CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Week ending January 31, 2014
Mayor Dever and Commissioner Schumm Receive Award From Kansas Recreation And Park Association
Mayor Michael Dever and Commissioner Bob Schumm were recently awarded the Distinguished Elected Official Award from the Kansas Recreation and Park Association for their support of parks and recreation at the local level, as well as their leadership over the past year in development of a new recreation center for the Lawrence community.
North Redevelopment Plan for 9th & New Hampshire TIF Project Filed
The developers of the 9th & New Hampshire Redevelopment Project have filed the required North Redevelopment Plan for the proposed development of a mixed use apartment building with underground parking on the northeast corner of 9th & New Hampshire. The South Redevelopment Plan was approved by the City Commission in 2013. The North Redevelopment Plan will need to work through a significant process before coming to the City Commission for final consideration. Key dates include a February 24 Planning Commission discussion regarding consistency of the plan with the Horizon 2020, and a March 4 City Commission consideration of a resolution calling for a public hearing on the proposed redevelopment plan for the April 8 City Commission meeting.
Staff Continuing to Work on Ridesharing Program
Pursuant to Commission direction, City staff has been working on modifying one of the City’s Traffic Ordinances to accommodate ridesharing programs, including Lawrence OnBoard. Staff recently met Jenny O’Brien, Director of Lawrence OnBoard to discuss issues and options. While Ms. O’Brien originally hoped to launch her program this summer, she indicated she needs additional time for research and to secure funding for the program. The City Attorney’s office is likely to recommend establishing an exception to certain provisions of the STO for rideshare programs licensed by the City. Requirements for obtaining the license are likely to include proof of the rideshare program’s insurance, demonstration that the program conducts background checks on participants and requires drivers to have insurance and a valid driver’s license, requiring participants to carry a copy of the license, and granting the City access to the program’s records, including participant information, upon request. A licensing fee will likely be recommended to recover the cost to the City of administering the license program. Additional information will be provided to the City Commission as it becomes available.
Nature Center Staff, Birds, Animals Take Part at Eagles Day
Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department’s Prairie Park Nature Center staff and animals took part in the annual Kaw Valley Eagles Day sponsored by the Jayhawk Audubon Society, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Lawrence school district.