Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

 

TO:

David L. Corliss, City Manager

 

 

 

FROM:

Chuck Soules, Director of Public Works

 

 

 

CC:

Diane Stoddard, Cynthia Wagner, Jonathan Douglass, Scott McCullough, David Cronin, Mark Thiel, Philip Ciesielski

 

 

 

DATE:

February 11, 2013

 

 

 

RE:

Public Hearing Farmland Infrastructure Benefit District
City Commission Agenda February 19, 2013

 

 

 

Project Background:

Ø  September 2010 the City took ownership of the former Farmland Industries nitrogen fertilizer production plant on Highway K-10

 

Ø  2011 the City began demolition of the abandoned structures on the site removing over 1600 tons of scrap metals

 

Ø  February 2012 the City contracted with Bartlett & West Engineers to develop a masterplan and infrastructure plans for the future industrial land use of the property

 

Ø  May 2012 the City held meetings with neighbors and businesses to discuss the concept plan

 

Ø  December 18, 2012 the City Commission approved the final plat

 

Ø  December 11, 2012 the City Commission awarded the intersection improvements at O’Connell and K-10 including signalization and turn lanes into the Farmland site

 

Ø  Plat filed January 31, 2013

 

Ø  City Commission approved Resolution No. 7003 and Resolution No. 7004 establishing February 19th for the public hearing on the Benefit District for infrastructure

 

Ø  Infrastructure Bid March 12, 2013

 

Project Details:

The improvements include the infrastructure for the Farmland Property:

 

Streets – 10” concrete pavement, curb and gutter, storm sewer, sidewalks on both sides, bike lanes, and fiber conduit

Water – 12” looped water main, hydrants and valves

Sewer – Sewer main and manholes

Proposed improvement district includes:

Streets and water – all property within the Farmland plat

Sewer – All property within the Farmland plat that does not currently have sewer access

 

Estimated Costs:

Streets and Water

$7,855,000

Including some alternates for grading and fiber

Sewer

$1,725,000

 

 

Method of Assessment:

Is based on the proportionate share of square footage of each tract.

 

Apportionment of Costs:

100% paid by the Benefit District and 0% paid by City at Large.

 

The County is the owner of some of the Farmland platted property and is included within the Benefit District.  The Commission is also being asked to consider entering into an agreement deferring the assessments to the County pending development or sale of the property.

 

Action Requested:

Ø  Open public hearing and pending comment and Commission discussion approve Resolution No. 7006 and Resolution No. 7007 setting out the findings of the Governing Body and directing the improvements to be made.

 

Ø  Authorize Mayor to execute an agreement with Douglas County deferring special assessments for the Farmland infrastructure pending development or sale.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

 

CFS/ch

 

Attachments:  Benefit District Map

                   City/County Agreement

                   County Ownership Map