Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

TO:	Dave Corliss, Debbie Van Saun
FROM:	Chuck Soules
CC:	Toni Wheeler, Scott Wagner, John Miller, Fred DeVictor,  Mark Hecker
Date:	February 21, 2007
RE:	Oregon Trail Benefit District Establish Benefit District

Please include the following item on the City Commission consent agenda for consideration at the February 27, 2007 meeting:

Project Description.  As part of the Oregon Trail Addition the development is providing approximately 4.3 acres for the development of a park.  The park will contain a recreation path/trail, playground area, and a pond which will also serve for storm water detention.   An additional improvement contained in the benefit district includes an open channel for drainage. Both the Parks and Recreation Department and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board are supportive of this neighborhood park facility.  Staff recommends the addition of this park facility to our parks system.

Project Status/History.

December 7, 2006	Request for benefit district.
December 12, 2006	Park Board approval of concept.
December 19, 2006	Concept of using a benefit district for park development introduced to City Commission.
February 6, 2007	City Commission establishes public hearing date.
February 27, 2007	City Commission holds public hearing.

Project Status/Schedule. 

· The final plat of Oregon Trail was approved by the City Commission on September 5, 2006.

· On February 13, 2007 the plat was resubmitted for re-acceptance of right-of-way, easements, and dedication of the park area. 

· When the conditions of approval are met the plat can be filed.  The largest single issue is the completion of public improvement plans for the development.

· This project will not proceed until the plat is filed.

· It is anticipated that the project will begin in 2007.

Project Funding.   The improvements are being funded 100% by the benefit district, 0% by the city at large.  The method of assessment shall be based on the square footage of each lot.  The estimated project cost is $811,000.

Action Requested:  Hold public hearing and, pending comments, approve Resolution 6707 setting out the findings of the Governing Body and ordering the construction of public improvements.

Respectfully submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works