Lawrence public meetings in 2021

MPO Bicycle Advisory Committee

The MPO Bicycle Advisory Committee meets Dec. 22, 2021 to appoint a designee and alternate to the Transportation 2050 Steering Committee, which will guide the long-range transportation plan update. The committee will also vote on approving minutes from its July 8, 2021 meeting and receive quick updates on bicycle performance measures and a Bicycle Rideability Map. The July minutes show the committee previously recommended approval of the Countywide Bike Plan and approved Bicycle Rideability routes pending final edits.

• Appoint a designee and alternate to the Transportation 2050 Steering Committee
• Approve minutes from the July 8, 2021 meeting
• Update on Lawrence Bikes Plan performance measures (memo dated Dec. 17, 2021)
• Update on the Bicycle Rideability Map
• July 8, 2021 minutes: Countywide Bike Plan recommended for approval, 5-0

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Dec. 21, 2021 to decide on a range of items, including adding artificial turf soccer fields to the Capital Improvement Plan and awarding construction contracts. The consent agenda bundles routine approvals like meeting minutes, claims, licenses, and several construction bids. Notable regular agenda items include a $1.5 million Parks and Recreation project, a budget public hearing, and the 2022 Legislative Priority Statement.

• Amend 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan to add artificial turf on two soccer fields at Youth Sports Complex, anticipated cost $1.5 million
• Award Bid No. B2136 for 19th Street Reconstruction - Harper to O'Connell to RD Johnson Excavating Co. for $1,961,760
• Award Bid No. B2139 to MegaKC Corporation for $592,240 for 2021 Safe Routes to School Project
• Award Bid No. B2140 for University Place Water Main Replacement to Westland Construction Inc. for $1,050,999
• Approve $850,000 in Affordable Housing Trust Fund investments as recommended by the Affordable Housing Advisory Board

CANCELED - Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 3:00 PM was canceled. The agenda contains only a cancellation notice and no items for decision or discussion. No other business was listed.

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission meets Dec. 15, 2021 to consider a joint session with the Eudora Planning Commission on a quarry expansion, plus a slate of rezoning, plat, and development requests. Major items include a 100-acre annexation and rezoning near the southeast corner of State K-10 and N. 1750 Road, a 52-unit assisted living facility at 4450 Bauer Farm Drive, and a clean rubble landfill on about 40 acres at 1736 E 1550 Rd. One rezoning request at 1571 and 1573 E 700 Rd has been withdrawn.

• Joint meeting with Eudora Planning Commission on conditional use permit CUP-21-00366 for Eudora Quarry expansion at 1232 E 2300 Rd
• Rezone Z-21-00223: about 3 acres at 1241 North 1300 Road from County AG-2 to RS5
• Preliminary plat PP-21-00224 for Denton Addition, about 3 acres at 1241 N. 1300 Road
• Rezone Z-21-00376: about 0.31 acres at 1500 Research Park Drive from IBP to RS10
• Preliminary development plan PDP-21-00371 for Cedarhurst of Lawrence, a 52-unit assisted living with 22-unit extended care facility on about 6.91 acres at 4450 Bauer Farm Drive

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Dec. 14, 2021 in a hybrid format to act on a consent agenda and a regular agenda item. Consent items include a $299,995 stormwater construction contract, a $20,580 traffic-program services agreement, an Axon in-car video purchase, a Black Hills Energy gas franchise ordinance, and a resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign an opioid settlement memorandum of understanding with the Kansas Attorney General. The regular agenda includes receiving a letter from the Community Police Review Board on revising its authorizing ordinance, and a work session on the Strong, Welcoming Neighborhoods strategic plan outcome.

• Award Bid No. B2145 to RD Johnson Excavating Company, LLC for $299,995 for 13th & Kentucky Stormwater Improvements
• Authorize $20,580 Supplemental Agreement No. 2 for the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program
• Agreement with Axon for purchase and installation of the Fleet 3 In-Car video system
• Ordinance No. 9897 granting Black Hills Energy a non-exclusive gas franchise
• Resolution No. 7402 authorizing an opioid settlement memorandum of understanding with the Kansas Attorney General

Douglas County Food Policy Council

The Douglas County Food Policy Council meets Monday, December 13, 2021, 6:30-8:30pm at 4931 W 6th St., Lawrence. The agenda includes administrative items, 2022 leadership elections with nominees Tyler for Chair and Elizabeth for Vice-Chair, and a budget overview showing a $134.28 balance after 2021 allocations. Members will also hear an update on solar utility regulations and a year-in-review, and acknowledge departing members.

• 2022 leadership elections: Tyler nominated for Chair, Elizabeth for Vice-Chair
• Budget overview: $134.28 balance after 2021 allocations
• Update on Solar Utility Regulations
• Approval of November 15 meeting minutes
• 2022 January retreat scheduling and format

CANCELED - MPO Technical Advisory Committee

The Metropolitan Planning Organization's Technical Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 2:30 PM has been canceled. The agenda contains no items for discussion or decision — only the cancellation notice. No reason for the cancellation is given in the supplied document.

• Meeting canceled; no business conducted
• Was to be hosted virtually from the City Commission Room, City Hall, 6 E 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
• No agenda items, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings listed

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Dec. 7, 2021 to swear in newly elected commissioners, elect a Mayor and Vice Mayor, and act on a large consent agenda. That agenda includes a $46,560,000 revenue bond issuance, a $4,457,000 water treatment plant contract, and second-reading ordinances on rental housing rules, rezoning, and water/sewer and stormwater rates. Most items are grouped for a single vote unless pulled for separate discussion.

• Revenue Bonds, Series 2021: $46,560,000, sale to Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (Ordinance 9896, Resolution 7403)
• Kaw Water Treatment Plant contract: $4,457,000 with Crossland Heavy Contractors, Inc., plus $299,566 to Black & Veatch
• Riverfront and New Hampshire parking structures repairs: $580,586 contract with Pullman SST, Inc. (Bid B2143)
• Rezonings at 7200 W. 6th Street: 25.4 acres to RS and 10.4 acres to OS (Ordinances 9883, 9884)
• Ordinances on second reading for water/sewer rates (9891), stormwater ERU rate (9892), and solid waste rules (9893)

CANCELLED - Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for December 2, 2021 was cancelled. The sole agenda item, a variance request (SV-21-00403) for a 528-square-foot illuminated wall sign at 2800 VenturePark Drive, was withdrawn before the meeting. Staff had recommended denial, finding the request did not meet the criteria for a variance. No decisions were made.

• Meeting cancelled; no business conducted
• Variance SV-21-00403 withdrawn by applicant Davidson Architecture & Engineering on behalf of USEREH Lawrence, LLC
• Request sought a 528 sq ft illuminated wall sign, about 43% larger than the 225 sq ft maximum allowed in IG zoning
• Staff recommended denial, citing lack of unique conditions and potential detriment to public welfare
• Property is a proposed manufacturing/warehouse facility at 2800 VenturePark Drive

Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board meets Nov. 18 to vote on its 2022 Unified Planning Work Program, 2022 Safety Targets, and the steering committee for the Transportation 2050 long-range plan. It will also hear a discussion update on transit ridership and vehicle miles traveled performance measures. The 2022 UPWP drew no public comments during its Sept. 28-Oct. 27 comment period, and the safety targets drew one formatting comment from KDOT.

• Approve 2022 Unified Planning Work Program and authorize MPO Secretary Jeff Crick to sign Consolidated Planning Grant agreements
• Approve 2022 Safety Targets, which had a 15-day comment period and one KDOT formatting comment
• Approve Transportation 2050 Steering Committee and Staff Advisors; plan due by March 2023
• Discussion item on Performance Measures 4 (transit ridership) and 23 (vehicle miles traveled per capita)
• Approve Oct. 21, 2021 minutes

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission meets Nov. 17, 2021 to consider a preliminary plat creating seven single-family residential lots on about 3 acres between 4600 and 4412 Nicklaus Drive. Staff recommends approval; the land is currently open space on the Alvamar golf course. Three other items — a splash park special use permit, a rezoning, and the Denton Addition plat — are marked deferred. The Commission will also review its 2022 meeting calendar.

• Preliminary plat PP-21-00343 for Heritage No. 4 at Alvamar Addition: 7 lots plus a 25,928 sq ft conservation tract, submitted by Storm Engineering Group for Eagle 1968, LC
• Deferred: special use permit SUP-21-00318 for Burroughs Creek Splash Park at 900 E 15th Street
• Deferred: rezoning Z-21-00223 of about 3 acres from County AG-2 to RS10 at 1241 N 1300 Rd (DCCCA Inc.)
• Deferred: preliminary plat PP-21-00224 for Denton Addition at 1241 N 1300 Rd
• Review and possible adoption of the 2022 Planning Commission meeting and submittal calendar

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Tuesday, Nov 16, 2021, in a hybrid format to act on a mostly routine consent agenda and several first-reading ordinances. The regular agenda includes revised water and sewage rates (Ordinance No. 9891), a stormwater drainage charge change (Ordinance No. 9892), and solid waste rules (Ordinance No. 9893). The commission will also consider a $250,000 preconstruction agreement with McCarthy Building Companies for Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements and receive a city manager plan on resuming utility late fees and disconnections.

• Ordinance No. 9891: revised water and sewage disposal rates
• Ordinance No. 9892: stormwater drainage charge based on equivalent residential unit (ERU) rate
• Ordinance No. 9893: solid waste collection, removal, transportation, and disposal rules
• McCarthy Building Companies agreement: $250,000 preconstruction plus 5.5% of Guaranteed Maximum Price for Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements
• Aetna stop-loss coverage for 2022 employee healthcare plan: total annual premium $2,232,001

Douglas County Food Policy Council

The Douglas County Food Policy Council meets Monday, November 15, 2021, 6:30-8:30pm at 1006 New Hampshire, Lawrence, with a Zoom option. Members will consider approving up to $1,000 for compilation and design of an Agricultural Economic Development report, and allocating funds to send members to the Community Food Systems Annual Event on February 25, 2022 in Des Moines at $65/person plus mileage, against a stated 2021 balance of $4,734.28. The agenda also includes approval of a prioritized list of state-wide food policy initiatives, 2022 leadership nominations, and a possible change to the December 20 meeting date.

• Consider approving up to $1,000 for compilation and design of the Agricultural Economic Development report
• Consider funding member travel to the Community Food Systems Annual Event, February 25, 2022, Des Moines: $65/person + mileage
• Budget overview: $4,734.28 balance for 2021
• Consider approval of a prioritized list of state-wide food policy initiatives
• FPC work session with the Planning Commission on solar utility regulations, November 18 at 3:30pm, four FPC members

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission meets Nov. 15, 2021, to consider a text amendment, TA-21-00173, adding standards for Commercial/Utility Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems (CSECS) to the zoning regulations for unincorporated Douglas County. The item was initiated by the County Commission on 5/5/21 and deferred by the Planning Commission on 8/23/21. The rest of the agenda is routine: approving October 27, 2021 minutes, committee reports, communications, and general public comment.

• Text amendment TA-21-00173 would add standards for Commercial/Utility Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems (CSECS) to unincorporated Douglas County zoning rules
• Item initiated by County Commission on 5/5/21 and deferred by Planning Commission on 8/23/21
• Receive and amend or approve minutes from the Oct. 27, 2021 Planning Commission meeting
• Written public comment due by 10:00 a.m. Monday, Nov. 15, 2021 to planning@lawrenceks.org
• Meeting held virtually via Zoom and in person at City Hall, 6 East 6th Street; masks required inside City buildings

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, in a hybrid format to consider a regular agenda that includes a comprehensive plan amendment and two rezonings at 7200 W. 6th Street, a first-reading ordinance on long-term residential rental property regulation, and a long-term Parklet Program. The consent agenda bundles routine items such as minutes, claims, licenses, appointments, and several purchase authorizations. The meeting also includes public comment, a city manager's report, and a planned executive session on a personnel matter.

• Comprehensive plan amendment CPA-21-00258 to Plan 2040, Chapter 8B West of K-10 Plan, to add residential uses for Gateway Addition, 7200 W 6th St (Ordinance No. 9882)
• Rezone Z-21-00259: about 25.4 acres at 7200 W. 6th Street from CC600 to RS7 single-dwelling residential (Ordinance No. 9883)
• Rezone Z-21-00260: about 10.4 acres at 7200 W. 6th Street from CC600 to OS open space (Ordinance No. 9884)
• First reading of Ordinance No. 9876 repealing and replacing Chapter 6, Article 13 on regulation of Long-term Residential Rental Property
• Consent agenda purchase items: $131,420 Supplemental Agreement No. 2 for a Downtown Site Selection Study (CIP# TR-21-01) and $135,446.67 purchase order with Fluid Equipment

Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals

The Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals meets Nov. 4, 2021 to hold public hearings on two variance requests and to approve its 2022 meeting calendar. One request seeks to reduce the front setback at 1220 Summit Street from 20 feet to 6 feet 4 inches to rebuild a front porch; staff recommends approval. The other seeks to reduce a required industrial setback at 700 Lincoln Street from 50 feet to 23 feet. The board will also hear communications and any deferrals.

• Variance B-21-00350: reduce front setback at 1220 Summit Street from 20 feet to 6 feet 4 inches to rebuild a front porch; staff recommends approval
• Variance B-21-00373: reduce required setback at 700 Lincoln Street from 50 feet to 23 feet for an IG (General Industrial) lot abutting a residential or SmartCode district
• Applicant for 1220 Summit Street: Schneider and Associates Architecture for property owner Guadalupe A. Serna
• Applicant for 700 Lincoln Street: Joy Rhea of Paul Werner Architects for Shamrock Valley Ventures, LLC
• Miscellaneous item: approve 2022 BZA meeting calendar

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Nov. 2, 2021, in a hybrid format to act on a consent agenda and one regular item. The regular item is Resolution No. 7398, which would temporarily suspend enforcement of certain Land Development Code, International Building Code and International Fire Code provisions from Nov. 3, 2021 to March 31, 2022 to allow overnight winter emergency sheltering at the Community Building and East Lawrence Recreation Center. The consent agenda includes a $115,557 professional services agreement with Woolpert, a $36,475 change order to a sewer rehabilitation contract, and a special use permit for an extended care facility at 1311 Research Park Drive. The agenda also includes reports on snow and ice control, building permits, sales tax, and third-quarter finances.

• Resolution No. 7398: suspend certain code enforcement Nov. 3, 2021–March 31, 2022 for overnight winter emergency sheltering at the Community Building and East Lawrence Recreation Center
• Professional Services Agreement with Woolpert, Inc. for $115,557 for Phase 1 of the Asset Management Program (MS-21-8019)
• Change Order No. 3 with Insituform Technologies, LLC for $36,475.00, raising the 2020 Sanitary and Storm Sewer Rehabilitation CIPP Project contract to $2,012,178.70
• Purchase of seven Durango police interceptors from Landmark Dodge via the MACPP cooperative bid
• Special use permit SUP-21-00262 for Beehive Homes extended care facility at 1311 Research Park Drive; Ordinance No. 9879 on first reading

MPO Technical Advisory Committee

The Lawrence-Douglas County MPO Technical Advisory Committee meets Nov. 2, 2021 to recommend approval of the 2022 Unified Planning Work Program and 2022 Safety Targets, and to discuss the Transportation 2050 steering committee. The UPWP, open for public comment Sept. 28-Oct. 27, describes 2022 MPO work including developing Transportation 2050 to replace Transportation 2040, completing pedestrian plans, and updating Title VI and Limited English Proficiency plans. The safety targets follow a 15-day comment period that drew one formatting comment from KDOT. A discussion item covers performance measures on transit ridership and vehicle miles traveled per capita.

• Recommend approval of the 2022 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), which includes developing Transportation 2050 to replace Transportation 2040
• Recommend approval of 2022 Safety Targets, revised after one KDOT formatting comment
• Recommend approval of the Transportation 2050 Steering Committee and Staff Advisors
• Discussion of Performance Measure 4 (transit ridership) and PM 23 (vehicle miles traveled per capita)
• Pedestrian Plan survey open until Nov. 14; public participation survey open until Nov. 19

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission meets Oct. 27, 2021 to consider a rezoning and a preliminary plat for the Going South Addition, a 38-lot residential subdivision at 2726 O'Connell Road. Two other items — a splash park special use permit and a Douglas County land-assessment text amendment — are marked deferred. The meeting is held virtually via Zoom and in person at City Hall, 6 East 6th Street.

• Rezone Z-21-00227: about 5.19 acres at 2726 O'Connell Road (also 1338 E 1600 Rd) from RM15 to RS5, submitted by Grob Engineering Services for Going South, LLC
• Preliminary plat PP-21-00228: Going South Addition, 38 lots for detached, duplex, and multi-dwelling homes, including a cul-de-sac variance under section 20-810(e)
• Variance from Section 20-810(a)(2) for a sub-minimum-width lot in the RS7 district, tied to minor subdivision MS-21-00346, Blue Sage Meadows, 2 lots at 2145 and 2201 Learnard Avenue
• Deferred: SUP-21-00318 for an Active Recreation use (Burroughs Creek Splash Park) in the OS district at 900 E 15th Street
• Deferred: TA-21-00238, a Douglas County text amendment to create a Land Evaluation Site Assessment (LESA) system for AG-1 rezoning reviews

Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

The Lawrence-Douglas County MPO Policy Board will vote to approve the FFY 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment 4. This amendment adds funding for the 11th St/Louisiana St reconstruction and Massachusetts Street multi-modal improvements while removing two unfunded projects: Wakarusa Dr Reconstruction (6th St to Harvard Rd) and the 27th St Bridge. The board will also approve revisions to the Federal Functional Classification Map.

• Approve FFY 2021-2024 TIP Amendment 4, which programs $150k in 2022 and $1.6M in 2023 for 11th St/Louisiana St reconstruction.
• Program $100k in 2023 and $1.5M in 2024 for Massachusetts Street (14th to 23rd St) multi-modal improvements.
• Remove Wakarusa Drive Reconstruction (6th St to Harvard Rd) from the TIP as it is no longer funded in the City of Lawrence Capital Improvement Plan.
• Remove the 27th St Bridge project from the TIP as it is no longer funded in the City of Lawrence Capital Improvement Plan.
• Approve revisions to the Federal Functional Classification Map based on discussions with the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, and KDOT.

City Commission

The City Commission will vote to award a $1,503,620 construction contract to Dondlinger & Sons for the Bowersock Dam Rehabilitation. The body will also adopt ordinances authorizing up to $24 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds for a project at 2425 VenturePark Drive and up to $6,504,000 for the Heartland Community Health Clinic. Additionally, the Commission will deny an appeal regarding sidewalk requirements for a minor subdivision at 700 Lincoln Street.

• Award Bid No. B2132 to Dondlinger & Sons Construction Co. Inc. for $1,503,620 for Bowersock Dam Rehabilitation
• Adopt Ordinance No. 9877 authorizing issuance of not to exceed $24,000,000 in Industrial Revenue Bonds for KCI Lawrence Building II, LLC (VanTrust Phase II, Pretzels, Inc.)
• Adopt Ordinance No. 9889 authorizing issuance of up to $6,504,000 in industrial revenue bonds for Heartland Community Health Clinic at 1312 W. 6th Street
• Deny variance from sidewalk requirements for minor subdivision MS-21-00194 located at 700 Lincoln Street
• Adopt Ordinance No. 9890 allowing alcohol consumption on public right-of-way for Belgian Waffle Race event

Douglas County Food Policy Council

The Douglas County Food Policy Council will review a $4,734.28 budget balance and consider rescheduling the December meeting. The primary agenda item involves a presentation by zoning officials on establishing regulations for utility-scale solar and its impact on agriculture. The group will also discuss participation in a National Science Foundation study of food policy councils.

• Discussion on establishing regulations for utility-scale solar with guests Tonya Voigt and DreVel Taylor
• Budget overview showing a $4,734.28 balance for 2021
• Consideration to reschedule the December 20 meeting
• Invitation to participate in a National Science Foundation study of FPCs

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission met to approve a consent agenda including major infrastructure contracts and bond issuances. Key actions included authorizing a $1,244,646.90 construction contract for the 2021 Sidewalk Improvement Program and adopting ordinances for up to $24 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds for a VenturePark project. The body also approved a site plan appeal for a duplex at 2300 Crestline Drive and received updates on public safety cameras.

• Awarded Bid No. B2116 to Sunflower Paving Inc. for $1,244,646.90 for the 2021 Sidewalk Improvement Program.
• Adopted Ordinance No. 9877 on first reading to issue up to $24,000,000 in Industrial Revenue Bonds for KCI Lawrence Building II, LLC.
• Authorized purchase of 170 Motorola portable radios for a total cost of $803,984.
• Approved site plan SP-20-00408 for Duplex and Detached Dwelling uses at 2300 Crestline Drive.
• Authorized Engineering Services Agreement with Black & Veatch for $147,232 for the Wakarusa Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Building.

Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals and Sign Code Board of Appeals met to elect its Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2021-2022 term. The only substantive agenda item, a variance request for electronic message center signs at 647 Country Club Ter., was withdrawn before a decision could be made. No other rezonings, contracts, or ordinances were decided or discussed.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2021-2022 term
• Withdrawn request SV-21-00324 for a sign code variance at 647 Country Club Ter.

MPO Technical Advisory Committee

The MPO Technical Advisory Committee will vote to recommend approval of the FFY 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment 4. This amendment adds two new reconstruction projects totaling $3.35 million and removes two unfunded projects from the program. The committee will also recommend approval of revisions to the Federal Functional Classification Map.

• Program new 11th St/Louisiana St reconstruction project ($1,750,000)
• Program Massachusetts Street 14th to 23rd multi-modal improvements ($1,600,000)
• Remove Wakarusa Dr Reconstruction: 6th St to Harvard Rd (#139) as unfunded
• Remove 27th St Bridge project (#247) as unfunded
• Recommend approval of Federal Functional Classification Map revisions

City Commission

The City Commission will vote on several infrastructure contracts, including a $1.49 million paving project and a $297,000 water main replacement. The body will also provide direction to staff regarding a proposed $1.5 million amendment to the Capital Improvement Plan for artificial turf at the Youth Sports Complex. Additionally, the Commission will adopt ordinances authorizing bonds for an Enterprise Resource Planning system.

• Award Bid No. B2131 to Sunflower Paving, Inc. for $1,493,595.50 for the 2021 Milling, Patch, Overlay, and Concrete Maintenance Program - Phase 2.
• Provide direction to staff on a proposed $1.5 million amendment to the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan for artificial turf at the Youth Sports Complex.
• Award Bid No. B2129 to Westland Construction for $297,222 for the Iowa Street - 7th Street to 9th Street Water Main Replacement Project.
• Adopt Ordinance No. 9881 on second reading to authorize General Obligation Bonds for an Enterprise Resource Planning system.
• Approve Change Order No. 1 to the 2021 Concrete Rehabilitation Program with Sunflower Paving, Inc. for $162,336.23.

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission will consider several land use changes, including a joint meeting with Eudora regarding a golf complex and multiple rezonings in the West of K-10 area. The body will also review special use permits for an extended care facility and a bar/lounge, as well as a text amendment allowing greater flexibility for nonconforming uses.

• Rezone Z-21-00259: 25.4 acres at 7200 W. 6th Street from CC600 to RS7 (Single-Dwelling Residential)
• Rezone Z-21-00260: 10.4 acres at 7200 W. 6th Street from CC600 to OS (Open Space)
• Special Use Permit SUP-21-00262: Beehive Homes Extended Care Facility at 1311 Research Park Drive
• Rezone Z-21-00242: 22.02 acres at 1326 E. 1900 Road from AG-1 to RT (Rural Tourism Business) via joint meeting with Eudora
• Text Amendment TA-21-00211: Allow greater flexibility for expansions of nonconforming uses

City Commission

The City Commission will vote on adopting General Obligation Bonds to finance a $4.7 million Enterprise Resource Planning system. The agenda includes final readings for ordinances permitting detached dwellings in specific residential zones and modifying garage condo standards. Additionally, the body will approve a $147,232 engineering contract for the Wakarusa Wastewater Treatment Plant maintenance building.

• Adopt Ordinance No. 9881 authorizing General Obligation Bonds for an Enterprise Resource Planning system.
• Amend Capital Improvement Plan to increase ERP project total to $4,717,000.
• Authorize Engineering Services Agreement with Black & Veatch for $147,232 for Wakarusa WTP Maintenance Building.
• Final reading of Ordinance No. 9781 permitting Detached Dwelling use in RM12, RM12D, RM15, RM24, and RMO districts.
• Final reading of Ordinance No. 9864 modifying Land Development Code definitions for Garage Condos.

CANCELED - Planning Commission

The Lawrence, KS Planning Commission meeting scheduled for September 20, 2021, was canceled. The agenda listed one item: a text amendment (TA-21-00173) to add standards for Commercial/Utility Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems to the Zoning Regulations for unincorporated Douglas County. This item had already been deferred by the Commission on August 23, 2021.

• Meeting status: CANCELED
• Item TA-21-00173: Text amendment for Commercial/Utility Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems
• Status of TA-21-00173: Deferred on 8/23/21

CANCELED - Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

The scheduled September 16, 2021, meeting of the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board was canceled. The agenda contains no other items or decisions.

City Commission

The City Commission is set to approve several major contracts and ordinances. Key actions include authorizing a purchase agreement with ChargePoint, Inc. for electric bus charging infrastructure and a supplemental engineering agreement with George Butler Associates, Inc. The body will also adopt the 2021 Standard Traffic Ordinance on first reading and grant a telecommunications franchise to Unite Private Networks, LLC.

• Authorize $465,179 purchase agreement with ChargePoint, Inc. for electric bus charging infrastructure under the Electrify Lawrence Transit project.
• Authorize $949,421 Supplemental Agreement No. 1 with George Butler Associates, Inc. for Southwest Lawrence Conveyance Corridor Improvements.
• Award Bid No. B2127 to Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc. for $139,871.25 for Parking Lots and Roads - Parks & Rec 2021 project.
• Adopt Ordinance 9873 (48th Edition Standard Traffic Ordinance) on first reading.
• Adopt Ordinance No. 9874 granting Unite Private Networks, LLC a non-exclusive telecommunications franchise on second and final reading.

City Commission

The City Commission will adopt Resolution No. 7392 to approve the 2022 operating budget, 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan, Vehicle & Equipment Replacement Plan, and Maintenance Plan. The agenda includes authorizing several engineering contracts totaling over $150,000 for street and sewer projects. Commissioners will also vote on a rezoning request at 1734 Vermont Street and a telecommunications franchise for Unite Private Networks, LLC.

• Adopt Resolution No. 7392 approving the 2022 operating budget and 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan
• Authorize $37,990 supplemental agreement with Olsson, Inc. for 23rd Street engineering design
• Approve Change Order No. 2 for sewer rehabilitation project, increasing total contract value to $1,975,703.70
• Rezone approximately 0.05 acre at 1734 Vermont Street from RS5 to RM24 district
• Grant non-exclusive telecommunications franchise to Unite Private Networks, LLC

MPO Technical Advisory Committee

The MPO Technical Advisory Committee will review a request from Douglas County to change the federal functional classification of multiple road segments, primarily downgrading them to 'Local' status. The committee will also approve the minutes from the August 3, 2021 meeting and receive updates on the Lawrence Bikes Plan, pedestrian planning, and transit route redesign.

• Discussion of Douglas County requested changes to Federal Functional Classification Map for roads including E 1500 Rd, N 1000 Road, and Route 442.
• Approval of August 3, 2021 minutes.
• Update on Lawrence Bikes Plan performance measures.
• Update on Pedestrian Planning efforts.
• Update on Transit Route Redesign.

Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals

The Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals will consider five variance requests under the Land Development Code. Staff recommends denying the request for 1346 Ohio Street, which seeks to reduce required parking from 66 spaces to one for a bar expansion. Other items include parking reductions at 300 Elm Street and setback changes at 1134 Delaware Street, 1015 W. 23rd Street, and 430 Maple Street.

• Variance B-21-00243: Reduce off-street parking from 66 to 1 space at 1346 Ohio Street (staff recommends denial).
• Variance B-21-00244: Reduce parking from 6 to 0 spaces and non-residential floor area requirement from 50% to 33% at 300 Elm Street.
• Variance B-21-00290: Reduce front setback from 20 feet to 18 feet at 1134 Delaware Street for porch reconstruction.
• Variance B-21-00291: Reduce distance between driveway curb cut and signalized intersection from 300 feet to 190 feet at 1015 W. 23rd Street.
• Variance B-21-00292: Reduce front setback from 25 to 15 feet and rear setback from 15 to 0 feet at 430 Maple Street.

Planning Commission (Ad-Hoc Committee on Commercial/Utility Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems)

The Lawrence Planning Commission's Ad-Hoc Committee met virtually via Zoom on September 1, 2021. The agenda consisted solely of a study session regarding Commercial/Utility Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems. No specific decisions, votes, or public hearings were listed in the provided text.

• Study session on Commercial/Utility Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems

City Commission

The City of Lawrence is holding a public hearing to review the proposed 2022 budget, which totals $400,742,000 in expenditure authority for certified funds. The commission will consider adopting Resolution No. 7391 to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate of 32.515 mills. If approved, this allows the city to raise taxes beyond the limit set by state law to fund operations and capital projects.

• Adoption of Resolution No. 7391 to exceed the revenue neutral property tax rate of 32.515 mills
• Review of the 2022 recommended budget with total expenditure authority of $400,742,000
• Public hearing regarding utility rate increases for water, sewer, stormwater, and solid waste
• General Fund projected deficit of $7,918,000 to be covered by federal funding

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission will consider approving a preliminary plat for the Kolibri Addition, which divides three existing parcels at 1732, 1736, and 1744 Tennessee Street into lots for six residential units. The commission will also review a text amendment to establish Land Evaluation Site Assessment standards for agricultural rezonings in unincorporated Douglas County. A separate request for greater flexibility in expanding nonconforming uses was deferred from this agenda.

• Approval of preliminary plat PP-21-00220 for Kolibri Addition at 1732, 1736, and 1744 Tennessee Street for 6 residential units
• Review of text amendment TA-21-00238 to establish LESA system for AG-1 zoning district rezonings in unincorporated territory
• Deferral of text amendment TA-21-00211 regarding flexibility for expansions of nonconforming uses
• Consideration of variance MS-21-00194 for sidewalk requirements at 700 Lincoln Street

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission will consider approving a text amendment (TA-21-00173) that adds standards for Commercial/Utility Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems to the Zoning Regulations for unincorporated Douglas County. The item was initiated by the County Commission on May 5, 2021. The meeting also includes a study session on the Metropolitan Planning Organization's 2021 Work Plan and environmental justice topics.

• Text Amendment TA-21-00173: Add standards for Commercial/Utility Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems to Zoning Regulations
• Study Session: Presentation on MPO 2021 Work Plan, Environmental Justice, and Transportation Disadvantaged Populations

Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board meets Aug. 19, 2021 to approve minutes and act on two items: Amendment 3 to the FFY 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Amendment 1 to the 2021 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The TIP amendment adds or revises projects including a US-24 surfacing project, 6th and Massachusetts St traffic signal improvements, American Rescue Plan operating assistance for Lawrence Transit, electric buses, and intersection safety work. Both amendments had public comment periods July 16-31 with no comments received, and both were recommended for approval by the Technical Advisory Committee on Aug. 3. The board will also appoint an at-large member to the Lawrence Pedestrian Plan Steering Committee.

• TIP Amendment 3: US-24 surfacing from US-24/K-32 to the Douglas/Leavenworth County Line, $32,000 total project cost
• TIP Amendment 3: 6th and Massachusetts St Traffic Signal Improvement Project, $700,000, replacing signals at Massachusetts, Vermont, and Kentucky streets
• TIP Amendment 3: American Rescue Plan (ARP) Operating Assistance for Lawrence Transit, $4,512,000
• TIP Amendment 3: Lawrence Transit Electric Buses Phase II, $2,483,000, to procure two battery electric buses and charging infrastructure
• TIP Amendment 3: Rte 1061/Rte 460 Intersection Safety Improvement, $1,850,000

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, starting with a 45-minute closed executive session on pending litigation, then resuming at about 5:45 p.m. in a hybrid format. The commission will consider a $1,869,881 supplemental agreement with Black & Veatch for Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements and a $1,026,000 agreement with Wendel Companies for the Multimodal Transfer Facility and downtown transfer design. Other items include a special use permit and site plan for a commercial development at 4300 W. 24th Place, a text amendment aimed at reducing housing construction costs by 5%, and several proclamations.

• $1,869,881 supplemental agreement with Black & Veatch for Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements and nutrient removal pilot project, CIP# MS-20-0013
• $1,026,000 supplemental agreement with Wendel Companies for Multimodal Transfer Facility and Downtown Transfer Improvement final design, CIP# TR-21-01
• Special use permit SUP-20-00216 for a Fast Order Food, Drive-In use at 4300 W. 24th Place (Ordinance No. 9816, first reading)
• Site plan SP-20-00353 for phased commercial development with multiple buildings at 4300 W. 24th Place
• Text amendment TA-20-00002 to the Land Development Code targeting a 5% reduction in housing construction costs (street trees, plat studies, sidewalk timing)

Douglas County Food Policy Council

The Douglas County Food Policy Council meets Monday, August 16, 2021 at 6:30 PM at 1006 New Hampshire, Lawrence, with a Zoom option. The agenda covers administrative items including quorum, approval of July 19 minutes, a fall meeting preview, and a budget overview showing a $2,539.44 balance for 2021. The council will also hear public comment and updates on fall public engagement and on Food System Plan metrics and progress. The September meeting is cancelled; the next meeting is October 18, 2021.

• Budget overview: $2,539.44 balance for 2021
• $900 remaining in allocation for The Power of Food national forum, September 20-22, now virtual
• $750 allocated for Kansas Alliance for Wellness statewide food policy council convening, September 22-23, now virtual
• Kiss the Ground documentary and speaker event August 21, $40 per person
• KAW Valley Farm Tour October 2-3, $10 per vehicle

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Tuesday, August 10, 2021, in a hybrid format at City Hall, 6 East 6th Street. The main regular agenda item is adopting the Downtown Lawrence Plan. The rest of the agenda is largely procedural: approving the agenda, consent-agenda items, claims, licenses, and minutes, plus receiving reports and reviewing the calendar.

• Adopt the Downtown Lawrence Plan (Regular Agenda Item E.1)
• Authorize a $169,139 Engineering Services Agreement with Olsson, Inc. for Phase 2 of the Traffic Signal Coordination and Timing Study
• Second-reading Ordinance No. 9850 allowing alcohol on public right-of-way Sept 24-26, 2021 in the 900 block of New Hampshire Street and 100 block of E. Eighth Street for the Busker Festival
• Second-reading Ordinance No. 9871 allowing alcohol on public right-of-way 4-9 p.m. Sept 11, 2021 on the 700 Block of Mississippi St. for the Old West Lawrence Neighborhood Association Block Party
• Special use permit SUP-21-00128 for 10 new dwelling units at 3655 E. 25th Street for Lawrence Community Shelter; rezone Z-21-00142 of about .71 acres at 1223 Iowa Street from RS7-PD to RSO; annexation request A-21-00222 of about 3 acres at 1241 N. 1300 Road

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Tuesday, August 3, 2021 in a hybrid format at City Hall and via Zoom. The main regular agenda items are receiving the 2020 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report with audit findings from RSM, and discussing the Right of Way Management Program to direct staff. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as meeting minutes, claims, licenses, and several neighborhood funding and property items.

• Receive 2020 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and audit findings from RSM
• Discuss Right of Way Management Program and direct staff as appropriate
• Ordinance No. 9871: alcohol on public right-of-way 4-9 p.m. Sept 11, 2021, 700 Block of Mississippi St. for Old West Lawrence Neighborhood Association Block Party
• Ordinance No. 9850: alcohol on public right-of-way Sept 24-26, 2021, 900 block of New Hampshire Street and 100 block of E. Eighth Street for Busker Festival
• Gap funding for Brook Creek, East Lawrence, Pinckney, and Schwegler Neighborhood Associations from July 31 to Dec 31, 2021 via CDBG

MPO Technical Advisory Committee

The Lawrence-Douglas County MPO Technical Advisory Committee meets Aug. 3, 2021 to recommend approval of Amendment 3 to the FFY 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program, which adds several road and transit projects. The committee will also consider Amendment 1 to the 2021 Unified Planning Work Program and establish subcommittees for pedestrian plans in Eudora, Baldwin City, and Lecompton. A discussion item covers transportation and land use research, including possible revisions to the Major Thoroughfares Map. No public comments were received on either amendment as of the agenda publication date.

• TIP Amendment 3 adds US-24 surfacing from US-24/K-32 to the Douglas/Leavenworth County line ($32,000 total project cost)
• TIP Amendment 3 adds 6th and Massachusetts St Traffic Signal Improvement Project to replace 3 signals on 6th St at Massachusetts, Vermont, and Kentucky ($700,000)
• TIP Amendment 3 adds American Rescue Plan operating assistance for Lawrence Transit ($4,512,000) and two battery electric buses ($2,483,000)
• TIP Amendment 3 adds Rte 1061/Rte 460 Intersection Safety Improvement in Douglas County ($1,850,000)
• 2021 UPWP Amendment 1 revises the total UPWP budget and adds a travel demand model update and consultant recruitment

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission meets July 28, 2021 to consider a conditional use permit for a commercial dog kennel at 1924 E. 950 Road, a rezoning at 1734 Vermont Street, and a right-of-way variance for a Kwik Shop subdivision at 2100 W. 25th Street. Two other items — a rezoning at 620 E. 8th Street and two text amendments — are listed as deferred or not initiated, meaning no decision is scheduled. The meeting is held virtually via Zoom with in-person attendance also allowed; written public comment was due by 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 26, 2021.

• Conditional use permit CUP-21-00178 for a Commercial Dog Kennel (The Ramblin Ranch Dog Kennel) at 1924 E. 950 Road, with a proposed limit of 20 dogs over six months old and $1,000,000 per-incident liability insurance
• Rezoning Z-21-00185: about 0.05 acre at 1734 Vermont Street from RS5 (Single-Dwelling Residential) to RM24 (Multi-Dwelling Residential)
• Variance for minor subdivision MS-21-00120 from right-of-way width along a principal arterial for Kwik Shop Subdivision at 2100 W. 25th Street
• Rezoning Z-21-00141 at 620 E. 8th Street (about 2.10 acres from IG-UC to CS-UC) listed as DEFERRED
• Text amendments TA-21-00100 (Climate Controlled Mini-Warehouse) and TA-21-00127 (occupancy limits in RS/RSO districts) listed as NOT INITIATED

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission meets July 26, 2021 to consider whether the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan conforms with the city's comprehensive plan and to forward a recommendation to the City Commission. It will also hold a joint meeting with the Lecompton Planning Commission on a Boat/RV storage conditional use permit at 568 N. 1800 Road, and take up two minimum maintenance road designations in Willow Springs and Lecompton townships. A study session on county zoning regulations and rural land use is also scheduled.

• Consider finding that the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan conforms with the comprehensive plan and forward a recommendation to the City Commission
• Joint meeting with Lecompton Planning Commission on conditional use permit CUP-21-00184 for Boat/RV Storage at 568 N. 1800 Road, submitted by Ben Shepley for SNL Storage LLC
• Consider rescinding minimum maintenance road designation MM-21-00002 for East 1000 Road between 029N and North 100 Road in Willow Springs Township
• Consider establishing minimum maintenance road designation MM-21-00003 for three roads in Lecompton Township: East 300 Road, East 400 Road, and North 2000 Road
• Study session: update on County Zoning Regulations/Rural Land Use, presented by County Zoning & Codes

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets July 20, 2021 in a hybrid format to approve a consent agenda covering contracts, bids, and labor agreements, and to take up two regular agenda items. The regular agenda includes a public hearing on an unsafe structure at 2010 Learnard Avenue and a vote on scheduling hearings for a property tax rate exceeding the revenue-neutral rate. The consent agenda includes multi-year agreements with the firefighters, police officers, and solid waste unions, plus several construction and equipment contracts.

• Change Order #1 with Dondlinger & Sons Construction Co., Inc. for $156,103.42 for a retaining wall north of Abe & Jake's Landing (Riverbank Stabilization, CIP# PW17E9)
• Change Order No. 1 with Vito's Plumbing, Inc. for $240,250 for the 2020 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation CIPP Project, raising the purchase order to $333,250
• Bid No. B2111 awarded to MegaKC Corporation for $731,960 for the Lawrence Loop: 11th to 9th Street & 29th Street Project (CIP# PR-20-2121)
• Bid No. B2118 to Lippert Mechanical Services for $187,270 for HVAC replacement at East Lawrence Recreation Center, Fire Medical Station #2, and Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Public hearing on Resolution No. 7386 declaring the structure at 2010 Learnard Avenue unsafe and dangerous, with repairs or demolition ordered by August 20, 2021

Douglas County Food Policy Council

The Douglas County Food Policy Council meets Monday, July 19, 2021 at 6:30 PM at 1006 New Hampshire or via Zoom. Members will consider spending from a $4,704.43 2021 balance on registrations and mileage for the September 20-22 national food policy council forum and the September 22-23 Kansas Alliance for Wellness convening in Kansas City. The agenda also includes a guest presentation on transit mapping by Jessica Mortinger of the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization, an internal equity update, and planning for a City Commission candidate forum.

• Budget overview: $4,704.43 balance for 2021
• Consider up to $100 additional for mileage and lunches for two scholarship registrations to The Power of Food forum
• Consider up to $400 per person for additional Council member registrations ($300/person plus ~$60/day mileage)
• Consider up to $150 per person for mileage to the Kansas Alliance for Wellness convening
• Guest presentation: transit mapping with Jessica Mortinger, Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization

Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board meets July 15, 2021 to vote on three transportation plans and establish a steering committee. The board will consider approving the Lawrence-Douglas County Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Plan, the Countywide Bike Plan, and Amendment 1 to the Lawrence Safe Routes to School Plan. It will also vote on establishing the Lawrence Pedestrian Plan Steering Committee. The meeting is hosted virtually and in person at City Hall, 6 E 6th St, with mask and social distancing requirements.

• Approve the Lawrence-Douglas County Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Plan, a 101-page plan with three public comments received May 6-21
• Approve the Countywide Bike Plan, a 180-page plan with three public comments received May 6-June 5
• Establish the Lawrence Pedestrian Plan Steering Committee to update the 2016 Regional Pedestrian Plan
• Approve Lawrence Safe Routes to School Plan Amendment 1, revisiting routes for Cordley, Prairie Park, and New York elementary schools after Kennedy Elementary becomes an early childhood center
• Approve the April 15, 2021 minutes

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Tuesday, July 13, 2021 in a hybrid format at City Hall, 6 East 6th Street. The main work session item is receiving the 2022 City Manager's Recommended Budget; no binding action is taken on work session items. The consent agenda bundles routine approvals including meeting minutes, claims, and several contracts and ordinances. Public comment is allowed on items not otherwise scheduled for discussion.

• Change orders for Kasold Drive - 22nd Street to Clinton Parkway project with RD Johnson: $106,750.79, raising the final construction contract amount to $2,261,749.79
• Supplemental Agreement No. 2 with Black & Veatch Corporation for $41,171 for the Stratford Water Tower Replacement Project (UT1984CIP)
• Supplemental Agreement No. 2 with Olsson, Inc. for $75,399 for engineering design on 23rd Street – Haskell Bridge to 600' East of Anderson Road (CIP# MS-20-0005)
• Purchase of a Kenworth T370 grapple truck from American Equipment for $161,815 via the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing bid
• Ordinance No. 9869 on first reading allowing alcohol sale, possession, and consumption on the public right-of-way on the 1000 block of Massachusetts on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 6:00 p.m.–11:59 p.m. for Live on Mass

MPO Bicycle Advisory Committee

The Lawrence-Douglas County MPO Bicycle Advisory Committee is meeting to recommend approval of the draft Countywide Bike Plan, which outlines goals for bicycle safety and infrastructure in Eudora, Baldwin City, Lecompton, and unincorporated Douglas County. The committee will also approve updated Bicycle Rideability routes pending final edits. The meeting includes a review of previous minutes and quick updates on performance measures.

• Recommend approval of the 180-page Countywide Bike Plan draft
• Approve updated Bicycle Rideability routes pending final edits
• Plan goals include reducing bicycle fatalities and improving separation distance on roadways
• Specific targets: Baldwin City to add 3.25 miles of bikeway network by 2030; Eudora to add 4 miles by 2030
• Public comment period for the plan ran from May 6 to June 5, 2021

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission approved a $382,989.75 contract for street restoration and a $399,855 engineering agreement for Wakarusa Drive reconstruction. The agenda also included first and second readings of ordinances allowing alcohol sales for specific festivals and updates to land development codes regarding mini-warehouses and occupancy limits.

• Awarded Bid No. B2117 to Sunflower Paving, Inc. for $382,989.75 for the 2021 CDBG Street Restoration Project
• Authorized $399,855 engineering agreement with JEO Consulting Group for Wakarusa Drive reconstruction between Research Park Way and Clinton Parkway
• Adopted Ordinance No. 9853 allowing alcohol on Massachusetts Street for the Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championship
• Initiated text amendment TA-21-00100 to allow Climate Controlled Mini-Warehouses in RMO and CN2 zoning districts
• Approved special use permit SUP-21-00095 for a Maker Space, Intensive at 912 N. 3rd Street

MPO Technical Advisory Committee

The Lawrence-Douglas County MPO Technical Advisory Committee meets July 6, 2021 to consider recommending approval of two major transportation plans: the Lawrence-Douglas County Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Plan and the Countywide Bike Plan. The committee will also vote on establishing a Lawrence Pedestrian Plan Steering Committee and approving Amendment 1 to the Lawrence Safe Routes to School Plan. Discussion items include a Transportation and Land Use Best Practices Guide and the 2022 Unified Planning Work Program. The meeting is hosted virtually with public comment accepted via Zoom or written correspondence.

• Recommend approval of the Lawrence-Douglas County Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Plan, a 101-page plan with public comment from May 6-21
• Recommend approval of the Countywide Bike Plan, a 180-page plan developed since 2018 with public comment from May 6-June 5
• Recommend establishing the Lawrence Pedestrian Plan Steering Committee to update the 2016 Regional Pedestrian Plan
• Recommend approval of Lawrence Safe Routes to School Plan Amendment 1, revising routes for Cordley, Prairie Park, and New York Elementary after Kennedy Elementary becomes an early childhood center
• Discussion of the 2022 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and a Transportation and Land Use Best Practices Guide

Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals and Sign Code Board of Appeals will consider three specific requests. These include a sign variance for a bank, a setback variance for a Chick-fil-A location, and an appeal regarding shared parking requirements in a redevelopment zone. Staff recommends approving the sign variance but denies the setback variance.

• Variance request for a 23.43 sq. ft. wall sign at 4340 W 6th St (Central Bank of the Midwest)
• Variance request to reduce front setback from 25 to 20 feet at 2735 Iowa Street for Chick-fil-A
• Variance request to reduce rear setback from 20 to 10 feet at 1223 Iowa Street for two duplexes
• Appeal challenging shared off-street parking requirements at 801 Pennsylvania Street
• Public hearing scheduled for the zoning variance requests

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission meets June 23, 2021 to consider rezoning and plat requests, including .71 acres at 1223 Iowa Street from RS7-PD to RSO for future duplex and office use, and 7.23 acres at Kasold Drive and Bob Billings Parkway from U-KU to RS7 for an Evergy electrical substation. A rezoning at 620 E. 8th Street is deferred. The Commission will also appoint two members to the MPO Policy Board.

• Rezone .71 acres at 1223 Iowa Street from RS7-PD to RSO (Z-21-00142), with preliminary plat PP-21-00143 for Mabel's Subdivision and a right-of-way variance
• Rezone 7.23 acres at Kasold Drive and Bob Billings Parkway from U-KU to RS7 (Z-21-00138), plus preliminary plat PP-21-00139 for Free State Subdivision and special use permit SUP-21-00140 for an electrical substation
• Rezoning Z-21-00141 at 620 E. 8th Street from IG-UC to CS-UC is deferred
• Appoint two Planning Commissioners to the MPO Policy Board, which meets the 3rd Thursday monthly at 3:00pm
• Written public comment due by 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 21, 2021

Douglas County Food Policy Council

The Douglas County Food Policy Council meets Monday, June 21, 2021, 6:30-8:30pm at 1006 New Hampshire, Lawrence, with a Zoom option. Members will vote on quorum and the May 17 minutes, review a $5,704.43 budget balance for 2021, and consider budget requests tied to September food policy conferences in Kansas City. They will also discuss a possible City Commission Candidate Forum, whether to cancel the September 20 full Council meeting, and updates on the Internal Equity Advisory Group and the FoRWaRD Working Group.

• Budget overview: $5,704.43 balance for 2021
• Consider budget request for a conference speaker to provide remote dial-in attendance at flexible meeting locations
• Consider budget request for Council member registrations to 'The Power of Food' forum Sept 20-22 in Kansas City: $300 per person plus mileage at about $60 per day for a driver
• Kansas Alliance for Wellness scholarships: max 2 per Council, apply by July 2; two registrations per Council for the Sept 22-23 statewide convening
• Consider cancelling the September 20 full Council meeting in lieu of conference and event participation

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission meets Monday, June 21, 2021, to elect officers and act on four public hearing items. The most concrete is a special use permit, SUP-21-00128, for 10 new dwelling units at 3655 E. 25th Street for Lawrence Community Shelter. The Commission will also consider three text amendments: garage condo standards, subdivision regulations tied to Plan 2040, and commercial/utility-scale solar standards for unincorporated Douglas County. A rezoning request at 1326 E 1900 Rd has been withdrawn.

• Special use permit SUP-21-00128: 10 new dwelling units at 3655 E. 25th Street for Lawrence Community Shelter
• Text amendment TA-21-00027: modify Garage Condos definition and standards (submitted by Paul Werner Architects)
• Text amendment TA-21-00107: revise subdivision regulations to align with Plan 2040 growth management
• Text amendment TA-21-00173: add standards for Commercial/Utility Scale Solar Energy Conversion Systems in unincorporated Douglas County
• Rezoning Z-21-00098 at 1326 E 1900 Rd (22.02 acres, AG-1 to GB) is marked WITHDRAWN

CANCELED - Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 3:00 PM has been canceled. The agenda contains no items for decision or discussion. The only other content is standard boilerplate about special accommodations and Title VI non-discrimination.

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission held a virtual meeting to approve consent agenda items, including construction contracts for pavement markings and Bowersock Dam engineering. The Commission also authorized multiple grant applications for transit projects and adopted ordinances regarding alcohol sales and special use permits. A closed executive session was held to discuss employer-employee negotiations.

• Awarded Bid No. B2114 to K & G Striping Inc for $149,260.60 for city-wide pavement marking rehabilitation.
• Authorized $113,694 engineering services agreement with Olsson Associates for Bowersock Dam rehabilitation.
• Approved special use permit SUP-21-00071 for a small event center at 1266 Oread Ave for the KU Alumni Association.
• Adopted Ordinance No. 9848 allowing alcohol consumption on Massachusetts Street for the Hot Rod Street Festival.
• Authorized grant applications for Lawrence Transit projects, including microtransit, bus stop amenities, and zero-emissions transition plans.

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission will review the recommended 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan and authorize a utility assistance program funded by customer donations. The agenda also includes approving contracts for a splash park, bus stop amenities, and de-icing salt, as well as adopting ordinances on alcohol sales and rezoning a residential parcel.

• Review recommended 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan
• Authorize $372,500 design-build contract for Burroughs Creek Splash Park
• Adopt ordinance rezoning 820 N. Minnesota Street to RS10 District
• Award $232,500 contract for 5,000 tons of de-icing salt
• Authorize utility assistance program funded by bill donations

Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals

The Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals deferred a public hearing on a request to reduce a required front setback for a Chick-fil-A property. Staff recommended denying the variance, which would allow a canopy to encroach on the setback area. The meeting also included a training session on the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

• Deferred public hearing: Variance request for 2735 Iowa Street
• Request to reduce front setback from 25 feet to 20 feet in CS zoning district
• Applicant: Chick-fil-A Inc. c/o Houret Family Limited Partnership
• Staff recommendation: Deny variance for Order Meal Delivery canopy installation

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets June 1, 2021 to vote on a consent agenda that includes a $5,519,517 construction contract for the Naismith Valley Interceptor and Pump Station 8 Abandonment project, plus several resolutions and rezonings. The regular agenda includes four public hearings on unsafe structures and inoperable vehicles at 616 Maine Street and 1510 Wedgewood Drive, and discussion of the Downtown Master Plan and a temporary right-of-way program. The commission will also consider two stormwater engineering agreements totaling about $1.3 million and receive a Fire Medical station optimization analysis.

• Consent agenda: award Bid No. B2110 to BRB Contractors, Inc. for $5,519,517 for the Naismith Valley Interceptor and Pump Station 8 Abandonment project (UT1892CIP), plus $69,385 to Black & Veatch for construction phase services
• Rezoning Z-21-00047: about 0.737 acre at 820 N. Minnesota Street from Douglas County CP to City RS10, first reading of Ordinance No. 9851
• Engineering Services Agreement with TREKK Design Group LLC for $1,084,206 for the Stormwater System Id, Assessment & Model Creation Program (CIP# MS-21-9804)
• Engineering Services Agreement with JEO Consulting Group, Inc. for $215,645 for stormwater improvements for the Jayhawk Watershed
• Public hearings on unsafe structures and inoperable vehicles at 616 Maine Street and 1510 Wedgewood Drive, with resolutions ordering repair or demolition and vehicle removal by July 1, 2021

CANCELED - MPO Technical Advisory Committee

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization's Technical Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 2:30 PM was canceled. The agenda contains no business items, votes, or discussion topics. The only other content is boilerplate about special accommodations and Title VI non-discrimination notices.

City Government Study Task Force

The City Government Study Task Force is meeting to adopt recommendations for the Lawrence City Commission regarding changes to the city's form of government. The draft report proposes replacing the current system with a directly elected nonpartisan mayor serving a four-year term and six commissioners elected from districts. The task force previously voted unanimously to support this structure, citing benefits for voter engagement and representation.

• Adopt recommendations for a directly elected nonpartisan mayor with a four-year term
• Recommend creating six city districts for commissioner elections
• Propose staggered four-year terms for commissioners (three elected every two years)
• Review draft report dated May 24, 2021, from Task Force Chair John Nalbandian
• Public comment deadline: 12:00 p.m. on meeting day via email or drop box

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission will consider approving special use permits for a maker space, a duplex expansion, and a KU Alumni Association event center. The agenda also includes a proposed text amendment to the Land Development Code regarding alcohol sales regulations and two variances for minor subdivisions.

• Special use permit for Maker Space, Intensive at 912 N. 3rd Street
• Special use permit for duplex expansion at 1306 New Hampshire St.
• Special use permit for Event Center, Small use at 1266 Oread Ave.
• Text amendment to Land Development Code Articles 4, 5, and 17 on alcohol sales
• Variance for sidewalk requirements in Billy Addition at 109 North 8th Street

City Commission - May 25 2021 - Special Meeting

The Lawrence City Commission held a special meeting on May 25, 2021, with two agenda items. Commissioners considered adopting Resolution No. 7375, which sets meeting rules during the aftermath of the COVID-19 emergency, effective May 29, 2021 through July 31, 2021, and repeals Resolution No. 7360. They also received a consultant presentation from Citygate Associates on a Comprehensive Study of the Lawrence Police Department, a report containing 60 findings and 75 recommendations; the report is a final draft and the commission may accept it at a later date.

• Resolution No. 7375 would govern city meetings from May 29 to July 31, 2021, require masks and social distancing for in-person attendees, and repeal Resolution No. 7360
• Citygate Associates presented its Comprehensive Study of the Lawrence Police Department, containing 60 findings and 75 recommendations
• The police study contract was authorized October 20, 2020, for $117,833 with Citygate Associates, LLC
• The police report is a final draft; commissioners and the public may give feedback before the commission's final acceptance at a later date
• Written public comment must be received by the City Clerk by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission will review four land-use requests, including two rezonings and two conditional use permits. One major item involves changing zoning for the Twin Oaks Golf Complex to allow general business uses. A text amendment regarding subdivision regulations was deferred to a future meeting.

• Rezone 22.02 acres at 1326 E 1900 Rd from AG-1 to GB for Twin Oaks Golf Complex
• Conditional use permit for a Vacation Rental at 144 N. 1600 Road
• Conditional use permit for an Event Center at Enright Gardens, 2351 N. 400 Road
• Rezone 25 acres at 981 E. 1549 Road from AG-1/AG-2 to CP District
• Deferred text amendment to Subdivision Regulations aligned with Plan 2040

Building Code Board of Appeals

The Building Code Board of Appeals will hear an appeal from property owners Matthew P. Schwabauer and Katie N. Hobson of 2305 Westdale Road, who are contesting a city determination that their proposed horizontal-slat fence does not comply with the 2018 ISPSC barrier rules for their above-ground pool (Building Permit #1-21-00477). The board will vote to uphold or overturn the Code Official's determination. The meeting is being held virtually via Zoom with modified public comment procedures due to COVID-19.

• Appeal of Building Permit #1-21-00477 for a 12-foot diameter, 30-inch deep above-ground pool at 2305 Westdale Road
• Applicants propose a 6-foot privacy fence with horizontal slats spaced up to 1 inch, arguing it is 'equally good or better' than allowed fences
• City staff determined the fence design does not comply with 2018 ISPSC because horizontal slats would need to be solid with no gaps
• Applicants also protest a requirement to put alarms on all windows with sills below 48 inches
• Written public comment due by 10:00 a.m. May 21, 2021 to tfrench@lawrenceks.org

CANCELED - Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 3:00 PM was canceled. The agenda contains no items for discussion or decision — only the cancellation notice. No business was conducted or proposed at this meeting.

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Tuesday, May 18, 2021, to act on a consent agenda that includes major purchases and contracts, plus resolutions on homelessness. The meeting also includes a presentation on housing from the Lawrence Homebuilders Association and Lawrence Board of Realtors, a fire medical accreditation update, and two executive sessions for legal and labor matters.

• Award Bid #B2112 to Shawnee Mission Ford for $163,764 for two class 5 trucks with plow and spreaders for the Street Division
• Award Bid No. B2113 to Sunflower Paving, Inc. for $4,421,504.50 for the 2021 Milling, Patch, Overlay, and Concrete Maintenance Program - Phase 1, with a $4,700,000 purchase order for contingency
• Authorize a purchase agreement with Gillig, LLC for five 40' battery electric buses at $4,769,765 under the Electrify Lawrence Transit project
• Adopt Resolution No. 7373, a joint resolution with Douglas County committing to ongoing cooperation to address homelessness
• Authorize a $1,500,000 local fund commitment letter to the Kansas Department of Transportation for the 6th & K-10 interchange project

Douglas County Food Policy Council

The Douglas County Food Policy Council meets Monday, May 17, 2021, 6:30-8:30pm at 1006 New Hampshire in Lawrence or via Zoom. Members will consider how food system priorities fit into the Lawrence Downtown Master Plan, Transit Route Redesign, Economic Development Strategy, and Strategic Plan, and will discuss forming an internal equity working group. The agenda also includes a food and farm update on preliminary agricultural economic development survey results and a tentative 2021 timeline. Routine items include quorum, approval of April 19 minutes, membership updates, and a 2021 budget balance of $5,704.43.

• Budget overview: $5,704.43 balance for 2021
• Discussion of embedding food system priorities in the Lawrence Downtown Master Plan, Transit Route Redesign, Economic Development Strategy, and Strategic Plan
• Discuss formation of an internal equity working group
• Overview of preliminary agricultural economic development survey results
• No-cost Kansas Leadership Center "Your Leadership Edge" registrations available to FPC members

City Government Study Task Force

The City Government Study Task Force is continuing its discussion on whether Lawrence city commissioners should be elected by district or at-large. A memo prepared by Chair John Nalbandian outlines the pros and cons of each system, referencing academic research on minority representation and voter engagement. The task force previously voted to recommend a four-year term for a directly elected, at-large mayor.

• Discussion of district vs. at-large election methods for commissioners
• Memo analyzing district sizes: 4 districts (~25,000 residents) vs. 6 districts (~16,000 residents)
• Reference to 2020 academic study on at-large elections and minority representation
• Previous vote to recommend a four-year term for a directly elected, at-large mayor

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Tuesday, May 11, 2021, to act on a consent agenda and hold a work session on 2021 revenue projections and policy decisions affecting the 2022 budget. Regular agenda items include a final development plan modification for Colonial Northeast Phase III at 4931 West 6th Street. The commission will also receive the 1st Quarter 2021 Financial Report and the Transportation 2040 Amendment 1, and consider a special meeting on May 25 for a Citygate Associates study of the Lawrence Police Department.

• Final Development Plan modification FDP-20-00428 for Colonial Northeast Phase III, 4931 West 6th Street, submitted by Collaborative Ventures, LLC for Cherry Hill Properties, LLC
• Memorandum of Understanding with The University of Kansas for the joint transit maintenance facility under the Electrify Lawrence Transit project, funded by the Federal Transit Administration Low-No Program
• Ordinance No. 9847 on first reading amending City Code on certain powers of the City Manager
• Ordinance No. 9845 on second and final reading eliminating drivers' license reinstatement fees to the City
• Ordinance No. 9843 on second and final reading allowing Animal Services – Sales and Grooming as a home occupation

Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals

The Lawrence Board of Zoning Appeals meets May 6, 2021 to hold public hearings on three residential setback variance requests. Staff recommends approval of the first, a 10-foot rear setback reduction for an existing deck at 308 N. Eaton Drive. Two other requests seek reduced side and rear setbacks at 1001 Alma Drive and 3401 W. 28th Circle. A fourth item, a driveway surfacing variance at 2522 Alabama Street, is deferred.

• B-21-00102: variance to reduce rear setback from 30 to 20 feet for an existing deck at 308 N. Eaton Drive; staff recommends approval
• B-21-00106: variance to reduce exterior side setback from 25 to 15 feet for an accessory storage shed at 1001 Alma Drive
• B-21-00108: variance to reduce rear setback from 30 to 22.1 feet for deck reconstruction at 3401 W. 28th Circle
• B-21-00007: driveway surfacing variance at 2522 Alabama Street is deferred
• Written public comment due by 10:00am the day of the meeting; meeting held via Zoom and broadcast live

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets May 4, 2021, starting with a 30-minute closed executive session on pending litigation, then resuming at 5:45 p.m. to consider a consent agenda and regular items. The main regular item is a public hearing on Resolution No. 7366, which would authorize up to $17 million in tax-exempt Industrial Revenue Bond financing and a ten-year property tax abatement of roughly 70% or 90% for the US Engineering Metalworks Project. The commission will also receive a State of the Arts 2021 presentation and city manager updates, including efforts to return Iⁿ 'zhúje waxóbe to the Kaw Nation.

• Public hearing and vote on Resolution No. 7366: up to $17 million in tax-exempt Industrial Revenue Bonds plus a ten-year ~70% or 90% property tax abatement for the US Engineering Metalworks Project
• Purchase of a John Deere tractor with mower attachment from Murphy Tractor for $124,959.00 via Sourcewell cooperative bid
• First reading of Ordinance No. 9845 eliminating drivers' license reinstatement fees to the City
• Second and final reading of Ordinance No. 9828 prohibiting conversion therapy
• License agreements for right-of-way use at 801 Pennsylvania Street (patio and fence) and 600 Lawrence Avenue (irrigation system)

CANCELED - MPO Technical Advisory Committee

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization's MPO Technical Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 2:30 PM has been canceled. The agenda contains no items for decision or discussion beyond the cancellation notice and standard accommodation and nondiscrimination boilerplate.

• Meeting canceled; no business items listed
• Was to be hosted virtually in the City Commission Room, City Hall, 6 E 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
• Special accommodation requests directed to L-DC MPO at (785) 832-7700, at least 72 hours in advance
• Title VI nondiscrimination notice included; complaint form at www.lawrenceks.org/mpo/title6

City Government Study Task Force

The City Government Study Task Force meets Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 5:30 PM in the City Commission Room at City Hall, 6 E 6th St. The group is scheduled to vote on the length of the mayor's term and how the mayor is elected, and to continue discussing the mayor's roles and responsibilities and at-large versus district representation for commissioners. It will also consider approving minutes from its April 19, 2021 meeting.

• Vote on length of term for mayor
• Vote on method of election for mayor
• Continued discussion of mayor's roles and responsibilities
• Continued discussion of at-large vs. district representation for commissioners
• Approve minutes from the April 19, 2021 meeting

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission meets April 28, 2021 to consider a preliminary plat for Cornerstone Church Addition near O'Connell Road and E. 25th Terrace, a rezoning at 820 N. Minnesota Street, and a subdivision regulation text amendment tied to the Eudora urban growth area. The Commission will also receive guidance on the 2022-2024 Planning Work Plan and consider two sidewalk-related variances. A KU Alumni Association special use permit is deferred and a dog kennel conditional use permit is withdrawn.

• Preliminary plat PP-21-00072 for Cornerstone Church Addition, ~8.27 acres at O'Connell Road and E. 25th Terrace
• Rezoning Z-21-00047 of ~0.737 acre at 820 N. Minnesota Street from Douglas County CP to City RS10
• Text amendment TA-21-00090 revising Subdivision Regulations for the Eudora urban growth area
• 2022-2024 Planning Work Plan guidance to be forwarded to County and City commissions
• Sidewalk variances for Plastikon Addition No. 1 at 3780 Greenway Circle and McCray Lumber at 1516 W. 6th Street

MPO Bicycle Advisory Committee

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City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets April 20, 2021 to consider first reading of Ordinance No. 9828 prohibiting conversion therapy, and to vote on several contracts and budget items. The agenda also includes a public hearing on 2021 CDBG and HOME funding recommendations, a decision on project delivery method for Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements, and the second quarter 2021 budget adjustment. A public hearing on tax-exempt Industrial Revenue Bond financing for US Engineering has been deferred to May 4, 2021.

• Ordinance No. 9828 on first reading to prohibit conversion therapy
• $266,564 engineering services agreement with George Butler Associates for Clinton Parkway Watermain Replacement and Stormwater Improvement Project
• $538,402.50 construction contract with Sunflower Paving, Inc. for 2021 Concrete Rehabilitation Program (Bid No. B2109)
• $857,189 Supplement No. 2 with Dake Wells Architecture for Field Operations Campus project CIP #MS-21-0004
• Public hearing on 2021 CDBG and HOME funding recommendations and Annual Action Plan, opening 30-day comment period

City Government Study Task Force

The City Government Study Task Force meets to discuss and vote on the roles and responsibilities of a four-year, directly elected mayor, and to discuss district/at-large elections, terms in office, and ranked choice voting. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from April 7, 2021, and public comment. The agenda includes a survey on mayoral roles and written materials on election systems.

• Vote on roles and responsibilities of a four-year, directly elected mayor
• Discussion of district/at-large elections, terms in office, and ranked choice voting
• Approve minutes from April 7, 2021
• Public comment on agenda items, limited to three minutes per person
• Future meeting dates set for April 29, May 17, May 27, and June 2, 2021

Douglas County Food Policy Council

The Douglas County Food Policy Council meets April 19, 2021 to handle administrative items and planning. Members will consider approving March 15 minutes and funding member registration for the Kansas Rural Center Local Food Connections Virtual Conference at $15 per person, against a 2021 balance of $5,359.43. The council will also discuss a tentative June 23 presentation to the County Commission, working group updates, and 2021 meeting and work plan ideas including resuming in-person meetings.

• Consider funding member registration for Kansas Rural Center Local Food Connections Virtual Conference on May 7, $15/person
• Budget overview: $5,359.43 balance for 2021
• Approval of March 15 meeting minutes
• Presentation to County Commission tentatively scheduled for June 23
• Discussion of resuming in-person meetings and 2021 work plan timeline

Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board will vote on Amendment 2 to the 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program, which programs newly awarded Transportation Alternative funds to Lawrence, Eudora, Baldwin City, and Lecompton and includes a South Iowa St. traffic signal project. The board will also hear a discussion on local performance measures and a presentation on the City of Lawrence ethics policy and the Kansas Open Meetings Act. Quick updates cover the ITS Architecture Plan, the Transit Route Redesign, and recent TAC minutes.

• Vote on FFY 2021-2024 TIP Amendment 2, programming Transportation Alternative funds to Lawrence, Eudora, Baldwin City, and Lecompton
• South Iowa St. Traffic Signal Improvement Program included in the TIP amendment
• Discussion of Performance Measures 7, 24, 25, and 26 data updates (travel time, sensitive lands, single-occupancy vehicles, mode choice)
• Presentation on City of Lawrence Ethics Policy (Resolution No. 7269) and Kansas Open Meetings Act
• ITS Architecture Plan update timeline targets MPO Policy Board review in June

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets April 13, 2021, starting with a roughly 20-minute closed executive session on privileged legal communications, then resumes at 5:45 p.m. On the regular agenda, commissioners will consider directing staff to add 6.0 full-time positions and bond-funded project management staff in the quarterly budget adjustment, and to create a new Environmental Remediation Manager position for the Farmland Remediation program. The consent agenda includes routine minutes, claims, appointments, a purchase over $100,000 with P1 Group, Inc., a rezoning at 1733 Massachusetts Street, and a June 8 public hearing on a house at 1236 Laura Avenue. A work session will receive a presentation on services for people experiencing homelessness, with no action taken.

• Executive session (~20 min) on privileged legal communications regarding legislation under K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2)
• Purchase over $100,000 with P1 Group, Inc. for operating services and supplies for Municipal Services & Operations
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 9839 to rezone ~0.50 acre at 1733 Massachusetts Street from CS to RM24
• Resolution No. 7363 setting a June 8, 2021 public hearing on repair or demolition of a one-story house at 1236 Laura Avenue
• Direct staff to add 6.0 FTE positions and create an MSO Environmental Remediation Manager for the Farmland Remediation program

City Government Study Task Force

The City Government Study Task Force meets to review a revised values frame and timeline, examine the council-manager form of government, and discuss survey results and possible roles for a directly elected mayor. Members may adopt the revised values frame and timeline; other items are review and discussion. The agenda also includes approval of March 30 minutes and public comment.

• Vote to adopt revised values frame and task force timeline
• Review of council-manager vs. mayor-council form of government
• Survey results on attributes of a directly elected mayor
• Review list of possible mayoral roles and responsibilities
• Future meetings set for April 19, April 29, May 17, May 27, and June 2

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets April 6, 2021 to act on a range of items, including first reading of an ordinance prohibiting conversion therapy, a report on emergency medical services from Wichita State University, and several bond and rezoning measures. Much of the agenda is routine consent items such as meeting minutes, claims, and licenses. A public hearing on tax-exempt Industrial Revenue Bond financing for the US Engineering Metalworks Project has been deferred to April 20, 2021.

• First reading of Ordinance No. 9828 prohibiting conversion therapy
• Rezoning of about 0.50 acre at 1733 Massachusetts Street from CS to RM24 district (Ordinance No. 9839)
• General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021-A to Wells Fargo and Series 2021-I temporary notes to Bank of America Merrill Lynch
• Public hearings set for June 1, 2021 on structures at 1510 Wedgewood Dr. and 616 Maine St.
• US Engineering Metalworks IRB and tax abatement public hearing deferred to April 20, 2021

MPO Technical Advisory Committee

The MPO Technical Advisory Committee is meeting to recommend approval of Amendment 2 to the FFY 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program, which programs newly awarded Transportation Alternative funding to Lawrence, Eudora, Baldwin City, and Lecompton. The amendment includes a South Iowa St. traffic signal project and edits to existing projects. The committee will also hear updates on performance measures and a presentation on the City of Lawrence Ethics Policy and Kansas Open Meetings Act.

• Vote to recommend approval of FFY 2021-2024 TIP Amendment 2, programming Transportation Alternative funds to Lawrence, Eudora, Baldwin City, and Lecompton
• South Iowa St. Traffic Signal Improvement Project: $446,000 for fiber installation from 31st St. and Louisiana St. to 31st St. and Nieder Rd. and south along Iowa St. to 34th St.
• Lecompton Sidewalk Loop Project: $1,023,000 for a 1.75-mile sidewalk loop (Historic Loop and Grand Loop Connectivity)
• Discussion of Performance Measures 7, 24, 25, and 26 data update (local measures without targets)
• Presentation on City of Lawrence Ethics Policy (Resolution No. 7269) and Kansas Open Meetings Act

City Government Study Task Force

The City Government Study Task Force meets to discuss possible modifications to Lawrence's council-manager form of government, starting with the values and electoral-reform questions that should guide its recommendations. Members will also discuss a directly elected mayor, including term length and formal responsibilities. The only action item is approving minutes from the March 15, 2021 meeting; the rest is discussion, plus public comment and future meeting dates.

• Discussion of values-based context for suggested modifications to the council-manager form of government (materials: 'Values and Electoral Reforms')
• Discussion of a directly elected mayor, including length of term and formal responsibilities (materials: James Svara, 'Facilitative Roles of the Mayor')
• Action: approve minutes from the March 15, 2021 meeting
• Public comment limited to three minutes per person; written comments due to the City Manager's Office by 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting
• Future meeting dates listed: April 7, April 19, April 29, May 17, May 27, and June 2

Joint City Commission and Board of County Commissioners Meeting

The Lawrence City Commission and the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners hold a joint special meeting to discuss issues facing the community, each body's priorities, and future collaboration. The City Commission will take no binding action on any matter. The agenda consists of presentations on county priorities and the city's strategic plan, followed by discussion of shared interests.

• Joint meeting of City Commission and Board of County Commissioners, no binding action to be taken
• Douglas County overview of priorities and key strategic areas
• City of Lawrence Strategic Plan presentation
• Discussion of areas of shared interest and priority between city and county
• Commissioner comments, questions, and discussion

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission meets March 24, 2021 to hold public hearings on six land-use items: two subdivision requests, two text amendments, and two rezonings totaling about 55 acres from AG-1 (Agricultural) to CP (Cluster Preservation). The meeting is virtual via Zoom, with written public comment due by 10 a.m. Monday, March 22, 2021. The agenda also includes routine items like approving the February 24, 2021 minutes and receiving committee and public communications.

• Preliminary Plat PP-21-00026 for Roesner Subdivision Second Plat at 3829 Hill Song Circle, submitted by Atlas Surveyors for Stephen & Mary A. Roesner
• Variance from Subdivision Regulations Section 20-810(e) for minor subdivision MS-21-00058 at 814 W. 23rd Street, reducing right-of-way from 150 feet to 83 feet for Laird Noller Addition No. 2
• Text Amendment TA-21-00005 to allow Animal Services - Sales and Grooming as a Home Occupation use, initiated by City Commission on 2/9/21
• Text Amendment TA-21-00027 to modify the definition and standards for Garage Condos, submitted by Paul Werner Architects, initiated by City Commission on 3/9/21
• Rezonings Z-21-00076 (35.55 acres at 1686 E. 800 Road) and Z-21-00077 (19.85 acres at 785 N. 1550 Road) from AG-1 to CP District, both initiated by Planning Commission on 2/24/21

Planning Commission

The Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission and the Multimodal Transportation Commission meet jointly in a study session on March 22, 2021. They will discuss a 2021 Transportation and Land Use Best Practices Study, which MPO staff describe as research to identify and prioritize best practices linking land use and transportation planning, with a steering committee to be set up by the MPO Policy Board to guide work in the third and fourth quarters of 2021. The session also includes an item on sidewalk variances. No decisions or votes are listed on this agenda.

• Joint study session with the Multimodal Transportation Commission on Land Use and Transportation Best Practices
• MPO 2021 study to research best practices and produce recommended actions for Planning and Development Services, Municipal Services and Operations, and MPO staff
• Potential research areas include major thoroughfares map revisions, transportation corridor overlays, access management, right-of-way parking policies, bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, and streetscape design
• Sidewalk variances also listed on the agenda
• Meeting held virtually via Zoom with live broadcast; written comments accepted by email or drop box

CANCELED - Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 3:00 PM has been canceled. The agenda contains no items for discussion or decision — only the cancellation notice. No business was conducted or scheduled under this notice.

• Meeting canceled; no agenda items listed
• Was to be held virtually from the City Commission Room, City Hall, 6 E 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66044

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets March 16, 2021, starting with two closed executive sessions on labor negotiations and legal matters before resuming at 5:45 p.m. The regular agenda includes a joint city-county resolution apologizing to the Kaw Nation and returning the sacred In´zhúje´waxóbe, plus engineering contracts and a strategic-plan scorecard. Most other items sit on the consent agenda, where they are approved in one motion without separate discussion.

• Joint City/County Resolution No. 7358 offering a formal apology to the Kaw Nation and agreeing to the unconditional return of In´zhúje´waxóbe
• $68,874 supplemental agreement with George Butler Associates for waterline design on the 20th Street East Storm Sewer System at 17th & Alabama
• $143,220 agreement with Wendel Companies for design of the Multimodal Transfer Facility and Downtown Transfer Improvements (CIP# TR-21-01)
• $38,960 agreement with JEO Consulting Group for the Youth Sports Complex Exit – 27th Street Extension Project
• Ordinance No. 9835 repealing residency requirements for city employees except the City Manager, on second and final reading

City Government Study Task Force

The City Government Study Task Force meets for the first time on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 5:30 PM in the City Commission Room at City Hall, 6 E 6th St. The agenda is largely organizational: introducing task force members and staff, receiving Kansas Open Meetings Act training, and reviewing Resolution No. 7353, which outlines the task force's role and scope. The body will also set dates for future meetings and take public comment.

• Introduction of Task Force members and staff
• Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA) training, including rules on serial meetings and electronic communications
• Review of Resolution No. 7353 defining the task force's role and scope
• Public comment limited to three minutes per person
• Establishment of future meeting dates using the 2021 Board Calendar

Douglas County Food Policy Council

The Douglas County Food Policy Council meets Monday, March 15, 2021, at 6:30 PM at 1006 New Hampshire or via Zoom. The main action item is whether to approve a memo to the County Commission supporting policies to protect high-quality agricultural lands, tied to county zoning text amendments and Plan 2040. The council will also hear from State Senator Marci Francisco on state food systems efforts, review its $5,359.43 2021 budget balance, and discuss equity work and a possible May update to the County and City Commissions.

• Action item: consider approving an FPC memo to the County Commission on protecting high-quality agricultural lands (FSP Objective 2.1)
• Update from Food and Farm on Douglas County Zoning and Codes efforts to prioritize agricultural and sensitive lands for preservation
• Guest: State Senator Marci Francisco to discuss state-level food systems efforts
• Budget overview: $5,359.43 balance for 2021
• Possible FPC presentation to the County and City Commissions in May; working groups to discuss equity research

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets March 9, 2021 to act on a consent agenda and one regular item. The consent agenda includes second-reading ordinances to expand commercial land uses north of W. 6th Street, rezone 508 Minnesota Street, update fire prevention rules, and repeal city employee residency requirements except for the City Manager. The commission will also consider first-reading Ordinance No. 9840 and Resolution No. 7355 on meeting rules, then recess into executive session for about 30 minutes on a potential legal claim.

• Second reading of Ordinance No. 9831 to expand commercial land uses north of W. 6th Street in the HOP District Plan
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 9832 to rezone about 0.54 acre at 508 Minnesota Street from RM24 to CS
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 9835 to repeal residency requirements for all city employees except the City Manager
• First reading of Ordinance No. 9840 and Resolution No. 7355 on governing body meetings and commission rules
• Executive session for about 30 minutes on privileged legal communications regarding a potential claim under K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2)

Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two variance requests from the city's 30-foot rear setback rule in the RS7 residential district. One seeks to reduce the setback to 19 feet for a deck rebuild at 1124 Waverly Drive; the other seeks 25.5 feet for an existing detached dwelling at 5527 Chamney Court. Staff recommends approval of the Waverly Drive variance. The meeting is otherwise procedural, with roll call, communications, and miscellaneous items.

• B-21-00053: variance to reduce rear setback from 30 ft to 19 ft for deck reconstruction at 1124 Waverly Drive; applicant All Weather Decks, Inc. for owner David Schwabauer; staff recommends approval
• B-21-00054: variance to reduce rear setback from 30 ft to 25.5 ft for an existing detached dwelling at 5527 Chamney Court; applicants Solomon (Adam) Turner and Heather Turner
• Both properties are in the RS7 (Single-Dwelling Residential) district
• Written public comment due to Planning & Development Services by 10:00am the day of the meeting
• Meeting held at City Hall, 6 E 6th St, with virtual participation via Zoom

CANCELED - MPO Technical Advisory Committee

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization's MPO Technical Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 2:30 PM has been canceled. The agenda contains only the cancellation notice and standard accommodation and nondiscrimination boilerplate, with no items for decision or discussion.

• Meeting canceled; no business items listed
• Was to be hosted virtually in the City Commission Room, City Hall, 6 E 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
• Special accommodation requests: contact L-DC MPO at (785) 832-7700 at least 72 hours in advance
• Title VI nondiscrimination notice included; complaint form at www.lawrenceks.org/mpo/title6

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets March 2, 2021 to approve routine items and consider a request to add $1,379,000 to 2021 spending and 9.5 authorized positions. The consent agenda includes a wastewater plant contract award, several rezonings and plan amendments, and a rent reduction for the Boys and Girls Club. Most items are grouped for a single vote unless pulled for separate discussion.

• Direct staff to add $1,379,000 to 2021 expenditures and 9.5 FTE positions
• Award Bid No. B2102 to RD Johnson Excavating for Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements and stormwater relocation
• Rezone 5020, 5030 & 5040 Bob Billings Parkway (1.26 acres) from IBP to RMO on final reading
• Rezone 508 Minnesota Street (0.54 acre) from RM24 to CS on first reading
• Approve $8,994.38 rent reduction (50%) for Boys and Girls Club at Sports Pavilion Lawrence

Annual Planning Commission Orientation

This is a training and orientation session for the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission, not a regular business meeting. Commissioners will review Kansas Open Meetings Act rules, conflict-of-interest laws, and the philosophy of the Planning Commission. The session ends with a joint meeting with the Board of County Commissioners and City Commission to discuss the Planning Commission's role as a recommending body. No public comment will be taken and no land-use decisions or contracts are on the agenda.

• Orientation covers KOMA, conflict of interest, and bylaws (9:00-9:50am)
• Discussion of Planning Commission philosophy and expectations (10:00-10:50am)
• Joint meeting with County Commissioners and City Commission at 11:00am on the Planning Commission's advisory role
• Public comment will not be taken; written comment accepted via email, drop box, or mail
• Meeting held virtually via Zoom and broadcast live

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission meets virtually on Feb. 24, 2021, to consider eight regular agenda items, most of them rezoning requests and land-use changes. Items include a 20-acre agricultural rezoning, a 2.46-acre rezoning at 5275 W 6th St, and a 47.1-acre rezoning on E. 900 Road. The commission will also take up a conditional use permit, a road designation change, and two text-amendment initiations, plus letters on board membership.

• Rezone ~20 acres at N. 400 and E. 2300 Roads from AG-1 to AG-2 (Z-20-00347), deferred from Dec. 16, 2020
• Rezone ~2.46 acres at 5275 W 6th St from RM12-PD to IL (Z-20-00471); applicant deferral request received
• Rezone ~0.50 acre at 1733 Massachusetts Street from CS to RM24 (Z-20-00470)
• Rescind minimum maintenance road designation on E. 650 Road from N. 1550 to N. 1590 Road in Kanwaka Township
• Conditional use permit for a Type II home plumbing office on ~17 acres at 649 E. 475 Road

Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board is meeting to elect 2021 officers and vote on amendments to its long-range transportation plan and short-term project list. The amendments would move the US-40/K-10 interchange project into the fiscally constrained plan and add a US-56 reconstruction project, both requested by KDOT under its IKE program. The board will also vote on updated performance measures, including a new federally required transit safety measure. Most items were recommended for approval by the Technical Advisory Committee on February 2.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2021
• Transportation 2040 Amendment 1: move US-40/K-10 Interchange (Diverging Diamond, W. 6th Street) to fiscally constrained list and add US-56 Reconstruction (US-56/US-59 Junction east to 1600 Rd)
• FFY 2021-2024 TIP Amendment 1: adds transit safety measures, programs the two Transportation 2040 projects, revises three other KDOT projects; no public comments received
• Performance measures update: PM 1 (bikeway access), PM 2 (sidewalks), PM 3 (bikeway network), PM 20 (pavement condition), and new PM 27 (Transit Safety)
• Approve December 17, 2020 minutes

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Feb. 16, 2021, to decide a range of items, most bundled into a single consent-agenda vote. Notable decisions include a $350,650 engineering contract for the New York St. water main, $130,000 for utility-bill postage, a $450,000 affordable housing investment, and a rezoning on Bob Billings Parkway. The regular agenda takes up $90,000 more for the overnight winter shelter and a report on city responsibility for sidewalk maintenance.

• Rezone about 1.26 acres at 5020, 5030 & 5040 Bob Billings Parkway from IBP to RMO district (Ordinance No. 9830, first reading)
• Authorize a $350,650 engineering services agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants for the New York St. 24-Inch Transmission Water Main Rehab (CIP MS-21-0043)
• Approve $450,000 in Affordable Housing Trust Fund investments recommended by the Affordable Housing Advisory Board
• Authorize up to $130,000 to ABData for 2021 utility-bill postage, and professional services over $100,000 with Paymentus for credit card processing
• Consider $90,000 more from General Fund balance for the overnight winter shelter through about March 5, 2021

Douglas County Food Policy Council

The Douglas County Food Policy Council meets to handle administrative items, hear public comment, and discuss takeaways from a retreat. Members will consider spending from a $5,584.43 budget on conference attendance and a $1,000 consultant proposal to identify metrics for Food System Plan reporting, with staff seeking another $5,000 from the County budget. Working groups will set 2021 priorities with an equity lens and confirm meeting times.

• Budget overview: $5,584.43 balance for 2021
• Consider sending members to National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference March 16-18 at $75 per person
• Consider $1,000 consultant request to identify metrics and research tools for Food System Plan reporting; staff seeking remaining $5,000 from County budget
• Four new members appointed: Laura McCulloch, Sarah Chenoweth, Ashley Hornberger, Cody Haynes
• Approval of February 1 meeting minutes and introduction of full Council membership

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets virtually on Feb. 9, 2021, to act on a consent agenda that includes final adoption of up to $13.5 million in industrial revenue bonds for the Standard Beverage project at 1280 Timberedge Road. The regular agenda features an update on Bowersock Dam rehabilitation contract negotiations and consideration of five sustainability principles. The meeting also includes a Black History Month proclamation, a sales tax report, and a work session on mental health board and performance indicators.

• Second reading of Ordinance No. 9829 authorizing up to $13,500,000 in industrial revenue bonds for Standard Beverage expansion at 1280 Timberedge Road
• Resolution No. 7354 adopting temporary rules for Temporary Special Event Permits
• Authorization to execute 2019 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for $30,123.00 for digital multimedia evidence equipment
• Authorization to execute 2020 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for $26,949.00 for digital evidence storage, if application successful
• Update on design-build contract negotiations for Bowersock Dam rehabilitation

CANCELED - Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for Feb. 4, 2021 was canceled. The only substantive item on the agenda, a request to use gravel instead of paved surfacing for a driveway at 2522 Alabama Street, was listed as deferred. No decisions were made at this meeting.

• Meeting canceled; no votes or actions taken
• Deferred item B-21-00007: variance to allow gravel driveway surfacing at 2522 Alabama Street
• Applicant Ronald Schneider, on behalf of property owner Kennith A. Teichmann, sought relief from Section 20-908(d) surfacing standards
• Staff recommended denial of the variance
• City Engineer approved a waiver for an additional curb cut on Alabama Street

Regional Transit Advisory Committee

The Regional Transit Advisory Committee meets to discuss three items: an updated Douglas County poverty reduction plan focused on transportation access, a staff comparison of state and county transit plans for prioritizing local needs, and a presentation on the City of Lawrence ethics policy and Kansas Open Meetings Act. The committee will also receive an update on the Lawrence Transit route redesign tied to a future transfer facility at Bob Billings & Crestline Drive. No voting actions are scheduled beyond approving the October 22, 2020 minutes.

• Approve October 22, 2020 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Anti-Poverty Strategic Plan transportation elements, presented by Jill Jolicoeur (Douglas County) and Lea Roselyn (United Way)
• MPO staff present comparison of statewide and Douglas County Coordinated Public Transit–Human Services Transportation Plans for RTAC prioritization
• Presentation on City of Lawrence Ethics Policy Resolution 7269 and Kansas Open Meetings Act
• Update on Lawrence Transit route redesign tied to multimodal transfer facility at Bob Billings & Crestline Drive, planned to open fall 2022

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Feb. 2, 2021, to act on a consent agenda and two regular items. Much of the agenda is routine approvals, including minutes, claims, licenses, and appointments. Notable decisions include authorizing up to $13,500,000 in industrial revenue bonds for a Standard Beverage expansion at 1280 Timberedge Road and a $207,974 engineering agreement for the Farmland Remediation Project. The commission will also discuss its meeting rules and procedures and may recess into executive session.

• Ordinance No. 9829: up to $13,500,000 in industrial revenue bonds for Standard Beverage expansion at 1280 Timberedge Road
• Supplemental Agreement No. 2 with GHD Services Inc. for $207,974 for the Farmland Remediation Project (CIP #MS-21-9700)
• Bid #B2052 to Elliott Equipment Company for $251,482.00 for one front-load refuse truck
• Supplemental Agreement No. 1 with George Butler Associates for $89,864 for the Greenbrier Watermain Replacement Project
• Boys and Girls Club rent reduction of $13,991.25 (50 percent) for Sports Pavilion Lawrence through February 2021

MPO Technical Advisory Committee

The Lawrence-Douglas County MPO Technical Advisory Committee meets Feb. 2, 2021 to vote on Transportation 2040 Amendment 1, which would add two KDOT projects from the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program to the region's fiscally constrained project list. The committee will also vote on a related amendment to the 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and on updated performance measures, including a new transit safety measure. The meeting includes election of a chair and vice chair for 2021 and approval of December meeting minutes.

• Transportation 2040 Amendment 1: adds two KDOT IKE pipeline projects; public comment period ran Dec. 22-Jan. 21 with one comment from Baldwin City
• FFY 2021-2024 TIP Amendment 1: incorporates transit safety measures, programs the two Transportation 2040 projects, and revises three other KDOT projects; no public comments received
• Performance measures update for PM 1, 2, 3, 20 and new Transit Safety measure 27, from the 2020 State-Sponsored Lawrence Transit Safety Plan approved by the City Commission Aug. 18, 2020
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2021
• Quick updates on Safe Routes to School plans, ITS Architecture Plan, and Transit Route Redesign

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission meets Jan. 27, 2021 by Zoom to hold public hearings on several land-use requests, including a rezoning of about 1.26 acres at 5020, 5030 & 5040 Bob Billings Parkway and a Comprehensive Plan amendment affecting commercial land north of W. 6th Street. It will also consider a 0.54-acre rezoning at 508 Minnesota Street, a heavy equipment storage conditional use permit near N. 1700 Road and N. 2nd Street, and a Land Development Code text amendment aimed at cutting housing construction costs by 5%. The agenda also includes routine items: approving December 16, 2020 minutes, committee reports, public communications, and a deferred letter on board membership.

• Rezoning Z-20-00361: ~1.26 acres at 5020, 5030 & 5040 Bob Billings Parkway from IBP to RMO, submitted by BG Consultants for Garber Enterprises
• Comprehensive Plan Amendment CPA-20-00443 to Plan 2040 Chapter 8, modifying the HOP District Plan to expand commercial uses north of W. 6th Street
• Rezoning Z-20-00441: ~0.54 acre at 508 Minnesota Street from RM24 to CS, submitted by BG Consultants for McCray Lumber Company
• Conditional use permit CUP-20-00365 for heavy equipment storage northeast of N. 1700 Road (North Street) & N. 2nd Street, submitted by Paul Werner Architects for MG Holdings, LC
• Text Amendment TA-20-00002 to the Land Development Code targeting street trees, plat studies, and sidewalk timing to reduce housing construction costs by 5%

Planning Commission

The Lawrence Planning Commission meets Jan. 25, 2021 by Zoom for a study session on the "Lifecycle of Planning Commission Submittals," explaining how a development application goes from pre-application meeting through review, commission action, and recording. The only other agenda item is a miscellaneous business slot for anything else that comes before the Commission. No rezonings, contracts, or public hearings are scheduled for a vote at this meeting.

• Study session presentation: Lifecycle of Planning Commission Submittals, walking through pre-application meetings, application submittal, agenda scheduling, and approval levels
• Case study of 508 Michigan Street, which involved a rezoning (Z-17-00087), Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA-17-00081), Minor Subdivision/Replat (MS-19-00217), BZA variance (B-19-00181), and Site Plan (SP-19-00216)
• Presentation notes the Planning Commission approved the 508 Michigan Street subdivision variance 9-0 on 5/22/2019
• Written public comment due by 10:00 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25, 2021 to planning@lawrenceks.org; late comments will not be posted
• Meeting held virtually via Zoom and broadcast live; in-person observation at City Hall limited to those without internet or phone access

CANCELED - Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

The Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 3:00 PM has been canceled. The agenda contains no business items, only the cancellation notice and standard accessibility and non-discrimination boilerplate. No decisions, discussions, or public hearings are scheduled.

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, to act on a consent agenda that includes a $1,564,838.12 replacement fire truck purchase, a $337,562 engineering agreement for 23rd Street, and a $167,290 sewer flow monitoring contract. The commission will also hold second-reading votes on three rezoning ordinances and discuss a Kaw Nation request to return the Big Red Rock from Robinson Park. A proclamation honors Dale Willey with a day on Jan. 25.

• Replacement purchase of a Pierce Velocity Tiller fire truck for up to $1,564,838.12 via HGAC cooperative, plus a $257,000 FY2021 budget amendment
• $337,562 supplemental agreement with Olsson, Inc. for 23rd Street design from Haskell Bridge to 600 feet east of Anderson Road
• $167,290 engineering agreement with George Butler Associates for 2021 Sanitary Sewer Flow Monitoring
• Second-reading rezoning votes: 5851 Overland Drive (10.257 acres, RM12 to RM15), 5101 Parker Court (2.607 acres, PCD to RS5-PD), and 4431 Bauer Farm Drive (1.377 acres, POD to CN2)
• Discussion of Kaw Nation Chairwoman Lynn Williams' letter requesting return of the Big Red Rock in Robinson Park

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets virtually on January 12, 2021 to act on a consent agenda covering minutes, claims, licenses, appointments, and purchases, plus several rezoning ordinances. The regular agenda includes awarding a $97,670 engineering services agreement and appropriating $300,000 for the Youth Sports Complex Exit - 27th Street Extension Project. A work session will discuss a directly elected Mayor.

• Purchase of two automated sideload refuse trucks for $510,393.24 from Armor Equipment Company
• Rezoning 0.86 acres near 1209 Research Park Drive from IBP/RS7 to OS District (Ordinance 9806, second reading)
• Rezoning 10.257 acres at 5851 Overland Drive from RM12 to RM15 District (Ordinance 9725, first reading)
• Award RFQ #Q2005 to JEO Consulting Group for $97,670 and appropriate $300,000 for the 27th Street Extension Project
• Resolution 7352 authorizing issuance of water and sewage system revenue bonds

Board of Zoning Appeals/Sign Code Board of Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on a request to extend a previously approved rear setback variance for the property at 1620 University Drive. The original variance, approved 4-0 on February 7, 2019, reduced the required 30-foot rear setback in the RS7 residential district to no less than 10 feet from the north property line. The variance expires February 7, 2021, and the property owners say building permits may not be submitted before that date. Staff recommends approving the extension.

• Public hearing on extending variance B-18-00538 for 1620 University Drive, reducing the rear setback from 30 feet to no less than 10 feet from the north property line
• Original variance approved 4-0 by the Board on February 7, 2019; it expires February 7, 2021 unless a building permit is issued
• Property owners Anthony W. and Anne Walton requested the extension on December 15, 2020
• Staff notified property owners within 400 feet; no inquiries or comments received at the time of writing
• Staff recommends granting the extension

CANCELED - MPO Technical Advisory Committee

The Metropolitan Planning Organization's Technical Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 2:30 PM has been canceled. The agenda contains no items for decision or discussion — only the cancellation notice and standard accommodation and non-discrimination boilerplate. No business was conducted or planned for this meeting.

• Meeting canceled; no agenda items were scheduled
• Was set for Jan 5, 2021, 2:30 PM, City Commission Room, City Hall, 6 E 6th St, Lawrence, KS
• Accommodation requests: contact L-DC MPO at (785) 832-7700 at least 72 hours in advance
• Title VI non-discrimination notice included; complaint info at www.lawrenceks.org/mpo/title6

City Commission

The Lawrence City Commission meets Jan. 5, 2021 by Zoom to approve a mostly routine consent agenda and take up two regular items: first-quarter 2021 budget adjustments and a report on an emergency purchase order plus future funding for an overnight winter weather shelter. Most spending items are bundled into a single consent vote unless pulled for separate discussion.

• Rezone about 0.86 acres near 1209 Research Park Drive from IBP and RS7 to OS District, Ordinance 9806 on first reading
• Award $732,055 contract to Dondlinger & Sons for retaining wall north of Abe & Jake's Landing, with $800,000 contingency purchase order
• Award bids: $311,813 to Foley Equipment for three backhoes; $231,248 to Armor Equipment for two roll-off trucks
• Approve $136,506.70 Change Order No. 1 with Insituform Technologies, raising sewer rehab contract to $1,931,070.50
• Authorize up to $300,000 per plumbing contractor and $1,000,000 total for 2021 private-property sewer repairs