First City Connection INFORMATION FOR LEAVENWORTH’S RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES/ WINTER SPRING 2015
KDOT planning road replacement on Metropolitan Ave. From the Kansas Dept. of Transportation The U.S. 73/K-7 pavement replacement project in the Leavenworth city limits will occur on Metropolitan Avenue, from about 100 feet west (north) of 16th Street to the Centennial Bridge, and on 4th Street from Metropolitan Avenue to Cheyenne Street. Project work includes removal and replacement of the existing pavement, curb and gutter, and Americans With Disabilities Act-accessible ramps. The highway will be replaced with new concrete pavement and reworked base material under the new
concrete pavement. This project consists of removal of the existing deteriorated pavement and replacement in-kind with new pavement. There will be no changes to the width of the pavement, no additional lanes, and no additional rightof-way required. The project will be let for bids in February 2015 and is scheduled to be completed by late 2015. The project will be phased so that there will be relatively short periods of time to complete a portion of the project before starting another section so that the impact on residents and
businesses will be minimized. The intersections at 4th Street and at 7th Street — along with the section of road between 4th Street and the Centennial Bridge — will be replaced with precast concrete pavement panels. By using this method of construction, these areas can be reconstructed at night and reopened to traffic each day. This is the first use of precast pavement panels by KDOT in this type of application and while quite expensive it will provide major benefits for the travelling public on this project.
City snow and ice emergency plan organizes street clearing during storms City street crews or contractors begin clearing snow starting on Emergency Snow Routes when two inches or more of snow has accumulated. A map of Emergency Snow Routes is on the City’s website, www.lvks.org along with the Snow and Ice Policy Manual. After these routes are cleared, the crews move onto public safety facilities, school loading zones on the City’s right-of-way, the Leavenworth Central Business District, then residential streets. What does “Snow Emergency” mean? The City Manager — or in the absence of the City Manager, the Chief of Police — may declare a snow emergency. Two hours after the declaration of an emergency, all vehicles The Snowflake Signs that must be removed from streets say, “Emergency Snow designated as “Emergency Snow Route” Routes,” which are clearly posted mean that with signs (right photo) and can vehicles be found on the City website. may not be Failure to move a vehicle parked on subjects it to being towed at the this street owner’s expense. during a Snow on sidewalks snow emergency. The City’s Snow Removal
INSIDE:
• Countywide Sales Tax Election in February • Elderly Rebate Program
Ordinance states that property owners are responsible for removing snow from adjacent sidewalks and adjacent sidewalk ramps. Businesses are responsible for clearing sidewalks downtown. The City allows owners 24 hours following the conclusion of the snowstorm to properly remove snow from all the aforementioned areas. Residents will be held responsible for knowing that whenever snow has accumulated to such a depth that snow removal operations will be required.
• Update on the Riverfront Community Center stonework • Completed road projects in 2014
CITY PHONE NUMBERS City Manager’s Office City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-680-2604 City Clerk’s Office City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-682-9201 Economic Development City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-680-2604 Fire Department (Administration calls only) 3600 S. 20th Street Trafficway 913-682-3346 For Burn Permits: 913-758-2980 Human Resources City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-680-2637 Inspections City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-684-0378
Leavenworth City Commission Meets 7 p.m. Tuesdays at City Hall. Each 2nd and 4th weeks are regular sessions, 1st and 3rd weeks are study sessions. DON’T FORGET TO VOTE - Municipal elections take place April 7, 2015.
Mark Preisinger Mayor 913-775-2822 mpreisinger@firstcity.org
Leavenworth Public Library 417 Spruce St. 913-682-5666 Municipal Court Justice Center, 601 S. Third St. 913-758-2900 Parks and Recreation Riverfront Community Center 123 S. Esplanade St. 913-651-2203
Lisa Weakley Mayor Pro-Tem 913-682-6297 lweakley@firstcity.org
Planning/ Community Development City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-680-2626 Police (Admin calls only) Justice Center, 601 S. Third St. 913-651-2260 Public Housing Planters II, 200 Shawnee St. 913-682-2200 Public Information Office City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-680-2610 Public Works/Engineering City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-684-0375
Larry Dedeke Commissioner 913-651-3322 ldedeke@aol.com
Laura Janas Gasbarre Commissioner 913-758-1834 lgasbarre@firstcity.org
Service Center (Street and Refuse) 790 Thornton St. 913-682-0650 Sewer Emergencies (24 Hours) 913-682-1090 Water Pollution Control 1800 S Second St. 913-682-1090
Davis Moulden Commissioner 913-651-4979 dtm@lvnworth.com
Countywide Sales Tax renewal up for vote in February 2015 via mail-in ballot
The City of Leavenworth uses funds from a Countywide Sales Tax to pay for projects such as fixing roads and making improvements to city facilities such as the fire department and the parks. It is a one percent sales tax that is paid throughout the county, and allocated to all cities in Leavenworth County based on population and property tax levies. Countywide Sales Tax has been in place for about 20 years. It is not a new tax. It has been renewed once every 10 years by Leavenworth County voters. The Leavenworth County Commission decided to ask voters for a 20-year sales tax renewal, which would allow cities to use bonds for financing at a low interest rate. Voting will be done through a mail-in ballot. The last day to register to automatically receive a ballot is Jan. 5, 2015. Ballots will be mailed to voters beginning January 13, 2015. The deadline to return ballots to the Leavenworth County Election Office is noon Feb. 3, 2015. Call the Leavenworth County Election Office, 913684-0422 for more information. Past projects for which the City of Leavenworth has utilized the Leavenworth Countywide Sales Tax include: - An economic development incentive package to encourage the Central Plains Consolidated Patient Account Center to be developed at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Leavenworth in 2011, resulting in about new 400 jobs. - The Delaware Streetscape Project in 2008 - The Leavenworth Library addition in 2008 - Construction of Haymarket Square in 2008 - Construction of Three Mile Creek trail in 2009 - Repaving Spruce Street in 2011 - Repaving Limit Street from 15th to 20th, adding curbs and sidewalks in 2013. - Repaving 10th Avenue in 2013. - Repaving Ottawa Street in 2014. The City approved an ordinance that if passed, funding from the Countywide Sales Tax would be utilized for: 1) Debt service - 15 percent maximum per year used to retire outstanding bonded debts. 2) Infrastructure - Street construction/reconstruction, curb/gutter replacement and storm drainage improvements. 3) Capital projects - Maintenance and improving public facilities and grounds. 4) Economic Development - Developing, recruitment and retention of industrial, commercial and retail development projects and to facilitate growth and development in industrial, downtown and commercial corridors. A group in favor of the tax has information online at https://www. facebook.com/pages/Citizens-for-Progress/548435088620171.
The City of Leavenworth facilitates a program called the Elderly Rebate Program. It pays monthly sewer and refuse charges for elderly residents who meet the following requirements: 1. 62 years of age or older. 2. Primary occupant of the residence.
3. Reside in the City of Leavenworth. 4. Meet low income guidelines. Residents can sign up at the City Clerk’s Office, Leavenworth City Hall 100 N. 5th Street. Starting Tuesday, February 17, 2015, the City Clerk’s Office will start
accepting applications for the Elderly Rebate Program. Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2015. Applicants must provide a completed copy of 2014 Federal Income Tax Return and/or 2014 Kansas Homestead Claim documents.
Wastewater rates to increase in December
Leavenworth residents will notice an increase in their wastewater rates beginning in December. The 3% increase has been approved by the Leavenworth City Commission to help offset a rise in operating costs.
First City Connection Newsletter
Elderly Rebate Program pays bills for Leavenworth seniors who qualify
FIREFIGHTERS from the Leavenworth Fire Department had a chance to improve their techniques in September 2014 before the City tears down two homes it purchased on what is now part of Sportsfield Park. Here, Capt. Tim Huggins teaches younger firefighters how to safely cut a vent using an axe.
Library happenings for 2015 Friday and is sure to warm you up with dancing, magic, and more. Be sure to ask about our winter reading program, too. For the artist in you, join us each Tuesday at 4 p.m. for Creation Station. Did I mention how much fun we have? Be sure to check out the Teen Scene. Teens and tweens can look forward to gaming, movie screenings, and . . .? You never know what the ladies in the Young Adult program are cooking up just for you. Something about ‘May the Fourth Be with YOU?’ — stay tuned. It is our pleasure to be the staff of your Leavenworth Public Library. As always, we look forward to talking books and more with you soon.
SISTER CITY VISIT: Leavenworth hosted two young ladies from Wagga Wagga, Australia in August 2014 as part of the Sister City Program. Pictured are Community Princess Cayde Cheney, Leavenworth host Maxine Hunter and Miss Wagga Wagga 2014 Jane Morton. The Wagga Wagga Business Chamber and its sponsors pay for young ladies from their community to take a trip to Leavenworth every few years. The ladies visited the National World War I Museum, attended the Fort Leavenworth International Flag Day Ceremony and even got to see a Kansas City Royals game during their visit to Leavenworth.
Winter/Spring 2015
Leavenworth Public Library 417 Spruce St. Leavenworth, KS Genealogy programs, computer and handheld device training, Facebook secrets revealed, informational programs with our local Master Gardeners, the Balance Living Series through the Kansas State University Research and Extension office, movie screenings decided by you, and so many more are coming in 2015. Are you ready? We are! In case you have not heard, your Leavenworth Public Library is the place to be. Story Time expands to three times a week with the addition of a program at 10 a.m. Mondays. A Wiggle Workshop continues each
3
Winter/Spring 2015
Completed:
A few road improvement projects we’ve done in 2014
Ottawa Street
WHEN: Completed October 2014 HOW MUCH: about $1.1 million WHY: This street had no gutters or curbs to help with drainage, and additionally had been on the list of projects needing repair for some time by request of citizens. Sidewalks were added to an area that had none. Children in the vicinity of David Brewer Elementary School or those walking to the David Brewer Park from the east will now have a safer walking path to those facilities. This project was supported by the Countywide Sales Tax.
Osage Street
WHEN: Completed September 2014 HOW MUCH: $239, 040.43 WHY: In addition to sidewalks that were added a few years ago near David Brewer Elementary School, road improvements to Osage Street between 13th Street and 17th Street included repair of selected curbs, repair and upgrade of storm sewer, install under-drains for stormwater drainage, removing/milling damaged pavement and repaving.
First City Connection newsletter
20th Street Trafficway
4
WHERE: 20th Street from Shawnee to Ottawa streets WHEN: September 2014 HOW MUCH: $146,174 WHY: The northern part of 20th Street Trafficway was repaved with a new layer of asphalt and curbs were replaced. Additionally, the curbs were replaced south of Spruce Street on 20th Street Trafficway.
Tags and license required for dogs in Leavenworth The 2015 Dog Tags will be available for purchase starting Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. All dogs residing in the City must have a dog license. Puppies under 4 months old do not need to be registered, however puppies/dogs 4 months and older do need to be registered. When registering your dog for a license, you must have proof of rabies vaccination and proof of spaying or neutering. The annual fees are $10.00 for spayed or neutered dogs and $20 if unaltered. After April 1 a late fee will apply.
Dog licenses may be obtained from any of these locations: • City Clerk’s Office, Leavenworth City Hall, 100 N. 5th St. • Leavenworth Animal Control, 2019 S. 3rd St. • Dog & Cat Clinic, 1101 N. 5th St. • Pioneer Veterinary Hospital, 3525 S. 4th St. • Broadway Veterinary Clinic, 1116 N. Broadway Ave. • Lowemont Veterinary Clinic, 33511 Santa Fe Trail. • Kansas Country Store, 728 Cherokee St.
First phase of stonework replacement project completed
NOW
Licensing & Misc. Services Exterior renovations took place in 2014 replace some of the crumbling sandstone. Bricks and mortar were removed along with the sandstone and replaced. In 2015, similar work will continue on the exterior of the building in other areas, but the front entrance will re-open.
THEN First Time Home Buyer Program
Household 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Low $24,500 $28,000 $31,500 $34,950 $37,750 $40,550 $43,350 $46,150
• Trash bags may be purchased at the City Clerk’s Office at a cost of $6 per roll. • Garage sale permits are required at a cost of $5. Limit of 1 Garage Sale per Calendar Quarter. • All restaurants are required to have a Health Permit at a cost of $100 per year. • All Employees working at any Food Establishment must have a Food Handler Permit. – Class/Permit Fee is $10. • Massage Establishments - New Business $350 and Renewals $175. • Cereal Malt Beverage license renewals effective January 1, 2015, need to be submitted by Dec. 2, 2014, for processing and approval. • Distributing flyers doorto-door requires a permit. • Door-to-door solicitors are required to purchase a license with the City. • If you encounter individuals soliciting at your home, ask to see a copy of the city license. • Tree trimmers are required to obtain a yearly license. Before hiring someone to trim or cut trees, ask to see the tree trimmer’s license.
Moderate $39,150 $44,750 $50,350 $55,900 $60,400 $64,850 $69,350 $73,800
*Figures are adjusted annually by the Department of Housing and Urban Development; current rates effective as of Dec. 2013 and are subject to change Dec. 2014.
Winter/Spring 2015
The City of Leavenworth has funds available for qualified lowto moderate income first time home buyers. Applicants must currently live in Leavenworth and would like to purchase a first home within the city limits. Through the Community Development Block Grant, the City can provide up to $12,000 for interest rate buy down, mortgage rate buy down, and/or down payment assistance. Applicants must be pre-approved for a mortgage and meet income eligibility requirements as defined by HUD guidelines. For more information, contact Linda Cooper, Community Development Coordinator, at (913) 680-2628 or email: lcooper@firstcity.org.
Office of the City Clerk :
First City Connection Newsletter
Riverfront Community Center
5
Winter/Spring 2015 First City Connection newsletter
6
Know The Code Yard Maintenance All drainage ditches on the property must be kept clear of all trash, brush and leaves. Snow removal is the responsibility of the property owners/occupants and all sidewalks -including the public sidewalk -- must be kept free of all snow and ice. Vehicles • All vehicles must be operable and legally licensed or stored in an enclosed structure. All cars not enclosed must be parked in an approved driveway or parking area. Vehicles may not be parked on any lawn/ yard area. All vehicle parking spaces shall be paved. Gravel is only allowed off an alley and as a parking pad and must have a border around all four sides to contain the gravel. • RV’s, boats, and campers may be parked for no more than 72 hours per month in the front or side yards, but may be parked in the backyard on a paved or aggregate block surface indefinitely. • No commercial vehicles or trailers (12,000 Gross Vehicle Weight), including but not limited to panel trucks, large equipment trailers,
semi-trailers, can be parked overnight in a residential area. • Small utility trailers may be parked on the property (less than 12,000 Gross Vehicle Weight), including small trailers for hauling, leaves, wood or other yard debris. Junk on Private Property City ordinance states: It shall be unlawful to park, store, leave or permit the parking, storing or leaving of any vehicle, machinery, appliances, implements or equipment, including abandoned, discarded or unused objects or equipment such as automobiles, furniture, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, cans or containers, lumber, junk, trash or other debris, which is in a wrecked, junked, partially dismantled, inoperative, unsafe or abandoned condition on private property in the City, so located upon the premises as to be visible from any public place or any surrounding private property, unless it is in connection with a business enterprise properly operated in the appropriate business zone pursuant to the zoning laws and other ordinances of the City.
Planning and Code Enforcement Call 913-680-2626 to report a violation or visit www.lvks.org.
Tree Planted at Haymarket Square A live,19-foottall Concolor Spruce has been planted at Haymarket Square . The tree will be the focal point of the Mayor’s Tree Lighting. Trees provide shade, erosion control and many other benefits to the community.
Brush site hours change for winter, Christmas tree disposal available
The Brush Site, 1803 S. 2nd. St, will switch to winter hours Dec. 2. It will be open Saturdays only 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. December to February. The first Saturday of each month is no charge/free drop off for residents. It will also be open for free Christmas Tree disposal on December 26, 27, 30 and 31 and January 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Christmas Tree disposal will be free for Leavenworth residents Jan. 3. Regular hours begin for spring after March 3, 2015.
HUD-funded CDGB program helps homeowners make repairs The City of Leavenworth has funds available to assist qualified low- to moderateincome homeowners through the Community Development Block Grant, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The City can provide up to $6,000 for emergency repairs, handicap accessibility, minor exterior rehab
projects or weatherization repairs. Applicants must meet income eligibility requirements as defined by HUD guidelines for low and moderate income. The applicant must be the homeowner and occupant. Insurance and property taxes must be current and the home must be located within the city limits of
Leavenworth. For additional requirements and guidelines or to request an application
contact Linda Cooper, Community Development Coordinator, at 680-2628 or e-mail lcooper@firstcity.org.
We need your input: CDBG Survey
The City is looking for input on how it should use Community Development Block Grant funding through a survey on our website, www.lvks.org, or visit the Community Development office on the second floor of Leavenworth City Hall. It will be available until Nov. 30.