First City Connection Information from the City of Leavenworth Winter/Spring 2014
RFCC stone replacement begins this spring Riverfront Community Center
The 125-year-old Riverfront Community Center is showing some signs of its age, especially on the light-colored sandstone along the exterior walls. A joint City and Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) program is funding new sandstone on the Community Center, 123 Esplanade St. The community center’s sandstone is chipping in several places (photos) and so the City applied for a grant to restore this historic building. Out of the estimated $1.7 million for the first phase of the project, KDOT is paying about 80 percent. The project is being conducted in phases. Phase I takes place during 2014 and will last about a year. It will include tearing down and replacing the entire façade of the building’s iconic entrance. The stones will be replaced. The sandstone is being specially cut to order for this project. Future phases are dependent on available funding. Phase II would repair the outside of the Men’s Waiting Room on the southern portion of the building. Phase III would repair the outside of the Women’s Waiting Room on the northern portion of the building. Phase IV includes repair of the side of the building facing the Missouri River. Thank you for your patience during the restoration process.
The Riverfront Community Center was rededicated in 1988 after a Citywide effort to renovate the former Union Pacific Railroad Depot. The building was originally constructed in 1888. In 1984, the V.B. Greenamyre family gave the building to the City of Leavenworth. A bond issue paid for the renovation. The building survived a few floods, including a major flood in 1993 which submerged RFCC in several inches of water. In 2008, an auto accident resulted in a large hole that needed major repairs. The Community Center has four meeting rooms, a gym, a walking path, a cardio room, weight room, activity room, indoor pool and administrative offices. PHOTOS: Sandstone on the outside of the Riverfront Community Center is starting to show signs of wear and tear. Phase I of the restoration project will repair the front of the building, which begins in Spring 2014.
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Leavenworth Kansas
Inside:
4-5 City projects
2- Information on the Sales Tax Referendum election
7- “KNOW THE CODE” Find out the city’s requirements for maintenance and upkeep of residential property. Flipside: First City Activity Guide, community calendar on page 9.
3- What does an Emergency declaration mean during a snowstorm?
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. 913-680-2660 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
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. Visit www.lvks.org for copies of the agendas and minutes.
Laura Janas Gasbarre Mayor 913-758-1834 lgasbarre@firstcity.org
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 St. 913-758-2900
Mark Preisinger Mayor Pro-Tem 913-775-2822 mpreisinger@firstcity.org
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 St. 913-651-2260
Larry Dedeke Commissioner 913-651-3322 ldedeke@aol.com
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 Service Center (Street and Refuse) 790 Thornton St. 913-682-0650
Davis Moulden Commissioner 913-651-4979 dtm@lvnworth.com
Sewer Emergencies (24 Hours) 913-682-1090 Water Pollution Control 1800 S Second St. 913-682-1090
Lisa Weakley Commissioner 913-682-6297 lweakley@firstcity.org
Winter election
Sales Tax Referendum
Sales tax will allow up to 40% reduction in property taxes for residents, businesses The Leavenworth City Commission is placing on the ballot a Sales Tax Referendum to reduce property taxes by up to 40 percent in 2015 with a 1 percent sales tax increase. The City Commission strongly feels that lowering property taxes would result in a major economic benefit to local homeowners and business owners. It would also make Leavenworth more competitive against other communities that have lower property taxes, such as Lansing, Tonganoxie, Basehor, Lawrence and Kansas City. Voters will have the option to approve a 1 percent sales tax in the City of Leavenworth that would allow the City Commission to lower the mill levy by about 19 mills. For the owner of a home valued at $150,000; that is about $327.15 savings per year in property taxes. The Sales Tax does not sunset, which means the drop in property taxes will continue beyond 2015. Our current mill levy rate is 52.044 mills. The City has not raised its mill levy Vote by mail-in in 11 years despite a severe economic ballot by Feb 4! recession that has increased the City’s cost of providing services. It has not come without cost cutting in the City’s budget. In the last three years, the City has cut more than $1.3 million in total dollars from its budget. What’s a mill levy? A mill levy is $1 per $1,000 of assessed value of property. The assessed value of property in the City of Leavenworth is determined by the Leavenworth County Appraiser. That means when Leavenworth property values decline, taxing entities like the City of Leavenworth receive fewer dollars per mill levies. Sometimes cities raise mills to offset a decrease in assessed valuation. Leavenworth has not. There are several major taxing entities in Leavenworth that have the power to collect taxes from a mill levy. Depending on where you live in Leavenworth, property taxes go toward Leavenworth County, Leavenworth Public Schools USD 453 and the City of Leavenworth. Each of these taxing entities has the power to raise taxes separately from the other, (CONTINUED ON PAGE 3)
First City Connection Newsletter
Where’s my Channel 2? Time Warner Cable made some switches to its TV channels to save bandwidth. If you have a newer TV, the City of Leavenworth’s Channel 2 should still be on Channel 2. However, on older TVs this channel is on 98.2. (Helpful hint: Try pushing 98-2 if the remote doesn’t have a “.” button.) A Time Warner-provided set top box, digital adapter or CableCard can also resolve this issue. Contact Time Warner for more information, 816-358-8833.
City crews plan for 2013-2014 winter storm season City street crews or contractors begin clearing snow starting on Emergency Snow Routes when 2 inches or more of snow has accumulated. A map of Emergency Snow Routes is on the City’s website 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” mean? The City Manager, or in the absence of the City Manager, the Chief of Police may declare a snow traffic emergency. Two hours after the declaration of a “Traffic Emergency” all vehicles must be removed from streets designated as “Emergency Snow Routes,” which are clearly posted with signs (right photo) and can be found on the City website. Failure to move a vehicle subjects it to being towed at the owner’s expense. The issuance of a “Snow Emergency” will be broadcast on Ch. 2, lvks. org, as well as on the City Facebook and Twitter accounts. Snow on sidewalks The City of Leavenworth’s Snow Removal 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
Snow plows get ready to clear snow from the City streets in 2012. This is Truck 3330, with a truck plow and attached wing plow. Together, they make a 20-foot pass along Leavenworth streets, which is why residents should notpark their vehicles along snow routes.
for knowing that whenever snow has accumulated to such a depth that snow removal operations will be required. Snow removal is necessary for safety, especially along major roads near schools and Fort Leavenworth, where children and Soldiers have heavy use of sidewalks. Staying safe while commuting Kansas and Missouri Departments of Transportation have online interactive maps that show which routes are safe for commuting during inclement weather. Check 511.ksdot.org for Kansas and traveler.modot.org for Missouri.
The Snowflake Signs that say, “Emergency Snow Route” mean that vehicles may not be parked on this street during a snow emergency. When a “Snow Emergency” is declared, there will be notices on Channel 2, Facebook, Twitter and the website.
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) and each of these taxing entities has elected officials who are voted into office to serve on behalf of Leavenworth citizens. Although federal entities like the U.S. Penitentiary, Fort Leavenworth and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Veterans Affairs Medical Center provide
wonderful services and jobs, they are also exempt from paying property taxes. This means that the property tax burden is shifted heavily toward land and home owners in Leavenworth. The City of Leavenworth also receives income from sales taxes – the tax everyone pays when they buy goods or
services. Whether it’s a pair of pants or a meal at a restaurant, the sales tax goes directly to the state and a part of that is distributed back to local communities. Cities do not have the power to raise sales taxes. Voters do. That’s what the City Commission is placing on the ballot – a 1 percent increase in the sales
Winter/Spring 2014
February Sales Tax Referendum aims to lower property taxes tax in exchange for up to a 40 percent decrease in property taxes in 2015. Ballots will be mailed to voters beginning Jan. 15, 2014. The deadline to return ballots to the County Election Office is Feb. 4, 2014. DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IS JAN. 14, 2014!
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First City Connection newsletter
Winter/Spring 2014
Wastewater rates set to increase
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Leavenworth residents will notice an increase in their wastewater rates beginning in December. The three percent increase has been approved by the Commission to help offset a rise in operating costs. In 2012 the City of Leavenworth completed an upgrade to its sewer treatment program that included ultraviolet light treatment to wastewater. The system that the City was required to put in place by state and federal regulations and has higher electricity costs.
Stove Factory Lofts undergoing a treatment to preserve the old Tire Town buildings on Choctaw Street in October 2013. The building is being renovated in phases for use as loft apartments. The windows must be specially ordered for this historic project and won’t be installed until spring.
City Rebate Program pays bills for elderly residents who qualify
The City of Leavenworth will pay monthly sewer and refuse charges if you meet the following requirements: 1. 62 years of age or older 2. The primary occupant of your residence 3. Reside in the City of Leavenworth 4. Meet low income guidelines of: Number in Household Income Limit 1 $ 24,950 2 $ 28,500 3 $ 32,050 4 $ 35,600 5 $ 38,450 6 $ 41,300 7 $ 44,150 8 $ 47,000 Residents can sign up at the City Clerk’s Office, Leavenworth City Hall 100 N. 5th Street. Starting Tuesday, February 18, 2014, the City Clerk’s Office will start accepting applications for the Elderly Rebate Program. Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2014. You must provide a completed copy of your 2013 Federal Income Tax Return and/or 2013 Kansas Homestead Claim documents.
City’s new Animal Control Shelter on track to finish in 2014
This roughly $2.3 million building behind Price Chopper on Fourth Street is being built to replace the current 40-year-old Animal Control Shelter. The old building has poor ventillation that leads to illness in animals and has flooded three times in the last six years. The new Leavenworth Animal Control building is on schedule to be completed on time in the summer of 2014. The exterior is nearly complete and contractors plan to have the building enclosed by Thanksgiving.
Office of the City Clerk :
Licensing & Misc. Services
• Trash bags may be purchased at the City Clerk’s Office at $6 per roll • Garage sale permits are required at a cost of $5. • All restaurants are required to have a Health Permit at a cost of $100 per year. • All Employees working at any Food Establishment must pay a $10 Food Handler Fee. • Massage Establishments - New Business $350 and Renewals $175. • Cereal Malt Beverage license renewals effective January 1, 2014, need to be submitted by December 3, 2013, for processing and approval. • Distributing flyers door-to-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.
First City Connection Newsletter
Completed! 10th Avenue Repaving
WHEN: Completed September 2013 HOW MUCH: about $300,000 WHY: The City scraped away some of the patches along 10th Avenue earlier this year and improved and stabilized the roadbed. Novachip overlay was used to resurface the street. WHO: The City utilized its own crews for the deconstruction and milling process. Contractors were used for repaving. This heavy-use road in front of Leavenworth High School was first built in the mid 1990s and in need of repair.
WHEN: Completed September 2013 HOW MUCH: $230,000 WHY: The 300-block of Choctaw Street in front of Young Sign Company was replaced and repaved. The old road had been part of a railroad track. Over time, weather and heavy industrial traffic has degraded the road. The entire roadbed was ripped out and replaced. Engineering fabric was used underneath the asphalt to stabilize the roadbed. The project included new sidewalks on both sides of the street, curbs and access ramps. Next year the City plans to continue the Choctaw Street rebuild on the other side of Fourth Street.
Limit Street/16th St. Bridge
Dog owners in Leavenworth must register dogs between February-March yearly The 2014 Dog Tags will be available to purchase starting Friday, Feb. 1, 2014. 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 $20.00 if unaltered. After April 1st, a late fee will apply. Dog licenses may be obtained from any of these locations: • City Clerk’s Office at Leavenworth City Hall, 100 N. 5th Street
• Leavenworth Animal Control, 1720 S. 2nd Street • Dog & Cat Clinic, 1101 N. 5th Street • Pioneer Veterinary Hospital, 3525 S. 4th Street • Broadway Veterinary Clinic, 1116 N. Broadway • Lowemont Veterinary Clinic, 33511 Santa Fe Trail, Easton, Kansas
Winter/Spring 2014
WHERE: from 15th Street to 20th Street Trafficway WHEN: Scheduled to be completed December 2013 HOW MUCH: Kansas Department of Transportation paid 80 percent of the $1.8 million on this project. The City’s cost was about $300,000. WHY: Updating 1,500 feet of roadway to modern standards, including drainage and gutters. The entire roadbed was torn out and replaced. The bridge over the creek was replaced. Roadside ditches were removed. Sidewalks were added, making a safer route to Henry Leavenworth Elementary School across the street.
Choctaw Repaving Third to Fourth Street
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Winter/Spring 2014 First City Connection Newsletter
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City’s new Fire Chief brings nearly 40 years’ experience to job
Gary Birch began his position as Leavenworth Fire Chief October 24. He was hired after an extensive process that included a hiring committee consisting of local fire leadership.
Birch comes to the City of Leavenworth with nearly 40 years of experience in fire supression. He spent 27 years with the Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department. He also worked for seven
First Time Home Buyer Program
The City of Leavenworth has funds available for qualified low- to moderate income first time home buyers who are currently renting in Leavenworth and would like to purchase a 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:
Household 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Low $24,950 $28,500 $32,050 $35,600 $38,450 $41,300 $44,150 $47,000
Moderate $39,900 $45,600 $51,300 $56,950 $61,550 $66,100 $70,650 $75,200
*Figures are adjusted annually by the Department of Housing and Urban Development; current rates effective as of Dec. 2012 and are subject to change Dec. 2013. For more information, contact Linda Cooper, Community Development Coordinator, at (913) 680-2628 or email lcooper@firstcity.org.
years at the Liberty, Mo., fire department before retiring there as Fire Chief in 2010. Birch then moved on to serve fire departments in northwest Arkansas. He decided to move back to the Kansas City area to be closer to family. Birch took over from Acting Fire Chief Mark Nietzke, who resumed his duties as Assistant Fire Chief. The Leavenworth Fire Department has 57 firefighters who respond to a variety of emergency incidents including medical emergency, hazardous material responses, trench rescues, automobile extractions, electrical emergencies and ice and water rescues. In 2012, the Leavenworth Fire Department responded to more than 2,300 emergency calls, 130 of which were fire-related emergencies. The Fire Department also conducts education and prevention visits to schools and conducts business and daycare inspections. Visit the Fire Department online at www.lvks.org.
Leavenworth CDGB provides program to help homeowners make repairs The City of Leavenworth has funds available to assist qualified low- to moderate-income 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.
BRUSH SITE HOURS AND CHRISTMAS TREE DISPOSAL
The Brush Site, 1803 S. 2nd. St, will switch to winter hours beginning in December, open on Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., through February 2014. The first Saturday of each month is free to residents. Christmas tree disposal is free for two weeks following Christmas: Dec. 26, 27, 28, 31 and Jan. 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Regular hours begin March 1.
From the Leavenworth Planning and Zoning Department Call 913-680-2626 to report a violation or visit www.lvks.org.
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 back yard on a paved or aggregate block surface indefinitely.
417 Spruce Street leavenworthpubliclibrary.org
After the October Zombie Extravaganza, Young Adults can delve into everything from Shakespeare to The Hobbit. Winter Break, December 23 – January 4, will be celebrated with indoor activities such as strategic board gaming, and puzzle decoration. The Children’s Department has a busy holiday season planned, from Black
Signs All commercial signs require a permit before being installed. Each residence may have a single identification sign not to exceed two-square feet on each side. Real estate sale signs shall be kept behind the sidewalk. No sale signs are permitted off site.
Friday-Library Style on November 29, to Saturday with Santa on December 14. We will also have Winter Break activities daily from December 23 – January 4. Plan to spend the holidays with the Leavenworth Public Library! YOUR Library is hosting two GREAT events, one to the end 2013 and the other to launch 2014. To celebrate the end of a remarkable year YOUR Library features our inaugural Gingerbread Creation Event!
Creations are due for public display Saturday, December 6 by 10 a.m. Kicking off 2014 YOUR Library celebrates Kansas Day our own way! We ask the community of Leavenworth to capture in film the GREAT state of Kansas with our Kansas Day 2014 Photo Contest. Rules are posted on the Library’s website. Be sure to check our website, www.leavenworthpubliclibrary.org, for more programs and events just for YOU! “LIKE” us on Facebook too!
Winter/Spring 2014
Leavenworth Public Library
Fences All fences require a permit before being built. Electric and barbed wire fences are prohibited. Only 4-foot, see-through fences are permitted in front of the house. Six-foot, solid fences may be permitted on the sides and rear of a house. No fences are allowed on public property.
Yard Maintenance • No commercial vehicles or trailers (12,000 Gross Vehicle All drainage ditches on the property must be kept clear of all Weight), including but not limited to panel trucks, large trash, brush and leaves. Snow removal is the responsibility of the equipment trailers, semi-trailers, etc., can be parked overnight in property owners/occupants and all sidewalks -- including the a residential area. public sidewalk -- must be kept free of all snow and ice. • Small utility trailers may be parked on the property (less than 12,000 Gross Vehicle Weight), including small trailers for Garbage and Trash hauling, leaves, wood or other yard debris. Refuse, rubbish, garbage and household trash cannot be left in the yard and must be disposed of properly. This includes auto Storm Damage of Trees parts, appliances, furniture, building materials, tires, cardboard, Property owners have three months after a storm to remove all plastics or any other collected materials. Tree trimming and tree damage from a property. fallen limbs must be disposed of within a week. Open Storage Junk on Private Property Property may not be parked, stored, or left inoperable in view City ordinance states: It shall be unlawful to park, store, leave or of the public or neighboring properties. This includes permit the parking, storing or leaving of any vehicle, machinery, abandoned, discarded or unused objects or equipment such as appliances, implements or equipment, including abandoned, automobiles, furniture, appliances, cans or containers, construcdiscarded or unused objects or equipment such as automotion materials, junk, trash, or other debris. biles, furniture, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, cans or containers, lumber, junk, trash or other debris, which is in a wrecked, Building Maintenance junked, partially dismantled, inoperative, unsafe or abandoned The maintenance of a structure is the responsibility of the propcondition on private property in the City, so located upon the erty owner. Exterior surfaces, including out buildings, fences and premises as to be visible from any public place or any surround- attached structures must be maintained free of breaks, holes, ing private property, unless it is in connection with a business rotten wood, chipped and peeling paint, broken windows or enterprise properly operated in the appropriate business zone doors, rust or any other condition that violates health, fire, buildpursuant to the zoning laws and other ordinances of the City. ing or zoning codes or other regulations.
First City Connection Newsletter
Know the code
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