Week ending September 29, 2018
Update on Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE)
Commissioner Ananda requested information on the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) program. Anaiya Underwood, City University Liaison Intern, has researched the program and prepared the attached report.
Clarification regarding economic development project mentioned in context of short-term rental discussion:
At its meeting on September 18, 2018 during the discussion on short term rentals, an economic development project was mentioned. There was a comment made that might lead the public to believe there is a violation with one of the economic development projects and staff wished to clarify this matter. Commissioner Herbert mentioned that there was a short-term rental being actively marketed that is part of a project that received an affordable housing incentive. Staff believes this reference is regarding the project at 826 Pennsylvania, which restored the historic building at that location for the Lawrence Beer Company and the associated housing added as part of the two-story addition to the building. In conjunction with the City’s economic development policy requirements, the project was required to create two one-bedroom affordable units which would remain affordable for a period of 30 years. Additionally, the project created multiple market rate housing units. It was confirmed with Adam Williams, the owner of the project, that the short-term rental unit that was referenced is one of the market rate units, not one of the affordable units. The project is in full compliance with the requirements of its economic development incentives, including the requirements regarding the affordable units.
Long-Term Rental Program Follow-up
At the September 18, 2018 City Commission meeting, Angie Blair provided public comment during the presentation of the short-term rental agenda item in which she advised the City Commission she owned short-term rentals and maintained them on a regular basis. She also expressed that her son lives in a long-term rental unit in a condition that she described as deplorable. She advised that her son’s lease contains language that states he is not allowed to call the city to complain about his living conditions. Ms. Blair further stated that she had recently called the city to lodge a complaint about the unit and was advised that her son would be required to call the city.
At the conclusion of her comments, Commissioner Soden asked staff to research whether it is legal to have language within a lease that prohibits a tenant from calling the city to report code violations and to respond to whether staff requires a tenant to call in the complaint.
In response to the issue of the language contained in Ms. Blair’s son’s lease, the city questions whether such language would be enforceable, but maintains that such a dispute would be a civil matter between the landlord and the tenant. Consultation with an attorney is advisable regarding the legality of such wording within a lease.
In regard to the discussion concerning Ms. Blair’s son needing to lodge the complaint, staff often receives calls from non-tenants and it is a long-standing department practice to encourage such callers to advise the tenant who is residing within the dwelling unit to speak with city staff to explain the conditions and to schedule a time for an inspection to take place and to be present during the inspection. This practice eliminates any potential liability of conducting an inspection without proper consent from a residing occupant of the dwelling unit who has full control of such dwelling unit. Staff does have other options to investigate complaints if the tenant does not wish to participate, but this approach is most advantageous for all the parties involved and is typically staff’s beginning position in the process.
Safe Winter Walkways Program
The 2018-2019 Safe Winter Walkways program is underway. The goal of the Safe Winter Walkways program is to create safer and more accessible pedestrian walkways. This is a joint effort of the City of Lawrence and the Senior Resource Center for Douglas County. We are reaching out for volunteers to sign up to help elderly or disabled individuals clear public sidewalks during snow events. Volunteers will be matched with residents needing assistance with snow removal for the winter season. People can sign up to volunteer or request service on the City’s web page, www.lawrenceks.org/safe_winter_walkways or by calling (785) 832-3338.
Public Process Underway to Review Decoration of Lots and Burial Spaces at Public Cemeteries
The City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department has begun public engagement with the community to get feedback on lot and burial space decorations in Lawrence’s three public cemeteries – Maple Grove Cemetery, Oak Hill Cemetery and Memorial Park Cemetery. See attached for more information.
Future Agenda Items
Attached, please find a summary of future agenda items.
Future Work Session Items
Attached, please find a summary of future work session items.