Memorandum

City of Lawrence

TO:	Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM:	City Manager David L. Corliss
CC:	Ernie Shaw, Cynthia Boecker, Mark Hecker
Date:	September 16, 2008
RE:	Donation of property – approximately 46 acres northwest of City boundaries from Michael Stultz

At the August 19, 2008 City Commission meeting, the Commission received a proposal from Michael Stultz to donate to the City approximately 46 acres of property north of West 6^th Street, and west of George Williams Way (extended).  See attached photos and map. 

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommends acceptance of the property.  See attached memo.  Additionally, Parks and Recreation staff also recommends acceptance of the property.  As City property, the property will allow for an appropriate open space which can be used for a pedestrian path connecting to the K-10 hike/bike path and other open space activities. The City is currently constructing the West Baldwin Creek sewer line on a portion of the property, and acquired the necessary sewer easements and pedestrian easement from the property owner.   The Planning and Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed donation and believes that the open space land use would be appropriate for this area. The City is not committing to any other land use for this property or adjacent property at this time.  The proposed conditions on the property allowing for sewer connections through the property to benefit adjoining property owners and that the property be used to satisfy City required green space/open space requirements for adjacent property are all acceptable and appropriate conditions.

Staff recommends that the City proceed with accepting the property with the conditions as noted in the donation letter.