Memorandum

City of Lawrence

TO:	Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM:	David L. Corliss, Interim City Manager
Date:	March 11, 2006
RE:	Study Session Summary from March 9, 2006    -  Study Session regarding KTA bridges, sidewalk program, Carnegie Library re-use proposals, and Fire Stations #4 & #5 re-use proposals

City Commission direction from this study session:

1.       KTA bridges for North Michigan and North Iowa:  The City Commission provided preliminary direction to pursue construction of sidewalks on one side of each bridge.  This issue will return to the City Commission in the form of an agenda item to formalize an agreement between the City of Lawrence and the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

2.       Sidewalk connectivity issues:

· The City Commission provided direction that gap in-fill projects are important to the overall usability of the sidewalk network.  The City Commission will consider funding issues for gap in-fill projects during budget considerations.  Staff will develop a plan to pursue continuation of a gap / connectivity program, including estimated costs. 

· Alternatives for addressing connectivity in residential areas should be explored, such as using benefit districts to address neighborhood sidewalk opportunities.

3.       Sidewalk repair and maintenance issues:

· The City Commission provided direction that no change in maintenance responsibilities will be pursued at this time (e.g., property owners will continue to be responsible for sidewalk maintenance and repair; the city will continue to address damage related to City elements, such as around storm sewer inlets, manholes, and so on).

· City staff should develop mechanism for inventory of the sidewalk system.

· City staff should explore opportunities to assist property owners with maintenance responsibilities, including options for

i. Financing strategies and funding in hardship cases

ii. City bidding for annual contract to provide pricing and contractors for property owners making sidewalk repairs

iii. Benefit districts

iv. City as “banker” concept

· City staff should review best practices for sidewalk standards and specifications (e.g., compaction, reinforcement, materials specified); City standards should be revised as appropriate.

4. Carnegie Building Reuse:

The Commission received brief summaries from both the Parks & Recreation proposal and the Americana Music Academy proposal.  The Commission requested a more detailed business plan from Americana Music Academy, including more information on grants and operating costs.  Staff is to provide Americana with the business plan formulated from the Hughes- Carnegie Literacy Center (it was provided on 3/10/2006, attached).  Upon receipt of additional information, this item will be placed on a future Commission agenda.

5. Fire Station No. 5 (Grover Barn) Reuse.

The Commission received an overview of the proposed use from the Underground Railroad Association.  The Commission directed that the Association provide additional information, including a market analysis of the proposed use.  Upon receipt of additional information, this item will be placed on a future Commission agenda.

5. Fire Station No. 2 (Massachusetts Street):

There was no presentation from Matt Henderson who submitted a proposal for the property to become a personal residence.  The Commission requested additional information concerning the status of the proposal earlier submitted by Chief Jim McSwain for a reuse focused on the history of Lawrence’s fire department and related history items.  Staff is to provide that additional information, at which time the item will be placed back on a City Commission agenda.