Fee increase approved for Eagle Bend

Lawrence city commissioners Tuesday night approved the largest fee increases in the history of the city-owned Eagle Bend Golf Course after the Parks and Recreation Department said it did not think the higher prices would run off customers.

Commissioners unanimously approved an increase of $2 per 18 holes or $1 per nine holes. Commissioners questioned whether the fee increases would reduce the number of golfers to the point that the facility would actually collect less revenue than it did this year.

Golf course officials said no.

“It has been my understanding from our loyal customers that they’re more than willing to pay two extra dollars to play our course,” said Jim Kane, head golf pro at the course. “I don’t think it will deter people from coming out to Eagle Bend.”

The new fees are expected to generate an additional $50,000 for the course, which is expected to lose $103,000 in 2004. The increase will boost fees to $36 for 18 holes on a weekend with a cart and $33 for 18 holes with a cart on a weekday.

Library draws interest

Plans for a new downtown Lawrence Public Library have raised city commissioners’ interests enough that they want to discuss it in a study session.

Commissioners said they were excited about the idea of a new library and directed the library staff to begin working on developing guidelines to hire a consultant to help determine the feasibility of the project and specific sites in downtown.

Commissioners said they wanted to discuss those guideline at a January study session. They tentatively scheduled the session for 9 a.m. Jan. 20 at City Hall.

Several commissioners expressed support for the library to continue planning for the project.

“It has the potential to be a really great boost for downtown Lawrence,” City Commissioner Boog Highberger said. “We have the chance to really support our library the way we should have been doing for a long time.”

Area development to be examined

The area of Ninth Street between Maine and Kentucky streets likely will get a closer look by city planners.

City commissioners directed planning staff members to begin looking at the possibility of creating either a new area plan or overlay district for the area, which has a mix of commercial and residential uses.

City Commissioner David Dunfield said that he thought it was important that planners begin looking at ways to preserve residential uses along the corridor. He said some current planning documents might give developers the idea that the city “tacitly” approved of converting some homes along the property into commercial uses. Some of the homes currently are zoned for commercial use.

Planning staff members are expected to give a report on how a plan could be developed for the area. No date for when the report will be complete was given.

City sets goals

The city officially has a new set of goals.

Commissioners formally approved a list of eight goals that they developed at a study session in mid-November:

• Economic development: promoting the economic development of Lawrence to provide varied work and business opportunities.
• Planned growth: encouraging growth that protects the environment, neighborhoods and cultural features while benefiting all citizens.
• Community building: creating social capital and celebrating heritage.
• Environmental issues: integrating the environment into decisions as we work toward a sustainable city.
• Neighborhood quality: improving the livability of all Lawrence neighborhoods.
• Downtown development: protecting the integrity of downtown while maintaining it as a unique community resource.
• Transportation: improving access for all citizens.
• Service delivery: provide excellent city services consistent with resources available.