Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

 

FROM:

Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Manager

 

CC:

Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager

Casey Toomay, Budget Manager

 

DATE:

June 4, 2009

 

RE:

Infrastructure and Equipment Sales Tax 2009 and 2010 Projects

 

 

In November 2009, Lawrence voters approved a .30% sales tax for infrastructure and equipment.  This new sales tax went into effect in April and to date, collections total $30,263.  In annual allocation of $500,000 was anticipated for replacement of fire equipment, with the remainder of the estimated revenues to fund infrastructure improvements.

 

Several projects to be funded through this sales tax are currently in the engineering or project implementation phase.  Several items have been or will soon be reviewed by the City Commission.  This memo is intended to summarize projects to be funded through this source in 2009 and 2010.  The attached spreadsheet depicts total estimated revenues and expenditures.

 

The City’s portion of construction of the Burroughs Creek Trail (estimated at $350,000) has been identified for funding through the infrastructure sales tax in 2009.  Work on this project has begun, with land acquisition underway.  Project construction is anticipated to begin this fall.  

 

On June 2, 2009, the City Commission awarded a bid for West 9th Street rehabilitation to RD Johnson Excavating Co., Inc., for a total project cost of $748,211.19.  Sales tax proceeds will fund $290,000 of this project.

 

At their June 9 meeting, the City Commission will consider authorizing the City Manager to sign an Engineering Services Agreement with Bartlett & West for design of Kasold Drive from 23rd Street to 31st Street.   Design work is estimated at $440,000.  The cost estimate for project construction is $5.5 million.  

 

Design of the 5th and Maple Street pump station is anticipated to begin in 2010 and it is possible that acquisition of right-of way for this project may also begin in 2010. 

 

The Fire Department has established an Apparatus Replacement Plan, taking into consideration age and condition of each piece of equipment.  The sales tax includes an annual allocation of $500,000 for replacement of fire equipment.  It is recommended that two pieces of apparatus be replaced in 2010:  a 100’ Ladder Platform to replace a unit which was placed in service in 1986 and replacement of Engine 6, which was placed into service in 1988.  In May, the City Commission authorized the Fire Department to apply for partial funding of replacement of the Ladder truck.  The status of this grant is still pending.  The estimated total cost for the two pieces of equipment is $1,856,656.  Additional resources through GO Bond debt or the equipment reserve fund will be necessary.