Landlord-tenant coalition gathering public support

A coalition of landlords and tenants that plans to file a lawsuit contesting the city’s new rental laws is organizing behind the scenes as it waits for a response from the city.

The Citizens’ Rights Committee, which presented the Lawrence City Commission in May with two notices of claims a step required before the committee files an expected lawsuit met Wednesday to brainstorm ways to attract more volunteers, inform the public about the ordinances and generate funds.

Committee members are opposed to an ordinance that limits the number of unrelated people who can live in a house and another that requires registration and inspection of some rental properties.

The committee hopes to circulate petitions in support of its cause at the July 4 celebration at Burcham Park, create bumper stickers and solicit volunteer support from Kansas University student organizations and others in the community.

Volunteers to clean up Kaw

Armed with work gloves, shovels and trash bags, volunteers will launch a small flotilla Saturday to clean up the Kansas River between Perry and Lawrence.

Anyone interested in volunteering to clean up the river will meet at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Lawrence KOA (east of the intersection of Highway 24 and Massachusetts Street). Call the KOA, 842-3877, to reserve a boat.

Launch will be at 9:30 a.m. The float is expected to be completed at about 4 p.m.

Trash bags will be provided. Participants should bring plenty of drinking water, waterless hand sanitizer, lunch in a waterproof container, work gloves and a shovel. Life jackets are required and must be worn at all times on the river.

This float may be modified or canceled without warning because of weather or water conditions.

KU center’s founder, director honored for serving disabled

The retired director of Kansas University’s Research and Training Center on Independent Living has been recognized by a national organization.

The National Association of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers recently gave Jim Budde its lifetime service award. The award honors his “continuous contribution to research and training in independent living and to advancing the empowerment of people with disabilities.”

Budde, who founded the KU center, retired this spring after 22 years as its director. The center conducts research on rehabilitation services, disabling conditions and the social and economic independence of people with disabilities.