Bottom line

City commissioners will consider several changes to the city’s economic development policies, including new provisions for tax abatements and special taxing districts.

Background

City staff members are recommending a new provision to the city’s tax abatement code that would allow companies to receive an additional 10 percent tax abatement if the company provides “exceptional wages given current market conditions, industry norms in Douglas County and other relevant business factors.”

Commissioners also are being asked to approve an ordinance that will allow a new type of taxing district, a Community Improvement District, in Lawrence. It allows for businesses within the district to charge an extra 2 percent sales tax used to pay for public and private improvements in the district. Each individual district would have to be approved by the City Commission. Commissioners also will consider changing the city’s industrial revenue bond policy to streamline the process for companies that seek an industrial revenue bond without a tax abatement.

Other business

Recognition

• Recognition of Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission 2010 Grant Award Recipients.

• Proclaim May 15-21 as Public Works Week.

• Proclaim May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

Consent agenda

• Approve City Commission meeting minutes from March 23 and March 30.

• Receive minutes from various boards and commissions.

• Approve claims.

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

• Approve appointments recommended by the mayor.

• Bid and purchase items:

a. Approve 2010 chemical root control contract renewal with Dukes Root Control Inc., for $98,313.

b. Authorize renewal of public entity insurance coverage for the city with Scottsdale Indemnity Company for $73,150.

• Adopt on first reading an ordinance allowing possession and consumption of alcohol on June 26 at South Park gazebo for a wedding ceremony.

• Approve special event permit for a Fraternal Order of Eagles “Fire in The Hole” BBQ Cook-Off at 1803 W. Sixth St. June 18 and 19.

• Rezone 22.63 acres, from Planned Unit Development to Open Space, southeast of 27th Street and Crossgate Drive.

• Approve these items related to St. John Mexican Fiesta:

a. Approve temporary use of right-of-way permit for closure of the 1200 block of Vermont Street from 6 a.m. to midnight June 25 and 26.

b. Adopt an ordinance allowing sale, possession and consumption of alcohol during designated times on June 25 and 26 in South Park and the 1200 block of Vermont Street.

• Approve these as signs of community interest:

a. Directional banners for Lawrence Area Building Awareness Expo to be placed at 23rd and Harper and the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Banners would be up June 25-27. Approval is subject to adjacent property owner permission.

b. A banner for the Downtown Lawrence Film Festival to be placed on the north facing wall of the New Hampshire Street Parking Garage from May 15 to July 15.

• Receive city manager’s report.

Regular agenda

• Consider these economic development policy items and Public Incentives Review Committee recommendations:

a. Receive the 2009 Tax abatement report.

b. An ordinance, on first reading, updating the tax abatement criteria for additional incentives for high wages.

c. An ordinance, on first reading, updating the city’s Industrial Revenue Bond Policy.

d. A resolution establishing a Community Improvement District.

• Consider authorizing the city manager to proceed with the 2010 COPS Hiring Program grant process.

• Consider adopting on first reading an ordinance amending Article 16 of Chapter VI of the city code providing for the licensing and operation of oversized pedicabs.

• Consider adopting the 2010 Action Plan and Investment Summary of the 2008-2012 Consolidated Plan and a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute agreements for the 2010 CDBG and HOME programs and other documents required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

• Consider approving an update to the 2008 CDBG-R substantial amendment to the 2008 Consolidated Plan for the Lawrence Community Shelter, 3701 Franklin Park Circle — property acquisition for emergency shelter site — $78,789.