Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	Mayor and City Commission
FROM:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
CC:	Debbie Van Saun, Asst. City Manager Dave Wagner, Interim Director-Dept. of Utilities
Date:	February 21, 2007
RE:	Purchase of Riley Tract - WWRF White Site

As you are aware, on August 14, 2006, a public meeting was held to announce the conclusion of the Wakarusa Water Reclamation Facility (WWRF) site investigation process by Black & Veatch.  The results of the investigation recommended the white site (east site) for final siting of the WWRF.  On August 29, the City Commission received the siting study report from Black & Veatch and approved the study recommendations, and authorized staff to proceed with land acquisition for the project.

To date, the City has acquired the following tracts on the white site:

          Coyne           8.0 acres

          Leary            188 acres

          Flagler           231 acres

Total to date:           427 acres

The final site proposed for initial acquisition on the white site is approximately 90 acres owned by Idessa Riley (map).  The property owner has accepted a negotiated settlement of $280,000 for the fee simple purchase of this tract.

City staff recommend purchase of this parcel from Idessa Riley in the amount of $280,000 and to authorize the City Manager to execute a purchase contract for this acquisition. 

Project Funding

Funding for land acquisition for the WWRF will come from the Utilities Dept. capital improvement reserve fund.