CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending September 13, 2013

Sidewalk improvements completed

The Public Works Department recently completed sidewalks projects at the northwest corner of 14^th & Tennessee Street (see report) and gaps along 23^rd Street from Massachusetts Street to Iowa Street (see report).

Vermont Street parking garage open

Contractors working for the City of Lawrence have opened the new Vermont Street parking garage, constructed as part of the library renovation project. Please see attached report for more information.

Lawrence Utilities Department recognized at State conference

On August 28, the Lawrence Department of Utilities received recognition at the Annual Kansas Water Environment Association/KS Section American Water Works Association Conference in Wichita, KS. The KWEA awarded the Utilities Department with the KWEA Biosolids Award for excellence in managing biosolids, or the treated solids from the wastewater treatment process.

The KWEA also recognized Aurora Shields, Water Quality Manager, for her outstanding performance, professionalism and contributions to the water quality analysis profession. She was awarded with the KWEA Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award at the organization’s awards banquet. Aurora has been the Water Quality Manager for the Lawrence Department of Utilities for 5 years.

Outdoor swimming season concludes with annual Pooch Plunge

The outdoor swimming season recently concluded with the annual Pooch Plunge, when the Outdoor Aquatic Center was opened to canine swimmers for a day. A record 450 dogs participated with their people. A number of vendors helped with promotion of the event and were on site with information and giveaways. Please see the attached report for more information and photos.

City producing monthly video news segment

Starting in August, the City of Lawrence began producing a short video news segment each month to highlight city projects, services and programs. The videos are produced by the City Communications Office and generally contain 4-5 clips each month. The city is producing the videos in-house with assistance from video production interns, Mark Sidener and Kole Britton. The videos can be viewed online at www.lawrenceks.org/in-focus or on the homepage of the website.

City assists with improvements at senior center

Public Works Building Maintenance Division employees Jimmy Wilkins and Stan Alldredge recently helped out Douglas County Senior Services by replacing some countertops at the senior center (see attached photo).