needed for orderly growth outward from existing city limits.

Status: These two maps have been approved and adopted by both Governing Bodies and the Planning Commission. The final step, approval of a joint ordinance/resolution by the Governing Bodies prior to publication and revision of the document was approved on 12.30.03.  Publication of this joint ordinance/resolution will make the revisions effective. The revised maps can be found on the planning department’s website [www.lawrenceplanning.org].

• Coordinate review of public and private projects to assure the pedestrian and bicycle needs in the community and the continuity of these alternative forms of transportation are addressed.

Status: The Bicycle Advisory Committee has approved the Map revisions but are reviewing other communities use of ‘rec. paths’ and will continue discussion of the Plan amendments at their January meeting.

Police

• Work on transportation security issues through education, surveillance, and enforcement.  Maximize utilization of Traffic Safety unit.

Status:  The traffic unit is operational with all personnel selected and trained.  Equipment been delivered.  The Traffic Unit Sergeant has been coordinating with other City departments to improve overall efficiencies in areas such as the speed monitoring sled.  The first year of the Traffic Unit ended in October, 2003 with the annual statistics exceeding our grant projections.

Public Transit

• Continue aggressive marketing plan designed to promote the benefits of public transportation and increase ridership.

Status: 2004 Communications Plan completed.  Hired Marketing Coordinator – start date of 12/29/03.

• Pursue avenues for KU on Wheels and LTS to coordinate our system to increase ridership on the “T” extend transportation opportunities to students, and achieve cost efficiencies for both systems.

Status:  Sale of T Stickers will occur January 20 – 23^rd.  Ongoing work continues with Route Review/Scheduling Committee to better serve KU campus.

Public Works

• Formalize pavement maintenance function and establish rating system.

Status: Proposal submitted and approved for Asst. City Engineer position to include pavement management functions.  Review of suitable system underway. Pavement management functions are included in the Assistant City Engineer’s position.  He is currently researching and establishing a system of rating criteria.  A presentation on the status of the program was made to the City Commission in the fall, 2003.  Rating of pavement will begin in February, 2004.  The goal is to develop preliminary evaluations and condition assessments of 50% of pavements by mid-summer.

• Continue/expand crack sealing program.

Status: Ongoing efforts underway.  City Commission updated on 2002 activities during recent budget discussions for 2003.The 2003 crack-sealing program will focus on area 1 (23^rd Street south from Iowa to Wakarusa) and North Lawrence. A chip seal project was completed in 2003 that included Western Hills.

• Continue/expand overlay and curb replacement programs.

Status: Ongoing efforts underway as funding is available. The 2003 overlay and curb repair program has been completed.  A second concrete repair project is currently under construction.  Maintenance projects will be scaled back significantly in 2004 due to budget restraints.

• Explore alternatives for long-term repair options (e.g. white topping).

Status: White topping and chip & seal projects completed in 2002 and planning underway for 2003. Intersections of 15^th and El Dorado Drive and a section of 15^th and Kasold have been reconstructed in concrete.  The intersection of Clinton Parkway and Inverness was “white topped.”  The curb and gutter/overlay program will be reduced due to the 2004 budget considerations.

CITY COMMISSION GOAL

Service Delivery: Provide excellent city services consistent with resources available.

Administrative Services

• Continue to develop and implement master plans for City Employee Compensation, Benefits, and Risk Management Programs.

Status: 1) The 2004 Primary Pay Plan has been developed and distributed which includes a 5% adjustment for pay grades 106-110 (as recommended in the 2003 Compensation Study and approved by the City Commission); staff is also continuing to review materials and recommendations and meeting with appropriate staff to develop draft preliminary 2005 pay plans for Police, Fire/Medical, and other City staff; 2) staff has finished the “information gathering” portion of its review of consumer directed health plans (CDHP) and medical savings account (MSA) information and are developing a memorandum for the City Commission and City Manager’s Office summarizing this information and recommendations.

• Continue to improve Risk Management Information Systems reporting capabilities to enhance data analysis, communication, and focus targeted loss control efforts.

Status: Staff is preparing 2003 workers compensation, general liability, and auto liability claims information for a February presentation to the Management Team.

• Implement, as directed, employee communication, empowerment and rewards initiatives in response to recommendations from 2002 Employee Survey and the Virtual CEO exercise, to include:

• Develop and implement City Intranet as a primary communication tool for all city staff in order to better coordinate City services and projects.

Status: Staff is continuing to use the prototype/working draft Intranet; the City Employee Newsletter “The Phoenix” distributed with a link to the Intranet in order to have employees start to visit and use the Intranet site.

• Develop Administrative policy and storage mechanisms to give supervisors and employees direction in carrying out city standards in a variety of areas (i.e. drug and alcohol program administration, driver's safety, military leave, employee recognition).

Status: Administrative Services staff is continuing to review/edit drafts of the above-mentioned policies.

City Manager’s Office

• Continue working with various departments in establishing, updating, and following master plan initiatives as financial conditions allow.  This includes the development of a Resource Plan for the Police Department, the presentation of the latest Water and Wastewater Master Plans, and the ongoing efforts to follow as appropriate the transportation, stormwater, public safety (fire station), parks and recreation and airport master plans.  A summary of these plans and their status was provided to the City Commission at their May, 2003 goal setting session.

Status: Staff from this office is working closely with Utilities department staff and the consultant to fashion a rate study for the City Commission’s consideration that will address the proposed capital improvement projects from the recently completed Water and Wastewater Master Plans.  Additionally, staff is working with the consultant and Police department staff in completing that department’s resource plan.

Human Relations

• Continue updated professional development training for City staff. 
• Continue pro-active alliances with HINU, KU, NAACP, etc.
• Continue to provide seminars for the benefit of the local business community, specifically employment law and mediation training.
• Continue diversity training for City employees.  This activity serves as a catalyst for improving customer relations for all City employees.

Status:  The Department, in cooperation with the Personnel Division, made available a Supervisor Training Seminar, conducted by attorneys from Foulston Siefkin LLP on January 20, 2004. The Department is sponsoring a Core Mediation Training Class on March 9-11, 2004.  The Department has recently augmented its training library by purchasing videotapes on customer service, leadership and negotiation skills. In addition, the Department has upgraded its audio/visual equipment (which is available to all City departments). In-service diversity training is being conducted in January and February 2004 for all City employees. This year’s topic is Cross-Generational Communication.

Information Systems

• Continue implementation of additional online services as part of the egov initiative to allow for convenient citizen access to city services. 

Status: After discussion and a trial run of the commission web-based agenda packets, this egov project went live during the January 13, 2004 commission meeting.  Agenda packet materials may be viewed and/or downloaded from the City’s website.  Two other egov projects recently added to the City’s website are online building permit/inspection data, and GIS Internet mapping.  The online building permit/inspection system allows permit-holders to enter a permit number and PIN on the website to retrieve a record of permit information and inspection activity to-date.  The GIS Internet mapping project will permit viewing of selected GIS mapping layers including streets, neighborhoods, schools, plats, parcels, and aerial photography. 

Fire & Medical

• We are currently beginning Phase I of Fire Department Accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.  This process will assist department members in achieving excellence through self assessment and accreditation in order to provide continuous quality improvement and the enhancement of service delivery to our community.

Status: The Fire Agency Accreditation Program is an Accreditation Organization of the Commission on Fire Accreditation, International, International City Managers Association (ICMA) and Insurance Service Organization (ISO).

• Proceed with the implementation of the 1995 Public Safety Plan with the construction of Stations 4 and 5, addition of staff and equipment.  Develop a new 10-year strategic plan as part of the Fire Department Accreditation process.

Status: Consultant has completed a “Space Needs Analysis and Building Program” report for Fire Station #5, which is currently under staff review.

Neighborhood Resources

• Implementation of Building Permit system will provide information online for contractors and citizens regarding building permit applications, plan review status and inspection information.  The system incorporates tracking mechanisms for each phase of the permitting process and is interfaced with existing city computer systems ensuring permits are closed as appropriate and inspections results entered.  The building permit system will enhance customer service delivery.

Status:  Staff received PDA computers in December to be used for field data entry.  The computers will be used to enter inspection results from construction sites to the building permit system via internet.  Permit holders will be able to view results online 24/7 using a Personal Identification Number (PIN).  Plan review status will be available online beginning February 2, 2004.  This feature will allow building permit applicants to view plan review progress online and be able to see if any additional information is required for permit issuance.

Parks & Recreation

• Have implemented on-line registration for classes and activities. On-line enrollment increasing; 40% this session.
• Update website regularly.
• Staff training includes customer service, safety, CPR and ADE.
• Implemented cross training of maintenance staff as part of park district plan.
• Implemented background checks for part time employees and volunteers involved in youth programs.
• Take advantage of professional development opportunities, as budgets allow, keeping employees abreast of changes in the profession.
• Adding programs for home school students and offering continuing education classes dropped by USD 497. 
• Formal partnership with Douglas County Promise organization to emphasize quality services to youth.
• Entered into a five year beverage contract with Pepsi which guarantees additional revenue for the Dept.
• Notification of recognition of the NRPA “Excellence in Aquatics” award for 2004.
• Pilot project for more contract pruning and tree removal expected in 2004 instead of replacing employees who leave our employment.

Police

• The department is anticipating a selection and training period in the fourth quarter for the promotion of five new detectives authorized by the City Commission.  This will provide additional investigative resources for the service delivery component of the department and an evening shift for investigative follow-up during extended hours.

Status: The department has opened the selection procedure for five new detective positions.  The process will be completed in spring 2004.  Current budgetary requests to limit overtime have changed the probability that the new detectives will be assigned to evening shift.  The new detectives may be used to augment existing case assignments to reduce overtime.  The matter is still under study.

Public Transit

• Development of a long-range planning document to ensure meeting customer service needs and management objectives, such as improving efficiency and reducing waste

Status:  Working with MV Consultant in the preparation of this document; the document is approximately 2/3 completed.

• Formalize performance standards for transportation system based on history, resources and industry standards, such as, route design, schedule design, economics and productivity, service delivery and passenger comfort and safety.

Status: Performance standards provided to PTAC members for discussion at our February meeting.  Staff to provide update on current benchmarks being met.

• Formalize penalties and incentives for our public transit provider to ensure that our goal to provide effective and efficient public transportation system is met.

Status: A monthly checklist and oversight document has been created to monitor provider’s adherence to transit standards.

Public Works

• Work with managers, employees, and other departments to identify cost-saving opportunities that help maximize the quality and efficiency of the services delivered to the citizens of Lawrence.

Status:  This is an on-going goal and project.  The division managers have worked diligently throughout the budget process to identify areas where budget reductions would have the least visible effect on community services from the perspective of the citizens.  The department continually reviews operations to achieve cost savings and service improvements.

Utilities

• Continue efforts in public education regarding water quality, conservation, appropriate use, etc.

Status: Draft Water Conservation Plan is now under staff review. Several press releases and notification on bills concerning water conservation and use of water have been issued in 2003. We plan to determine what level of emphasis is needed for the community concerning water conservation.

• Utilize completed Master Plans to continue departmental strategy of planning appropriately for system growth, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

Status: Master Plans include sections concerning: water source supply, projects and funding etc., which will continue to part of the capital budget process.

• Utilize technology to enhance service delivery.

Status: GIS software is being used as we develop databases for information management.  For example we are hyperlinking recorded utility easements to the digital map product via databases which should allow us to access a copy of the original documents.   Other GIS efforts include: tracking water quality complaints, taste & odor calls, and tracking age of water and sanitary sewer pipes.

• Emphasize appropriate resource management and efficiencies in day-to-day operations at facilities and in field work.

Status: Continue to promote excellent City services with general reductions in resources by providing oversight and follow up for resource management.  We meet with staff concerning budget expenditures, communication and morale issue etc.  We have developed the Department of Utilities Employees’ Awards for Excellence Program as a management tool to better recognize employee contributions.

• Strive for continuous improvement in regards to staff professional development as industry continues to change and become more regulatory-driven.

Status:  Staff has attended water and wastewater schools/ workshops provided by University of Kansas, AWWA and Fort Scott Community College.  Received Supervisory Training in Excellence Program (STEP) in-service training from KU’s Human Resources Department over the past 6 months; Staff attended Lawrence Human Relation/ Human Resources Department Annual Employment Law Update.