April 26, 2006

Re:  Site Selection for Wakarusa Water Reclamation Facility

Addressee

Address

Address

Dear ________,

As you may be aware, the City of Lawrence has been studying potential sites for a new wastewater reclamation facility to serve the City’s wastewater capacity needs for the next 30 years.  This process has led to two potential sites selected for final consideration.  Both sites are located immediately south of the Wakarusa River.  One of the potential sites is located just west of US-59, north and south of N.1200 Road.  The other potential site is east of Haskell Avenue and northeast of N.1100 Road and E.1600 Road.  The purpose of this letter is to notify landowners within the two potential sites of the next steps in the site selection and acquisition processes.

City staff is working closely with Black & Veatch, the City’s consulting engineer for the project, on the technical aspects of the site selection process.  As part of the process, Black & Veatch and its sub-consultants will need access to property located within the footprint of the two sites to make boundary surveys, conduct geotechnical testing, and make environmental assessments. 

            The City has retained a local attorney, Dan Watkins, to assist in the property acquisition aspects of the two sites, and to oversee the acquisition of the site which is ultimately selected.  Tim Orrick of Foth & Orrick, LLP, an Overland Park firm which specializes in acquiring property for large public improvement projects is assisting Mr. Watkins on this project.  All property acquisition for the project will comply with state law, and with the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act. 

            To begin the next phase of the site selection process, Mr. Watkins or Mr. Orrick will meet with each potentially affected property owner to discuss site selection, surveying, environmental assessment, and property acquisition issues in further detail.  They will attempt to reach you by phone over the next few days, or you may facilitate this process by contacting Mr. Watkins directly at 785-843-0181 or by email at danwatkins@sunflower.com, and Mr. Orrick at 1-866-870-3831 (toll-free) or by email at timorrick@fothandorrick.com to schedule a meeting.   

We understand the potential of having one’s property acquired for a public project is not usually viewed as good news.  However, I am hopeful you understand the public need for this project. You have my assurance that our staff and consulting team will conduct this necessary assessment and acquisition process in a professional and courteous manner.    

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        David L. Corliss

                                                                        Interim City Manager

C:             Mayor and City Commission

Dan Watkins

Tim Orrick