Bottom line

City commissioners will consider a proposal to create a train quiet zone in North Lawrence. The new zone would allow trains to travel through North Lawrence areas without blowing their whistles.

Background

The quiet zone would have to receive approval from federal transportation officials, who would study it to deem whether it would create safety hazards at rail crossings. A preliminary report has estimated that about $40,000 would need to be spent to improve the safety of crossing where the Union Pacific railroad line intersects with North Third Street and North Seventh Street.

Other background

Recognition/proclamations

¢ present city of Lawrence and Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Foundation Award to BG Consultants.

¢ proclaim Oct. 14-16 as Knights of Columbus Helping People with Mental Disabilities days.

¢ proclaim Oct. 20 as Lights on After School Day.

Consent agenda

¢ approve city commission meeting minutes of Sept. 27.

¢ receive minutes from various boards and commissions.

¢ approve all claims.

¢ adopt on first reading an ordinance establishing no parking along the west side of Lawrence Avenue from 150 feet north of Bob Billings Parkway to Applegate Court.

¢ adopt the following on second reading:

a.) an ordinance raising the jurisdictional limit for theft from $500 to $1,000.

b.) an ordinance allowing the temporary sale possession and consumption of cereal malt beverage on the west side of South Park on Oct. 22 for Love from Lawrence, a fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

¢ approve temporary use permit for a patio sale at Jayhawk Bookstore, 1420 Crescent Road.

¢ accept dedication and easements of rights of ways for final plat of Mt. Blue Addition No. 3, south of Kansas Highway 10 and east of Franklin Road.

¢ authorize the mayor to sign a release of mortgage for Harold Barnes, 447 Elm Street and Susan Church, 3010 Harvard Road.

¢ receive city manager’s report.

Regular agenda

¢ receive staff report regarding train horn rule for North Lawrence.

¢ receive report from Lawrence-Douglas County Economic Development Board concerning open space proposal.

¢ receive request for amendment to city’s sign code from a number of Lawrence auto dealers.

¢ conduct public hearing to consider vacation of right of way of Rawhide Lane north of 25th Terrace.

¢ conduct public hearing on vacation of right-of-way of 16th Street between Kentucky and Tennessee streets.

¢ consider motion to recess in executive session to discuss matters deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship.