CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Week ending August 9, 2013
Update on 6th and Iowa Geometric Improvements Project
The primary scope of the 6th & Iowa project is to install a dedicated left turn lane for west bound traffic. Other improvements include sidewalks, safety barriers, an eastbound right turn lane and new traffic signal equipment. The intersection widening project was originally scheduled to begin construction in spring 2013, but staff recommends delaying the start of the project until spring 2014 in order to complete the geometric improvement project at the same time as a KDOT maintenance project on the bridge boxes. Completing both projects together will allow McDonald Drive underneath 6th St to be closed once instead of twice. Please see the attached report for more information.
July Building Permits
The Building Safety Division issued 199 building permits in July, with total construction for the month valued at $39,735,488. Total permit fees assessed for the month were $109,304.17. Permits were issued for 20 new residential projects, all of which were new single-family dwellings. Please see the attached memo, full report, and summary report for more information.
Quantrill’s Raid Commemoration Concert
Join the City of Lawrence on Sunday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m. for a special City Band Concert commemorating the 150th anniversary of Quantrill’s Raid on Lawrence. Jonathan Earle, University of Kansas History Professor, will provide a brief presentation of the history and significance of Quantrill’s Raid to the Lawrence Community. The City Band will perform specially selected works that are representative of the music of the 1860’s and have significance to the Lawrence community. The city will provide cold refreshments to enjoy during the performance. Visit www.1863lawrence.com for more information. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Lied Center, 15th and Iowa Streets.
Rental Inspection Stakeholders Meeting Planned
The Planning and Development Services Department will hold a public meeting to review a proposed ordinance and program details related to the city’s expansion of the rental licensing and inspection program. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 21 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the City Commission Room at City Hall. The public is welcome to attend and provide input on the program. Questions can be directed to Code Enforcement Manager, Brian Jimenez, at bjimenez@lawrenceks.org or by calling (785) 832-7700.
Lawrence Avenue Re-Striping
The Public Works Department recently re-striped a section of Lawrence Avenue, north of 6th Street, to Princeton and Princeton, from South Iowa to Peterson Road (see attached photos). The re-striping designated areas of the roadway for parking, bicyclists, and motorists. The Bicycle Advisory Committee requested the striping since the roadway was so wide that motorists were often found using the roadway as a two-lane road despite the lack of striping as a two-lane road. The new markings clearly define the uses for the road for bicyclists and motorists.