City of Lawrence

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the regular meeting held on January 27, 2026, and the approval of pending claims. Key agenda items included seeking approval for a legal services agreement with McKenna and Evans LLP, not to exceed $120,000 for 2026, and approval for Amendment Number One to Task Order Number One with American Structure Point regarding a sanitary sewer capacity evaluation, increasing the cost by $64,000. The Superintendent reported on the required process to advertise for the Lawrence 46 and Post Inflow and Infiltration Removal Project, which is part of the Sanitary Sewer Overflow Corrective Action Plan. A presentation was provided detailing the status of the corrective action plan, which involves several projects to reduce groundwater and rainwater infiltration, including flow metering and INI removal projects scheduled for completion by April 2030. The board then proceeded with the election of a new chair and co-chair, appointing Chief Hall as chair and Darren as co-chair. New business involved approving the avoidance of outstanding unpaid checks totaling $2,532.70, approving the cost increase amendment for the American Structure Point task order, and approving the legal services agreement with the law firm. Finally, the board approved six account adjustments related to sanitary sewer issues caused by slab leaks or service line leaks.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the regular scheduled meeting held on January 13, 2026, followed by the approval of claims previously distributed via email. During the superintendent's report, the board addressed several key items. Approval was sought for Task Order Number 27 with Wesler Engineering, not to exceed $3,000, for developing an ERP and emergency response plan required by the US EPA for the Lawrence water works system to qualify for government funding. The utility is also collaborating with the controller's office and Baker Tilly to finalize the 2026 budget for the water and sewer utility. Several sanitary sewer adjustments were approved due to service leaks, including one exceeding the $1,000 threshold requiring explanation. The board decided to postpone the election of the chair and co-chair until the next meeting. Under new business, Task Order Number 27 for the 2025 emergency response plan was approved via roll call vote. No administration of ratepayer dispute regarding disconnect notice or citizen comments were presented before adjournment.

The special meeting was called to order, followed by the pledge of allegiance and a prayer. The main agenda item discussed was New Business Proposal Number 12, 2025, concerning an ordinance appropriating additional funds and amending the 2025 budget. A public hearing was held where a citizen expressed significant concerns regarding financial reporting, alleging manipulation of budget numbers, citing discrepancies between posted deficits/surpluses from previous months (October 2025, February 2025) and the current funding request. Discussions also focused on the correct appropriation amount for legal counsel fees (Frost Brown Todd), noting a discrepancy between the ordinance amount ($102,000) and the published notice amount ($131,000). The council addressed funding for professional services for a department and discussed the Communive Capital Improvement Fund.

The meeting commenced with the nomination and election of a president and vice president. Key discussion focused on a request from a church (rebranded from Lawrence Apostolic Church to The Life Church) for a variance to permit the use of an electronic variable message monument sign, as they had already installed it without prior variance approval. The applicant apologized for missing the previous month's meeting. Discussions involved the sign's specifications, including its digital nature, brightness controls, and adherence to established Electronic Variable Message Sign (EVMS) commitments designed to prevent issues such as flashing, scrolling messages, and inappropriate colors (red, yellow, green) due to proximity to railroad tracks and intersections. The board and staff confirmed that the applicant agreed to all eight commitments, which standardize sign operation, brightness, and content restriction. The dimensions of the sign and its supporting rock base were also reviewed.

The meeting commenced with an acknowledgment of the venue, police headquarters, due to mold issues at a park facility. Key discussions included the approval of the previous month's minutes. Several community events were highlighted, such as the 20th anniversary celebration for Lawrence North men's basketball three-peat and Lawrence Central Lady Bears playing in the regional round. The Board expressed appreciation for the street, utility, and park departments' handling of recent snow removal, noting their high standard of performance. Significant time was dedicated to discussing the timeline for a project, involving coordination with the engineering firm, with an aim to bid the project in August for November construction. Concerns were raised regarding Fall Creek Little League's lack of a formal agreement and yearly reporting. Updates were provided on the parking lot project, with a goal for completion before July 4th, including surveying and drainage/storm sewer upgrades. The need for quotes for pickleball court sealing work was also noted. Director Eric provided updates on in-house maintenance work, including upgrades to facilities at Jenbark, Burns Park, and Lee Road restrooms, and addressing frozen drains at Play Park. The Board discussed the process for obtaining a five-year master plan, including issuing RFPs, and emphasizing the inclusion of maintenance plans and equipment life expectancy in future planning documents. Discussions also touched upon potential tournaments and non-school related community activities to increase park visibility and utilization, especially for younger demographics.