April 25, 2000

 

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Lawrence met in regular session at 6:35 p.m., in the City Commission Chambers in City Hall with Mayor Henry presiding and members Dunfield, Hodges, Kennedy and Rundle present.   

With Commission approval Mayor Henry proclaimed the week of April 24 – 30, 2000 as “National Community Development Week”; and, the month of May as “Bike Safety Month.”

Linda Finger, Planning Director, requested the City Commission amend the City Commission meeting minutes of April 11, 2000, to clarify their position on approval of the Agreement to Plat for the American Eagle Outfitters development in the East Hills Business Park No. 3 Subdivision.  She requested the motion adopting the Agreement to Plat include the wording “this action of approving the Agreement to Plat and publication of the Rezoning Ordinance made effective the M-2 Zoning only on Lot 1 and the rezoning of Lot 2 would not take effect until the three (3) conditions of original approval including adoption of revisions to the UGA, annexation of the property, and approval and filing at the Register of Deeds of Final Plat have been met.” 

Moved  by Hodges, seconded by Kennedy, to amend the City Commission meeting minutes of April 11, 2000 as requested.  Motion carried unanimously.    

Moved by Hodges, seconded by Kennedy, to approve the City Commission meeting minutes of April 11, 2000 as amended.  Motion carried unanimously. 

            As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to receive the Electrical Examiners and Appeals meeting minutes of March 1, 2000 and April 5, 2000; the Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board meeting minutes of March 15, 2000; the CVB Advisory Board meeting minutes of January 11, 2000 and February 22, 2000; the Recycling and Resource Conservation Board meeting minutes of March 8, 2000; and, the Lawrence Arts Commission meeting minutes of February 9, 2000.   Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to approve claims in the amount of $2,876,798.69 and payroll from April 9, 2000 to April 22, 2000 in the amount of $1, 070,333.15.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to approve the purchase of street, utility, pedestrian and drainage easement from David and Susan Sidor, 2427 West 31^st Street for $20,000.00.  Motion carried unanimously.

The City Commission reviewed the bids for the 2000 Curb and Inlet Repair Program for the Public Works Department.  The bids were:

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to award the bid to D.F. Freeman Contractors Inc. in the amount of $196,287.93.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to set a bid date of May 9, 2000, 2:00 p.m., for the Iowa Street, 19^th , 300’ south, to 31^st Street, milling, overlay and pavement marking (KLINK).  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to set a bid date of May 9, 2000, 2:00 p.m., for East 8^th Street, Connecticut to New York, storm sewer improvements.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to set a bid date of May 9, 2000, 2:00 p.m., for the Ballard Community Center Parking Lot Overlay Project. Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Insituform Plains, Inc., in the amount of $247,841.00, for the Sanitary Sewer Line Repair Project.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                             (1)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Black & Veatch Engineering, in the amount of $36,000.00, for providing engineering services to conduct a dye test study on the Kansas River.  Motion carried unanimously.                              (2)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to place on first reading Ordinance No. 7212, establishing “no parking” along the west side of Arrowhead Drive between Peterson Road and Brentwood Drive; along the north side of 10^th Circle between Monterey Way and Alma Drive; and, along the west side of Alma Drive between 10^th Circle and 10^th Place.  Motion carried unanimously.    (3)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to place on first reading Ordinance No. 7213, changing the street name of Trent Circle to Trent Court in Freedom Creek Addition.  Motion carried unanimously.   (4)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to place on first reading Ordinance No. 7214, allowing parking on the west side of Vermont Street from 10^th Street north sixty-eight feet (68’).  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                                    (5)

Ordinance No. 7211, adopting the Redevelopment Plan for the Downtown 2000 Project in the 900 Block of New Hampshire including the proposed parking garage was read a second time.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to adopt the ordinance.  Aye:  Dunfield, Henry, Hodges, Kennedy, and Rundle.   Nay: None.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                     (6)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to approve the site plan (SP-2-6-2000) for Country Club Apartments, subject to the following conditions:.

1.                  Execution of a Site Plan Performance Agreement;

2.                  Provision of a Revised Site Plan with a Revised General Note Number 2 as follows:  “A site photometric plan shall be provided which shall comply with Section 20-14A01 per City Staff review prior to the issuance of an electrical building permit for the addition of parking lot lighting.”

3.                  Provision of construction drawings approved by the Public Works for the proposed storm sewer work in the public right-of-way prior to the release of the Site Plan to the Building Inspector for issuance of the building permit (Drawings shall include the new curb inlet, the curb inlet to junction box conversion and the new junction box northwest of the detention area.)

4.                  Provision of a detail of the detention outlet control structure on the Site Plan, per the approval of the City Stormwater Engineer; and,

5.                  Provision of a Revised Site Plan to show the parking lot south of building C to drain through the island at the west side, per the approval of the City Stormwater Engineer.  

Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                             (7)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to approve the site plan (SP-3-11-00) for an 1800 square foot storage building at the northeast corner of 24^th and Ponderosa, Lots 33, 34, 35 of Commerce Park East for Flora Mobile Home Service, subject to the following conditions:

1.                  A Site Plan Performance Agreement be executed; (Per Section 20-1433);

2.                  Provide a note on the plan stating variances approved and the date of the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting (April 6, 2000);

3.                  Provide a photometric plan for all exterior lighting prior to release of the Site plan; and,

4.                  Show the right-of-way width of Ponderosa Ave., and 24^th Street.

Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                              (8)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to approve the site plan (SP-3-24-00) for South Park wading pool and restroom facility, subject to the condition  of construction documents being reviewed and approved by the Architectural Review Committee of the Historic Resources Commission prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.  Motion carried unanimously.                                  (9)

At the request of the applicant, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to defer the request from Amarr Garage Doors for Tax Abatement and Industrial Revenue Bond financing. Motion carried unanimously.                                       (10) 

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to approve temporary installation of directional signs for the Lawrence Home Builders Association Spring Parade of Homes.  Motion carried unanimously,             (11)

Melinda Henderson asked for the names of the property owners requesting annexation of approximately 31 acres located south of 31^st Street between Louisiana and 31^st Street.

David Corliss, Legal Services Director, gave a copy of the annexation request to Henderson.

Moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to receive the request for annexation of approximately 31.33 acres generally located south of 31^st Street between Louisiana and 31^st Street and refer the request to the Planning Commission for recommendation.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                           (12)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to authorize the Mayor to sign a Release of Mortgage for Leslie Morse Jr., 1077 East Home Circle.  Motion carried unanimously.                                            (13)

The City Commission reviewed bids for General Obligation Bonds, Series 2000-A in the amount of $2,450,000.00.  The bids were:

            Moved by Hodges, seconded by Kennedy, to award the bid for General Obligation Bonds, Series 2000-A to Country Club Bank at an Average Net Interest Rate of 5.070654%.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                       (14)

Mayor Henry requested declaring an emergency to adopt Ordinance No. 7215, authorizing the sale of General  Obligation Bonds on first and second reading.

Moved by Hodges, seconded by Kennedy, to declare an emergency and adopt on first and second reading Ordinance No. 7215, authorizing the sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series-A, in the amount of $2,450,000.00. Aye:  Henry, Dunfield, Hodges, Kennedy and Rundle.  Nay:  None.  Motion carried.                                  (15)

Moved by Hodges, seconded by Kennedy, to adopt Resolution No. 6184, prescribing the form and detail of the General Obligation Bond Sale, Series 2000-A. Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                            (16)

The City Commission reviewed bids for the sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2000-I, in the amount of $7,415,000.00.  The bids were:

Moved by Hodges, seconded by Kennedy, to award the sale of General Obligation Temporary Notes, Series 2000-I, in the amount of $7,415,000.00 to CIBC World Markets at an Average Annual Net Interest Rate of 4.586%.  Motion carried unanimously.

Moved by Hodges, seconded by Kennedy, to adopt Resolution No. 6183, authorizing the sale of Temporary Notes, Series 2000-I. Motion carried unanimously.(17)

George Williams, Public Works Director, presented the request from the property owners on east 18^th Street, west of Brook Street to establish a benefit district and the City share in the cost of the street construction at fifty percent (50%).  This issue was discussed by City Commission’s beginning in 1978.  At that time the City Commission was willing to establish a benefit district and cost share in the street construction because of being adjacent to Edgewood Homes which was City property.  The street would have connected to 19^th Street by way of Almira Drive.  The proposal presented by the current property owner was to create a cul-de-sac on East 18^th Street.  Staff recommended the City not participate in cost share for the benefit district because there was no direct City benefit.

Rundle asked the estimated cost of the improvement.

Williams did not know.

Gary Ditty, LandPlan Engineering, said the estimated cost would be $21,500.00.  He did not anticipate any significant stormwater improvements for the project.     

Moved by Hodges, seconded by Dunfield, to not participate in the cost of improvements for East 18^th Street, west of Brook Street and not to establish a benefit district for the street construction.  Motion carried unanimously.                                 (18)

Julie Wyatt, Environmental Inspector, presented the staff report on 2710 and 2712 University Drive.  Wyatt presented a letter from the contractor stating family problems and health problems were reasons for delay in completion of the project.  Exterior repairs were close to being completed.  The contractor said a painter had been hired for mid May to paint the properties.  Wyatt said the interior of the structures would need to be brought up to minimum housing code standards. 

Dan Dannenberg, representing Brook Hollow Homes Association, said they thought the homes would be improved by this time.  They understood the problems faced by the contractor and encouraged the City Commission to see the improvements completed.

The City Commission concurred to direct staff to report on the status of 2710 and 2712 University Drive in sixty (60) days.                                                                         (19)

Mayor Henry requested the City Commission authorize staff to submit an application and Participation Agreement with Project HomeSafe that would allow the City to develop and participate in a comprehensive firearms education and Trigger Lock Giveaway Program.  The goal of the program was to educate firearm owners on the safe handling and storage of firearms.  Part of the education involved the distribution of free safety kits which included safety information and a trigger-locking device.

Moved by Henry, seconded by Hodges, to direct staff to submit an application to participate with Project HomeSafe.  Motion carried unanimously.                               (20)

Aaron Bartlett, Planner, presented the Bicycle Compatibility Index recommendations and Bicycle Work Program.  In August, 1999, the Bicycle Compatibility Index and Work Program was referred to the Traffic Safety Commission for the review and recommendations.  The Traffic Safety Commission held three (3) public hearings to consider the removal of parking on studied streets.  This report included the findings of the Bicycle Compatibility Report, Traffic Safety Commission recommendations and recommended final actions.  In September, 1999, the City Commission directed staff to submit Transportation Enhancement applications to KDOT on several of these projects including Naismith Drive, 15^th Street, 19^th Street, Connecticut Street and Vermont Street.  In addition, the Bicycle Work Program recommended revising the City Code to increase the present collector rural rate standard for thirty-one feet (31’) to thirty-six feet (36’) curb to curb paved roadway width and require the inclusion of bike lanes on newly constructed collectors.  Bartlett said it was also recommended to prohibit parking on both sides of newly constructed collectors.  The recommendation for 9^th Street was that bicycle lanes were not practical at this time.  The Traffic Safety Commission recommended if sections of roadway were completely redesigned, bike lanes should be considered.  The report also recommended the Traffic Safety Commission consider the removal of parking on Louisiana Street from 19^th Street south to 31^st Street.  This was part of the Traffic Calming Study for Louisiana Street.

Dunfield asked if the plans for Vermont Street would be the same as the configuration for New Hampshire Street and could bike lanes be placed on Vermont Street. 

Bartlett said the recommendation was not to remove parking on Vermont until the parking could be replaced.

George Williams, Public Works Director, said he did not know whether the three (3) lane configuration, bike lanes and parking was compatible for Vermont.        

Tom Henderson encouraged the City Commission to include 9^th Street with bike lanes.  The Traffic Safety Commission only looked at one (1) option which was removing parking on both sides of the street.  Parking could be removed on the south side of the street with minimal impact on businesses.

Michael Almon encouraged the City Commission to include 9^th Street with bicycle lanes.  When 9^th Street was reviewed by the Traffic Safety Commission, City staff only reviewed Option No. 1 which removed parking on both sides of the street.  That proposal for total parking removal alienated merchants who now take a more supportive position if parking was only eliminated on the south.  By removing parking on the south, the City could maintain four (4) eleven foot (11’) auto lanes, parking on the north side and four feet (4’) bicycle lane on the south side and a four foot (4’) bicycle lane to the left of parking on the north side.  Almon presented a poll of south side merchants who supported the concept.  In addition, north side merchants who needed parking, said it was okay to remove parking on the south side.  Both the Oread Neighborhood Association and Old West Lawrence Association were supportive of the concept.  He presented a petition of supporters for including bike lanes on 9^th Street.

Almon said the system needed to have connectivity.  Also, route signs should be descriptive and provide destinations.  He recommended the bike lanes be regularly swept and unfriendly sewer grates be eliminated.  There were several locations in town that needed bicycle overpass, including 21^st and Iowa and possibly 6^th Street at Iowa.

A person representing K.U. Environs presented a petition of over four-hundred (400) people supporting the bike lanes recommended and on 9^th Street.

Moved by Henry, seconded by Dunfield, to accept the Bicycle Compatibility Index recommendation and Bicycle Work Program Report and direct staff to prepare an Ordinance revising the City Code to increase the standard for collector roadways to thirty-six feet (36’) curb to curb with the inclusion of bike lanes on newly constructed collectors and prohibiting parking on both sides of newly constructed collector streets, and refer 9^th Street bike lane without parking on the south side of the street and bike lanes for Louisiana Street back to the Traffic Safety Commission for a recommendation.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                           (21)

Karin Rexroad, Public Transit Administrator, presented the recommendations from the Public Transit Advisory Committee on the name and design for the transit system.  Rexroad requested the City Commission approve the name “Lawrence Transit System” as the official name for the transportation system.

Chris North, North Company, presented the logo and design concepts for the transit system.  She summarized the system identity process, application of graphics to marketing, discussing of marketing tools, ad concepts and fact material concepts.

Moved by Hodges, seconded by Kennedy, to approve the name of Lawrence Transit System and the graphic designs for the transportation system.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                                            (22)

Mike Wildgen, City Manager, presented the staff report on North Michigan from Riverridge Road to West 2^nd Street.  He recommended the City Commission authorize him to execute an engineering contract with Trans Systems Corporation for the survey work and  conceptual design.  The contract amount was $156,808.29.  Since part of these improvements would be outside the County, Wildgen asked the City Commission to authorize the Mayor to sign a City/County Cooperation Agreement for the funding of improvements for this project.  Resolution No. 6182 would authorize General Obligation Bond Authority for the project.

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Henry, to authorize the City Manager to execute an engineering agreement with Trans Systems Corporation for North Michigan from Riverridge Road to West 2^nd Street for survey work and conceptual design and authorize the Mayor to sign a City/County Cooperation Agreement for the funding of improvements to Michigan Street from 2^nd Street to Riverridge Road.  Motion carried unanimously.   

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Henry, to approve Resolution No. 6182 authorizing $958,000.00 in General Obligation Bond Authority for  Riverridge Road to West 2^nd.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                   (23)

Mayor Henry requested an executive session to discuss and issue with the City Attorney and personnel matters for thirty (30) minutes.

Moved by Dunfield, seconded by Kennedy, to recess into executive session for thirty (30) minutes to discuss matters relating employer/employee negotiations and discuss matters with the City Attorney which are deemed privileged under the attorney/client privilege with the justification to keep possible employment terms and conditions and attorney/client matters confidential at this time.  Motion carried unanimously.

Upon returning from executive session, the City Commission concurred to set Monday, May 8, 2000, at 9:30 a.m. as a study session to meet with the County Commission to discuss safety concepts for Highway 59. 

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                         APPROVED:

_____________________________James R. Henry, Mayor

ATTEST:

___________________________________                                                                       

Raymond J. Hummert, City Clerk

COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 25, 2000

1.                  Contract – Insituform Plains for $247,841 for Sanitary Sewer Line Repair Project.

2.                  Contract – Black & Veatch for $36,000 for dye test study for KS River.

3.                  Ordinance No. 7212 – 1^st Reading, “no parking “ W side of Arrowhead between Peterson & Brentwood, along N side of 10^th Circle between Monterey Way & Alma & W side of Alma between 10^th Cir & 10^th Pl.

4.                  Ordinance No. 7213 – 1^st Reading, street name change, Trent Cir to Trent Ct.

5.                  Ordinance No. 7214 – 1^st Reading, allow parking on W side of Vermont from 10^th N 68’.

6.                  Ordinance No. 7211 – 2^nd Reading, Redevelopment Plan for Downtown 2000 Project,  900 Blk of New Hamp.

7.                  Site Plan – (SP-2-6-00), Country Club Apts.

8.                  Site Plan – (SP-3-11-00), 1800 sq ft, Commerce Park E for Flora Mobile Home Svc.

9.                  Site Plan – (SP-3-24-00), S Park wading pool & restroom.

10.              Tax Abatement & IRB – Deferred, Amarr, Garage Door Group bond financing to Admin Review.

11.              Direction signs – Lawrence Home Builders Assoc. Spring Parade of Homes.

12.              Annexation – request, 31.33 acres, S of 31^st between Louisiana & 31^st.

13.              Release of Mortgage – Leslie Morse Jr., 1077 E Home Cir.

14.              Bids for temp notes & GOB

15.              Ordinance No. 7215 – GOB Authorization of sale.

16.              Resolution No. 6184 – form & detail of bond sale.

17.              Resolution No. 6183 – Temp notes authorization.

18.              Construction of E 18^th, W of Brook funding.

19.              Status of 2710 & 2712 University Dr.

20.              Trigger Lock Giveaway Program.

21.              Bicycle Compatibility Index recommendation & bicycle work program.

22.              Lawrence Transit System naming.      

23.              Resolution No. 6182 – Authorize $958,000 for GOB for Riverridge Rd & W 2^nd.