Rec center fees generate revenue, senior swim attendance shifts

Debate stalls immediate return of free senior swim days

World Cup security to impact Sports Pavilion revenue

Commission greenlights South Park for permanent farmers market study

Tech company Alarm.com eyes new downtown location for expansion

Commission scrutinizes contractor delays on paving projects

Historic markers approved despite police chief's objections

Commission rejects health insurance switch, votes to defer decision

Board approves $1.3 million radio system upgrade

Blue envelope program introduced for neurodivergent drivers

Conditional use permit approved with cleanup stipulations

Rec center fees generate revenue, senior swim attendance shifts

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Mark Hecker presented the first month of data following the implementation of entry fees at recreation centers, reporting that Sports Pavilion Lawrence generated approximately $48,000 in spectator fees from eight events in January. While total senior memberships exceeded projections, data showed a 50 percent drop in senior attendance at the aquatic center on Wednesdays, a day that was previously free. Hecker noted, however, that overall senior monthly and annual pass sales increased, suggesting many regular users opted for memberships rather than paying daily fees.

Debate stalls immediate return of free senior swim days

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Commissioners debated but ultimately declined to immediately reinstate free swimming for seniors on Wednesdays. Mayor Brad Finkeldei and Commissioner Amber Sellers argued against changing the fee policy based on only one month of data, suggesting that waiting for a six-month review would provide a clearer picture of usage trends. Commissioner Mike Dever expressed interest in restoring the free day immediately to assist seniors on fixed incomes, but the commission reached a consensus to wait for further data before altering the new policy.

World Cup security to impact Sports Pavilion revenue

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Parks and Recreation Director Luis Ruiz revealed that revenue projections for Sports Pavilion Lawrence will be impacted in 2026 due to the FIFA World Cup. The facility will be blocked off from hosting large tournaments from mid-May through mid-July to serve as a security perimeter and logistical support area for teams utilizing Rock Chalk Park. While the facility will remain open for local residents and day-pass users, the city expects to lose revenue from approximately nine major tournaments during that window.

Commission greenlights South Park for permanent farmers market study

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Commissioners gave the Lawrence Farmers Market approval to proceed with the next phase of design and study for a permanent pavilion located in the northwest corner of South Park. The market's feasibility study identified South Park as the preferred location over other sites like the riverfront or 9th and Vermont streets due to infrastructure needs and downtown proximity. While commissioners expressed support for the concept, they acknowledged concerns regarding the loss of green space and parking logistics, directing staff to assess how the project would impact current Parks and Recreation programming before final approval is considered.

Tech company Alarm.com eyes new downtown location for expansion

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The commission received an amended application for economic development incentives from Alarm.com, which is seeking to expand its Lawrence operations. The technology company has shifted its focus from a property on Massachusetts Street to the former car dealership building at 714 Vermont St. Stephen Harrington, Alarm.com's vice president of global facilities, stated the company intends to renovate the 14,000-square-foot space to accommodate 30 to 40 new high-wage jobs, noting that hiring has been paused due to a lack of space at their current location.

Commission scrutinizes contractor delays on paving projects

LAWRENCE, Kan. — During the approval of a $1.9 million contract with Sunflower Paving for street maintenance, commissioners questioned staff regarding the contractor's history of schedule delays. Municipal Services and Operations staff confirmed that the contractor has missed completion dates on current projects and is currently paying liquidated damages ranging from $500 to $1,500 per day. Despite the concerns, staff recommended the contract, noting the low bid and built-in protections for the city should delays occur.

Historic markers approved despite police chief's objections

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The commission voted 5-0 to approve the installation of historic markers commemorating Harry Nicholas "Nick" Rice and Rick "Tiger" Dowdell, two young men killed by police during civil unrest in 1970. Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart asked the commission to pause the approval, citing concerns that the department was excluded from the drafting process and objecting to language describing officers as "angry" and the naming of specific officers involved in the Rice shooting. While one commissioner expressed hesitation regarding the naming of living officers without a legal finding, the commission ultimately decided the long-running process had been sufficiently vetted by historians and moved forward with the approval.

Commission rejects health insurance switch, votes to defer decision

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Douglas County Commission voted 3-2 to defer a decision on switching the county's employee health care plan administrator after a split vote rejected an initial proposal to move from Cigna to United Healthcare. While Human Resources Manager Michelle Spreer recommended the change for potential savings of up to $1 million, Commissioners Shannon Reid and Karen Willey raised concerns regarding United Healthcare's history of claim denials and potential disruption to staff. The five-member board, which also includes Commissioners Patrick Kelly, Gene Dorsey, and Erica Anderson, directed staff to return next week with de-identified data and disruption rates for other bidders before finalizing a provider.

Board approves $1.3 million radio system upgrade

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously authorized a $1.3 million contract with Motorola Solutions to replace the county's aging emergency communications radio consoles, which Director Tony Foster warned are reaching "end of life." The upgrade to APX consoles will be installed in the county's new public safety facility, slated for occupancy in May, and includes the addition of two consoles to manage increased capacity for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Foster noted that while anticipated state funding did not materialize, the equipment is essential for daily operations and the security demands of the upcoming tournament in the nearby Kansas City metro area.

Blue envelope program introduced for neurodivergent drivers

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Commissioner Shannon Reid presented a new "Blue Envelope" program discussed by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, aiming to improve interactions between law enforcement and neurodivergent drivers. The voluntary initiative allows individuals with intellectual disabilities to store their driver's license, registration, and emergency contact information in a specific blue envelope, which can be handed to an officer during a traffic stop. This visual cue immediately alerts law enforcement to the driver's condition, prompting necessary communication accommodations to ensure a safer and calmer interaction.

Conditional use permit approved with cleanup stipulations

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Rightway Solutions LLC to operate an equipment storage business at 1805 E. 200 Road, a site previously used as a laydown yard for electrical transmission work. Commissioners discussed the lingering presence of gravel and the need for revegetation from the property's prior temporary use, ultimately adding a stipulation requiring the owner to restore the site to a "live and vegetated state" as per the approved plan. The decision allows the construction business to utilize the location while ensuring environmental compliance and proper land restoration.

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