Sewer Capacity Task Force

LAWRECE MAYOR WHITFIELD EMPANELS

SEWER CAPACITY TASK FORCE

Panel to tackle present and future city sewer capacity challenges

LAWRENCE — Recognizing that the City of Lawrence is facing critical challenges with its sewer capacity, Mayor Deb Whitfield announced today that she is convening a Task Force to study the issue and make recommendations on the city's future sewer capacity, including exploring all available options. 

In announcing the task force, City of Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield stated, "I have determined that our current sewer capacity challenges are such that we cannot delay any further. I want to explore bold ideas on how we can ensure Lawrence's economic and environmental future."

Task Force members include:

• Paul Wanner, Utilities Superintendent

• Renea Rafala, Director of Public Works

• Gretchen Meyer, City Engineer

• Tracy Boyd, Chairperson of the Utility Service Board and member of the Stormwater Advisory Board

• Brad Klopfenstein, President & CEO of the Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and Chairperson of the Stormwater Advisory Board

• Councilor Lisa Chavis, Lawrence Common Council

• Jerrod Klein, Lawrence-based builder and Vice President of the Indianapolis Division of Taylor Morrison Construction

Jim Perron, Director of Communications and Fund Development for the city and Chairman of the City's Board of Works, will serve as Task Force coordinator. The Task Force will hold its inaugural meeting on October 14th and will meet weekly on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in the Mayor's Conference Room at the Lawrence Government Center. Plans are to deliver recommendations by the first quarter of 2026.