Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

CC:

 

Scott McCullough, Director Planning & Development Services

Randall F. Larkin, Senior Assistant City Attorney

FROM:

Sheila M. Stogsdill, Planning Administrator

DATE:

April 14, 2015

RE:

Transfer of City Park Property to USD 497 for Pinckney School Improvements

 

Background

During the site plan review process for Pinckney Elementary School, located at 810 W. 6th Street, it was determined that a portion of the school blacktop and playground areas is located on city park property in the adjacent Clinton Park.  The School District has an interest in acquiring this property that has traditionally been used by the school and to facilitate new parking improvements planned with the 2012 bond projects. 

 

During the review of the Schwegler Elementary School improvements, it was determined that the City needed a drainage easement in the southwest corner of the school site to accommodate planned stormwater improvements at 23rd Street and Ousdahl Road. 

 

After discussions between School District and City staff, it was determined that a drainage easement would be dedicated with the Schwegler final plat and that a transfer of city park property could be accommodated with a proposed replat of the Pinckney School property and Clinton Park. The attached exhibit identifies the proposed transfer of 1.38 acres to USD 497.

 

K.S.A. 12-1301 outlines the procedure necessary for the transfer of park property.  The City must publish in the Journal World notice of the proposed transfer twice, on the same day in consecutive weeks. If, within 30 days after the second publication, no petition signed by 10% of the electorate who voted at the last election is filed with the City, then the City may transfer the property. If a valid petition is received, then the proposed transfer cannot proceed unless approved by the voters at the next general election.

 

Action

Staff requests the City Commission authorize the publication of the proposed transfer of a portion of Clinton Park property to USD 497 to accommodate existing and proposed improvements at Pinckney Elementary School.