First City Connection INFORMATION FOR LEAVENWORTH’S RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES/ SUMMER 2016
City enters 2016 with changes to key leader positions Several retirements and promotions from within in 2015 led to the hiring of several new leaders filling positions with the City of Leavenworth. PAUL KRAMER began working with the City in 2009. He served as Assistant City Manager before receiving a promotion to City Manager in December 2015. He replaces retiring City Manager Scott Miller. Paul Kramer The City Manager City Manager is hired directly by the City Commission and handles day-to-day management of the City. Kramer’s previous experience working for the City included managing the Leavenworth Housing Authority, as well as overseeing Community Development, Municipal Courts, and various other departments. Kramer has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, both from the University of Kansas. Kramer lives in the City of Leavenworth with his wife and 2 children. TAYLOUR TEDDER began working for the City in March 2016. He replaces
Kramer, who was promoted to City Manager. Part of Tedder’s new role will now include economic development in addition to managing some divisions in the City. He was previously Development Manager for the City of Derby, Kan. Tedder has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Emporia State University and a Master’s in Public Administration Degree from Wichita State University. He is originally from Olathe. Tedder is in the Taylour Tedder process of moving to Assistant City Manager Leavenworth. CARLA WILLIAMSON began working for the City of Leavenworth in 2013 as Deputy City Clerk. In December she replaced the retiring City Clerk Karen Logan. Williamson has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration Carla Williamson from Ottawa City Clerk University and is a Certified Municipal Clerk through the International Institute of Municipal
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION
Each year on Arbor Day, the City of Leavenworth plants a tree to honor a community member. This year, the City will honor Finance Director Ron Hale,
Clerks Association. She has lived in Leavenworth for 26 years. RUBY MALINE began working for the City in February 2016. She has more than three decades of experience working in government accounting, including the City of Pittsburg, Kan., Platte County, Mo., and the City of Ruby Maline Finance Director Claremore, Okla. Maline is happy to be in Leavenworth and closer to her family. KRISTI LEE also began working for the City of Leavenworth in February 2016. Lee has experience working for the Franklin County Convention and Kristi Lee Visitor’s Bureau. Leavenworth Convention Lee looks forward and Visitors Bureau to getting to know Manager more about the City of Leavenworth. The Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is in City Hall, 100 N. 5th St.
who died unexpectedly in July 2015. The ceremony will be noon April 29 at North Esplanade Park and is open to the public.
City Manager’s Office City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-680-2604
Leavenworth City Commission
City Clerk’s Office City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-682-9201 Economic Development City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-680-2602 Fire Department (Admin. calls only) 3600 S. 20th Street 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 Public Library 417 Spruce St. 913-682-5666 Municipal Court Justice Center, 601 S. Third 913-758-2900 Parks and Recreation Riverfront Community Center 123 S. Esplanade St. 913-651-2203 Planning/ Community Development City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-680-2626 Police (Admin calls only) Justice Center, 601 S. Third 913-651-2260 Public Housing Planters II, 200 Shawnee St. 913-682-2200
Larry Dedeke Mayor 913-651-3322 ldedeke@aol.com
Nancy Bauder Mayor Pro-Tem 913-675-7166 nbauder@firstcity.org
Mark Preisinger Commissioner 913-775-2822 mpreisinger @firstcity.org
Charles Raney Commissioner 913-704-8439 charleyraney @rocketmail.com
Lisa Weakley Commissioner 913-682-6297 lweakley@firstcity.org
Citywide Spring Cleanup to take place April 16 Opportunities to get rid of household hazardous waste, large items Each year in April, more than 1,200 volunteers come together to remove tons of trash from City streets in just one day. Young and old, they come from Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Rotary and Lions Clubs, local churches, businesses, and many other civic groups. On Saturday, April 16, teams of these volunteers will once again pick up trash throughout the City. Volunteers will begin with a kick-off ceremony 8:30 a.m. on April 16 at Henry Leavenworth Elementary School. The City provides gloves, trash bags and even a one-day pass to Wollman Aquatic Center as a thank you to volunteers. The City will never turn away volunteers who want to pick up trash but it helps staff to know in advance who would like to participate so that volunteers can be provided with supplies. Please call 913-680-2610 or e-mail Melissa Bower, mbower@firstcity.org, to sign up. In addition to volunteers picking up trash,
there are several services available to residents on April 16: • Free paper shredding will be offered from our sponsor, Citizens Savings and Loan, u 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 5151 S. Fourth St. at Citizens Savings and Loan. u 1 -2 p.m. 312 S. Fifth St. at Citizens Savings and Loan. • Free recycling for City residents 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. one block east of Leavenworth High School, Lawrence and Halderman Road. • Drop off of large items such as furniture, tires, mattresses and metals from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. one block behind the Service Center at the corner of Pennsylvania and Lawrence Avenues. Household Hazardous Waste such as cleaners, paint or chemicals can be dropped off at this location from 8 a.m. to noon. • Drop off of yard waste, brush, leaves and other organic materials at the Brush Site, 1803 S. 2nd St., from 8 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Public Information Office City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-680-2610 Public Works/Engineering City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-684-0375 Service Center/Streets/ Trash 790 Thornton St. 913-682-0650 Sewer Emergencies (24 Hours) 913-682-1090 Water Pollution Control 1800 S Second St. 913-682-1090
Scouts picking up trash at one of the City parks in April 2015. Children in the Leavenworth community are part of what makes the Spring Cleanup Day successful.
Commission approves purchase of body-worn cameras On March 22, the City Commission approved the low bid from Coban, Inc., for $48,515 the purchase of 50 bodyworn cameras for the Leavenworth Police Department. The Commission asked the Police Department to look into the use and purchase of body-worn cameras in 2015. The Police Department applied for and was awarded a Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for $14,582 for purchasing the cameras. The City allocated $15,000 from the 2016 Capital Improvements Budget and have money from drug seizure accounts that will be used to purchase the body-worn cameras. Once the cameras have been deployed, they will be on and recording anytime an officer interacts with the public. In order to prepare for the purchase of the body-worn cameras, Police Chief Pat Kitchens said the Police Department
also bought computer storage and faster computer processors. The video cameras provide a large amount of data that will have to be processed and stored, even
if only for a short time. Kitchens said the police department is in the process of determining its policies on body cameras.
City Projects Sidewalks are progressing along North Second Street across from Bob Dougherty Park. In 2015, the Community Development Advisory Board provided some funding from the Community Development Block Grant for sidewalk repair in low-income areas of Leavenworth. The program is federally-funded by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development . Sidewalks will be placed to provide safer transportation for pedestrians traveling to and from work and school. Removal and replacement of sidewalks are along Fourth Street/Kansas Highway 7 from Osage Street to Dakota Street, along Osage Street from Fourth Street to Second Street, along Dakota Street from Fourth Street to Second Street and along Second street from Osage to Dakota.
Cherokee Bridge Stormwater drainage at Cherokee Street west of 11th Street was undersized and beginning to deteriorate. The Commission approved the low bid of $928,027.69 to R. A. Knapp Construction for the project. Construction began in February to replace the drainage structure and minimize channel erosion. The road has been blocked completely and project is being done alongside another project, an 11th Street Pedestrian Bridge. The pedestrian bridge will be similar to the one over Three Mile Creek. Both are scheduled to be completed in 2016.
Major projects will affect two intersections on Fourth Street/Kansas Highway 7 later this summer and possibly require lane closures. The work at Fourth and Marion streets and Fourth and Poplar streets is intended to improve semitrailer and truck traffic along the highway. Currently the intersections are too narrow for wide turning needed by these vehicles. In 2015 the City demolished a building it had purchased at the intersection of Fourth and Marion streets for the purpose of improving this intersection. The City has received funding from the state for these two projects.
What’s that funny sewer smell? WPC will find out. City crews work to keep the main sewer lines clean and maintained. There is occasionally a break in a sewer line that can lead to discharge of untreated sewage, possibly reaching the stormwater drainage system. The City urges Leavenworth residents to contact us immediately if they see signs of a sewer discharge or a strange sewer smell at 913-682-1090. Crews
respond to system user requests for service 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The City of Leavenworth can only verify the City main lines. A lateral line is the line that runs from a residence or business to the City sewer mains. We cannot verify blockages in lateral lines. This must be done by a licensed plumbing company.
Elderly Rebate program helps pay sewer & refuse bills The City of Leavenworth has a program that pays sewer and refuse bills for qualified low income elderly residents. Those who are interested must fall below specific income guidelines and go through an application process. In order to qualify, citizens must: n Be a resident of the City of Leavenworth, Kansas. n Be 62 years old or older at the time of application. n Be a primary occupant of a residence. Water bill must bear applicant’s name. n Gross income, including that of a spouse or any residents living at the address, cannot exceed income guidelines listed in chart. Elderly citizens interested in applying can visit Leavenworth City Hall, 100 N. 5th St.,
now through May 13, 2016. Applicants should bring: n Income verification for 2015 from all income sources, such as 2015 Income Tax Returns, 2015 Homestead Claim or Social Security Statements and 1099 forms. n Proof of age, such as birth certificate or driver’s license if not currently a program participant. The City will pay monthly sewer and refuse charges in advance for a period of one year for those who meet the above qualifications and complete the application process. Program participants will receive a water bill with monthly sewer and refuse charges marked “Elderly Rebate.” For assistance completing 2015 tax forms, the following agencies can help
by appointment only: n Leavenworth County Council on Aging 1830 South Broadway 913-6840777. n County Clerk’s Office 300 Walnut St 913-684-0421. n Catholic Charities – 716 N. 5th Street 913-651-8060. NOTE: CITY CLERK STAFF DOES NOT ASSIST WITH COMPLETING THE TAX FORMS To remain on the rebate program, residents must apply in person each year. For transportation assistance, please contact the Senior Citizen Transportation van at 684-0778. Be sure to allow 2-3 days notice for transportation services. ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS THROUGH MAY 13, 2016
Elderly Rebate Program Income Restrictions
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development sets guidelines for the maximum income a senior can make. 1 person
2 persons
3 persons
4 persons
5 persons
6 persons
7 persons
8 persons
$25,700
$29,350
$33,000
$36,650
$39,600
$42,550
$45,450
$48,400
Alarm User Permits
Restrooms at Hawthorn Park will be demolished and replaced in 2016. Leavenworth Parks and Recreation Director Steve Grant told City Commissioners at a Feb. 23 meeting that the old restrooms could not be modified for handicapped accessibility. At that meeting, the Commission accepted the low bid from R.L. Phillips Construction Co. for the project for $144,900.
Use of an Alarm System in the City of Leavenworth requires a permit. Alarm User Permits are $15 annually and expire June 30 each year. As a reminder, if your alarm user permit is not renewed on time, your permit fee will be $35. If you have a false alarm and the alarm permit has not been renewed, you will be assessed a $165 response fee. Call the City Clerk’s Office for more information, 913-682-9201.
Program assists low income families wanting to become Leavenworth homeowners Home Ownership Assistance Program provides funds to residents of Leavenworth who are planning to become home owners. Applicants must be first time home owners or they may not have owned a home in five years. Applicants must meet income eligibility requirements as defined by HUD, be the intended resident of the property and plan to live there five years. Additionally, applicants must be credit-worthy and
must have received preapproval from a bank or mortgage company to finance a home, but need assistance to purchase the property. Qualified home buyers can receive assistance for mortgage principal buy down, closing costs and/or down payment assistance. Residents who meet the low-income guidelines may receive up to $12,000 (limited to 15% of the selling price) in funds toward the
purchase of a home; moderate-income level home owners may receive up to $8,000 (limited to 10% of the selling price) in funding toward the purchase of a home. To find out more about the program, visit the city website at http:// www.lvks.org/department/division. php?structureid=71.
Code Enforcement: Commonly Asked Questions Below are some questions often asked by the City’s Code Enforcement Officers. To speak to a staff, call 913-680-2627. “How long can grass in my yard get before it becomes a weed violation?” Code of Ordinances Chapter 118 Article V. Cutting of Weeds and Vegetation Sec. 118-127 Definitions (5) Weeds and indigenous grasses on or about residential property which, because of its height, has blighting influence on the neighborhood. Any such weeds and indigenous grasses shall be presumed to be blighting if they exceed 12 inches in height.
“Can I tarp my vehicle on my property if it’s inoperable and unlicensed?” Article IV. Supplementary District Regulations SECTION 410 (D) 2 Prohibited Accessory Uses. Dismantled Objects: Outdoor storage, of dismantled, inoperative and/or unlicensed motor vehicles, parking and/storage of construction machinery and equipment, tracked or wheeled; farm machinery and/or equipment except as specifically permitted in district regulations conjunction with a permitted use.
“How long can my RV be parked in my driveway?” Article IV. Supplementary District Regulations SECTION 4.08 (A) The storage and parking of major recreational equipment such as boats, boat trailers, pick-up campers or coaches, camping buses or converted trucks and tent trailers shall be prohibited in the front and side yard setbacks for a period in excess of seventy two (72) hours per month but may be stored or parked in a rear yard on a paved or aggregate block surface.
The City of Leavenworth is on Social Media Facebook: CityofLeavenworthKS Twitter: @LeavenworthKS Instagram: Leavenworth_Kansas Check out the Leavenworth Convention and Visitors Bureau for things to do in Leavenworth: www.visitleavenworthks.com
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 56 and Vietnam Veterans of America, Leavenworth chapter, accepted a proclamation by Mayor Larry Dedeke in March honoring Vietnam veterans. In October, Leavenworth will host the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Check the City’s fall newsletter for more information.
Leavenworth Library Summer reading to focus on Sports and Fitness Readers of all ages will explore all things sports and fitness this summer as the Leavenworth Public Library presents its 2016 Summer Reading Program. The library is planning programs, prize drawings, story times, contests and more. All activities are free of charge and are geared toward all ages, preschool through adult. The kick-off events and registration will take place on Saturday, June 4. Children can participate in a variety of activities and register for the summer reading challenge at the “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read” kick-off on 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 4. Toddlers and
preschoolers can earn prizes for every 25 books they read. Elementary-age children will earn a prize for each 120 minutes they spend reading. In addition, children can participate in the following special programs in June and July: • JoJo Dee’s Pets • Mad Science • Art projects • Science experiments • Group games • Physical challenges • Activities for the whole family to enjoy together The Teen program kicks off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 with a “Get in the Game: READ!” event. For each book they read throughout June and July, teens will turn in a short summary in order to earn a prize and participants will be entered
into a drawing for a grand prize. Special events for teens are planned for the summer, such as: • Food Preparation class • Movies • Fitness-themed activities Adults are encouraged to “Exercise Your Mind — Read” beginning on Saturday, June 4. Patrons are invited explore a variety of books, music, movies and programs in June and July to improve their health and well-being, including fitness, nutrition and stress relief. Adults will earn prizes for participating in the challenge, and those who meet all the requirements will be entered in a grand prize drawing for a Fitbit. For more information, call the library at 913-682-5666 or visit our website, www. leavenworthpubliclibrary.org.