CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Week ending September 28, 2012
Development process improvements
Planning and Development Services and the Lawrence – Douglas County Fire Medical Department continue to work on ways to provide tools so that those investing in the community can navigate the development process with managed expectations and efficiency. An Automatic Sprinkler Systems Fact Sheet has been created and posted to the city’s website to provide a listing of examples of common commercial, office and residential projects, but not industrial, and the parameters for which a sprinkler system may be necessary. While this information will give a potential building permit customer some indication of when a sprinkler system is needed, they are always encouraged to meet with their design professional and/or staff to more completely review details of their project. In addition to the Sprinkler Fact Sheet, staff will employ a new checklist intended to ensure that all aspects of a project are reviewed in a pre-application meeting for building permits. This will ensure that we are providing accurate and full advice on the codes to our customers so that they can manage development expectations to the best of their ability. A similar checklist is being developed for land use applications (rezoning, special use permit, etc.) for use as the Planning Office meets with customers.
Major on-going code enforcement cases
The attached memo provides an update on a number of code enforcement cases that that the Code Enforcement Division had identified as difficult to resolve. These cases are only a tiny fraction of the number of cases processed by Code Enforcement, but take a great amount of staff time and resources to gain compliance from the owner.
Police Department awarded grant for armored rescue vehicle
The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) was first put into place in 2003 to assist law enforcement agencies with equipment and training to heighten security and preparedness as well as to improve their capabilities in response to critical incidents. Since 2004, the Lawrence Police Department has been awarded $465,000 in grants through the HSGP. This includes funding for specialized investigative vehicles (crime scene, surveillance), advanced forensic examination equipment (drying chambers for blood soaked clothing and other items), and officer protective equipment (ballistic vests, shields, and respirators).
One Department equipment need identified over the last several years has been an armored rescue vehicle. Such a vehicle would increase the Department’s capability and officer safety in response to critical incidents involving active shooters, barricaded and armed individuals, and perimeter control out in the open. In early 2012, the Department applied for a grant through the HSGP for such a vehicle. The Department was recently advised the project has been awarded at a funding level of $152,500. This is a 100% grant with no matching funds needed. The anticipated delivery time for the vehicle is late 2012 or early 2013. Please see attached memo for more information.
City hosts Energy Efficiency and Conservation Fair and Tour
The City’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Division hosted the 12th Annual Lawrence Energy Conservation Fair and Sustainable Homes Tour on Saturday, September 22nd. Approximately 600 attendees visited thirty-four exhibitors at the Energy Conservation Fair. Exhibitors included local builders, architects, engineers, insulation contractors, and home energy efficiency specialists. Fair attendees also had the opportunity to test drive an electric vehicle, attend a home energy savings workshop, participate in a variety of children’s activities, and take a tour of sustainable homes in Lawrence. The Sustainable Homes Tour showcased six buildings which featured solar electric, solar hot water, passive solar design, reclaimed and locally harvested/processed wood, water catchment system, and a wide variety of other energy efficient designs, products, and appliances. Please see attached event summary for more information and photos.