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CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM |
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Department: |
Public Works |
Commission Meeting Date: February 7, 2017 |
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Staff Contact: |
Charles F. Soules, P.E., Director of Public Works |
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Recommendations/Options/Action Requested: |
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Require Greyhound enter into a right–of–way agreement and establish a monthly fee of $1,000 for the continued use of City right-of-way. |
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Executive Summary: |
The Greyhound Bus provides daily service to Lawrence on its route between Topeka and Kansas City three times a day at 8:55 am, 1:55 pm and 5:50 pm. Greyhound had a partnership with the gas station on the southeast corner of 6th & Crestline that served as their Lawrence stop. In 2015 the gas station closed. The City has provided Greyhound an area to use east of City Hall at the Riverfront Mall at no cost since then and has provided three extensions of time allowing Greyhound to find a new location.
At the January 17, 2017 City Commission meeting, Greyhound stated it had not found a new location. The Commission directed the issue to be placed on the February 7th agenda and Greyhound’s use of the right-of-way was extended until that time.
The Lawrence Public Library has offered to allow Greyhound patrons to use the library facilities. The Library offers computer access for ticketing, shelter, restrooms and the location is near downtown restaurants, shops and public transit. The City has developed a DRAFT right-of-way agreement for the use of parking spaces along the north side of the Library. Compensation of $1,000 month is recommended for the elimination of four (4) metered parking stalls. The agreement is setup on a 30-day notice to provide Greyhound flexibility should a better site be found for their service. The agreement would need to be approved by the City Commission. Greyhound has conveyed that they are not interested in the City’s DRAFT agreement stating that the fee is too much for a stop that does not provide shelter or other facilities but they have not discussed this with the library.
Greyhound has relayed that they are in discussions/negotiations with McDonalds. The time frame is unknown and it is not certain that they will come to an agreement.
The Greyhound service is valuable to the community and provides an alternate mode of transportation for residents and visitors. The City has provided Greyhound a stop location for the last 14 months at no cost. If an extension of time to allow Greyhound to use the pull out at the Riverfront Mall is desired, a fee for the use of the Right of Way should be established.
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Strategic Goal Area: |
Transportation |
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Fiscal Impact (Amount/Source): |
The monthly fee ($1,000) is recommended based on the dedication of four (4) public parking spaces for the use of a private enterprise. Should Greyhound relocate its stop to a private facility, there would be no impact to the City. |
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Attachments: |
November 1, 2016 City Commission Agenda Item |
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Reviewed By: (for CMO use only) |
☐TM ☐DS ☐CT ☒BM |