CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending September 4, 2015

City Joins STAR Leadership Program to Measure Sustainability Progress

The City and County received a scholarship to participate in the STAR Communities Rating System.  The STAR Community Rating System provides a clear, data-driven approach to assessing the broad definition of community sustainability (social, economic and environmental progress).  We will start collecting and reporting data September 1^st in a variety of sustainability areas including water conservation, energy efficiency, affordable housing, arts & culture, economic development, etc. 

STAR generates a rating out of 5 stars that will help us measure progress, and identify areas for improvement.  STAR has been utilized by 66 cities so far, and if we can beat Wichita, we’ll be the first in Kansas.  (They’re in the process now!)

The STAR Community Rating System was initiated and supported by founding partners ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA, the U.S. Green Building Council, National League of Cities and the Center for American Progress.

Oread Design Guidelines:  Timeline and Future Steps for Adoption

The establishment of the Oread Design Guidelines was an action step of the Oread Neighborhood Plan, which was adopted by the City Commission in September 2010.  In spring 2011, city staff applied for and received a Historic Preservation Fund grant to draft design guidelines for the overlay districts identified in the plan, which was accepted by the City Commission on June 7, 2011.  See the attached report for more information.

2015 Summer Construction Projects Status

See attached report for an update on the status of 2015 summer construction projects.