Bottom Line

City commissioners will decide whether to put on the November ballot a referendum to expand the Lawrence Public Library.

Background

Library leaders are seeking to put an $18 million bond issue on the ballot that would allow the library to expand by about 20,000 square feet and double its parking at Seventh and Vermont streets. The project likely would increase the city’s mill levy by 1.5 mills to construct the expansion, and by 0.5 mill to operate the larger facility. Four of the five commissioners must agree to place the issue on the ballot for the project to move forward.

Other business

Executive session

5:30 p.m.

• Consider motion to recess into executive session for 60 minutes for the purpose of discussion of personnel matters of non-elected personnel and for the purpose of consultation with attorneys for the body, which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship.

Recognition

• Proclaim July 12-18 as National Therapeutic Recreation Week.

• Proclaim July as Parks and Recreation Month.

Consent agenda

• Receive minutes from various boards and commissions.

• Approve claims.

• Approve licenses recommended by the city clerk’s office.

• Bid and purchase items:

a. Set a bid open for July 27 for 12-inch class 50 ductile iron pipe, fire hydrants, valves, pipe fittings and meter parts.

b. Set bid date of July 20 for 2009 Sidewalk Gap Program.

c. Set bid date of July 20 for weatherization and repairs including replacement of siding, windows, and HVAC and installation of attic insulation at 1520 Haskell Ave., Boys and Girls Club.

d. Approve payment of $22,724.85 to RD Johnson for emergency forcemain repairs at Pump Station 32.

e. Approve purchase of asphalt paving material to repair roads in Oak Hill Cemetery for $30,000.

f. Approve a change order for Fairfield East Addition No. 1, Exchange Place and Fairfield Street for street, storm sewer, and water-line improvements for $4,000. A special assessment benefit district will finance the project.

g. Approve the sole source purchase of “Tech Crete” concrete patching materials and rental of application equipment for $61,470.

• Adopt ordinances on first reading that would:

a. Remove stop signs on 11th Street at Indiana Street and establish stop signs on Indiana Street at 11th Street; establish a multi-way stop at the intersection of 11th Street and Louisiana Street, and establish a multi-way stop at the intersection of 11th Street (east leg) and Mississippi Street, subject to reconstruction of the private driveway on the west leg of the intersection.

b. Establish no parking along the north side of 13th Street between Oread Avenue and Louisiana Street.

• Adopt ordinances on second and final reading that would:

a. Establish yield signs on Pleasant Street at North Fourth Street.

b. Alter sections of the city’s Land Development Code regarding adaptive reuse of designated historic property and written interpretations and appeals of administrative decisions.

c. Allow possession and consumption of alcohol on the 600 block of Massachusetts from noon to midnight Oct. 9 for the Bert Nash Dash and Bash.

• Approve a text amendment to the city’s Land Development Code to reference 2010 effective dates for new Floodplain Overlay District Maps and related regulation changes.

• Accept dedication of easements and rights of way for the final plat for Bauer Farm, a one-lot residential subdivision containing about 4.9 acres at 4700 W. Sixth St.

• Authorize the city manager to execute a scope for services with George K. Baum & Company for financial advisory services related to refinancing the city’s water State Revolving Loans at a cost up to $35,000.

• Authorize the city manager to execute a lease agreement with Willow Domestic Violence Center for office space in the city-owned building at 1920 Moodie Road.

• Authorize the city manager to execute contracts for acquisition of 547 Maple St. and the vacant lot north of 547 Maple for $115,000 for future construction of the Maple Street Pump Station.

• Receive city manager’s report.

Regular agenda

• Receive presentation and public comment regarding placing the Lawrence Public Library expansion project referendum on a future ballot. Consider adopting on first reading a charter ordinance authorizing placing on the Nov. 2 ballot a question for voters regarding the authority to issue up to $18 million in general obligation bonds for the renovation and expansion of the library and related parking facilities.

• Consider authorizing staff to approve a temporary use of right-of-way permit for closure of portions of Oread Avenue, 12th Street and Indiana Street on various dates this fall for The Oread street parties.

• Consider these items related to Bowersock Mills and Power Company:

a. Consider approving a special use permit for construction of the North Bowersock Mills & Powerhouse, Utility and Service, Major, at 1000 Powerhouse North Road. Submitted by Bowersock Mills & Power Company, property owner of record.

b. Consider a resolution of intent to issue up to $18 million in Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds and/or Recovery Zone Facility Bonds for Bowersock Mills and Power Company’s Proposed Hydroelectric Power Plant and consider authorizing the city manager to execute an engagement letter with Gilmore & Bell to serve as the city’s bond counsel.

c. Consider authorizing the mayor to sign a letter encouraging Westar power purchase from the Bowersock Mills and Power Company.

• Receive Performance Audit: Financial Indicators report from the city auditor.