November  __, 2007

Dear property owner:

This letter is to advise you on the City of Lawrence’s plans for the annexation and public improvements of the following described property:

[Add property address and legal]

which records indicate is in your ownership.

The Bauer Brook Estates plat was recorded on July 9, 1999.   The plat, required that all of the properties be connected to the City’s sanitary sewer system by July 9, 2006.  In discussions with a number of Bauer Brook Estates property owners, the City has indicated that we believe the public interest is best served if the properties are annexed into the City, the properties have the availability of City sanitary sewer service, but that the properties only be required to immediately connect to the City sanitary sewer service if the property is not currently served by a functioning septic system.  In other words, only newly developed lots or lots with a failed septic system would be required to connect to the City’s sanitary sewer service.  At the time of connection to City water and sanitary sewer services, property owners will be responsible for all applicable charges pursuant to Ch. 19 of the City Code and the City’s Development Policy.

The next step is to annex your property into the City’s boundaries.  After the annexation is completed, the City plans to establish a special assessment benefit district which will include your property.  The benefit district will pay its proportionate share of the costs of new public waterlines and the design and construction of future sanitary sewer lines.  The waterline improvements will include the installation of necessary fire hydrants to allow the City to provide fire protection and suppression services for the property.  The sanitary sewer improvements will provide the necessary infrastructure for property that does not currently have a septic system and needs City sanitary sewer service; and properties which have an operating septic system, and do not require immediate hook-up to the sewer system, but will need such installation upon the failure of their septic system.  It is not the plan of the City to require sanitary sewer system connections for properties which are currently served by a septic system which is operating appropriately, instead, the City will only require a sanitary sewer connection upon a public health requirement because of a failed septic system.

After the annexation, the City Commission will initiate the rezoning of the property to the RS40 zoning category under the City’s zoning regulations.  This will then be heard by the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission at a public hearing for consideration and their recommendation.

As part of the annexation process, the City will allow for certain animals not allowed within City limits under Ch. 3 of the City Code.   The property owner needs to identify the number and type of animals which are desired to be exempted from the City’s animal control code which prohibits these types of animals (e.g. horses, etc.).   However, it should be noted that per the restrictive covenants of the Bauer Brook Estates recorded at Book 651, Page 874 with the Douglas County Register of Deeds, livestock and poultry are prohibited on tracts less than 20 acres.  Please review and sign the enclosed form concerning this.  Please return the form to my attention by December 15, 2007.  City Commission consideration of the annexation ordinance will occur in January of next year.  Upon annexation, you will be notified and provided with information concerning City services.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

David L. Corliss

City Manager