Construction Begins on Burroughs Creek Trail
The city’s next trail system is officially underway. Once completed, the Burroughs Creek Trail will create a 10-foot wide concrete trail for pedestrians and bicyclists. The trail will extend from 11th Street to 23rd Street along the abandoned BNSF railroad corridor, located just west of Haskell Avenue.
The project will transform the railroad corridor into a linear park with a recreational trail connecting to the existing pedestrian and bicycle trail systems. The trail will also emphasize opportunities for new residential infill development in the Burroughs Creek area.
The project includes new signals at the 11th and 19th Street crossings, a raised crosswalk at the 15th Street crossing and a speed hump adjacent to the 13th Street crossing. A pedestrian bridge will be installed over Burroughs Creek to connect to Parnell Park.
Construction began in early October and is expected to be completed in January 2010.
The project is partially funded through a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation. The city is contributing up to $350,000 from the 2008 sales tax revenues toward the cost of the project. The total cost of the project is $591,632.97. R.D. Johnson Excavating was selected as the contractor for this project.
FAQs
Seasonal and H1N1 Flu Facts
Is the seasonal flu the same as H1N1?
No. Seasonal flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from person-to-person. Seasonal flu is generally transmitted during the fall and winter months. A vaccine (flu shot) is available to protect against the most common strains of influenza.
This year, the H1N1 (swine) influenza virus has been circulating the globe. H1N1 is different from the seasonal flu but has similar symptoms. You can be exposed to both strains of the virus at different times of the season. H1N1 is of particular concern this year because it is highly contagious. If you get either types of flu, you can get sick and can spread the flu to others at home, at work, and in the community.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, body aches, headache, chills and a cough or sore throat.
What is the best way to prevent getting the flu?
- Every time you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and throw used tissues away. Wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water is not available. Wash your hands before and after preparing food or eating, after using the rest room, before and after touching your nose, eyes, or mouth, and after touching items that may have been exposed to bodily fluids.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.
- Stay home when you are sick to avoid passing on the flu to others.
Celebrate recycling in Lawrence
America Recycles Day is November 15
America Recycles Day is a nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle. The purpose of America Recycles Day is to continue to promote the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling and to encourage more people to join the movement toward creating a better natural environment. There are many options for residents to participate in recycling in Lawrence.
Reduce/Reuse – Not producing a waste in the first place is the best practice. Use durable products rather than disposables. Buy only what you need. Paper or plastic? Neither. Take your reusable canvas bag when grocery shopping. Many Lawrence groceries offer bag discounts for bringing your own.
Compost – Compost your food waste and other organic material at home. Backyard composting bins are available for sale to Lawrence residents (bins are $40, call 832-3030 to reserve yours). If you do not mulch mow or simply have too much to manage, the City of Lawrence will pick up grass, leaves and small woody debris at your curb on Monday mornings, March through mid-December (weather permitting). Materials should be set out by 6 a.m. on Monday in a can, cart (available for $2 a month, call 832-3032) or compostable paper yard waste bag.
Recycle – Sign up for curbside recycling. There are five privately owned curbside recycling companies servicing Lawrence residents and businesses for a small fee. Their contact info is listed at www.lawrenceks.org/wrr/rescurbside. Or take your recyclables for free to the closest recycling center or drop-off location listed at www.lawrenceks.org/wrr/recycling.
Buy recycled – Purchase products made from recycled materials. This creates a b market for recycled products which is key to completing the recycling process or “closing the loop”.
For more information, contact the Waste Reduction and Recycling Division at 832-3030 or visit www.LawrenceRecycles.org.
Budget 2010:
How does assessed valuation affect the city’s budget?
Assessed valuation is used as the basis for levying property taxes. Assessed valuation is determined by the County or the State and is equal to a percentage of the appraised value of property that varies based on property type. For instance, residential property is assessed at 11.5% of appraised value, commercial property is assessed at 25% of appraised value, and some personal property is assessed at 30% of appraised value.
The 2009 assessed valuation for the City of Lawrence, which was used to build the 2010 City budget, totals $853,851,645. While only a decrease of 0.8% from 2008, this is the first decrease in assessed valuation the City has experienced since 1983. Because property taxes are based on assessed valuation, decreased assessed valuation will mean that the City’s mill levy, which will remain flat in 2010, will generate less property tax revenue than in 2009.
In order to respond to this challenge, the City has taken steps in 2009 to limit expenditures and increase revenue from other sources. Fines and fees charged for violations in Municipal Court have been increased. Charges for some city parks and recreation services have also been increased. For the third consecutive year, the budget included staffing reductions. The 2010 budget has 11.79 fewer full-time employees than 2009.