May 9, 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 May 14 – 20, 2000, as “Preservation Week”; and, May 13 – November 11, 2000, as “Downtown Lawrence Farmer’s Market Season.” 

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to receive the Parks & Recreation Board meeting minutes of March 14, 2000. Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to approve claims in the amount of $1,305,830.84 and payroll from April 23, 2000, to May 6, 2000, in the amount of $1,069,235.96.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to concur with the recommendation of the Mayor and appoint Lance Johnson to the Traffic Safety Commission; the reappointment of Marilyn Bittenbender to the Bert Nash Mental Health Board; and, the appointment of David Greenamyre to the HAND Advisory Committee. Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to award the sole bid for City Hall, Mechanical and Electrical Systems Repair and Renovation Phase II to Huxtables L.T. Service in the amount f $256,282.00.  Motion carried unanimously.

The City Commission reviewed the bids for George Williams Way South of 15^th to Harvard Road for the Public Works Department.  The bids were:

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, RD Johnson Excavating in the amount of $629,589.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to approve the agreement with BG Consultants for Engineering Design for Phase II Improvements to Centennial Park in the amount of $17,016.00.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                                               (1)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to waive the bidding requirements and award the bid from CAS Construction for the Wakarusa Pump Station Rehabilitation Project, located at 2701 Delaware, in the amount of $134,700.00.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                (2)

Ordinance No. 7216, allowing consumption, possession and sale of alcoholic liquor in Broken Arrow Park, May 12 – 13, 2000 was read a second time. 

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to adopt the ordinance.  Aye:  Dunfield, Henry, Hodges, Kennedy, and Rundle.   Nay: None.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                    (3)

Ordinance No. 7217, establishing the Lawrence Advisory Board on University Student Issues was read a second time.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to adopt the ordinance.  Aye:  Dunfield, Henry, Hodges, Kennedy, and Rundle.   Nay: None.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                     (4)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to adopt Resolution No. 6186, declaring 1102 East 13^th Street environmentally blighted ordering the property owner to abate the violations within twenty (20) days.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                     (5)  

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to concur with the Planning Commission’s recommendations, approve the Final Plat (PF-3-8-00) for Penny Addition, a replat of a portion of Block 5 of Earl’s Addition, a one-lot industrial subdivision containing approximately 1.586 acres, property located northwest of 13^th and Oregon Streets, and accept the dedication of easements and rights-of-way subject to the following conditions:

1.                  Execution of a Temporary Utility Agreement;

2.                  Submission and approval of a Master Street Tree Plan (Per Section 21-708a);

3.                  Provide a certificate that all taxes and special assessments due and payable have been paid;

4.                  Provide a note on the plat referencing the proposed Letter of Map Revision;

5.                  Show the previous limits of the floodway as well as the revised floodway;

6.                  Show where the plat ties to a section corner; and,

7.                  Provide current mayor’s signature block on the plat.

Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                 (6)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to concur with the Planning Commission’s recommendations, approve the Final Plat (PF-3-7-00) for Marion Addition No. 3, a one-lot commercial subdivision containing approximately 1.081 acres, located approximately 240’ south of West 31^st Street on the west side of Nieder road, south of Steak and Shake, and accept the dedication of easements and rights-of-way subject to the following conditions:

2.                  Provision of a revised Final Plat depicting the following:

a.                  Provide Block number;

b.                  Change “Ervin E. Hodges” to “James R. Henry” in the signature block;

3.                  Provision and approval of a Master Street Tree Plan; and,

4.                  Execution of a Temporary Utility Agreement.

Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                              (7)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to approve the site plan (SP-01-03-00) for Fire Station No. 3, located at 3708 West 6^th Street, subject to the following conditions:

1.                  Provision of a revised site plan to include the following:

a.                  A note on the face of the plan that states: “Redevelopment of the property;

b.                  Reconstruction of sidewalk along 6^th Street to 6’ width;

c.                  Revise existing curb cut to conform to code requirements, per City Engineer’s approval;

d.                  Show pavement cross section;

e.                  Show sanitary sewer;

f.                    Report impervious surfaces in square feet on the face of the site plan in the required format;

g.                  Revise the proposed storm drainage system per drainage study comments and per the approval of Public Works;

h.                  Connect existing water tower drain junction box to proposed curb inlet 1.  Plug the existing outlet pipe east. Specify proposed flowlines;

i.                     Provide enlarged plan of pavement replacement section.  Provide wide valley gutter draining east and west to inlets.  Specify spot elevations;

j.                     Shade pavement replacement for pipe C13 to C12; and,

k.                   If not justified, lower the proposed FFE to reduce grades, per City Stormwater Engineer’s approval.        

Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                              (8)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to approve the site plan (SP-03-20-00) for Wakarusa Corporate Center (office development), located northwest of West 18^th Street and Wakarusa Drive, subject to the following conditions:

1.                  Execution of a Site Plan Performance Agreement;

2.                  Recording of a Final Plat with the Register of Deeds office prior to the release of the Site Plan for issuance of a building permit;

3.                  Provision of a Revised Site Plan to include the following information subject to the approval of the City Stormwater Engineer prior to the release of the Site Plan for issuance of a building permit:

a.                  Report impervious surfaces in the required format.  All numbers are total for the property.  Do not report “added” areas;

b.                  Based on the drainage study text, revise the roof drain note to state, “All roof drains shall be directed to the detention basins”;

c.                  Proposed contours are missing west of the drop boxes for Building E;

d.                  Label the proposed connection flowlines at existing storm sewer structures;

e.                  Label the top of bank elevations at the detention basins per the approved drainage study;

f.                    Resubmit the drainage study per separate comments.  Obtain approval of the drainage study.  Revise the Site Plan per the approved drainage study;

g.                  Correct the flowline out at Basin “B”;

h.                  Provide one inch (1’) freeboard at Basin “A”;

i.                     On-site storm sewers are not labeled.  As an alternate, submit the contractor construction plan for these systems to this office for review prior to release of the Site Plan to the Building Inspector.  Verify that all pipes convey Q100 to the basins as stated;

4.                  Provision of a Revised Site Plan to include the following detail;

a.                  Provision of a note to state “The existing sidewalk along Wakarusa Drive shall be reconstructed to a minimum width of six foot (6’) per City Specifications”;

b.                  Provision of a detail of the proposed five foot (5’) high maximum precast block retaining and railing;

c.                  Provision of a revised plan to show all interior sidewalks will be ADA accessible and revise general note number twelve (12) to add the following language: “All interior sidewalks will be ADA accessible”;

d.                  Provision of a revised plan to show a minimum of two (2) ADA parking spaces for Fountain area;            

e.                  Provision of a revised plan to note that all mechanical units and meter banks shall be screened in accordance with Section 20-14A04;

5.                  Provision of a Traffic Impact Analysis for City Staff review and approval prior to issuance of a building permit;

6.                  Execution of an Agreement Not-to-Protest the formation of intersection improvements to Wakarusa Drive and 18^th Street;

7.                  Provision of a Revised Site Plan to show all driveways and intersections on 18^th Street, Wakarusa Drive and Research Park Drive;

8.                  Provision of written approval from WNG regarding development within the one hundred foot (100’) easement or execution of an Encroachment Agreement; and,

9.                  Provision of a Revised Site Plan to show a fifteen foot (15’) Utility Easement as noted by KPL.

Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                              (9)

Mayor Henry called a public hearing on the proposed Order of Vacation for a Utility Easement at 1135 West Campus Road.

George Williams, Public Works Director, presented the staff report on the vacation of a Utility Easement at 1135 West Campus Road recommending approval.  The City had releases from all utilities stating there was no need for the easement.  When this area was platted, there were blanket utility easements along all property lines. A home was built across two (2) lot lines in this subdivision creating the problem.

Upon receiving no public comment, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to close the public hearing.  Motion carried unanimously.                                            

Moved by Hodges, seconded by Rundle, to approve the vacation of a Utility Easement at 1135 West Campus Road and authorize the Mayor to sign the Vacation Order.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                              (10)

Rand Allen, Allen Press, said they recently completed the first phase of their expansion project by construction of a 50,000 square foot addition to the former Stokley Van Camp Building.  The press, after being hand built by Allen Press, was up and running.  The second press was in the process of being constructed.  Allen requested phasing of the tax abatement for the project because of the length of time it took to get the first press on-line.  There would be no increase in additional cost and no request for an additional tax abatement.

Moved by Hodges, seconded by Kennedy, to approve phasing of the tax abatement for Allen Press and direct staff to prepare the Ordinance for the first phase of the tax abatement.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                       (11)

Rodger Oroke, Director for General Services, University of Kansas, requested removal of parking along Mississippi Street and Oread Avenue near the new parking garage.  Originally the University requested eleven (11) spaces along Oread Avenue and seventeen (17) along Mississippi Street.  After review, they wanted to amend the original request and asked for sixteen (16) spaces to be eliminated along Mississippi Street and four (4) to five (5) along Oread Avenue.  Along Mississippi Street, where the new left turn lane would be installed for southbound traffic entering the parking garage, the University needed sixteen (16) spaces which was to close to the original request.  The additional length was necessary to provide sufficient stacking for left turning vehicles into the garage, especially during major events.  In addition to the stacking lane, there was an existing set of stairs connecting the north/south sidewalk on the east side of Mississippi Street to the curb level.  A final concern for the Mississippi Street parking was fire access.  There were additional hydrants placed along Mississippi Street in this area because of the expansion and the stand pipe connection was being installed at the northwest corner of the building.

Marci Francisco appreciated the University efforts for attempting to keep as much parking as possible and working with the neighbor’s during construction.  The traffic study conducted by the University of Kansas showed the need for only a fifty foot (50’) stacking lane.  She suggested using a fifty foot (50’) lane and review what the impact would be.  If the lane does not work, the University could change the length of the lane.  

Rundle suggested referring this matter to the Traffic Safety Commission to review carefully and recommending not giving up any parking spaces unless it was absolutely necessary.   

Moved by Henry, seconded by Dunfield, to refer the request from the University of Kansas for removal of parking along Mississippi Street and Oread Avenue to the Traffic Safety Commission for a review and a recommendation.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                                      (12)

George Williams, Public Works Director, presented the staff report on the bids for the Western Hills Sanitary Sewer District. .  The bids were:

            Williams said invitations to bid were sent to twelve (12) bidders and seven (7) sets of plans were taken.  Of the seven (7) contractor’s requesting plans, four (4) submitted bids.  He thought the bids, although over the Engineer’s estimate, were good bids.  This was not a desirable project because it was in an undeveloped area with considerable rock.  Blasting would not be an alternative.  The trenching for the sanitary sewer was steep with about twenty five percent (25%) of the project between twelve foot (12’) and twenty foot (20’) deep.  Shoring or trench boxes were needed because back sloping the trench was not acceptable because of the proximity of the houses.  The benefit district was limited to an assessment of $7,500.00 per lot.  The rest of the cost would need to be borne by the City. 

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to approve the bid of Garney Companies in the amount of $1,045,690.00 for the Western Hills Sanitary Sewer Benefit District.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                               

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to adopt Resolution No. 6185, increasing the benefit district for Western Hills Sanitary Sewer to $1,400,000.00.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                        (13)

Mayor Henry said he recently met with Mayor Wagnon of Topeka, who request the City of Lawrence join the City of Topeka to oppose the efforts by the City of Wichita for electric rate parity.  KPL electric rates were approximately twenty six percent (26%) lower than KGE rates because KGE chose to construct the Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Facility.

Hodges suggested a study session with the Mayor of Topeka and area legislatures to discuss this issue.  The City Commission concurred and directed staff to arrange a study session with area Legislatures and the Mayor of Topeka to discuss this issue.

Marci Francisco suggested the City review the impact the new parking garage at the University of Kansas had on the intersections of 9^th Street and Mississippi Street; 11^th Street and Mississippi Street; and, 12^th and Oread Avenue.  The traffic study conducted by the University of Kansas said there would be an impact on these intersections.

 Rodger Oroke, Director for General Services, University of Kansas, said the University of Kansas was willing to work with the City to review these intersections and attempt to solve any potential problems.

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to adjourn at 7:27 p.m.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                        

APPROVED:

 

_____________________________James R. Henry, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

___________________________________                                                                       

Raymond J. Hummert, City Clerk

COMMISSION MEETING MAY 9, 2000

1.                  Agreement – BG Consultants for $17,016 for improvements to Centennial Park.

2.                  Bid – CAS Construction for $134,700 for Wakarusa Pump Station Rehab Project.

3.                  Ordinance No. 7216 – 2^nd  Reading, Alcohol allowed at Broken Arrow Park on May 12^th & 13^th, 2000.

4.                  Ordinance No. 7217 – 2^nd Reading, establishing the Lawrence Advisory Board on University Issues.

5.                  Resolution No. 6186 – Blight, 1102 E 13^th.

6.                  Final Plat – (PF-3-8-00), Penny Addition, 1.586 acres, located NW of 13^th & Oregon.

7.                  Final Plat – (PF-3-7-00), Marion Addition, 1.081 acres, located 240’ S of W 31^st on W side of Neider Rd., S of Steak & Shake.

8.                  Site Plan – (SP-01-03-00) Fire Station No. 3, 3708 W 6^th.

9.                  Site Plan – (SP-03-20-00) Wakarusa Corporate Ctr, NW of W 18^th & Wakarusa.

10.              Order of Vacation – for Utility Easement at 1135 W Campus Rd.

11.              1999 Tax Abatement – Allen Press.

12.              Parking – Remove parking along Miss & Oread near parking garage.

13.              Sanitary Sewer Construction - Western Hills to Garney Co. for $1,045,690.