Bottom line

City commissioners are scheduled to deal with two issues designed to make city operations more environmentally friendly. Commissioners are being asked to approve an $8,700 purchase of “green tags” from Lawrence-based Zephyr Energy. The commission also is being asked to approve a resolution supporting the use of plug-in electric cars in future city operations.

Background

The green tags are a way for the city to purchase alternative energy for use in their operations. The city purchases the green tags, in addition to paying its regular electric bill. The money from the green tags goes to Lawrence-based Zephyr Energy, which uses it to produce a corresponding amount of “green energy” using the Bowersock Power Plant on the Kansas River. The resolution supporting the use of plug-in electric cars – which are electric cars that have their batteries recharged by plugging them into a regular electric outlet – is an attempt to get automakers to begin making the new vehicles. The resolution states the city supports the new technology, but it stops short of obligating the city to purchase any of the vehicles in the future.

Other business

Recognition

¢ Proclaim the week of Oct. 8-14 as Kansas Family and Community Education Week.

Consent agenda

¢ Approve Sept. 12 City Commission meeting minutes.

¢ Receive minutes from various boards and commissions.

¢ Approve all claims.

¢ Approve licenses as recommended by the Department of Administrative Services.

¢ Approve appointments as recommended by the mayor.

¢ Bid and purchase items:

a.) Approve the sale of surplus vehicles through GovDeals.com.

b.) Set Bid Opening Date of Oct. 17 for the weatherization of 44 homes (weatherstripping of doors, attic insulation and storm windows).

c.) Authorize contract extension with Gould Evans Architects for $18,943 in additional architecture planning services for the library expansion project for a total authorized amount of $75,943.

d.) Authorize the interim city manager to pursue a contract for purchase of green tags from Zephyr Energy at a cost of $8,700.

¢ Adopt on first reading Ordinance No. 8021, amending portions of the Public Offense Code.

¢ Adopt on second and final reading Ordinance No. 8038, allowing the temporary sale, possession and consumption of alcoholic liquor from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday at Burcham Park.

¢ Adopt Resolution No. 6685, supporting a local “Plug-In Lawrence” campaign.

¢ Approve, subject to conditions, a site plan for a temporary parking lot during construction at West Junior High School. The proposed location is the west side at Schwarz and Yale roads.

¢ Authorize the mayor to sign a release of mortgage for Kim Windholz, 1934 W. Third St.

¢ Approve as “signs of community interest” two banners to span across East Eighth Street that will notify the public of the “Get Downtown” event Oct. 6.

¢ Receive city manager’s report.

Regular agenda

¢ Receive staff report concerning possible city authorization for advisory election on a resolution regarding U.S. troops in Iraq, as requested by the Lawrence Coalition for Peace and Justice.

¢ Consider motion to recess into executive session for 30 minutes to discuss possible acquisition of real estate.