City Administrator’s Report for 7/29/2011

City Administrator’s Report
07-29-2011
FROM: Mahesh Sharma, City Administrator

EMS
Raytown EMS has reported five heat related transports over the last week and reminds everyone to remain aware of the extreme temperatures over the next several days. Temperatures are expected to remain excessive, extending through next week. As temperatures remain high, so does the risk for dehydration, heatstroke, and other heat-related illnesses. Keep an eye on your neighbors, the elderly and your pets, urge everyone to drink plenty of water and avoid exposure to the heat and sun as much as possible.

Finance
With the retirement of Janet Pell; Joyce Wohler has become the primary Payroll Clerk for the city. Staff would like to extend our best wishes to Janet on her retirement and congratulate Joyce on the promotion. The Payroll office can be reached by calling 737-6082, should you have questions.

Information Technology
Upgrades to the data network services and hardware infrastructure is under development with new perimeter firewall devices. The new network security devices will strengthen current network security roles and policies as new and greater security threats emerge onto the Internet. The new data security systems include network intrusion monitoring, detection and prevention, spam and virus protection, content filtering, remote access to network resources and application based firewall technology.

Public Works
KCP&L has scheduled the installation of the electrical service for Public Works early next week and the new service will allow the contractor to finish the building. Staff is anticipating starting the move process back into the building in mid-August.

There was another water main break on Raytown Road, just south of 55th Street, and Raytown Water Company is in the process of making repairs to the line. Pavement replacement will be completed after a determination of the extent of damage and settlement is finalized.

The second phase of the annual pavement maintenance program was bid this past Tuesday and three contractors responded; with Superior Bowen being the lowest bidder. Discussion of the contract is included in the Board Work Session scheduled for next Tuesday, August 2nd.

The concrete contractor working along 59th Street this week was slowed due to the excessive heat and should continue to pour the concrete on Monday, August 1st. Staff has notified the contractor indicating our displeasure with the progress on the project and our concerns regarding timely completion of the project without additional laborers being dedicated to the project.

The city received a shipment of fuel this week and the cost has increased significantly. This week’s average cost of diesel fuel was $3.47 and unleaded was $3.36. Staff is closely monitoring information from the US Energy Information Administration to stay abreast of coming trends with all sources of energy. The US Energy Information Administration’s web site address is www.eia.gov.

Board, Committee and Commission Meetings, and Events
August 2 – Board of Alderman Work Session; Council Chambers, 6:00pm
August 2 – Board of Aldermen Meeting; Council Chambers, 7:00pm
August 4 – Planning and Zoning Commission; Council Chambers, 7:00pm