Commission approves first-reading ordinance to vacate access and utility easement at 3601 E. 25th St.

The Lawrence City Commission conducted a public hearing and voted 4‑0 April 15 to adopt on first reading Ordinance No. 10118, which vacates an existing access and utility easement at 3601 East 25th Street and establishes a new 25‑foot utility easement for the site.

Steven Smith, the city's right‑of‑way program administrator, told the commission the application was submitted by Trainer Incorporated on behalf of Douglas County for a current development project on the property. Staff notified property owners within 400 feet and private utility contractors; no objections were received. Smith said the only conflicting utility was a city water main, which was relocated as part of a city public‑improvement project. "City staff recommends to approve the ordinance for this vacation," Smith said.

Why it matters: the ordinance clears a title/utility impediment tied to a county project at the 3601 East 25th Street site and establishes a new 25‑foot utility easement in place of the vacated area, with the city reporting relocation of the water main to avoid service conflicts.

During the hearing there was no public comment in the room and none on the item from virtual participants. Commissioner Fingelde (listed in the meeting as a motion maker) moved to adopt Ordinance No. 10118 on first reading; Commissioner Sellers seconded. The motion carried 4‑0.

Ending: The ordinance was adopted on first reading; the usual second step for municipal ordinances is a subsequent reading and final adoption per city procedures.