Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager; Diane Stoddard, Interim City Manager

FROM:

Charles F. Soules, Director of Public Works

CC:

Casey Toomay, David Cronin

DATE:

May 18, 2015

RE:

6th & Champion Benefit District

 

Traffic volumes at the intersection of 6th St. and Champion Ln. continue to increase.  As Bauer Farms continues to develop, the need to signalize the intersection is necessary for safety and access to both Bauer Farms and Westgate Development.

 

The improvement district includes all property north and south of 6th St. that has access to the intersection between Folks Rd. and Wakarusa (see attached map).  Tracts 5, 7, and 31 of the attached map are drainage easements and are not included in the benefit district.  When the Bauer Farm Development was platted the development entered an agreement not to protest the signalization of this intersection. 

 

The improvements include signalization of the 6th St. and Champion Ln. intersection, pavement marking, crosswalks, and sidewalk/accessible crossings. 

 

The total estimated cost is $400,000.  The KDOT and City of Lawrence entered a “Turnback” agreement for Hwy-40 from K-10 to Iowa St. in 2012.  In return for the city accepting full maintenance responsibility KDOT provided partial funding for several projects including $250,000 for the signalization of 6th St. and Champion Ln.  The benefit district will be responsible for the remaining $150,000.

 

The method of assessment is 50% and will be assessed to both the North side and South side of 6th St., then will be divided to the properties based on square footage (spreadsheet attached).

 

The benefit district will pay for 100% of the costs with the City participation of 0% (the KDOT turnback funds in the amount of $250,000 will be expended).

 

The assessment period is 10 years.

 

At the Commission meeting on 5/12/15, Commissioner Amyx asked if the improvements for the signalization were included in the TDD  for Bauer Farms. In the development agreement, all the potential projects that could be developed and paid for from the TDD are identified. The total cost of all those projects could exceed the TDD amount. The development agreement recognizes that some of the improvements would be paid from the TDD and some through the establishment of a special assessment district. The 6th and Champion signalization is one of the identified projects in the development agreement. If the Commission approves the benefit district then the costs will be paid for with special assessments.

 

The Commission’s action is to set June 16, 2015 as the date for the public hearing.

 

Action

Adopt Resolution No. 7121, calling and providing for the giving of Notice of a Public Hearing on the advisability of the making of certain improvements and signalization of 6th St. and Champion Ln. at the City Commission meeting on June 16, 2015.