Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Parks & Recreation Department

DATE:           September 29, 2011

TO:              David Corliss, City Manager,

Cynthia Wagner, Assistant City Manager

                             Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager

                   Ernie Shaw, Interim Director Parks & Recreation

FROM:          Mark Hecker, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation

RE:               City Entrance Landscapes - KTA Round-a-bout

Please include the following item on the City Commission agenda for consideration on the October 4, 2011 meeting:

Authorize the City Manager to execute appropriate agreements with the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) for the use of KTA property at Lawrence exits/round-a-bouts for landscape improvements and appropriate signage.   

Project Description

At the direction of the City Manager, Lawrence Parks and Recreation staff has been working with Kansas Turnpike Authority staff to come up with plans to provide Welcome to Lawrence signage and landscape improvements on the recently completed round-a-bouts at the two Lawrence Turnpike exits. The attached conceptual plans and memorandum of understanding for maintenance have been reviewed and approved by legal staff for both entities.

If approved by the commission, these projects would proceed as funds and staffing allow. We would anticipate that both areas will be completed in the next two years.

Project Funding

At this time, cost estimates for these improvements are projected at $20,000-$25,000 per location. As future funding sources are identified and Parks and Recreation staffing is available for installation, phases of the project will be accomplished.   

Action Request

Authorize the City Manager to execute appropriate agreements with the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) for the use of KTA property at Lawrence exits/round-a-bouts for landscape improvements and appropriate signage.