Bottom line

City commissioners will consider accepting an $87,563 federal grant to complete architectural work for a possible rehabilitation for the Santa Fe Depot at Seventh and New Jersey streets.

Background

The grant does not obligate the city to take over ownership of the 1950s-era depot. The city has expressed a desire to take over ownership of the building but has been unable to secure grant funding to undertake about $600,000 of needed repairs. This new grant — which comes from the Federal Railroad Administration and the Kansas Department of Transportation — would put the city in a position to have all the architectural drawings completed for any future renovation. The grant requires a $25,000 match from the city.

Joint study session with Douglas County Commission, 4 p.m.

• Discuss proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment.

• Discuss proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Horizon 2020 – Chapter 14 to include the Northeast Sector Plan.

Regular meeting, 6:35 p.m.

Recognition

• Proclaim March 13-19 as Stay Safe During Spring Break Week.

Consent agenda

• Approve claims.

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

• Approve appointments recommended by the mayor.

• Bid and purchase items:

a. Award a mowing contract for parks and recreation; fire/medical; utilities; police and Community Development departments to Shawn’s Lawn and Landscape for $114,763 and to Brayden’s Lawn and Landscape for $14,756.

b. Authorize change of cooperative purchasing contract from HGAC to NJPA for purchase of skid steer loader approved at the Feb. 15 commission meeting.

• Adopt a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign an application for the 2011 Emergency Shelter Grant from the city to the state of Kansas.

• Approve a special event permit for antique auto show parking on the west portion of the Farmland property adjacent to Douglas County Fairgrounds, May 6-8.

• Approve a special event permit for a fundraiser barbecue cook-off at 1803 W. Sixth St., May 20- 21.

• Approve as signs of community interest, a request from Lawrence Home Builders Association to place signs at intersections and in front of businesses of Home Show exhibitors.

• Receive city manager’s report.

Regular agenda

• Consider declaring an emergency, and adopt on first and second reading an ordinance authorizing issuance of up to $10.5 million in industrial revenue bonds for Lawrence Memorial Hospital to finance improvements at the hospital.

• Consider authorizing the city to accept a grant from the Federal Railroad Administration/Kansas Department of Transportation for $87,563 to fund architectural services to develop final plans for the Santa Fe Station.