Lawrence city commission

Bottom Line

The Lawrence City Commission will consider cuts to the 2003 city budget.

Background

The cuts are required because of state cuts in aid to cities. Lawrence’s loss could add up to $1.3 million in 2003. As a result, the city is scrapping plans to hire a number of new employees – including five detectives for the police department – and will intensify its yearlong hiring “chill.”

Consent agenda

  • Approve City Commission meeting minutes of Nov. 26 and Dec. 3.
  • Receive minutes of various boards and commissions: Public Transit Advisory Committee meeting of Nov. 19; Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board meeting of Oct. 22; Sister Cities Advisory Board meeting of Oct. 13.
  • Approve all claims.
  • Approve drinking establishment licenses: El Mezcal, 1918 W. 23rd St.; Jet Lag Lounge, 610 Fla.; Pizzeria Uno Chicago Bar and Grill, 3333 Iowa; Imperial Garden, 2907 W. Sixth St.; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 852, 138 Ala.
  • Approve retail liquor licenses for Linda’s Liquor, 3032 Iowa St.; Diane’s Liquor, 1806 Mass.
  • Approve appointments as recommended by the mayor.

Bid and purchase items:

  • Approve purchase of a portion of property (land only) at 831 Garfield St. for the amount of $25,000 as part of the 13th St. and Oregon St. stormwater project.
  • Approve purchase of seven Motorola MW800 computer systems for Police Department traffic unit in the amount of $60,200 (federal Traffic Safety grant provides 80 percent reimbursement).
  • Approve agreement with Nutri-ject Systems Inc. for biosolids contract renewal at a cost of $10.20 per yard.
  • Award bid for water treatment chemicals for the Utilities Department to the various low bidders.
  • Award bid for street tree project for the Parks and Recreation Department to the low bidder meeting specifications, Cut-N-Edge, for $142,176.
  • Adopt resolution setting Jan. 14 as the public hearing date for proposed benefit district to improve George Williams Way, between Langston Hughes School and west Sixth St.

Approve preliminary development plans subject to conditions and use restrictions:

  • For Delaware Commons Co-housing project, to be located east of Delaware Street, between East 12th and East 13th streets. The development plan proposes 28 dwelling units on 3.2 acres. The applicant has requested waivers for minimum perimeter setbacks. Requested by The Peridian Group Inc. for Delaware St. L.L.C., property owners of record.
  • For Larkspur Townhomes. This proposed single-family detached development is on approximately 4.1851 acres, and proposes 24 units. The property is generally described as south of West 27th Street. and east of Wakarusa Drive (extended). Submitted by The Peridian Group Inc. for McGrew Holdings L.L.C., property owner of record.
  • Approve request to rezone a tract of land approximately 4.1851 acres from agricultural and residence-office to planned residential development district. The property is generally described as south of West 27th Street and east of Wakarusa Drive (extended). Submitted by Peridian Group Inc. for John McGrew of McGrew Holding, property owner of record.
  • Approve proposed dedication of North Iowa right-of-way for Northfield Estates.
  • Approve access agreement with Penny Concrete allowing Penny Concrete temporary access to city wastewater plant property in exchange for the city obtaining a permanent utility easement for the lime residuals project.
  • Approve golf cart charges to include the GPS system in 2003 at a rate of $16 per seat for 18 holes and $10.50 per seat for nine holes.
  • Authorize the mayor to sign the following releases of mortgage: Gale Fleming, 204 N. Minn.; Kelli Rainbolt, 2548 Cimmaron Drive; Anne Underwood, 1042 R.I.
  • City manager’s report.

Regular agenda

  • Receive reports from representatives of the following city boards and commissions: Mechanical Code Board of Appeals, Board of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters, Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals and the Historic Resources Commission.
  • Conduct public hearing on proposed special assessment benefit district for sanitary sewer improvements at the southwest corner of 23rd and Louisiana streets. (Wendy’s, Dunkin Donuts, Panchos).
  • Conduct public hearing on proposed special assessment benefit district for the improvement of East 11th Street, east of Haskell Avenue.
  • Consider preliminary development plan for home improvement center annex. This proposed retail/restaurant development is located on approximately 3.46 acres and proposes three pad sites with a total of 25,160 square feet of retail/restaurant space and gasoline sales. The property is generally described as the northeast corner of 31st and Iowa streets. Submitted by Landplan P.A. for Iowa and 31st Street Real Estate Venture L.L.C., property owners of record.
  • Consider staff report on 2003 city budget issues.