August 23, 2006

Mr. Mike Amyx
Mayor-City of Lawrence
City Hall

Lawrence, KS

Dear Mike:

The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, the KU Alumni Association and Downtown Lawrence Inc. are requesting that the Lawrence City Commission grant the aforementioned partnership permission to close the portion of East 8th street between Massachusetts and New Hampshire on October 6, 2006, from 1:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. for “Get Downtown”, a live musical event. The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce has submitted for your and the commissioners approval our application and permit use of public right-of-way. This group intends to market a free event to the Lawrence community and promote downtown to those visitors coming to Lawrence for KU’s Homecoming weekend. The approval of this request would help fill a void in the Homecoming schedule.  In addition to the music venue provided by two musical groups, food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be sold.

Downtown Lawrence Inc. supports this proposal and, with the help of its Downtown Director, Rick Marquez, we have contacted all businesses on this block of East 8th street and have gained their support as well. Organizers have met with city department heads from Fire & EMT, Police, Public Works and the City Clerk to determine that this event is manageable and the organizers are willing to follow the department heads’ safety plan in executing this event.

Stage set-up will start shortly after 1:30 p.m. at the proposed location. The 40 foot wide by 24 foot deep performance stage will placed near 8th and New Hampshire and face west toward Massachusetts. Complete stage set-up will take 3 hours. Type III barricades will be used at the intersections. The food and beverage vendor set-up will occur later in the afternoon. Parking notification will follow city ordinances; it is the hope of the organizers to allow for “business as usual” on this portion of 8th street until stage set-up occurs. Again, event organizers will follow the recommendation of Lawrence law enforcement. Approximately 5-6 food vendors will start set-up after 3 p.m. It is the intent of the organizers to sell alcohol within the described area. Organizers are aware of the permit process required both with the state and local government to obtain a temporary permit. Private security will be hired to ensure that all local and state laws are followed.  The first musical act will start at 6 p.m. and perform until 8 p.m. The second musical group will start after the set change, or approximately 8:30 p.m. It is anticipated the live entertainment will end at 10:30 p.m., with clean-up starting at 11 p.m. and 8th street open by 1 a.m. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Bob Sanner

Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

cc David Corliss, Lavern Squier, Al Hack, Jr, Chuck Magerl