MEMORANDUM

City of Lawrence

Utilities Department

To:	Dave Corliss Interim City Manager
From:	Chris Stewart Acting Director of Utilities
Re:	Variance for Connection Size
Date:	August 14, 2006

I received a copy of the attached letter from CL Mauer with Landplan Engineering, acting on behalf of the Lawrence School District, requesting a variance to the City Code. Specifically requesting approval to tap a 6 inch fire line to a 6 inch water main. Chapter XIX, Article 19-122, of the City Code stipulates that “maximum size of any fire connection shall be at least two inches less in diameter that the main from which the fire connection is made, provided; that the City Commission may waive this requirement”.

We have reviewed the request with the Fire Marshall and also confirmed the maximum flow requirement of 300 gpm for the sprinkler system with the design engineer. The existing piping network in this area has an 8 inch water main on each end that supply water to the 6 inch line and are approximately 250 ft from the connection point on the 6 inch line. Consequently, the maximum flow of 300 gpm will have minimal impact to the system pressure in this area of the water distribution system. We have no objections to the granting of this variance, provided the design engineer is satisfied that the proposed design ensures adequate water supply to meet the fire flow requirements.

Please place on the August 22, 2006 consent agenda for City Commission consideration. Thank you.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

c: Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manager

Bob Skinner, Field Operations Superintendent

Rich Barr, Fire and Medical

Dee Dee Commons, Accounting Clerk

att.