Memorandum

City of Lawrence

TO:	Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM:	David L. Corliss,  Interim City Manager
CC:	Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manager Mark Bradford, Chief, Fire & Medical Department
Date:	April 6, 2006
RE:	Possible Re-use of Fire/Medical facility

At the March 9, 2006 City Commission study session, the Commission briefly discussed the status of the reuse of the fire/medical facility at 1839 Massachusetts.   The Commission requested additional information on the earlier proposal from retired Chief McSwain.  Chief Bradford’s report is attached.

The City received only one proposal responding to the RFP pursuant to the RFP’s deadlines.  Mr. Henderson has been advised that he can present his proposal at the April 11, City Commission meeting.  He was unable to attend the March 9, 2006 Commission meeting.

This week the City has received two additional proposals: one from Rick Atwell and the other from Gregory Thomas.   Staff recommends that if the City is going to consider the proposals from Mr. Atwell, Mr. Thomas or others that it direct staff to re-advertise the RFP to allow for any and all proposals to be submitted or re-submitted.

As was indicated at the Commission study session, staff recommends that if the Commission desires to pursue sale of the building, that the City place a conservation easement on the façade of the building to ensure the historic preservation of this architectural feature as a community asset.  

The Commission has several options:

a) Pursue the sale with Mr. Henderson

b) Re-advertise the RFP to allow for additional submissions

c) Not pursue any sale or lease at this time; direct staff to further investigate public use options.