CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending June 8, 2012

Columbia officials’ visit to Lawrence featured in magazine

Recently, a delegation of city officials, reporters, transportation advocates, and University of Missouri students made a trip to Lawrence to see the City of Lawrence/University of Kansas transit partnership in action. An article in the April edition of Inside Columbia magazine sings the praises of Lawrence (“a pleasant town built atop the rolling hills of the Sunflower State”), the transit system (which “runs circles” around that of our Missouri friends), and the “strong partnership between KU and the city of Lawrence.” The author’s polemic concludes that he has “seen the future, through the portal of Lawrence, Kansas,” and that Columbia and Missouri “could learn a lot from Lawrence.”

Public Works and Parks & Recreation collaborate on N 3^rd St project

The Public Works and Parks & Recreation departments recently collaborated in the enhancement and beautification of the intersection at N 3rd St and KTA access ramps. The project involved microsurfacing of the pavement, removal of existing traffic islands, installation of new curb and gutter, installation of red brick patterned concrete aprons within the new island structure, removal and replacement of several curb inlets, installation of a new traffic control cabinet, addition of flashing left turn signalization, installation of video detection with the ability to connect to the recently installed N 3^rd St ITS (intelligent transportation system) fiber optics, and installation of landscaping and sprinkler system within the new islands and in the open areas to the northeast and southeast of the intersection. Please see the attached report for more information and photos. The project is a significant enhancement to this entry to our community.

City Hall roof project completed

Contractors recently completed the replacement of the slate roof at City Hall. The slate roof (overhanging the north side of the building) was original to the facility. It was replaced with a composite rubberized roof tile that matched the old slate. Please see attached report for more information and photos.

Park improvements and activities in full swing

Several exciting park improvement projects and special programs are underway, including:  

• Deerfield and Centennial skate park improvements (see attached report)
• Heat resistant Zoysia grass installation at Eagle Bend Golf Course #14 fairway (see attached photos)
• Youth Aviation Camp at the Lawrence Municipal Airport (see attached report)

Iowa Street reconstruction open house to be held

The City of Lawrence will hold an open house (see public invitation) to discuss the Iowa Street Reconstruction Project on Thursday, June 21, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 p.m. at Fire Station #5, 1911 Stewart Avenue (19th & Iowa). The purpose of the meeting is to provide information and answer questions about the construction process on items such as access, duration, traffic control, safety, and other issues. The project is anticipated to begin in February 2013 and finish by the end of the year.

Update on Code Enforcement cases

The Code Enforcement Division is currently working on a number of on-going cases. The attached memo provides a summary on enforcement actions to date. Staff will continue to work towards a resolution on each case and provide updates as needed to the City Commission.