Regional Planning
Reforms to Improve Accountability
The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Policy Board recently completed its restructuring. Changes transform the MPO from an appointed planning commission to one of mostly regional elected officials.
By involving elected officials more directly, the new structure will help improve responsiveness and facilitate cooperative actions between jurisdictions.
Federal law requires the formation of metropolitan planning organizations in order to plan and to receive all benefits of federal transportation legislation. These changes bring the MPO in line with the latest federal regulations.
The reorganized MPO will provide a regular forum for local, state and federal officials to coordinate issues like federal aid for roads and transit projects, improving public participation in decision making, and updating bikeway planning.
Under the new agreement, Lawrence Mayor Michael Dever and Vice-mayor Rob Chestnut will assume transportation planning responsibilities with the MPO Policy Board, and the Lawrence finance director will serve as the MPO’s financial custodian and disbursing agent.
Other voting members include a Douglas County Commissioner, two appointed planning commissioners, an elected official from Baldwin City, Eudora, or Lecompton, and one representative from the Kansas Department of Transportation. Non-voting members include the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the University of Kansas, and one elected official from Baldwin City, Eudora, and/or Lecompton not currently serving as a voting member.
City Updates
Snow Ordinance
A new sidewalk snow ordinance to improve public safety is now in place.
Property owners adjacent to a public sidewalk are responsible for snow and ice removal within 48 hours of the end of a snowfall or ice accumulation. If removal is not possible, property owners are required to place sand on the sidewalk within 48 hours.
A failure to comply and a citizen complaint will result in a citation. Property owners will be assessed a fine of $20 for each day the violation occurs, plus court costs if found guilty of the violation.
For more info contact Development Services at (785) 832-7700.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I receive new digital TV service?
Federal law mandates February 17, 2009 will be the final broadcast day for analog TV. Viewers not subscribing to for-pay cable or satellite TV service, and/or those using rooftop antennas or “rabbit ears” will need a converter box to continue viewing television programming. For more info regarding converter boxes, free coupons, or other options, contact (888) DTV-2009 or visit www.DTV2009.gov.
Going Up!
The Department of Utilities raised the bowl on its newest water tank on December 4. The finished height will be 112 feet tall.
The new tank is located west of Wakarusa Drive on West 6th Street, and will help meet future water demand. Construction began in April 2008 and is expected to be complete in July 2009.
When finished, the new tank will hold 1.5 million gallons of drinking water. It will act as a reservoir to provide additional drinking water and water for fire suppression. In 2007, daily water demand averaged 11.4 million gallons with a peak of 23.9 million.
The new tank is an important part of the city’s water distribution capacity. Treatment capacity is currently being expanded from 26.5 million gallons a day to 41.5 million gallons a day. With the new tank, Lawrence will have four water towers and three ground storage reservoirs. The cost of the project is $3 million.
Go On – Take the Plunge
Winter months an excellent time for a swim
Whether trying to shed holiday pounds, or simply looking to spend a fun afternoon with the kids – Lawrence Parks and Recreation’s indoor pools offer a year-round great time for the whole family.
LPRD aquatics has two all-season, indoor facilities for fun and fitness. Locker rooms and pools are fully accessible by both ramp entry and lift. Submersible wheelchairs are also available.
Learn-to-swim courses, aquatic fitness classes, aquatic trainingcourses and special family events provide fun, educational and diverse leisure activities for every member of the family.
INDOOR AQUATIC CENTER
4706 Overland Drive (north of Free State High School)
Features a 10-lane, 50-meter competition pool with diving well and underwater classroom: a separate family pool with zero-depth entry; a water slide and interactive children’s play features; meeting rooms; shower/locker rooms and concessions.
Winter/Spring Hours
Lap Swimming
- Mon – Fri: 5:15 am to 7:45 pm
- Sat: 9 am to 7:45 pm
- Sun: 1 pm to 5:45 pm
Warm Water Workouts
- Mon – Thurs: 12 pm to 2:30 pm
Waterslide & Diving
- Mon – Fri: 6 pm to 7:30 pm
- Sat: 1 pm to 7:30 pm
- Sun: 1 pm to 5:30 pm
Zero Depth & Kids Area
- Mon – Fri (except Wed): 3:30 pm to 7:45 pm
- Wed: 2:30 pm to 7:45 pm
- Sat: 1 pm to 7:45 pm
- Sun: 1 pm to 5:45 pm
CARL KNOX NATATORIUM
1901 Louisiana St. (Lawrence High School campus)
A traditional L-shaped pool features six 25-yard lap lanes, diving well, and full accessible changing rooms.The Carl Knox Natatorium is only open during the school year.
Carl Knox Natatorium Winter/Spring Hours
Lap Swimming
Mon – Thurs: 6:15 pm to 8:30 pm
Fri – Sun: closed
For more information call 832-SWIM (7946) or visit www.lprd.org