Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Jonathan Douglass, Assistant to the City Manager
CC:	Frank Reeb, Director of Administrative Services/City Clerk Ernie Shaw, Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Ron Olin, Chief of Police Mark Bradford, Fire Medical Chief Charles Soules, Director of Public Works
DATE:	June 4, 2009
RE:	Lawrence Originals/Give Back Food Festival and Fireworks – July 4, 2009

The Lawrence Originals restaurant group is planning an outdoor festival for July 4, 2009, to be located in Watson Park downtown. The event will consist of food and alcohol vendors and live music. The Lawrence Originals have been working with the Parks and Recreation Department on items related to the use of the park. The Lawrence Originals are seeking City Commission approval of the closure of 7^th Street between Kentucky Street and Tennessee Street from noon to 11:00 p.m. to allow free and safe movement of festival goers from one half of the park to the other, and to allow parking of festival related vehicles, portable toilets, and a dumpster.

This event will be one of a number of happenings downtown on July 4. The criterium portion of the Tour of Lawrence bicycle race will be taking place in the afternoon and evening, and the Lawrence Jaycees will be shooting off fireworks from the Kansas River levee. Spectators are expected to watch the fireworks from Watson, Constant, and Burcham parks. The Police, Fire Medical, Parks & Recreation, and Public Works departments have been coordinating with one another and organizers of these events to provide a safe environment for vehicles and pedestrians in the downtown area.

ACTION:      Approve a temporary use of right-of-way permit for the closure of 7^th Street from Kentucky Street to Tennessee Street from noon to 11:00 p.m. on July 4, 2009 for the Lawrence Originals/Give Back Food Festival and Fireworks.