Lawrence City hears sewer-project update as officials approve routine minutes and claims

Presiding Officer (Speaker 1) called the Lawrence City meeting to order and the council approved routine business, including the minutes from Dec. 9 and payment of claims, before hearing project updates from the city superintendent.

The city’s superintendent (Speaker 2) reported that the Shafter Avenue sanitary sewer project is moving forward but will likely require an extension for substantial completion after crews discovered manholes "below grade that weren't on our plans," which the superintendent said must be brought up to grade, rehabbed and lined as part of the contract. "Some manholes were found that were below grade that weren't on our plans," the superintendent said.

He also said work on 71st Street has been delayed by weather and will probably require a time extension for substantial completion because crews "didn't get the asphalt done as intended to this year," and the city will install a temporary patch now and return in the spring for permanent repairs.

The superintendent told members the utility budget will not be presented tonight; after further review with the controller and other staff he is aiming to bring the budget back for council review at the Jan. 13 meeting but said he did not want to rush the presentations if staff were not ready. "I'll note the thirteenth. That's what I'm shooting for," he said.

There were no public comments and no unfinished or new business reported. The council approved the minutes and claims by voice vote (the Presiding Officer announced the motions carried). The meeting adjourned after a brief exchange of holiday greetings.

What happens next: the superintendent said he will notify the council if any further developments require action; the utility budget review is expected to return to the council agenda in January for formal consideration.