2007 City Annual Report
A Year of Work, A Year of Success
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
In 2007, Lawrence launched 24/7 Utility Billing phone service and expanded the number of city services available online, allowing residents to access city services more conveniently.
Fred and Karen DeVictor with neighborhood children cut the ribbon officially opening the newly named DeVictor Park at 1100 George Williams Way.
New maintenance techniques like microsurfacing helped improve Lawrence streets in the areas where they were utilized. In the southeast quadrant where microsurfacing was a major part of the maintenance program, the city saw a 22 percent improvement in its pavement condition index for that area.
Last year, the city began to expand the Clinton Water Treatment facility to increase capacity by 15 million gallons of drinking water each day. Progress was also made on the multi-year replacement of 100-year-old downtown waterlines.
A new initiative was launched to help install life-saving fire sprinklers in downtown buildings. Lawrence Fire Medical achieved the remarkable benchmark of 92% of operations-level firefighters attained medical certification training. A new mass casualty trailer was purchased with FEMA funding and Fire Station No. 2 was refitted as an investigation center. New Fire Code standards were adopted to strengthen the city’s fire prevention ordinances.
936-938 Kentucky Street is a contributing structure to the new Oread Historic District.
The nearly completed Transportation 2030 long-range plan will help coordinate goals and identify future investments for vehicles, bikes, pedestrians and public transit. Intelligent transportation system design featuring new technologies like cameras, dynamic message signs and vehicle location systems will improve safety and traffic flow.
In 2007, Lawrence’s first responders were called on to assist in clean-ups in Coffeville and Greensburg Kansas. The efforts presented Lawrence an opportunity to be not only a good neighbor, but provided Fire Medical and Law enforcement personnel invaluable hands-on experience that can help make Lawrence better prepared.
Steps were taken in 2007 to insure that Lawrence takes an active roll in the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. The historic designation, established in 2006 by Congress, includes Lawrence, Douglas County and 40 Kansas and Missouri counties. The designation will help market the region based on the strengths of its Civil War-era history.
The city’s effort to provide convenient access to green space throughout our growing community drew increased participation in Parks and Recreation programs. New parks were dedicated and additional acres were purchased for the future Oregon Trail Park. Planning began on the Burroughs Creek Trail and Linear Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a seasonal job with the city?
Available jobs are posted online at: lawrenceks.org/jobs. Applications are only accepted online. The city is an equal opportunity employer.
How can I tell if a property I want to purchase is located in a floodplain?
Any development in a floodplain requires a floodplain development permit. Visit our interactive map at lawrenceks.org/maps or contact the Metropolitan Planning Office at (785) 832-3150 for more information.
How do I report a pothole?
Report a pothole location on the pothole reporting line: (785) 832-3456 or fill out our online report form at: lawrencepublicworks.org.
Lawrence to Celebrate 8th Annual Earth Day
Lawrence will hold its 8th annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 19th from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in South Park. Admission is free.
The Lawrence Earth Day Celebration works to educate residents, businesses and surrounding communities regarding the importance of responsible environmental policies.
"We want to raise awareness of each individual’s impact on the natural environment, and to highlight actions each person can take to make Lawrence and Douglas County a more sustainable and eco-friendly place to live,"said Daniel Poull, Sustainability Advisory Board chair.
The 2008 Earth Day celebration will feature live music, food, and children’s activities. Attendees are invited to learn from exhibits about waste reduction, recycling, composting, alternative fuels and vehicles, energy conservation, land preservation, wildlife and habitat preservation, and more. This year’s celebration will feature the April Showers to Water Towers: Water Festival for Douglas County, which uses fun, educational activities to present information regarding watersheds, stormwater pollution, erosion, drinking water and other water quality issues.
In recognition of Earth Day and the environmental importance of mass transit, the Lawrence Transit System is offering free ridership on the “T” on Saturday, April 19th.