Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Utilities Department

TO:	David L. Corliss – City Manager Cynthia Wagner – Assistant City Manager Diane Stoddard – Assistant City Manager
FROM:	Andy Ensz – Project Engineer
CC:	Dave Wagner – Director of Utilities Mike Lawless – Deputy Director of Utilities Philip Ciesielski – Asst. Director of Utilities Bob Brower – Utilities Operations Superintendent Beth Krishtalka – Assistant to Director
Date:	December 18, 2013
RE:	872 Oak Street, Request for Sanitary Sewer Extension

Please include the following item on the City Commission agenda for consideration at the January 7, 2014 meeting:

Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Nathan and Sarah Clark, the property owners of record of 872 Oak Street, to extend the sanitary sewer per current City Code requirements.

Project Description:

On July 25, 2013, Nathan Clark submitted a request to waive the requirements of City Code Chapter 19-214 for extension of the public sanitary sewer system to serve his property at 872 Oak Street. The waiver request included a proposal to install a private force main within the public right-of-way to provide sanitary sewer service to the proposed residence.

On August 6, 2013, the Utilities Department provided a memo responding to the waiver request and recommended extension of the public sanitary sewer main to serve Clark’s property. The City would participate in the cost for approximately 85 feet of the extension and one (1) manhole that should have been completed per current City Code requirements with the original main extension completed in the 1970’s. The cost for the remaining 150 feet of the extension would be paid at the Clark’s expense. The lump sum costs associated with the sanitary sewer extension, such as construction staking and traffic control, could be shared between the City and Clark. Based on the projected construction costs provided in waiver request, it was estimated that this option would cost the City about $16,000 and Clark about $26,000.

On August 21, 2013, the City Manager’s Office and Utilities Department met with Nathan Clark to review the alternative to the waiver request. Costs and financing options were discussed, including the potential to establish a special assessment benefit district to finance Clark’s portion of the sanitary sewer main extension. After reviewing the estimated cost to Clark, he indicated he would prefer to pay for his portion of the sanitary sewer extension in a lump sum payment with his request for water service rather than establishing a benefit district.

On September 16, 2013, Nathan Clark submitted a revised request to extend the sanitary sewer to a point 10 feet east of Clark’s east property line as required by City Code 19-214. Clark proposed that the City participate in the cost for approximately 94 feet of the extension that should have been completed per current City Code requirements with the original main extension completed in the 1970’s. The cost for the remaining length of the extension, approximately 147 feet, would be paid at Clark’s expense. Clark proposed that the lump sum costs associated with the sanitary sewer extension, such as erosion control, traffic control, design fees, and reseeding could be shared between the City and Clark. Clark would pay for 100% of the private sanitary service line from the sewer main to the property.

City legal staff prepared an agreement to be executed by the City and the Clarks to address the issues related to design, construction, and payment of the 241 foot sanitary sewer extension. See map.

Project Funding:

The City shall extend payment of the full amount of the cost of construction of the sanitary sewer main extension during the construction period. The Clarks’ share of costs shall be paid to City upon completion of the extension. The project will be considered complete at the time City accepts the project from contractor.

Action Request:

Thank you for your assistance. Please advise if you have any questions.