Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Chuck Soules, Director of Public Works
CC:	Toni  Wheeler, Diane Stoddard, Cynthia Wagner, Jonathan Douglass, David Cronin, Mark Thiel, Matt Bond
DATE:	May 20, 2013
RE:	Authorize City Manager to sign an encroachment agreement with Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline

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 June 6, 2012 City updates County Commission on Farmland 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 December 18, 2012 the City Commission approved the final plat

Ø January 2, 2013 County Commission approved plat

Ø Plat filed January 31, 2013

Current Status:

R. D. Johnson Excavating Co., Inc. was awarded the infrastructure (street and water) and site grading project currently underway.  Amino Brothers Co., Inc. is the contractor completing the sanitary sewer.  These projects are scheduled to be completed later in 2013.

Southern Star Encroachment Agreement:

Southern Star held a blanket easement on the former Farmland Property.  During the Platting process the gas facility was “pot holed” and located and a specific 66 foot wide easement was platted.  At the intersection with K-10, the right-of-way of the N/S road (entrance road) overlaps Southern Stars dedicated 66 foot easement.  The City will have some curb and gutter, sidewalk, and landscaping encroaching into this easement.  Additionally the watermain, sewermain, and storm sewer will cross the gas line at the intersection of the north/south and east/west roads (see attached map).  The City has met all of Southern Stars’ construction standards.

Action Requested: 

Authorize the City Manager to sign the Encroachment Agreement with Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.

Respectfully Submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

CFS/ch