CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Week ending August 16, 2013
City of Lawrence History Facebook Page Launched
As the City Clerk’s Office has worked to digitize various city records, a number of photos and documents of historical interest have been discovered. To make these records more accessible to the Lawrence community, we have created a Facebook page, City of Lawrence History, which will be updated as records of historical value are discovered. The page allows Lawrence community members to leave comments if they can identify people, places or dates of the photos.
Lawrence Utilities Department kicks off the Rapid I/I Reduction Program
The Lawrence Department of Utilities and TREKK Design Group, LLC began the Rapid I/I Reduction Program with a kick off meeting on Friday, August 9. The initial steps aim to detect sources of inflow and infiltration (I/I) into the sanitary sewer collections system. As part of these initial steps, TREKK Design Group will be conducting manhole inspections and smoke testing activities. The Utilities Department and TREKK Design Group anticipate beginning the manhole inspections on Monday, August 19. The manhole inspections will begin in an area north and west of the University of Kansas main campus, designated as KR4017 on the attached map. All TREKK Design Group employees and vehicles will be clearly identifiable. Smoke testing will begin in approximately 2-3 weeks as soil conditions allow. Additional information and updates on the smoke testing activities will be provided prior to starting this activity.
Drafts of Rental Registration Program Materials Available
In preparation for the August 21, 5:00 p.m. public meeting to review the expansion of the rental licensing program, staff has posted the draft ordinance and draft administrative regulations on the Planning and Development Services website for review. Staff will review the ordinance and take questions at the August 21st meeting, which will be held in the City Commission room at City Hall.
Lawrence Wastewater Treatment Facility Receives Peak Performance Award
The Lawrence Wastewater Treatment Facility has been selected to receive a Gold Peak Performance Award. The Gold Peak Performance Award honors treatment works that have achieved 100 percent compliance with their NPDES permit for an entire calendar year. The Peak Performance Awards program presented by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) recognizes public wastewater treatment facilities for their outstanding compliance records in the 2012 calendar year.
2013 Microsurfacing Project Status Update
All patching and microsurfacing operations have been completed, reviewed, and accepted by City Public Works staff. Reestablishment of pavement markings was completed on August 14, 2013 which is also the final acceptance date starting the one year warranty period. Streets that received microsurfacing were determined to be in generally good condition. Microsurfacing is a preventative maintenance work activity to preserve the streets while also addressing some structural deficiencies to prolong pavement life cycle and effectively sustain the infrastructure assets. Please see the attached report for more information and photos.
Public Works Engineering Division Mid-Year Report
The Engineering Division is responsible for the review and approval of all public improvement plans for streets, sidewalks, Rights of way, driveways and storm sewers. The division administers designs and inspects these projects. The division evaluates pavement condition and contracts for major pavement restoration and replacement. The Engineering Division solicits grants and other funding for major reconstruction or new construction projects. In addition to project management, Engineering includes work groups for Storm water Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Bridge inspection, Levee inspection / monitoring, Surveying and supports services, including providing mapping and GIS functions for public information. The Engineering Division is responsible for the Farmland Industries redevelopment project including remediation efforts of ground water and future development as industrial site. Please see the attached mid-year report regarding activities of this division.