City Commission agenda for May 17

Bottom line

City commissioners will consider applying for an Environmental Protection Agency grant to study whether the former Farmland Industries fertilizer property could be the site for future renewable energy projects.

Background

The EPA’s Re-Powering America’s Lands program offers technical assistance in evaluating whether property could be a candidate for a renewable energy project. If awarded the grant, the city will study the potential for solar photovoltaic systems, concentrated solar power, wind energy, biorefinery, biopower and geothermal systems. The technical assistance that comes with the grant is valued at about $50,000. The city is not required to make a financial commitment as part of the grant. The city plans to convert the former 400-plus acre Farmland site into a business and industrial park.

Study session, 3 p.m.

• Regarding the 2012 budget, goals and resident survey.

Recognition

• Proclaim Wednesday as International Museum Day.

Consent agenda

• Approve commission meeting minutes from May 3.

• Receive minutes from boards and commissions.

• Approve claims.

• Bid and purchase items:

a. Reject the bid for Comprehensive Rehabilitation at 1406 N.J. because the homeowners withdrew from the program due to higher than expected base bids.

b. Authorize staff to proceed with driveway reconfiguration at Burger King and Party America on 23rd Street just west of Naismith, and approve city participation of up to $12,500.

c. Authorize use of the Center for Public Safety Excellence as a sole source vendor to facilitate the strategic plan for the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Department for $13,050.

d. Award bid to resurface the roof at the East Lawrence Recreational Center to Garland/DBS Inc. for $81,595.

• Adopt ordinances on second and final reading that:

a. Approves a franchise agreement for telecommunications services with NextG Networks of Illinois.

b. Amends the city’s land development code to allow active recreation as a special use in the IG (General Industrial) District.

c. Allows possession and consumption of alcohol in the 600 block of Massachusetts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 9.

d. Approves a special-use permit for use of active recreation at 940 E. 28th St.

e. Allows the possession and consumption of alcohol on certain public rights-of-way for the Arts Center Street P’Arty, the Mexican Fiesta, the Tour of Lawrence, and the KC MS 150.

• Approve a request by Green Western LLC on behalf of EVC Naismith L.C., owner of record of 1301 W. 23rd, for a variance from city code that says a private sanitary sewer line shall not be in the public right of way for a distance of more than 15 feet.

• Authorize payment of Kansas Workers Compensation Assessment to the state for $25,505.98.

• Authorize the mayor to sign a release of mortgage for Bethany Willetts, 2113 Ky.

• Approve as signs of community interest, a request from Carol Bowen to place signs in the right-of-way at 23rd and Harper streets, 19th and Harper, and in front of the Douglas County Fairgrounds June 24-June 25, to direct traffic to the Lawrence Metaphysical Fair, contingent on adjacent property owner permission.

• Receive city manager’s report.

Regular agenda

• Consider authorizing staff to apply for an EPA Re-Powering Feasibility Study for the former Farmland property.