Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

 

TO:

Diane Stoddard, Interim City Manager

FROM:

Charles F. Soules, Director of Public Works

CC:

Casey Toomay, David Cronin

DATE:

June 1, 2015

RE:

6th & Champion Benefit District Public Hearing

 

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, 8, 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 City Commission meeting on May 26, 2015 the City Commission adopted Resolution Number 7121 setting June 16, 2015 for a public hearing.  All property owners have been notified.

 

Action

Open the public hearing and pending comment and City Commission consideration, adopt Resolution No. 7123 setting out the findings and authorizing the improvements to be completed.