In this issue:
- Lawrence Police Department installs video technology in patrol cars
- Energy Efficiency: save on your home heating bills this winter with simple tips
- City has funding available for emergency home repairs
- Frequently Asked Questions
Lawrence Police Department installs video technology in patrol cars
The City of Lawrence Police Department recently completed installing in-car video systems in all of the department’s patrol cars. The in-car systems record actions and events that occur before, during and after interactions with the general public.
The department started installing the systems in January 2009 and completed the installations in November. According to Captain Tarik Khatib, there are several benefits to utilizing the systems.
“These systems are great for capturing evidence and providing an unbiased viewpoint of what occurs during interactions with our officers,” said Khatib. “The systems offer more than video Audio is captured through equipment that officers wear with their uniforms. The system will record conversations outside the patrol car or even from within a building where the officer is talking to witnesses or victims.”
Another benefit for the Lawrence Police Department is the ability to directly review officer conduct when citizens call to question events or conversations.
“Our officers understand the interactions are being recorded,” said Police Chief Ron Olin. “Our Office of Professional Accountability can review the event in question almost immediately and discuss the event with the citizen. This technology benefits the officer and the citizen.”
The systems are operated through digital video recording technology housed in the trunk of the patrol cars. When officers are finished with their shift, they bring the removable hard drive into the station and upload the files to the main system.
Many other local law enforcement agencies are utilizing this technology in their patrol fleet. Each video system costs approximately $5,000 to purchase and install.
The in-car video systems were purchased using funding through the police department’s equipment reserve funds.
Energy Efficiency: save on your home heating bills this winter with simple tips
It’s cold outside. There are several easy and quick steps homeowners can take to maximize their heating and minimize heat loss from your home. Remember, the repairs you make to keep the cold out this winter will also keep the hot air out in the summer. Visit www.energystar.gov for helpful information on sealing your home against the elements.
Stop the air leaks in and out of your house. This can be done through weather stripping and caulking. See www.energystar.gov for many ideas on how to weatherproof your home.
Seal the duct work on your furnace at both the supply and return air connections.
Make sure your home is properly insulated. R-49 in the attic is the newest recommendation for our area. Even if you can’t do anything with the walls, attic insulation can make a huge difference.
Seal unused attic fans and window air conditioners. They are essentially big holes in the wall and ceiling during the winter.
Install storm windows and storm doors if possible. A double layer of heavy plastic, at the very least, can make a big difference. Note: if you have double glazed vinyl windows, storm windows in the summer can cause them to overheat and fail. Insulate the floor of any unconditioned space.
Install energy star appliances whenever you need to replace them.
Check all gas appliances to make sure they are operating properly and not leaking.
Consider using the “Efficiency Kansas” www.efficiencykansas.com program to determine what you really need to do and if upgrades are necessary to your heating and cooling systems.
City has funding available for emergency home repairs
For emergency situations, the City offers an emergency loan program that can provide up to $5,000 for emergency repairs or furnace replacement. Mobile home owners may access up to $2,500. These funds can be used for improvements that eliminate immediate hazards to health and safety or cause damage to the structure or conditions that are likely to cause health and safety hazards. Funding is only available to owner-occupied homes and must meet income eligibility guidelines.
Applications are accepted year-round. Call 832-7700 for additional information. Applications are available in the Development Services Office and online at lawrenceks.gov/pds/housing_programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to secure a building permit?
Residential Permits generally take between three-to-five business days if all required information is received at the time of application. Commercial Permits generally take five-to-ten business days if all required information is received at the time of application.
What is the deadline for submission of a site plan? What is the typical time frame for review?
Site plans submitted prior to noon each Tuesday are typically scheduled for placement on an internal plan review meeting the following week. Electronic and paper copies of a site plan are submitted to the Planning Office. These are distributed to various in-house departments and public utility agencies for review and comment. The Project Planner coordinates the review and prepares a report to the Planning Director with recommendations for action. The majority of site plans are reviewed and approved within four-to-six weeks. Construction plans may be submitted concurrently to the Development Services Division for building code review. A building permit may not be issued by the Development Services Division for a new development until a site plan has been approved and all conditions of approval have been met.
What are conditional uses?
The Zoning Regulations state it is necessary to give consideration to certain uses because they are unique in nature, require large land areas, require greater density, “or more intensely dominate the area in which they are located than do other uses permitted in the district; however, the nature of such use makes it desirable that it be permitted to locate therein.” Conditional uses include child care centers, schools, recreation centers and communication towers. The process for review of such uses includes a public hearing before the Planning Commission and approval by the City or County Commission prior to issuance of a building permit.