Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Charles Soules, Director of Public Works
CC:	Diane Stoddard, Cynthia Wagner, Casey Toomay, Toni R. Wheeler
DATE:	February 5, 2013
RE:	Wesleyan Church  Request for Benefit District City Commission Agenda February 11, 20104

Project Background:  In 2009, the Wesleyan Church acquired an approximately 33 acre tract of property located in the SE quarter of the Kasold Drive and 31^st Street curve area (see attached maps).  The property was annexed into the City and zoned.  The Wesleyan Church desires to construct a new facility and would like to sell a portion of the property for residential development. 

In March 2013, the developer, Grand LCC, and the Church requested the City Commissions’ consideration of the development of a Benefit District for the streets and water mains.  The improvements are estimated at $689,200, including engineering costs.  City policy would require that the Benefit District participate, up front, in the cost of the improvements up to twenty-five percent (25%).  The Church and Developer have requested that this requirement be waived however they have paid for the engineering cost, approximately nine percent (9%).  The Developer is also paying for any sanitary sewer distribution system required.  The City Commission approved this request.

The Church and Developer are now ready to proceed.  The City’s Bond Council has reviewed the previous petition presented in March and has made some clarifications.  Also attached are some letters in support of this benefit district.

Action Requested:  Receive petition and adopt Resolution No. 7059, authorizing the formation of a Benefit District for improvements to street and water mains including Atchison Street, 32^nd Street, 31^st Street, and E. 1200 Road (Kasold Drive extended). 

Respectfully Submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

CFS/ch