September 24, 2002

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 Hack presiding and Commissioners Dunfield, Henry, Kennedy, and Rundle present.  Lawrence High School representative, Zack Elmore was present.    

Mayor Hack recognized high school exchange students visiting from Eutin, Germany, one of our Sister Cities. 

Mayor Hack proclaimed Wednesday, October 2, 2002 to be “International Walk to School Day.”

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to approve the City Commission meeting minutes of September 17, 2002.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to approve the Practitioners Panel meeting minutes of July 11, 2002; and, the Traffic Safety Commission meeting minutes of September 16, 2002.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, toapprove claims to 290 vendors in the amount of $1,377,995.29 and payroll from September 9, 2002 to September 22, 2002 in the amount of $1,308,964.41.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to concur with the recommendation of the Mayor and reappoint Wendi Coleman and Ray Chao to the Human Relations Commission; the reappointment of Francis Fisher to a two-year term to the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging; the reappointment of Tim Herndon and the appointment of Paul Werner to replace Allen Belot whose second term expired to the Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals; and, the reappointment of Mark Praeger to the Hospital Board.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to approve the Drinking Establishment Licenses for Bluejacket, 811 New Hampshire (C-3 zoning requirement); The Hawk, 1340 Ohio; and, the Caterer’s License for Hy-Vee, 3504 Clinton Parkway.  Motion carried unanimously.

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to set a bid opening date of October 22, 2002, for the Hearthstone Bathroom/Kitchen Renovation Project. Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                             (1)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to approve the selection of Municipal Services Bureau for Municipal Court collection efforts and Revenue Assurance Professionals/LLC for other delinquent accounts; and, authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute agreements.  Motion carried unanimously.                      (2) 

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to approve the site plan (SP-07-57-02) for a residential remodel, located at 1121 Ohio Street, subject to the following conditions:

1.                  Submission of a revised site plan indicating:

a.                  A note on the site plan indicating it has been designed to comply with the minimum provisions of the Final Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines, 24 CFR, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, Appendix II, of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended; 

b.                  A note on the site plan indicating that the maximum allowed occupancy is 12 persons;

c.                  A note on the site plan indicating the Historic Resources Commission’s administrative approval of the renovation plan, with the item number (DR-07-45-02);

d.                  A note on the site plan indicating the approved variance request, with the item number (C-07-22-02)

e.                  The existing sanitary sewer lines along east and west sides of lot;

 

2.                  A Site Plan Performance Agreement be executed; and,

3.                  Execution of an agreement not-to-protest the formation of a benefit district for the purpose of sidewalk improvements.

 

Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                           (3)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to approve the site plan (SP-08-62-02) for a warehouse addition to ProSoCo, located at 3701 Greenway Circle in East Hills Business Park, subject to the following conditions:

1.                  Execution of a Site Plan Performance Agreement by the property owner of record;

2.                  Provision of a revised site plan to include a landscape schedule that indicates the types of existing materials; and,

3.                  Provision of a revised site plan to show replacement landscape as noted by the Neighborhood Resources Department for dead plants and trees.

 

Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                           (4)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to authorize the Mayor to sign a Release of Mortgage for Gregory Harrod and Kellie Smith, 942 New Jersey.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                             (5)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to authorize the Mayor to sign a Release of Mortgage for Katharina Lepper, 1119 New Jersey.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                          (6)

            As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to authorize the Mayor to sign a Subordination Agreement for David and Rita Roberts, 2018 Miller Drive.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                               (7)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to concur with the Traffic Safety Commission’s recommendation to deny the request to establish a “stop sign” on 3^rd Street at Elm.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                      (8)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to concur with the Traffic Safety Commission’s recommendation to remove the “No Parking Loading Zone Except Sunday” restriction along the east side of New York Street adjacent to New York School.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                      (9)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to concur with the Traffic Safety Commission’s recommendation to establish a “no parking” along the east side of Crossgate Drive between Clinton Parkway and Greenbrier Drive.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                                                 (10)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to concur with the Traffic Safety Commission’s recommendation to remove the “No Parking Zone” on the west side of Barker Avenue between 20^th Street and 21^st Street.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                                                     (11)

As part of the consent agenda, it was moved by Rundle, seconded by Kennedy, to concur with the Traffic Safety Commission’s recommendation to deny the request to establish “no parking” along the north side of Lynn Street between Bullene Avenue and Haskell Avenue.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                                   (12)

During the City Manager’s Report, Mike Wildgen said staff had met with the City’s auditor, Tom Singleton, to discuss remote site payment and collections procedures.   As a result of these discussions, a number of recommendations were suggested and were implemented.  He said Singleton would also address City purchasing policies and would be submitting a report.

Wildgen reported that Public Works Department employees Jim Garcia, Larry Devers, David Pentlin and Mike Payne, recently competed in the Solid Waste Association of North American Truck Road-e-o which contestants are scored on safety and operating skills.  As a result, Garcia won first place and Devers won second place, in the rear loader refuse truck competition.  Pentlin finished second in the roll-off truck event.                                                       

Wildgen also reported that the City passed a Pretreatment Program which was performed by USEPA and KDHE.  He said Shari Stamer, Waste Quality Manager, Utilities Department, did a great job in record keeping and inspections resulted in no deviations which indicates that the functions are being conducted in an acceptable manner.                                      

As a final point, Wildgen reminded the Commission that the K.U. Policy Research Institute Indicators – Second Quarter Report was attached to his report for their review.          (13)

Mike Wildgen, City Manager, presented the staff report concerning the Supplemental Agreement with Black & Veatch to provide analysis for Wakarusa River area Wastewater Treatment Plant option.  This agreement is an outgrowth of the Master Plan.   He urged the City Commission to allow staff to review this agreement because they felt the estimated fee was excessive. 

Commissioner Kennedy said it was important for the Commission to keep this continued discussion with KDOT in regards to building a Wastewater Treatment Plant near the Wakarusa River.  He said they needed to look at the costs of building this facility, versus pumping it to our existing facility.  There is potential growth in that area that needed to be addressed to ensure our Master Plan would adequately approach the City’s needs in wastewater treatment.   

Commissioner Henry said the information the Commission gained from that joint study session was helpful and needed to move forward with the study.

Mayor Hack said the information before the Commission pertains to increasing the capacity at the original plant, but we now have the opportunity to look at the costs to create a new Wastewater Treatment Plant at the Wakarusa River.  In order for us to compare and make a decision, the more information the Commission had, the better.  

Moved by Henry, seconded by Kennedy, to authorize the City Manager to negotiate an agreement with Black & Veatch to provide analysis for the Wakarusa River area Wastewater Treatment Plant.                                                                                                                           (14)

Mayor Hack called a public hearing on a benefit district for improvements to the intersection of 31^st and Nieder Road.

Chuck Soules, Public Works Director, presented the staff report for the improvements to the intersection of 31^st and Nieder Road.  Due to a publication error, the public hearing needed to be re-held.  Originally, the improvements called for traffic signalization at the intersection of 31^st and Nieder Road.   In reviewing access for Aldi’s and Goodwill, in terms of signalization at this intersection, staff suggested as an alternative, a roundabout at this location.  This roundabout option provided different alternatives in relieving truck access problems at this intersection.  Several proposals were submitted and staff recommended HNTB for this project because their proposal was comprehensive and best understood the issues involved in this project.   He presented a schematic drawing of the intersection from this proposal.  He pointed out that it was just a schematic for illustration purposes only and not a final drawing.

One advantage this roundabout would have, if it was placed further to the southwest and the combined entrance at Aldi’s and Goodwill was moved, would be that traffic would not need to come down to the intersection at a 90-degree angle if the roundabout was used.  Another advantage would be that trucks would not need to go down to Four Wheel Drive and back to Iowa for access.  Some of the other advantages were safety; better/more efficient traffic flow; improved access to local businesses; improved maneuverability for delivery trucks; and long-term maintenance costs. 

Soules said some of the disadvantages of a roundabout would be higher initial cost.  He said the public hearing notice increased the cost of the project and hoped that he was being conservative on his cost estimate.  Another disadvantage would be possible right-of-way needs.

He said HNTB presented two proposals.  The first proposal would cost approximately $32,400 which entailed a thorough study of a signalized intersection and a roundabout with two public meetings, a Commission presentation, four alternative/preliminary designs (2 each), cost estimates and a computer model.  The other proposal which would have a reduction in the scope of work, costing approximately $15,200, includes a thorough study of a roundabout, adjacent owner meetings, cost estimates, and a comparison (advantages vs. disadvantages) with a signalization intersection.

Soules said the benefit district would pay 100% of the improvements with no City-at-large participation.  He asked direction on how the Commission would like staff to proceed. 

Mayor Hack asked if the difference between the two proposals was the more comprehensive proposal had a report component, public meeting, and a study of both options.

Soules said staff would get a comparison of the two options and a recommendation from a traffic perspective on what would work the best which would be safety and access.

Commissioner Rundle asked if staff had preliminary contact with KDOT about this option.

Soules said this is outside KDOT’s area of influence.

Commissioner Rundle asked Soules if staff would be in touch with KDOT about this option.

Soules said yes, staff could keep in touch with KDOT.

Commissioner Henry commented that KDOT’s initial concern was the backup of traffic for a left turn into Nieder Road and possible backup onto Iowa Street.  He said this roundabout option would facilitate traffic flow which could possibly eliminate the backup of traffic.  He thought KDOT would be interested in this option.

Soules said yes.  He said he did not think KDOT would have any negative reaction to this option.

Brett Schubert, Store Manager, Target, asked if a study were done, would it be paid by the benefit district.

Soules said it would probably be part of the project costs.

Schubert said being the largest square foot retailer in that area they would absorb the biggest costs.  He said he agreed that something needed to occur at that intersection.  He had a concern about the increase in traffic flow during Christmas and what would that do to the roundabout.  Also, the timing from start to completion because if that intersection is locked up that is the only access to that section except via 33^rd Street.  He said he would like to be involved future meetings.        

Soules said whichever way the Commission decides to go with this project the property owners in this benefit district would be included in the discussions.  As was far as the construction timing, staff is trying to place this project on the heels of the 31^st Street project.  He said this project could potentially be sequenced to keep half of the road open and build this road in sections.

Wildgen said the project would not take place during Christmas.  This was next year’s project.

Pat Slabaugh, Executive Vice President, Douglas County Bank, said he was not at the Commission meeting to object to the roundabout and he was certainly not qualified to make that decision, however, he did question the viability.  The roundabout could not be constrictive and needs to be big enough for semi trucks and continual traffic movement.  He said it seems to him that there are some property owners in that benefit district who would not benefit from that intersection. 

Slabaugh said he sent a letter to the City Commission regarding the signalization at 31^st and Nieder and his concerns.  His concern about the roundabout is that Douglas County Bank will lose more land on the northwest corner and if signalization is used, they will lose land on the north side of that lot.       

He said at a Sign Variance Committee meeting he attended regarding this intersection, they would be forced to move their sign which was to the north.  He said he would like to move the sign on the northwest corner, but if there is a possibility of a roundabout going in at this intersection, he could not put the sign at that location.  He said this might not be an issue, but needed to know the Commission’s decision before he moved the sign.

He said the cost of the project was also a concern.  He said he personally thought the benefit district should not absorb those costs of a roundabout.  He thought the City should bear the cost of the roundabout.

He said it was his understanding that one of the reasons a signalization light was put at this intersection was because the median on 31^st Street is necessary and KDOT was concerned about traffic backing up into Iowa.  He said he definitely thought KDOT should be consulted on this issue because of the potential backup of traffic.

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Rundle, to close the public hearing.  Motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Kennedy said with the changes in the project and the idea of a roundabout being proposed, he suggested that the Commission use the more comprehensive scope of work which was estimated at about $32,000.   This scope of work would initiate communication between property owners in the benefit district and HNTB.  This project initially started out as traffic signalization at the intersection of 31^st and Nieder Road with basic costs.  He said he wanted to see the full-blown analysis of this intersection both with signalization and roundabout options.  After reviewing this analysis, he could make a better decision on whether he thought there should be City participation in this project.     

Mayor Hack concurred with Commissioner Kennedy.  She said the more information the Commission had at this point, the better.  Since we don’t know the actual cost, she wanted to see the comparison between the two options.  She said the Commission might need to consider City participation because you could not rationalize that all of the traffic going through that area is strictly those people in the benefit district.   

Commissioner Henry agreed with Mayor Hack and Commissioner Kennedy’s comments.  He said he liked the idea of the roundabout, but would like to see a comprehensive study of the roundabout versus the signalized intersection.  He said the roundabout had some advantages in pubic safety which suggested some degree of City participation.

Commissioner Rundle asked for clarification that the Commission have the liberty of reducing the assessment for this benefit district without having another hearing.

Wildgen said yes. 

Soules said they needed to establish the benefit district with the maximum amount.  The City could always reduce the benefit district’s share by stepping up and participating.  He said if the Commission desired, they could direct staff to form the benefit district and adopt a resolution setting out the finding of fact and ordering the improvements.  He said staff would present the more comprehensive proposal from HNTB for Commission approval.

Commissioner Henry asked if the Resolution would limit the Commission in terms of City participation.

Soules said not in lessening the burden to the benefit district.

Mayor Hack said the Commission needed to look at establishing a benefit district first and then give staff direction on which of the two plans were appropriate.  

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Dunfield, to authorize staff to draft a Resolution establishing the benefit district for 31^st and Nieder Road.  Motion carried unanimously.      (15)

Mayor Hack asked the Commission for comment on the two plans submitted by HNTB.

Commissioner Kennedy reiterated that he would like to look at the more comprehensive plan so the property owners in the benefit district are aware of the expense of both the signalization versus the roundabout.

Vice Mayor Dunfield said his initial reaction to a two-lane roundabout at that particular location is one of skepticism, but he thought that was all the more reason to have this study done well.  Hopefully, HNTB can provide the Commission with some comparisons where roundabouts have been installed in similar situations.  

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Rundle, to proceed with the more comprehensive plan.  Motion carried unanimously.                                                                                                  (16)

Frank Reeb, Director of Administrative Services/City Clerk presented a staff report from the Health Care Committee regarding recommendations for the 2003 Health Care Plan renewal.  He said there were 4 specific recommendations from the committee.  The first recommendation is to renew the health, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverages, on a self funded basis, with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as the Third Party Administrator, reinsurance carrier, and provider network.   He said this recommendation follows the Health Care Committee’s efforts from earlier this summer to take the City’s health care needs to the market to see if our current plan remains competitive.  He said Administrative Services staff and the Health Care Committee spent a good part of the last two months reviewing responses to the RFP.  Nearly twenty different responses were reviewed and based on cost, network design, administrative services, and reinsurance needs, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas came out on top. 

Reeb said while it may appear as if not much was gained in the RFP process since staff is recommending that the City renew with BCBS, he said there were several benefits to the RFP process.  He said staff has now validated that BCBS is the best fit for our needs and we can tell our employees that we have looked around and BCBS best meets our needs.  He said that another benefit was that the City, for the first time, now has performance guarantees in place with BCBS for the TPA services.  The process also gave staff a better understanding of the health care market in Northeast Kansas.  A final benefit was that staff saw what other carriers are doing with web-enabled customer service features, and we can now go to BCBS and point out the City would like to see them implement some of those services.

Reeb said the second recommendation was to approve additional employee contributions.  The Health Care Committee was recommending that the employee family coverage increase from $65 per pay period to $80 per pay period which amounted to about a 23% increase.  He said staff was also recommending that retiree contributions increase as well.  The individual retiree plan would increase to $201 per month and the family retiree plan would increase to $569 per month.  All of these increases are consistent with the Health Care Committee goals of the City paying 80% of the funding for employee coverage and 20% funding for the retiree coverage.

Reeb said the third recommendation was to approve an additional $284,742 in order to cover the additional increases projected by BCBS for the 2003 plan year.  He said based on preliminary estimates, as staff was preparing for the 2003 budget in March, BCBS projected a 15% increase.  The final renewal number came in at 15.64% and the additional funds request is to make up that .64% difference.  He explained that these additional funds would allow the plan to meet the Health Care Committee goals of having the reserve level at 25% of projected claims costs.  He said the additional funds are not being asked for as necessary to fund for claims that are projected or expected but in the event claims come in at the “worst-case” level, the level at which the reinsurance begins to apply, then the funds would be necessary.  These additional funds help keep the reserve fund at a level to address the worst-case year if that happens.  He said these funds would be in addition to the amount the Commission has already approved as part of the budget process. 

The final recommendation is to change the eligibility waiting period to “the first of the month following 30 days of employment”.  The current waiting period is the first of the month following 90 days of employment.  Reeb said this is essentially a recruiting issue, as new employees currently would need to stay on their previous employer’s health plan, through COBRA, for a period of time and that is very expensive.  He said the BCBS actuaries believe there is minimal risk to adding the new employees on the plan 60 days earlier.  He said there would be some additional administrative costs but those would be less than $100 per month per new employee. 

Reeb also explained some of the staff efforts in preparation for 2004.  He said staff would continue to look at how we fund the employee and family coverages, in particular to make sure the families are paying their fair share.  He said this issue, at this time, is both a budget issue and an employee benefit issue.  From the employee benefit perspective, the current split of the City paying approximately 75% of the overall cost and the employee family plan member paying 25% is slightly below the average based on a recent Kansas League of Municipalities survey and staff wants to put us above the average.  From a budget perspective, the Health Care Committee recognizes that it is a difficult time to be requesting the additional $284,000 let alone an additional amount to have the family plan members pay only 20% of the premium equivalent.  He said in the event, staff misunderstood the budget issue, the Commission could approve an additional amount now, as stated in the memo.

Reeb also explained that staff would be looking at Post Retirement Medical Savings Accounts, Mental Health Benefits, and the Prescription Drug Programs as they prepare for 2004.

Lastly, Reeb acknowledged the hard work of the Health Care Committee.  He said this was an additional duty for many on the committee and that they have worked very hard, particularly over the last two months. 

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Rundle, to approve the recommendations from the City Employee Health Care Committee for City Employee Health Care Benefits in 2003.          (17)

Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manager, presented the staff report on City Hall space utilization.  She said this report was in response to a request for utilizing the space that was vacated by the move to the Downtown 2000 building by the Parks and Recreation and Human Resources/Human Relations Departments.  She said several staff members discussed the many different options that were available and drafted a report for Commission review.  This report contained long-term and short term options for space utilization and awaits the Commission’s direction if they would like to have some involvement in the decision-making process.

After no public comment, Commissioner Rundle asked if the report outlined the preferred options among staff.

Van Saun said staff has not taken a vote.  She said they have had discussions and there was one solution that seemed to have a good outcome for the needs that they had established for the additional planner.  She said the options needed further discussion to see how they could be implemented once the new planner came on board.

Mayor Hack said she appreciated being in the loop on this issue and felt there needed to be staff input because they would have to deal with the decisions that are made.

Wildgen said one idea Commissioner Rundle had was the switching of Planning and Finance which was more of a long-term option. 

Commissioner Henry said he liked the idea of the greeting area and the one-stop station in the atrium area which was also a long-term option.                                                                (18)

                During public comment, a person from Overland Park, wanted to talk about what may appear to be an international issue, but actually believes that it affects every citizen in every City of our Country.  Ultimately, it comes down to a request of the Commission to issue a Resolution similar to the one the U.S. Congress enacted which would express your concern over the persecution of Falun Gong Practitioners in China. 

The letter read: “The people of the United States have been champions of justice, liberty, and human rights.  There has been willingness on the part of Americans to help the oppressed and those who suffer injustices no matter where they are in the world, whether it be providing food for starving people in far away countries or stopping the atrocities committed by lost souls upon other living beings.  People of America have been there to lend a helping hand wherever and whenever needed.  Our own roots from the struggles of the oppressed to obtain our freedom at the birth of this nation would not allow us to do otherwise.  We are people with a conscience and people with a heart of kindness that goes out to others.  Many people are in need in this world today and those who believe in truthfulness, compassion and forbearance are very much deserving of your help today.   In fact today, in helping those people, we will also be helping ourselves in making our world a better place for all of human kind.  Why?  Because those who seek to destroy the ideas of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance must surely stand for the opposite which would be deceitfulness, malevolence and intolerance.  What am I talking about?  I’m describing a ruthless person who is headed to the United States for a visit next month.  His name I won’t mention just yet, but he claims to represent the people of China and actually as of all of us know, a true representative of any people is elected by the people, though this person calls him a president, he‘s not.  Presidents are elected.  Dictators are not.  Dictator sharpen their heads and drill their way into power at the expense of, but not for the benefit of, the people.  The Jiang Regime is responsible for a lot of problem in China and has attempted to export his brand of control to other countries including the United States.  That is correct, this dictator’s regime has taken action against people it would like to persecute right here in the United States.  This includes break-ins to attain address books and least one car bombing in Chicago.  It’s no secret that this regime, the Jiang Regime, is the same regime that persecutes Christians and Tibetan Buddest in China and today he is also persecuted those who believe in truthfulness, compassion and tolerance.  This dictator of China has ordered the prosecution that has lead to the death of over 470 people.  Unofficial sources put the number in the thousands.  Tens of thousands of others have been forced into “labor camps.”  That term “labor camp” is the same similar term as what was used in Nazi Germany a euphemism for persecution, torture, and ultimately death. 

On July 24, 2002, the U.S. House passed a Resolution 188 calling on Jiang’s Regime to cease persecution of Falun Gong in particular, the Resolution expressed the sense of Congress that the United States Government should investigate allegations of illegal activities in the United States by the Government of the Peoples Republic of China and its representatives and agents.  Including allegations of unlawful harassment of United States citizens and residents who practice Falun Gong and the officials of State and Local Governments in the United States who support Falun Gong.  Why does this issue affect us here?  This Jiang’s Regime has already coerced other countries to do horrible things to aid in its persecution.  For example, a coerced Cambodia to ignore international laws on refuges and had people sent back to China for persecution.  The Jiang’s Regime sought to stop peaceful protestors from entering Iceland during Jiang’s recent visit to that country.  Interestingly enough the people of Iceland knowing that this incident happened actually came out on their own in support of Falun Gong.   The Iceland Government was pressured into barring certain people from entering Iceland during the time of Jiang’s visit to Iceland.  When a dictator attempts to extend his brand of ill will and actions to void of morality to the rest of the world, then this is a problem for the whole world and not just for China.  Since we people of the United States stand for justice, we of course cannot ignore this situation.  So what can be done then?   We can take action but in so, we simply keep in mind the words of Edward Lytton the English novelist which is “The Pen is Mightier than the Sword.”  Falun Gong is simply a peaceful meditation practice for better health and fitness based on the universal principals of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.  Over these past three years billions of people who follow those principles have been severely persecuted in the People’s Republic of China.  Up to now, over 450 and unofficially we’ve been told by members of the Chinese government that number is about 1600 Falun Gong Practitioners have died of abuse in police custody.  Over 100,000 have been illegally detained, over 20,000 sent to “reeducation labor camps” without trial, and over 1,000 have been forced into mental hospitals for torture and abuse, 500 at lease have been sentenced up to 18 years without due legal procedures.

Jiang who has been labeled as a human right’s scoundrel by Amnesty International will come to visit the United States next month. 

He asked the Mayor and Commissioners to standup for human rights, liberty, and justice and expresses their displeasure of the unconscionable persecution of Falun Gong Practitioners by enacting a Resolution similar to (H. Con. Resolution 188).  He said “The Pen is Mightier than the Sword.”  Truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance as well as freedom, justice, and human rights deserve to upheld and defended.  Let us sent a strong message to the Jiang’s Regime to the world that the City of Lawrence supports the ideals that make life livable.” 

Commissioner Rundle asked if the H. Con Resolution passed.

The person from Overland Park said yes.  It was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives.  He said they were trying to get a similar Resolution introduced to the Senate.  He said he also spoke to City of Shawnee Mission and they unanimously agreed to sponsor a Resolution. 

Commissioner Rundle commented on a President Bush quote contained in the materials distributed to the Commissioners.

The person from Overland Park said President Bush has officially come out and told the Chinese Government that he would like to see them cease their persecution.  He said we all know that the Tibetan Buddest and many Christian groups are also persecuted in China.  This particular group Falun Gong consisted in 1999 of approximately 70 to 100 4million people.  The reason for this was the shear numbers of people, the communist party itself, has about 60 million members.  Jiang Zemin felt threatened by those numbers and overnight initiated persecution where people were arrested at their homes overnight and this crack down began and has persisted for three years.  No other group has survived those tactics in China this long.          (19)

During public comment, Scott Bailey, Lawrence, said he wanted to comment on schools and neighborhoods.  He said the School Board would be meeting tomorrow to discuss issues that are occurring in our community regarding schools.  He said he lived in the Centennial Neighborhood and has received mysteriously calls regarding neighborhood schools.  Some of those phone calls have prompted his appearance at this Commission meeting, partly because of an expression of concern and partly as an expression of encouragement. 

The concern comes from some commentary that he has heard from folks in some of the neighborhoods that there is a perception that what happens is purely a School Board issue.  He said perhaps from a funding and decisions perspective that is true, however, he thought the fruits of those decisions and the impact that they would have on our community are going to be substantial and those outcomes are going to be borne.  Probably not by this Commission, but by the Commission that will sit in those seats in the future.  He said he encouraged that thought process be reconsidered. 

He quoted one of the Commissioner’s, “The enhancement of the vitality of our neighborhoods is a very important and desirable goal.”   He said many residents in older neighborhoods view schools to be a significant portion of that life cycle in their neighborhoods. 

He said the encouragement has to do with anxieties in our community.  He encouraged the Commission to set aside that time to hear, understand, participate, and help their constituents.                 

During Commission items, Commissioner Rundle said he would like to encourage the Mayor and staff to discuss the Resolution concerning Falun Gong Practitioners.  He asked staff to particularly find out what Shawnee Mission did and if appropriate, bring this issue back on the Commission’s agenda. 

Moved by Kennedy, seconded by Dunfield, to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.  Motion carried unanimously.       

                                                                        APPROVED:

                                                                        _____________________________

Sue Hack, Mayor

 

ATTEST:

 

_____________________________                                                                       

Frank S. Reeb, City Clerk

 

 

COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 2002

1.                  Bid Date Set – Hearthstone Bathroom/Kitchen Renovation Project, Oct 22.

 

2.                  Municipal Court – Collection efforts, Revenue Assurance Professionals.

 

3.                  Site Plan – (SP-07-57-02) Residential Remodel, 1121 Ohio. 

 

4.                  Site Plan – (SP-08-62-02) Warehouse Addition, ProSoCo, 3701 Greenway Circle, E Hills Business Park.

 

5.                  Mortgage Release – 942 New Jersey, Harrod & Smith.

 

6.                  Mortgage Release – 1119 New Jersey, Lepper.

 

7.                  Subordination Agreement – 2018 Miller Dr., Roberts.

 

8.                  TSC – Deny “Stop Sign”, 3^rd at Elm.

 

9.                  TSC – Remove “No Parking Loading Zone Except Sunday” E side of New York adjacent to New York School.

 

10.              TSC – Establish “No Parking” along E side of Crossgate between Clinton Pkwy & Greenbrier Dr.

 

11.              TSC – Remove “No Parking Zone” W side of Barker between 20^th & 21^st .

 

12.              TSC – Establish “No Parking” N side of Lynn between Bullene & Haskell.

 

13.              City Manager’s Report – Remote site payment & collection procedures/Solid Waste Road-e-o/Pretreatment program, Utilities/K.U. Policy Research Institute Indicators.

 

14.              Supplemental Agreement – Black & Veatch, analysis for Wakarusa River, Wastewater Treatment Plant.

 

15.              Benefit District – Pubic Hearing, 31^st & Nieder.

 

16.              Comprehensive Plan – 31^st & Nieder

 

17.              City Employee Health Care Benefits in 2003.

 

18.              City Hall space utilization.

 

19.              Falun Gong Practitioners in China – discuss drafting a Resolution