City manager finalists selected; public meet-and-greet scheduled

City reclaims Riverfront property in $2.5 million settlement

City clarifies funding source for Riverfront settlement

Commission approves $35 million in revenue bonds for Amarr

Innovative housing partnership revealed

KU Endowment annexation request advances despite flood concerns

Planning commission seat sparks rare nomination debate

Upcoming agenda to feature major land development code review

City manager finalists selected; public meet-and-greet scheduled

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Mayor Brad Finkeldei announced that five finalists have been selected in the search for the next city manager. The public is invited to meet the candidates during an open house event on Wednesday, May 20, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Building. The city commission will conduct formal, all-day interviews with the finalists on May 21, with a final vote to enter into contract negotiations expected the morning of Friday, May 22.

City reclaims Riverfront property in $2.5 million settlement

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The city commission unanimously approved a settlement agreement that will return full control of the downtown Riverfront building, parking garage and surrounding land to the city. Resolving a lawsuit brought by Riverfront LLC and other entities, the city will pay $325,000 of a $2.5 million settlement in 2027, terminating multiple long-term ground leases that previously cost tenants just $1. Commissioners celebrated the acquisition as a generational opportunity to revitalize the downtown riverfront, floating future development ideas such as a new farmers market location and a city trail connection.

City clarifies funding source for Riverfront settlement

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The source of the city's $325,000 payment for the Riverfront settlement sparked brief debate when a commissioner questioned an initial plan to use debt-funded City Hall renovation money. Staff clarified that the agenda memo incorrectly recommended tapping into the temporary notes issued for the City Hall project, which carries strict legal limitations. Because the settlement payment is not due until 2027, the city will explore other funding options, including paying in cash by budgeting for the expense in the upcoming fiscal cycle.

Commission approves $35 million in revenue bonds for Amarr

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Commissioners unanimously approved up to $35 million in industrial revenue bonds and a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement for Amarr Garage Doors. The conduit financing carries no financial liability for the city and will allow the major local employer to purchase its currently leased 440,000-square-foot facility in the East Hills Business Park. Under the agreement, Amarr will begin paying taxes at its current appraised value with a 2.25 percent annual increase, shielding the company from significant property tax spikes while securing its local jobs and opening the door for future expansion.

Innovative housing partnership revealed

LAWRENCE, Kan. - A collaboration between Amarr Garage Doors and Peaslee Tech was highlighted during the meeting, showcasing a local effort to build transitional housing. Peaslee Tech CEO Kevin Kelley shared that the organizations have partnered to design and build four homes in North Lawrence using structurally insulated panels manufactured by Amarr. The project, which originated from discussions about quick-setup shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to address local homelessness while providing workforce training and supporting the community.

KU Endowment annexation request advances despite flood concerns

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Despite pushback from neighboring farmers and Grant Township Trustee Paulette Schwerdt, the commission voted 4-0 to forward a KU Endowment annexation request to the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission. The requested annexation area, located in North Lawrence near the airport, faced public criticism over flooding tendencies and a lack of nearby utility infrastructure. While commissioners clarified that the vote merely advances the application for further study and notification rather than approving the annexation outright, they acknowledged the community's concerns regarding prime soil preservation and future floodplain development.

Planning commission seat sparks rare nomination debate

LAWRENCE, Kan. - A standoff over a Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission nomination resulted in the city commission delaying its appointment until the following week. A commissioner nominated local builder Mike Warner, citing on-the-ground experience in the development sector, while another nomination backed incumbent Jane Eldredge, pointing to her institutional knowledge and decades of legal and planning experience. Facing a split preference and with Commissioner Amber Sellers absent, the governing body opted to table the issue to avoid a contentious debate and will vote when all five members are present.

Upcoming agenda to feature major land development code review

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Commissioners previewed a packed agenda for the following week, highlighted by a major public discussion on the Land Development Code. The upcoming meeting was described as an opportunity for residents, developers and stakeholders to discuss what is working and what needs improvement in the city's zoning and development rules. The commission will also tackle initial discussions regarding the capital improvement plan and the upcoming city budget.

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