Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager
Date:	August 16, 2012
RE:	Petition from various River Bend Court, River Bend Circle and Sunchase Drive Area Residents requesting annexation of 1742 E. 1350 Road

Please place the following item on the August 21, 2012 agenda:

Receive petition from River Bend Court area residents requesting annexation of 1742 E. 1350 Road and direct staff regarding the issue, if appropriate.

Background:

City staff has received a petition from various residents in the area of River Bend Court, River Bend Circle, and Sunchase Drive requesting annexation of 1742 E. 1350 Road.  (Map is attached.) Several of the residents have visited with city staff members over the past few weeks regarding concerns about the alleged discharging of a firearm on the premises of 1742 E. 1350 Road.  Residents are concerned about the proximity of this activity to the residential area within the city that largely surrounds the property. 

Staff understands that a few of the residents have expressed these concerns to Douglas County officials.  Douglas County officials have been working to address this public safety concern.  While the county does not currently have regulations that prohibit the discharging of firearms in close proximity to residences, the county could adopt such regulations.  Discharging a firearm is prohibited within the City of Lawrence.  Staff believes that residents see annexation as a more permanent solution to the immediate problem. 

Residents will be on hand to present their concerns to the City Commission.  Additionally, the owner of the property, Mr. Alan W. Cobb, will be advised of the agenda item.  County officials have also been made aware of the agenda item.

Requested Action:  Receive the petition and direct staff regarding the issue, if appropriate.