Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Legal Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Toni Wheeler, Director of Legal Services
CC:	Jonathan Douglass, Assistant to the City Manager
DATE:	January 23, 2008
RE:	Lawrence Freenet Agreement Background Information

The City has agreements with Lawrence Freenet that authorizes them to place equipment on the following City facilities:

§ The Harper Water Tower;

§ The Stratford Water Tower;

§ The 6^th and Kasold Water Tower;

§ The 19^th and Kasold Water Tower;

§ On top of City Hall; and

§ On approximately 45 traffic signal poles throughout the City

Lawrence Freenet pays the City of Lawrence nominal rent ($10/year) for occupying the water towers. The agreements with Lawrence Freenet recognize Freenet as a not-for-profit corporation “formed for the purpose of providing free internet access.” Lawrence Freenet is required to submit quarterly reports describing the free and/or reduced price services they are providing in the community. Lawrence Freenet must also provide annual financial reports to the City Manager.

The City and Douglas County Emergency Communications are currently working with Lawrence Freenet to relocate Freenet antennas on the Stratford Water Tower which caused interference with the emergency communications system.  Some antennas were removed by Emergency Communications immediately and others have been allowed to remain pending approval of relocation. Currently the Utilities Department is reviewing the relocation plans submitted by Freenet.

The latest Freenet quarterly report received is attached.