[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5983825,"mediaKeyId","5871568-bb997910242d469b97feec582dbd3010","parentId",5871568,"title","Commission selects 555 Stone Ridge for Station 6 and directs city manager to propose tax increase to staff the new station","audioSeconds",1171,"startMs",11240000,"endMs",12411000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5871568-bb997910242d469b97feec582dbd3010&start=11240&end=12411","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5871568-bb997910242d469b97feec582dbd3010/thumbnail_11240000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5983825/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/Commission-selects-555-Stone-Ridge-for-Station-6-and-directs-city-manager-to-propose-tax-increase-to-staff-the-new-station","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5983825-63f1f7679ef012b4ef9ff54e17635344/orig.mp4?Expires=1775193947&Signature=V02b1hbYG8-Q-JunQFm9HFdFk9JoXpPYTmKOK~Qc12xT6jf0767iuHDcQ-r-DAUQ8WH72H-S7tW2g7vI8m3abV8GWYyDj1WftsJYbpI4bD5U7c9N7~pRWfh~83vEzEmc2qcOO-Lba-yT9lzjk1Rlc4TaH0wkASX9La6pQVEBFZjJ4aWrgE4KsKByFAaJA1Pvo2tvZ1btIFyQe1gojX93QXjnb-vGGaVxhY29gS1Mkb3INgBHH2Vm1xdxt1ywcaq48~tETfu1A9cl2oQPwccqkKSulwifafhpfKuHoAn3aXBCGdSxNj8LsYpg7PXl8n6ToirYxk8fEHuzP-ZhdlkXJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Lawrence, KS","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","The Lawrence City Commission on Sept. 16 approved 555 Stone Ridge Drive as the selected location for the new Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical (LDCFM) Station 6 and directed the city manager to develop a future budget proposal that includes property-tax increases to support staffing for the new station. The actions passed on consecutive 5-0 votes.

City project managers and SFS Architecture presented the results of an interdepartmental site-evaluation process and a refined space program for the expansion station. The conceptual program was reduced from an initial ~16,000 square-foot proposal to roughly 13,000 square feet by trimming some training and office spaces and changing from a three-bay to a two-bay apparatus layout while retaining the ability to accommodate a third bay through later site work if needed. The project team emphasized health-and-safety design features, including a \"red/yellow/green\" hazard zoning concept to physically separate apparatus and contaminated areas from living and sleeping spaces, gender-neutral restrooms and sleep‑hygiene considerations, and a sustainability focus with a LEED Gold objective.

SFS Architecture project lead Lindsay Tetro summarized the process: the team conducted benchmarking tours, hosted a visioning and programming workshop with LDCFM stakeholders, developed guiding principles, and tested multiple site fits. The preferred site is city-owned property at 555 Stone Ridge, which eliminated land-acquisition cost and reduced site-development allowances that had been carried in earlier project budgets. A test fit demonstrated the program could be placed on the property while maintaining required offsets and preserving an existing access easement for a neighboring church.

Ellie (city staff) and project manager Stephen Halstrom presented estimated operating and capital implications. Staff displayed an approximate scenario in which the city would incur an estimated $4.7 million in additional annual operating cost for Station 6 under a given staffing model; staff characterized these figures as estimates and noted the county is engaged in parallel discussions about shared funding for some positions. LDCFM representatives explained that adding an engine requires staffing across three 24-hour shifts: \"If we added 3 additional employees on top of the 1 that was in option B, those would just go into our workforce to help offset overtime expenses... however, it would not be enough to staff an additional engine unless staffing was changed — the 3 additional positions, with 3 shifts, we would technically need 9,\" said McKenzie, LDCFM chief of staff.

Commissioners asked about site orientation, neighborhood impacts, and signal control for emergency response. The consultant said the preferred layout would place noise‑generating elements, such as the generator and apparatus bays, toward the south side of the site and the dayroom/living areas toward residential neighbors to the north; staff added the selected site preserves the neighbors' existing access route and provides visibility to the intersection for emergency egress.

Motion and vote: Commissioner Finkeldei moved to approve 555 Stone Ridge as the selected location; Commissioner Littlejohn seconded and the motion passed 5-0. The commission then unanimously directed the city manager to prepare a future budget proposal that includes property-tax increases to support staffing for Station 6 and to follow the station construction with redevelopment of Station 3.

Clarifying details: the concept program tested at 555 Stone Ridge was roughly 13,000 square feet after scope adjustments; SFS and staff targeted LEED Gold principles for sustainability; staff estimated roughly $4.7 million annually in city operating costs for Station 6 under one illustrative staffing scenario and referenced a possible 3.25-mill levy example discussed in presentations as an order-of-magnitude; LDCFM staff noted that adding a staffed engine requires nine FTEs to operate three 24-hour shifts (three people per shift). The commission asked staff to complete further design and financing work and return with detailed figures.

Speakers quoted or cited in this article are listed below.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lawrence City Commission Meeting 09/16/25 ","oneSentenceSummary","After reviewing site options and program needs, commissioners approved city-owned 555 Stone Ridge as the preferred site for Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical Station 6 and directed the city manager to prepare a future budget proposal that includes a property-tax increase to fund staffing; the vote was 5-0.","taxTitle","Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas","taxId",3971,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5983830,"Commission approves first reading of new water and wastewater rates after staff, consultant outline 7.9% revenue plan",977,7992000,8969000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5871568-bb997910242d469b97feec582dbd3010&start=7992&end=8969","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5871568-bb997910242d469b97feec582dbd3010/thumbnail_7992000.jpg","/articles/5983830/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/Commission-approves-first-reading-of-new-water-and-wastewater-rates-after-staff-consultant-outline-79-revenue-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5983830-2b8d1d1317226abc4ee3e5a915345b54/orig.mp4?Expires=1775193947&Signature=YBxpa7LaA6sL1GFubp2DxrLA42o4~zP5byjmF6qex~W9Z8UtMOOyl-7qx7~L1OTmd6DHx9eDhQvlFYhfbDJFmcOVAEENWiTDwnQR9UQ3D5sXZaIfKQL0cblEqgXuKzkhAUyUYpMBl9fmHnNCmHIpzpnPbo8tmfye6nXl9k1V4A~63DgwFTPX-zfItYJk0wgeZYQBLqpsqIH6a4fqu2MJx2qtruXNQmfYR4KBKSFCEvQBmtiKI5YfAfFmIFPwpxgOwQzZZAdBkcIu0oxJjRN-caR2vk0TSDU6VBhRVyGaptrdzL0JYwFwWnGONSqI0cnwcKZ0BRhDaRSpdCDHEldK8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Sept. 16 the Lawrence City Commission gave first-reading approval to Ordinance No. 10163, which updates the city's water- and wastewater-rate schedules. The motion passed on a 5-0 voice vote; staff said second reading is scheduled for Oct. 7 and rate changes would take effect Jan. 1, 2026 if the ordinance is adopted.

City staff and the city's rate consultant presented a multi-year financial forecast tied to the city's capital-improvement plan for water and wastewater infrastructure. Colin Dratt of Raftelis told the commission the proposed revenue plan would generate roughly a 7.9% aggregate increase across utility revenues over the adopted period. The consulting team said the forecast balances projected operating costs, inflation and capital financing needs while aiming to meet the city's reserve policies and a debt-service coverage ratio target of roughly 1.7.

The presentation noted recent capital and system work including a distribution-system master plan, replacement of Stratford Water Tower, replacement of a 24-inch transmission main on New York Street and completion of the city's advanced meter infrastructure program. Staff also reviewed ongoing projects at the wastewater plants, including upgrades at the Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant to meet nutrient limits and the Kaw Water Treatment carbon contact basin replacement project. Staff noted the Municipal Services & Operations campus (Phase 1) project budget at roughly $64.8 million, of which $23.6 million was identified as supported by the water/wastewater fund in the current budget documents.

Consultant Dratt and city staff also explained how the rate structure balances fixed monthly charges and volumetric charges across customer classes and provided an example: a typical 4,000-gallon household bill would rise by roughly $8–$10 per month in the first year under the proposed structure, staff said, with variations by customer class. Staff and the consultant emphasized the plan is intended to keep rates relatively stable year to year and to preserve bond covenants and the city's credit metrics.

Public commenters raised the scale of recent and proposed rate increases. The Coalition for Collaborative Governance presented comparative charts showing substantial increases in water, wastewater and other utility fees over recent years and projected additional increases. Coalition representative Holly Krebs said the group's chart showed a 54% increase in water and wastewater rates over the last five years and a projected 25% rise over the next three years; she urged the commission to consider the cumulative impact on households and to publish clearer long-term debt-payment plans. Several commenters also asked for clearer accounting of how MSO campus costs and other capital projects are reflected in utility-rate planning.

After discussion, Commissioner Finkelstein moved first-reading adoption of Ordinance 10163 and Commissioner Sellers seconded. The motion passed 5-0. Staff will return for a second reading of the ordinance on Oct. 7.

Clarifying details from the presentation: staff said the water/wastewater fund is supporting about $23.6 million of the MSO campus Phase 1 total budget of roughly $64.8 million; staff and consultant cited reserve targets of approximately 250 days of operating expenses and a debt-service coverage goal near 1.7; the consultant described proposed revenue adjustments targeted at about 7.9% across water and sewer combined over the period presented.

Speakers quoted or cited in this article are listed below.","On first reading commissioners approved Ordinance No. 10163 to update water and wastewater rates; staff and consultant said the revenue package equates to a roughly 7.9% aggregate revenue increase over the adopted term, citing asset work and debt-service targets.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5983833,"City Commission adopts 2026 budget with option B; public raises concerns about debt, public safety and new rec fees",5237,6023000,11260000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5871568-bb997910242d469b97feec582dbd3010&start=6023&end=11260","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5871568-bb997910242d469b97feec582dbd3010/thumbnail_6023000.jpg","/articles/5983833/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/City-Commission-adopts-2026-budget-with-option-B-public-raises-concerns-about-debt-public-safety-and-new-rec-fees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5983833-d25734d3b8a56ce6b9063424603522f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775193947&Signature=Gfm30-GJKJReMVavwHf0YAm5af4s3A5V-HR2Xju7Bb6y95d8Kjb30cjGt9I5Izo-WauNESumKU4EgIwDqJboBzPn43zeySFmxOGXYb5leD4u4v5WRPAQ4n3uzdstx0jXlqfwUvu5rtTIEy-VU~sgQzq0OCk~ewTjDQ-i0KWMS8purF-9q1wT2pnENyb31XADXVEA94rBOasOrw4Ou1nBY4xFitY6OiQz1FsVE7B8hW2q6SF-kMOvw7dYcW96oyFkRjabjiAy3L-EF7xAhHNmREpV4c3pMLGCg~fAHjsk1TD7BFMpIF-hdxjMjppJlYiOZ2ux7CAqfWravtu8wbZqRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence City Commission voted 5-0 on Sept. 16 to adopt Resolution No. 7632, approving the City of Lawrence's 2026 operating budget and the 2026–2030 capital improvement plan using the package described in staff materials as \"option B.\"

Option B, as presented by staff during the Sept. 16 meeting, keeps a near-term budget that restored certain county-shared public-safety funding items and adds a set of community requests heard during public hearings. Staff described three scenarios for the general fund mill levy: option A (a flat mill levy), option B (an increment that combined several community requests and additional funding) and option C (a higher, 0.8-mill maximum increase). Option B included budget additions the commission discussed, such as funding to support the Lawrence Farmers Market design work, a $20,000 neighborhood-association support item, and funding requested for small-business support.

Commissioner Finkelstein moved adoption of Resolution 7632 under option B and Commissioner Sellers seconded; the motion passed 5-0.

During the budget discussion and public hearing, multiple city residents and organizational representatives praised aspects of the proposal while urging additional caution or changes. The Coalition for Collaborative Governance urged more transparency about the city's long-term debt plan and said the CIP and proposed debt could substantially increase annual debt service in later years; an analyst presenting for the coalition said the chart they produced showed debt-service payments rising by roughly $10 million by 2030 if all projects proceed as currently shown. \"You appear to balance the budgets without cuts or new revenue, but you do it by quietly accumulating obligations,\" warned public commenter John M., who urged a published debt-reduction plan.

Public-safety unions and firefighters urged the commission to prioritize staffing levels. Lawrence Professional Firefighters president Seamus Albritton and others presented call-volume data showing steady increases in non-structure emergency runs and said that all three budget scenarios included the loss of a fire apparatus in 2026; they urged restoring apparatus and staffing. Local union representatives said fire-truck response calls have climbed approximately 60% across recent years and that maintaining redundancy requires the additional apparatus and personnel. Noli John Inman, chair of the Lawrence Police Officers Association, raised recruitment and retention concerns related to prior and proposed staffing cuts and urged a multi-year plan to restore positions.

Several residents commented on the parks and recreation fee proposal included within the budget discussion. Speakers said fees would be a barrier for some residents, including students during the summer months; KU student body representative Andrew Rivera urged a reconsideration of how fees would affect students who are not enrolled in summer classes. Other residents urged alternative revenue sources rather than membership fees.

Supporters of local initiatives urged adoption of option B because it included targeted funding the groups had requested. Laurie Trojan, speaking for the Lawrence Farmers Market, asked commissioners to support $175,000 to complete a design phase for a permanent farmers market pavilion.

City staff, including the finance and budget team, described the three scenarios and the mechanics for adoption. They told commissioners the resolution incorporates an insert to update the general-fund numbers and that the commission may select any iteration of the scenarios so long as the adopted levy does not exceed the maximum legal limit. Staff also noted that the city had developed three mill-levy scenarios reflecting different mixes of restorations and new items and emphasized the long-range capital plan underlying the debt discussion.

Clarifying details noted during the meeting: scenario A was presented as a flat-mill proposal (proposed estimated tax rate cited by staff: 21.142); scenario B was described in staff materials as a package that would raise the estimated tax rate to 21.63 and included the additional items discussed above; scenario C represented up to a 0.8-mill increase with a higher estimated rate shown in staff materials. The final motion adopted option B; the commission also discussed future budget items including Station 6 and a possible property-tax increase tied to that project.

Speakers quoted or cited in this article are listed below.","The Lawrence City Commission adopted Resolution No. 7632 adopting the 2026 operating budget and 2026–2030 CIP under 'option B' after a 5-0 vote; the decision drew public comment critical of proposed debt levels, cuts to public-safety staffing and proposed recreation fees.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5983838,"Commission approves $556,031 contract for Connecticut Street sidewalk repairs after neighborhood push to preserve brick",911,3618000,4529000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5871568-bb997910242d469b97feec582dbd3010&start=3618&end=4529","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5871568-bb997910242d469b97feec582dbd3010/thumbnail_3618000.jpg","/articles/5983838/Lawrence/Douglas-County/Kansas/Commission-approves-556031-contract-for-Connecticut-Street-sidewalk-repairs-after-neighborhood-push-to-preserve-brick","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5983838-cf1cdebe5859384ff06683cf6bea6d51/orig.mp4?Expires=1775193947&Signature=jWOFs-aswZxSxEab1qPkF5hEUdnXElCiqHDJR-sCMN0hYdQZc1m7saUnWa-O98VhllvBU7x~A81yoBk-cdfC8cTjYQdq2l1HG0VsWGJVXk9JUkHBIPUg5T4n8s9IdYa8wnNFqPOCxYt3m-MjHzpU5PzcE9yFWruf5M-UclHZRASykMQNKXPsZKMMMh-JhL5hX9zBIWBvKAWsJliZKdeoQpSydc3CaPf5swS607mBAXyLrZrH6rX5LncJZZ6FVow6R4s8qg~pi~5RWWdUAHdyNNmEnLOAsXG8HauUq5N9Jv77fj6fsuRjp1cO-ysSWUHpPomnhfskO~FfGJNKPrdC3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners on the Lawrence City Commission voted 5-0 on Sept. 16 to waive a rebid and award a construction contract to Kings Construction for the Connecticut Street ADA sidewalk reconstruction project in East Lawrence.

The move follows repeated public appeals from East Lawrence residents worried that the project would replace most historic brick sidewalks with concrete. The commission added a condition that staff must mail homeowners the contractor-based material and installation prices by the end of the week and allow property owners until Monday, Oct. 6, to confirm material choices.

The vote came after several residents and neighborhood leaders urged the commission to delay the award so property owners could consider the contractor prices for brick versus concrete. \"I'm here because, we have some brick sidewalks on Connecticut Street that have been there for over a hundred 30 years, and I've got 3 minutes to try and save them,\" said Barry Shalinski, president of the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association, during public comment. Shalinski and others told commissioners that earlier cost estimates used by staff or engineering reports made brick appear more expensive than the actual bids.

City staff and project leads responded that the bid prices for brick came in lower than earlier national-average estimates. \"The brick square footage prices came in lower than anticipated,\" said Evan Currant, the city's ADA compliance administrator. Currant explained that once the contract is awarded property owners would receive a letter with the final square-foot prices and the total square footage of their responsibility; property owners could then notify the city if they wanted to change materials and city staff would issue a change order with the contractor. He added, \"My original plan was if it got approved tonight, then I would work on getting them to our admin staff tomorrow to get them sent out by the end of this week.\"

The adopted motion — to waive the rebid requirement for solicitation number 2500056 and award the contract to Kings Construction in the amount of $556,031 — was offered by Commissioner Finkeldei and seconded by Commissioner Littlejohn. The motion included explicit direction that the city manager execute the construction contract and that staff send homeowner letters on material selection by the end of the week, with owners given until Oct. 6 to confirm their material choice. The motion passed, 5-0.

Staff noted the project area includes about 78 properties, many of them rentals, and reiterated that property owners may elect to use a contractor of their choosing (subject to city sidewalk standards) but that those owners would forfeit the city's cost-sharing allowances if they do so. Currant also described two city financial-assistance programs in the ADA transition plan: income-based financial aid that can cover 100% of concrete repairs (the policy defaults to concrete when the city pays 100%), and a 50% city contribution for owner-occupied corner lots that can be applied to material and installation. Staff said they had individually contacted many property owners during inspections and offered in-person meetings.

Commissioners and residents repeatedly emphasized the neighborhood's interest in preserving historically significant brick sidewalks while also acknowledging accessibility and cost concerns. The City Commission's approval lets construction proceed under the awarded contract while giving property owners a short window to confirm material choices based on the contractor's final prices.

Clarifying details: the contract award amount is $556,031; the homeowner letters must be sent by the end of the week; owners have until Oct. 6 to respond; staff said roughly 51 of the 78 properties in the corridor are rental properties; material-selection costs will be borne by property owners except for demolition, grading and other items the city covers under the cost-partnering program in the ADA transition plan.

Speakers quoted or cited in this article are listed below.","After months of outreach and a neighborhood petition, the City Commission awarded a $556,031 construction contract for Connecticut Street sidewalk reconstruction, added a short homeowner decision window on materials and required staff to mail selection letters by the end of the week.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission selects 555 Stone Ridge for Station 6 and directs city manager to propose tax increase to staff the new station

Commission approves first reading of new water and wastewater rates after staff, consultant outline 7.9% revenue plan

City Commission adopts 2026 budget with option B; public raises concerns about debt, public safety and new rec fees

Commission approves $556,031 contract for Connecticut Street sidewalk repairs after neighborhood push to preserve brick