Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

TO:	David L. Corliss, Cynthia Boecker, Diane Stoddard
FROM:	Charles F. Soules
CC:	Shoeb Uddin, Dena Mezger, John Miller, Toni Wheeler, Scott Wagner, Jonathan Douglas
Date:	April 18, 2008
RE:	George Williams Way Benefit District, 6^th Street to Overland Drive Project No. 14-CP4-407(BD) Street, Storm Sewer, Waterline Improvements Maximum Assessments Power Line Relocation April 29, 2008 Regular Agenda Item

Please include the following item on the City Commission regular agenda for consideration at the April 29, 2008 meeting:

Project Description: All property owners to be assessed the costs for the improvements to George Williams Way have signed the petition. This will allow the city to proceed with the improvements to GWW from 6^th Street north to Overland Drive.

The improvements include a right-turn lane from westbound 6^th Street onto northbound GWW, seven lanes on GWW at 6^th Street, sidewalks, storm sewer, waterline, and utility relocation. The street will be concrete to Overland Drive and asphalt north of Overland Drive. The intersection at GWW and Overland will be a four-way stop. North of Overland is a two lane, 31’ wide street (the section of GWW north of Overland was previously approved). This does not include signalization of the 6^th and GWW intersection; this improvement will need to be completed when a benefit district can be established.

Project History.

April 17, 2007 -	City Commission approved Mercato plat and accepted right-of-way.
May 15, 2007 -	Public hearing establishing three benefit districts for GWW.
May 15, 2007 - Approved Resolutions 6661, 6663 and 6665 directing the improvements for GWW and intersection at 6^th Street.
June 6, 2007 - City received protest petition against benefit district south of 6^th Street (Resolution 6663).
July 24, 2007 - Established public hearing date of August 28, 2007 for formation of a benefit district for improvements at the intersection of 6^th Street and George Williams Way, Resolution 6730.

August 28, 2007 – A public hearing was held to establish a new benefit district solely for the improvements to the intersection including: signalization, right-turn lanes off 6^th Street both north and south onto GWW.

September 11, 2007 – Staff presented options for the establishment of the intersection benefit district. City Commission directed staff to proceed with a resolution setting out the findings and directing the construction of the intersection based on dividing the costs 50% north of 6^th Street and 50% south of 6^th Street.

September 25, 2007 – City Commission approved Resolutions 6740 and 6739 setting out the findings and determinations for improvements at the intersection of 6^th and George Williams Way and improvements to George Williams Way from 6^th Street north to Overland Drive.

October 30, 2007 – Received Summons and Petition for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief declaring the method of assessment was disproportionate.

March 5, 2008 – Received petition to establish a benefit district for improvements to George Williams Way from 6^th Street north to Overland Drive.

March 25, 2008 – City Commission approved Resolution 6759 setting out the findings and determinations of the Governing Body and directing the improvements to be completed.

April 29, 2008 – Maximum assessment hearing.

Project Status: Westar has significant electric facilities in a separate easement near the intersection of GWW and W. 6^th Street. Some of these poles will be relocated into a utility easement dedicated to the City. The cost for relocation is $75,858.13 which will be paid by the benefit district. Westar is ready to begin their work.

Plans are substantially complete. We are waiting for the KDOT highway permit. Bid date should be in May.

Project Funding: Estimated cost for the George William Way project is $3,220,000. The improvement district is paying for 100% of the cost except the city-at-large will pay $200,000. The City’s at-large share of the improvement district has not changed since the district was initially proposed in 2007.

Action Requested: Conduct public hearing to consider Ordinance 8263 establishing the maximum assessments for improvements to George Williams Way from 6^th Street to Overland Drive.  Adopt on first reading Ordinance No. 8263 if appropriate.

Authorize City Manager to approve/execute purchase order to Westar Energy in the amount of $78,858.13 for power line relocation for George Williams Way.

Please let me know if there are any questions.

Respectfully submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

CFS/je

Attachments: Benefit District Map

Improvement Plan

Petition for Benefit District

Ordinance 8263

Westar Invoice