Bottom line

City commissioners will consider passing an ordinance that would allow the use of artificial turf as a substitute for grass and other natural landscaping in new developments.

Background

The developers of an apartment complex in west Lawrence are asking for the ordinance after they installed large amounts of artificial turf, mistakenly believing that it was allowable under the city’s codes. Lawrence-Douglas County planning commissioners and the city’s planning staff are recommending that the ordinance be denied. Both said that there are more natural ways to achieve a low-maintenance landscape.

Recognition

• Recognition of Eutin, Germany, student delegation.

• Proclaim Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week.

Consent agenda

• Approve claims.

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

• Bid and purchase items:

a. Set the bid date of Oct. 4 for comprehensive rehabilitation projects at 2536 Ridge Court and 1015 Avalon Road.

• Adopt on second and final reading these ordinances:

a. Ordinance No. 8661, ordering the condemnation of property interests for the utilities wastewater pump station improvement project as authorized by Resolution 6929 (approved by the City Commission on 08/23/11). This ordinance was renumbered since adoption on first reading on 09/06/11.

b. Ordinance No. 8663, for Text Amendment (TA-6-9-11) to the City of Lawrence Land Development Code, Chapter 20, Article 4, Section 20-403 to allow detention facilities as a use in the GPI (General Public Institutional) District and delete “detention and correction institutions” from the definition of Major Utilities and Services in Article 17.

c. Ordinance No. 8662, for rezoning (Z-6-16-11) of approximately 8 acres from RM12D (Multi-Dwelling Residential) to RM12 (Multi-Dwelling Residential), located at 25th Terrace and proposed Ellington Drive.

d. Ordinance No. 8668, to install yield signs on Prairie Avenue, Prospect Avenue and Summit Street at 13th Street.

e. Ordinance No. 8666, allowing possession and consumption of alcoholic liquor from noon to midnight Sept. 30 for the Lawrence Arts Center Street Party Event.

f. Ordinance No. 8571, regulating the activities of mobile food vendors within the city limits.

g. Ordinance No. 8664, regulating the activities of solicitors, peddlers and transient merchants within the city limits.

h. Ordinance No. 8665, pertaining to temporary special event permits.

• Authorize distribution of request for proposals for a city-wide glass recycling program.

• Approve the extension request for the Lawrence Community Shelter Special Use Permit, 3701 Franklin Road.

• Approve these items related to the implementation of the 2012 Employee Healthcare Plan:

a. Authorize the city manager to execute an Employee Wellness Service Agreement with Lawrence Memorial Hospital, effective Oct. 1, as approved for the 2012 budget.

b. Authorize the city manager to proceed with implementation of a Health Reimbursement Account and to execute the Administrative Services Only Agreement Rider with Cigna, as approved for the 2012 budget.

• Approve as signs of community interest, a request from the Pilot Club of Lawrence to place temporary signs at the northwest corner of Harper and 23rd Streets advertising the Antique Show and Sale Oct. 7-8.

• Receive city manager’s report.

Regular agenda

• Conduct bond and note sale.

• Consider Comprehensive Plan Amendment, CPA-3-1-11, to Horizon 2020 – Chapter 14 to include the Inverness Park District Plan. Adopt on first reading, Joint City Ordinance No. 8667/County Resolution No. , for Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA-3-1-11) to Horizon 2020 – Chapter 14 to include the Inverness District Park Plan.