March 13, 2001

 

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.  Student Commissioner May was present.   Student Commissioner Andyshak was absent.

With Commission approval, Mayor Henry proclaimed Wednesday, March 14, 2001, to be "Older Kansans Day at the Legislature"; and, the month of March 2001 as "American Red Cross Month."

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to approve the City Commission meeting minutes of March 6, 2001.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to approve the Practitioner's Panel meeting minutes of February 15, 2001; the HAND Advisory Committee meeting minutes of February 8, 2001; the Historic Resources Commission meeting minutes of January 18, 2001; the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting minutes of December 7, 2000 and February 1, 2001; the Sign Code Board of Appeals meeting minutes of January 4, 2001; and, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting minutes of February 13, 2001.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to approve claims in the amount of $2,365,128.77 and payroll from February 25, 2001 to March 10, 2001 in the amount of $1,143,451.58.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to approve the Drinking Establishment License for El Mezcal Restaurant, 804 Iowa; and, to approve the Retail Liquor License for Glass House Liquor, 2301 Wakarusa Drive, Suite C. Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to concur with the recommendation of the Mayor and appoint Sean Zaudke to the Lawrence Human Society, Inc; the appointment of Linda Stone-Ferrier to the Lawrence Arts Commission; the appointment of Sheila Immel to the HAND Advisory Committee; and, the reappointment of Jeff Messick and Paul Stuewe to the Historic Resources Commission.  Motion carried unanimously.

The City Commission reviewed the bids for seven (7) notebook computers for the Police Department.  The bids were:

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to award the bid to Trio Technologies in the amount of $21,000.00.  Motion carried unanimously.

The City Commission reviewed the bids for a backhoe for the Utilities Department.  The bids were:

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to award the bid to KAN Equipment with an extended warranty of $1,500.00 for a total amount of $30,200.00.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to set a bid date of March 27, 2001 for the 2001 Overlay and Curb Repair Program, Phase 1.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to authorize the purchase of radio communication equipment in the amount of $25,881.15 for the Police Department.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to approve the agreement with Dukes Root Control in the amount of $30,000.00 for 2001 Root Control Program.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda and upon recommendation from staff, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to defer the first reading Ordinance No. 7339, amending Ordinance No. 7154, annexing the property tract bounded by Clinton Parkway, 27^th, Crossgate, and Inverness Drive.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                          (1)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to adopt on first reading Ordinance No. 7338, Annexing (A-01-01-01) approximately 20 acres, located North of Peterson Road, between Folks Road and Queens Road.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                                                    (2)

Ordinance No. 7336, declaring Lawrence Avenue within the corporate limits of the City as a major trafficway, was read a second time.            

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

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to adopt Resolution No. 6285, establishing a benefit district for the construction of a box culvert near 27^th and Crossgate, in the amount of $1,300,000.00.  Motion carried unanimously.           (4)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to adopt Resolution No. 6286, authorizing improvements to the intersection of 23^rd and Barker Streets and 27^th and Iowa Streets, in the amount of $130,000.00.  Motion carried unanimously.

                                            (5)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to concur with the Planning Commission’s recommendations to approve the Final Plat (PF-01-01-01) for Sunflower Park Addition No. 1, a 72-lot residential subdivision containing approximately 22.893 acres, located East of Southwest Junior High School on the East side of Inverness Drive, North of West 27^th Street, and accept the dedication of easements and rights-of-way subject to the following conditions:

1.                  Provision of revised Final Plat depicting the following:

a.                  Increase Lot 12, Block 3 to meet minimum lot area requirement.

b.                  Label and dimension utility easement along north property line of Lots 5 through Lot 12, Block 1.

c.                  Provide acreage of area in legal description.

d.                  Change name of Hidden Valley Court to a name not identified with other streets or significant locations.

e.                  Include "pedestrian easement" in note 2.

2.                  Provide street sign fees in the amount of $770.00.

3.                  Provision of certificate that the subdivision's boundaries are pinned and there is a contract with a licensed engineer or land surveyor to pin the lots after completion of street and public improvements.

4.                  Provision and approval of a Master Street Plan.

5.                  Execution of a Temporary Utility Agreement.

6.                  Submission and approval of a fire hydrant location plan.

7.                  Provide a certificate that all taxes and special assessments due and payable have been paid.  In the case of unpaid special assessments, a proposed redistribution of such unpaid special assessments must meet the city's requirements and be acceptable to the City Clerk and Public Works Director.

Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                           (6)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to concur with the Planning Commission’s recommendations to approve the Final Plat (PF-01-02-01) for Sunflower Park Addition No. 3, a 31-lot residential subdivision containing approximately 10.00 acres, located on the north side of West 27^th Street, west of Crossgate Drive, and accept the dedication of easements and rights-of-way subject to the following conditions:

1.                   Provide a revised Final Plat depicting the following:

a.                  Provide a drainage easement between Lots 2 and 3, Block 2, as shown on the Preliminary Plat for the Inverness Park Addition of obtain approval of the omission from the City Stormwater Engineer.

b.                  Provide overall acreage in legal description.

c.                  Provide MEBO for Lots 1 and 2, Block 1.

d.                  Provide date of study for FEMA line.

e.                  Provide front lot dimension Lot 11, Block 2.

2.                  Provide street sign fees in the amount of $1,050.00

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

4.                  Execution of a Temporary Utility Agreement.

5.                  Submission and approval of a fire hydrant location plan.

6.                  Provide a certificate that all taxes and special assessments due and payable have been paid.  In the case of unpaid special assessments, a proposed redistribution of such unpaid special assessment must meet the city's requirements and be acceptable to the City Clerk and Public Works Director.

7.                  Provision of certificate that the subdivision's boundaries are pinned and there is a contract with a licensed engineer or land surveyor to pin the lots after completion of street and public improvements.

Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                          (7)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to concur with the Planning Commission’s recommendations to approve the Final Plat (RP-01-01-01) for Enterprise Rent-A-Car Addition, a one-lot commercial plat containing approximately 9,625 sq. ft., property commonly known as 1717 W. 6^th Street, and accept the dedication of easements and rights-of-way subject to the following conditions:

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

2.                  Pinning of the lots in accordance with Sec. 21-302.2 of the Subdivision Regulations.

3.                  Show width of the existing right-of-way for 6^th Street.

4.                  Show adjacent properties as Eagle Subdivision, Lot 1 and 2.

5.                  Label the 10' utility easement adjacent to the property to the west.

6.                  Provide book and page number of existing 10' x 60' easement on the property.

Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                           (8)

            As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with The Peridian Group for 27^th and Crossgate Box Culvert Improvements for $85,000.00.  Motion carried unanimously.                                     (9)

            As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to authorize the City Manager to negotiate with Terra Technologies for the engineering design of 13^th and Oregon Stormwater Improvements.  Motion carried unanimously.                          (10)

            As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to authorize the City Manager to negotiate with Bartlett & West for the engineering design of 21^st and Massachusetts, Kentucky to Barker Court Stormwater Improvements.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                                                      (11)

            As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to authorize the City Manager to negotiate with Landplan Engineering for the engineering design of 21^st Street West, Naismith to Stewart Avenue, Stormwater Improvements.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                                                (12)

            As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to authorize the Mayor to sign a License Agreement with Honeywell, allowing construction of a nature trail on Honeywell property adjacent to Prairie Park Nature Center.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                                                 (13)

            As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to authorize the Mayor to sign a Release of Mortgage for Charles Davis, 1301 Connecticut.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                                    (14)

            As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to authorize the Mayor to sign a Release of Mortgage for Mark and Michelle Wilson, 2617 Rawhide Lane.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                              (15)

            As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to place on first reading Ordinance No. 7340, amending section 1-204 of the Code of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, establishing the quorum at four (4) Commissioners for the conduct of City Commission business.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                         (16)

            Mike Wildgen, City Manager, presented the update on the Weatherization Program.  Wildgen presented a map showing the Weatherization Projects for the years 1996 to 2000.  In reviewing the applications, it appeared only one (1) person did not meet the income guidelines.  If the income guidelines were relaxed, it was possible additional clients could be helped.  However, it would require the use of general fund monies, as the CDBG Program was required by Federal Legislation to address low to moderate-income persons.

            The City Commission concurred to receive the report.                                                   (17)

David Corliss, Assistant City Manager, presented a Draft Ordinance requiring the Business Licensing of rental properties in RS Zoning Districts.  Corliss said from previous direction of the City Commission several minor amendments were made.  The proposed Ordinance stated that a property owner of rental structure could enter into an agreement for private inspections of their property.  This was an opportunity to explore, reducing the City inspection cost while ensuring the public health and safety aspects of the Ordinance.  The prohibition against rentals in RS Districts to no more than three (3) unrelated persons would begin in August 2004.  This provided a three (3) year phase-in for the Ordinance which was similar to the earlier proposed three (3) years adopted in the Zoning Ordinance.  Staff recommended the Ordinance become effective February 2002.   This would allow time to consider staffing issues for the 2002 budget to reflect the enforcement requirements of the Ordinance.

Hodges asked how staff developed the twenty-five dollar ($25.00) inspection cost.    

Corliss said it would recover some immediate processing cost of licensing.  Staff was attempting to keep the fee as low as possible recognizing the cost would be passed on to the tenants.

Mark Lehman said this was a violation of the fourth (4^th) Amendment.  He recited several Federal Court Cases that stated entrance could not be made without permission of the tenant.

Holly Kripps said the Student Senate at the University of Kansas advocated for rental registration.  They saw rental registration as a way to assist tenants in improving their living situations.  It appeared the proposed Ordinance was a method of enforcing concerns facing neighbors and not improving the quality of life for tenants.  She encouraged the City Commission to adopt an Ordinance that would cover all multi-family units.  Tenants living in all rental units should benefit from this type of Ordinance. 

Dunfield said there was a section in the proposed Ordinance identifying as a purpose the enforcement of Housing Codes.

Kripps said the primary purpose appeared to be the protection of neighborhoods and not the tenants.  She read from several sections stating the purpose was for a nuisance free and peaceful enjoyment of residents in single-family neighborhoods and where it was appropriate for the general public health safety and welfare.

Janet Gerstner, 1101 Ohio, representing the Oread Neighborhood Association, supported rental registration in Single-Family Zoning Districts.  She said once this program was up and running well, it should be expanded to multi-family zones.  The Oread Neighborhood Association was aware of the cost involved with the program, but the benefits would be substantial to neighborhoods, neighbors, tenants and landlords.  She thought it was a wise use of resources.

Marci Francisco, 946 Ohio, said she owned a rental property that was funded through Section 8.  The Section 8 Program required an annual inspection and asked if that inspection could be combined with the City inspection.  She said that would help to save cost, time and effort.

Henry asked how the inspections were conducted.

Francisco said they were scheduled in advance and the inspectors inspected both the exterior and interior looking primarily for maintenance items.  She also said the Section 8 application asked for information on the number of people living in the unit and their relationships.

Henry asked if the occupant was present during the inspection.

Francisco said the Housing Authority ask that both the occupant and owner be present during the inspection process.

Rundle asked about the privacy issue.

Corliss said the City would not go into a property before they had the legal right to do so.  City staff would be faithful to the Constitutional requirements and rights of the tenants. 

Dunfield asked staff to comment on the relationship between penalties facing landlords and the difficulty landlords have in dealing with problem tenants.  He asked how that and the monetary penalties would work together.

Corliss said the first proceeding in dealing with the tenant and/or landlord would be to revoke or abate the license.  If that process would not work, staff would have the authority to file an action in Municipal Court as misdemeanor with fines up to $250.00 per day.  That would be the process which would take the individual to court.  It was important to have as many different remedies as possible to resolve this type of situation.

Hodges informed the City Commissioners that East Lansing Michigan instituted a licensing fee in the amount of $1,500.00 and reduced the number of unrelated individuals to two (2).  Hodges said over one hundred (100) homes were converted back to single-family homes in that community.

Henry suggested changing wording to reduce the focus on nearby residents. 

Dunfield said by adding the wording “public safety of tenants and nearby residents in the section on inspection of property” would address that issue.

Rundle suggested the same wording in the introductory paragraph.  He asked about the ability to have Section 8 Inspectors conduct these inspections for the City.

Dunfield said the effective date of 2004 seemed to be a long time for the Ordinance to go into effect.

Corliss said staff recommended the implementation of the Ordinance be effective February 2002 to allow for hiring of additional inspectors.  This would give the City Commission time to review the need for additional inspectors during the budget process.  After August 1, 2004, no owner of a single-family dwelling in RS Zoning could have three (3) unrelated people living together that dealt with the amortization concurrently with the Zoning Ordinance.

Hodges said a longer effective date might be more appropriate because of long-term leases some people might have.  At the end of three (3) or four (4) years, there should not be any exceptions to the rule.

The City Commission concurred to direct staff to bring back an Ordinance in two (2) weeks with revisions to the introductory language reflecting a desire to protect tenants as well as neighbors, add additional comments in the Ordinance dealing with tenant safety; the use of other outside inspectors including Section 8 Inspectors; and, additional ideas on assisting landlords with problem tenants.                                                                                                                  (18)

            Kyle Mieras, Planner, presented the staff report on the rezoning and annexation of Bismark Gardens Addition No. 2.  In January, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to approve the Preliminary Plat of Bismark Gardens Addition No. 2 with the condition that necessary improvements be made to North Street prior to development taking place.

            On February, the City Commission unanimously voted to table the annexation and rezoning request until the Planning Commission clarified the condition on North Street.  The Planning Commission recommended approval of the annexation and rezoning in September 2000.  At that time, the City Commission tabled the request until a Preliminary Plat was submitted and reviewed by the Planning Commission.  At their regular meeting in February, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to remove the condition from the previous motion.  The Planning Commission recommended approval of the annexation and rezoning request.

            Jane Eldridge, representing the developer, said the applicant, Stormwater Engineer and Lowther, a property owner in the area, met to discuss the drainage.  Based upon that discussion, additional drainage work would be done which would go beyond the requirements of the Ordinance.  Eldridge presented a petition of twenty-five (25) residents in North Lawrence supporting the request and development.  The developer and City Staff met also to discuss Hickory Street.  The Final Plat would show that building permits could not be pulled until Hickory Street was approved.  That would be a condition on the Final Plat.  Eldridge requested the City Commission concur with the Planning Commission to approve both the rezoning and the annexation.

            Natalya Lowther, 1480 North 1700 Road, said she appreciated the effort the applicant and staff made to address her concerns.  The solution was to increase the retention in Clark’s Pond.  Lowther expressed a concern about the quality of run-off that would be in Clark’s Pond.  She was concerned with pesticides and other lawn chemicals infiltrating ground water in the area and suggested someone monitor the water quality in the pond.   The annexation and rezoning request was being pushed through in advance of the North Street Plan because that plan would not allow this type of development.  Lowther said another concern was about the condition of North Street.  She was confused about removing the condition on North Street with the addition of improving Hickory Street when North Street was in worst condition and carried more traffic.  Lowther suggested the City Commission look at the big picture before any additional development took place in this area.  The developer should be required to hold all the water on his property and not allow the water to pond on hers. 

            Melinda Henderson expressed a concern about developing in the floodplain.  She presented a map showing that a majority of the area in this development was floodplain.  Henderson suggested this area be preserved as open space and recommended the City Commission take no action until the North of North Street Plan was approved.  There were several different methods that could be used to help developers in floodplain areas including the use of transferring development rights.  She said there were many options available and thought this issue did not need to be resolved at this time.

            David Geyer expressed a concern about building in floodplains.  He suggested waiting until the North of North Plan was developed.

            Jane Eldridge said the North of North Plan had several concepts which could not be supported by current City Ordinances.  The developer has compromised in this area by developing lots in access of 21,000 square feet plus granting a significant drainage easement.  The proposed development meets all the criteria in existing Ordinances and more.  North Street would be built by the developer to the same standards as Hickory Street.                    

            Rundle asked the status of the North of North Street Plan. 

            Mieras said the Planning Director informed the Planning Commission the North of North Street Plan was approximately sixty (60) days from the Planning Commission review and approval.  The plan has not been scheduled for a Planning Commission Meeting.

            Eldridge said the applicant had been working on this plan for over five (5) years.  This was not an attempt to rush the development through at the last moment.

            Lowther said that it was possible to address the flooding problems without building these additional lots.  She thought if it were feasible to build lots on one side of Hickory Street, it would be feasible to build on one side of North Street. 

            Marci Francisco, 946 Ohio, said it was not appropriate to build in the floodplain.  She expressed a concern about the odd shape of lots and recommended this area remain in open space.

            John Chaney, the developer, said most of the lots in North Lawrence were platted as lots 300 feet deep.  This development fits into the neighborhood well.  The large lots decrease the amount of water that runs off of the individual lots.  He has redesigned the drainage plan for the area three (3) different times because of changes in the City’s policy.

            Dunfield asked how many other plans for development were out there.  He wanted to know how many other situations like this that they would have to deal with prior to approval of the North of North Street Plan.  Dunfield suggested a moratorium might be needed in this area until the plan was approved and implemented.

            Mike Wildgen, City Manager, said the City Commission had control over this area by annexation.  The City did not have to annex this property.

            Rundle could not support this development until the North of North Street Plan was developed.   He thought it was inappropriate to begin developing prior to a plan being in place.

            Kennedy spoke in support of the development.  Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval and the developer has worked with neighbors and staff.

            Hodges said it appeared that all parties had proceeded in good faith in accordance with existing requirements.  He supported the annexation and rezoning.

            Dunfield realized the parties half acted in good faith.  This issue points up the urgency for development and implementation of the North of North Street Plan.  He also thought the City Commission needed to review and change their floodplain policies.

Moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to table the request for the annexation  (A-1-2-2000) and rezoning (Z-1-4-200) request for an area commonly known as Bismark Gardens No. 2.  Aye:  Dunfield and Rundle.  Nay:  Henry, Hodges and Kennedy.  Motion failed.                      Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to concur with the Planning Commission’s recommendation and approve an annexation (A-1-2-2000) of approximately 5.61 acres. Northeast of North 7^th and North Streets in North Lawrence and direct staff to prepare the appropriate Ordinance.  Aye: Henry, Hodges and Kennedy.  Nay:  Dunfield and Rundle.  Motion carried.                                                                                                                                      (19)

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to concur with the Planning Commission’s recommendation, adopt the findings of fact, and approve a request to rezone (Z-1-4-2000) approximately 5.61 acres Northeast of North 7^th and North Streets from A (Agricultural District) to RS-2 (Single-Family Residence); and, direct staff to prepare the appropriate ordinance.  Aye:  Henry, Hodges and Kennedy.  Nay:  Dunfield and Rundle.  Motion carried.                   (20)

            Bob Treanor, 615 Vermont, presented the proposed signage for the Marriott/Riverfront Facility.  The overall theme for the signage was Riverfront.  He presented schematic drawings of the proposed signage for the tower, the east and west entrances to office space, the entrance to the Marriott facility, entrances to the parking garage on 6^th and Rhode Island Streets and various other signage ideas.  The City Commission, Staff and Treanor discussed the various options. 

The City Commission concurred to direct that less purple be used in the developmental scheme.

David Longhurst said the owners wanted to accomplish two (2) things with the signage.  One (1) was to advertise the Spring Hill Hotel and the other to identify the other Riverfront activities.  The Marriott signage would advertise their location and the Riverfront concept would identify the business offices.  It was hoped the Riverfront concept would be the identifier for the area and the offices for Sprint and Cable Vision. 

Dunfield suggested the signage configuration was somewhat confusing.  He thought if Riverfront was to be the destination, the major sign on the tower should be Riverfront instead of the Hotel.  He liked the general Riverfront concept and the logo represented by the large “R.”  On the other hand, he did not like the outlining the roof with neon lights.     

            Moved by Rundle, seconded by Dunfield, to approve the signage for the tower including the Spring Hill Marriott Hotel sign with the “R” logo and no neon light outlining the roof; one (1) sign on the west end of the bridge entering the hotel; and, replacing the existing monument sign on 6^th Street with an identification sign for the hotel.  Motion carried unanimously.     

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Rundle, to approve the Riverfront signage for the entrances on Rhode Island and 6^th Streets utilizing the neon wave and the wording “Riverfront” with an appropriate color-scheme and low output lighting; and, the same signage for the north side of the building.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                

Moved by Henry, seconded by Rundle, to approve the replacement of the existing four (4) sided monument sign on the parking deck to be used as a directional sign for the complex.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                        

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Dunfield, to approve the signage for the east and west bridges with neon around the sign, but no neon outlining the roofs and the new signage for the doors on the bridges.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                               (21)

The City Commission concurred that if banners were used on the parking deck, they would be consistent with the current Downtown Lawrence Business Designs and Programs.  

Treanor asked if the banners on the promenade could be replaced with new banners.

The City Commission directed Treanor to bring back more information concerning that request.

Bob Yost, Public Works Department, presented the staff report on the Composting Facility Master Plan.  This project was the result of cooperative effort between Public Works, Parks and Recreation and Utilities Departments to find solutions to issues related to the composting of yard waste.  The current sites being used by the Public Works and Parks and Recreational Departments were undersized and in efficient.  The work involved in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Project and Improvements to East 8^th Street gave the City an opportunity to look at the possibility of moving and consolidating the current facilities.  The Plan recommended a phased approach that would start with the move this year of the leaf composting operations to land on East 11^th Street.   Phase II was to provide sod growing and tree storage areas for the Parks and Recreation Department.  Phase III was development of the site as an educational site and development of an environmental park.  The request before the City Commission was to authorize staff to proceed with Phase I.

Moved by Rundle, seconded by Hodges, to direct staff to proceed with Phase I of the Yard Waste Composing Facility Master Plan.  Motion carried unanimously.                               (22)

Terese Gorman, City Engineer, presented the staff report on the amendment to a design contract with Bucher, Willis & Ratliff for traffic analysis of 6^th and Wakarusa.  The Kansas Department of Transportation requested the City ask the City’s consultants to update the traffic analysis for 6^th and Wakarusa based upon the current and proposed development at this intersection.  The consultant was asking $13,885.00 to perform this service.

Hodges asked why the study would not go to Champion Lane.

Gorman said Champion Lane would be considered as part of the review and improvement.  The initial phase of development was from the trafficway to Wakarusa.  The State then authorized funds for construction of the intersection of Wakarusa to approximately Champion Lane.  This review would update the traffic study for the area.

Kennedy asked why an additional study was needed when there were three (3) studies for the area already.

Gorman said KDOT thought there were significant enough changes in the area that warranted the study.  The consultant would be looking at previous studies to see if any of those conditions were still relevant.

Jane Eldridge, representing Westgate LC, said the request for this study raised a lot of concern.  She requested this be deferred until she had time to discuss this issue with the City Manager.

Mike Wildgen, City Manager, said the discussion would need to be with KDOT and not with City staff.  KDOT was requesting the additional information.

Moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to extend the meeting for fifteen (15) minutes.  Motion carried unanimously.  

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to defer the amendment to the design contract with Bucher, Willis & Ratliff for traffic analysis at 6^th and Wakarusa until staff could arrange a meeting with KDOT and Eldridge.  Motion carried unanimously.                                  (23)

Dunfield informed the City Commission that he attended a meeting at PROSOCO with KDOT officials and employees of the East Hills Business Park.   No consensus was reached on solving the problems faced by employees at the entrance of East Hills and K-10.  There did not appear to be any solutions that would be acceptable to both KDOT and the employees of the area.  

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Hodges, to adjourn at 10:16 p.m.   Motion carried unanimously.                                                                 

 

 

 

APPROVED:

                                                                        _____________________________

James R. Henry, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

___________________________________                                                                       

Raymond J. Hummert, City Clerk

COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 13, 2001

1.                  Ordinance No. 7339 – Deferred, Annex property tract bounded by Clinton Pkwy, 27^th, Crossgate & Inverness.

2.                  Ordinance No. 7338 – 1^st Reading, Annex (A-01-01-01) 20 acres, N of Peterson, between Folks and Queens.

3.                  Ordinance No. 7336 – 2^nd Reading, Lawrence Ave., major trafficway.

4.                  Resolution No. 6285 – Benefit District, Box Culvert near 27^th & Crossgate, for $1,300,000.

5.                  Resolution No. 6286 –  Authorize Improvements, Intersection of 23^rd & Barker & 27^th & Iowa.

6.                   Final Plat – (PF-01-01-01), Sunflower Park Addition No. 1, 22.893 acres, E of SW Junior H.S. on E side of Inverness, N of W 27^th .

7.                  Final Plat – (PF-01-02-01), Sunflower Park Addition No. 3, 10 acres, N side of W 27^th, W of Crossgate.

8.                  Final Plat – (RP-01-01-01), Enterprise Rent-A Car Addition, 1 lot, 9,625 sq. ft., 1717 W 6^th.

9.                  Crossgate Box Culvert Improvements – The Peridian Group for $85,000.

10.              Engineering Design – 13^th & Oregon Stormwater Improvements, Terra Technologies.

11.              Engineering Design –21^st & Mass, Kentucky to Barker Ct. Stormwater Improvements, Bartlett & West.

12.              Engineering Design – 21^st St. W, Naismith to Stewart Ave Stormwater Improvements, Landplan Engineering.

13.              License Agreement – Construction of Nature Trail on Honeywell property adjacent to Prairie Park Nature Ctr.

14.              Mortgage Release – 1301 Connecticut, Charles Davis.

15.               Mortgage Release – 2617 Rawhide Ln, Mark & Michelle Wilson.

16.              Ordinance No. 7340 – 1^st Reading, Commission quorum set at 4.

17.              Weatherization Program.

18.              Business Licensing – Rental properties in RS Zoning Districts, revisions to language.

19.              Annex (A-1-2-2000) – 5.61 acres, NE of N 7^th, & N St.

20.              Rezone (Z-1-4-2000) – 5.61 acres, NE of N 7^th, & N St.

21.              Signage – Riverfront/Marriott Facility.

22.              Yard Waste Composting Master Plan.

23.              Contract – Amend for analysis for 6^th & Wakarusa for $487,367.

24.              K-10 – East Hills Business Park & KDOT discussion.