The Lawrence City Stormwater Board on June 2025 approved a $23,200 professional services agreement with Aegis BLN USA Inc. to provide staking services for stormwater work at Community Park.

City staff said the staking contract covers layout of storm sewer lines, curb islands and alignment needed to install drainage structures, and is strictly for stormwater-related layout work. “The staking is for the storm sewer staking,” a staff member said. The board voted to approve the professional services agreement during the meeting.

Staff explained the parking lot at Community Park is failing because of inadequate stormwater drainage and that the staking will allow construction crews to set control points for storm sewers, manholes and curb work. “We are going to install stormwater drainage. So I’ll be coming back to you with a quote for that actual structures and installation. Right now, I’m just asking to be able to stake the project,” the staff member said.

Staff also described how the project ties to nearby drainage: there is an existing 48-inch storm sewer tile that conveys water under Franklin Road toward Fall Creek. One staff speaker said work is needed to prevent continued drainage problems and potential roadway impacts. Other city departments — streets, parks and lighting — will pay for non-storm elements such as new pavement and street-light conduit, staff said.

Board member Tracy Boyd moved to approve the professional services agreement and another board member seconded; the board voted in favor. Staff said the stake-and-design work is the first step and that construction and structure costs will return to the board for later authorization.