The Lawrence City Budget & Finance Committee voted Nov. 24 to forward to the full council a $537,382.67 appropriation transfer from airport retained revenues to several airport accounts, citing safety and project close‑out needs.

The committee heard a line‑by‑line presentation of the request: about $202,515 was identified for preliminary work on an FAA‑mandated avigation easement to remove or acquire trees near approach airspace; roughly $19,000 would cover the city’s final share of a taxiway change order for the Taxiway Charlie realignment project; $260,000 would fund site stabilization and drainage at a non‑aviation parcel at 135 North Ramp Road following a conservation commission requirement; $12,000 would address aged trees on airport property that threaten hangars in severe weather; and $13,867.67 was listed to cover the final taxiway closeout invoice. The presenter said the avigation easement work is expected to be approximately 95% reimbursable by state and federal sources through FAA and grant programs.

Committee members asked for clarification about the $30,000 study fee for a parcel conversion study and for the intended reuse of a roughly 2.4‑acre parcel abutting the Meramec River; staff said the parcel contains wetlands and steep topography, has been appraised and would be offered through an RFP process if the city proceeds with conversion. The presenter offered to provide tours and further documentation.

A motion to send the appropriation transfer to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation carried on roll call (affirmative votes recorded from Councilors Wendy Luzon, Vivian Marmol and Chair Stephanie Infante). The full council will consider the transfer at a subsequent meeting.