Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Attorney’s Office

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	R. Scott Wagner, Management Analyst
CC:	Toni Wheeler, City Attorney Dave Wagner, Director – Dept. of Utilities
Date:	February 18, 2014
RE:	Property acquisition – Wakarusa Wastewater Treatment Plant Site – 1220 E 1600 Rd. (O’Connell Road)

Please include the below item on the February 25, 2014 City Commission agenda:

When the City initially acquired the Wakarusa Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) land in 2006-2007, additional area parcels were identified for possible acquisition in order to provide additional ground to surround the plant site.  However, no further acquisitions were completed at that time.  See the attached map for the location of the WWTP site [located directly south of the Wakarusa River where E 1600 Rd. (O’Connell Road) ends.]

Two parcels improved with homes lie immediately north of the future plant site, north of the Wakarusa River where E 1600 Rd. ends – 1219 E 1600 Rd. and 1220 E 1600 Rd.  The City Commission on November 26, 2013, authorized the acquisition of 1219 E 1600 Rd. and the City closed and obtained possession of the property on December 11, 2013.

City staff met with the property owners of 1220 E 1600 Rd. in October 2013 to discuss possible City acquisition of their property.  This is a six acre parcel improved with a small residential home.  The owners were willing to discuss acquisition of the site by the City.  In January 2014, an appraisal was conducted by Keller and Associates.  An offer to purchase the tract and improvements was sent and accepted by the owners based on the appraised amount of the property.

Staff Recommendation: Department of Utilities Staff recommends acquisition of this tract as part of the construction of the WWTP. 

Action Requested:

Authorize the City Manager to enter into a purchase agreement with Richard and Judy Holder for the acquisition of 1220 E 1600 Rd. in the amount of $115,000.