Lawrence City Parks Board members on July 9 praised crews for work on the Fourth of July events but discussed complaints that vendors were told to close earlier than advertised, and they approved a facility-use agreement for a fundraising event at Lee Road Park.

Board members said the city delivered a successful Fourth of July celebration but that some vendors were asked to stop earlier than the advertised 11 p.m. closing time; volunteers and residents contacted board members with complaints. "It was advertised to 11, and they were closing down early," one board member said. Board members also noted park staff who worked overtime on the holiday received overtime pay.

The board discussed having clearer facility-use agreements to set expectations for outside groups that use parks for events. One member said much of the labor and on-the-ground work — stage setup, trash pickup and other tasks — falls to the parks department even when outside groups profit from events. The board reiterated that facility-use agreements could help set responsibilities and avoid future disputes.

On a formal action, the board moved and seconded a motion to approve a facility-use agreement with Cathedral Ladies Soccer for a four-hour fundraiser on Aug. 2 at Lee Road Park to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. The board set the fee at $32 per hour for four hours (a $128 payment to the parks department) and approved the agreement by voice vote. No individual roll-call votes were recorded in the meeting minutes.

Members also thanked Jimmy Hennigan, who removed storm-damaged tree debris at Lee Road Park after recent storms; the board noted his work likely avoided an estimated $4,000'$5,000 subcontractor cost. Board members said they will continue to refine event advertising and coordination with law enforcement and vendors to avoid future confusion about event end times.