First City Connection - Summer 2015

First City Connection INFORMATION FOR LEAVENWORTH’S RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES/ SUMMER 2015

Completed Stove Factory Lofts project brings living spaces downtown The first phase in the longawaited Stove Factory Lofts is compete and residents are now renting space at Esplanade and Choctaw streets.

This project was spearheaded by Foutch Brothers, LLC., the development company funding the project.

City funds were not used for the construction of the building. However, the City provided an economic development package which included: - Assisting Foutch Brothers in obtaining a Brownfields and Land Revitalization grant for soil remediation. Countywide Sales Tax dollars were used for the City’s matching portion of the grant.

- Assisting with the Kansas State Historic Tax Credits - Agreement of a 95 percent property tax abatement for 10 years.

- Construction of sidewalks, curbs and gutters and a parking lot on the south side of the building. Construction is planned for this summer.

Construction was required by state law to meet historic guidelines, such as windows

INSIDE:

that keep the historic nature of the building. Exposed original brick and wood surfaces make up part of the interior of the apartments.

As of the first week of March, eight loft apartments had already been leased to customers. A total of 36 apartments are move in-ready.

One, two and three bedroom spaces are available. Work continues on other portions of the building throughout 2015. The developer plans to have another 100 units avail- Above: One, Two and Three Bedroom Lofts are now available in the former able by the end of 2015.

• Don’t forget to VOTE April 7.

• FREE smoke detectors available PAGE 3

“Tire Town” buildings.

KDOT plans summer reconstruction of Metropolitan Street 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 re-worked 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 right-of-way required.

The project is scheduled to be completed by late 2015. This is a continuation of the KDOT project north of the Leavenworth city limits on Kansas Highway 7.

• Portions of Three-Mile Creek trail to close PAGE 4 • State discusses Centennial Bridge PAGE 5 • Grants available for home repair, PAGE 6

CITY PHONE NUMBERS City Manager’s Office/ Economic Development City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-680-2604 City Clerk’s Office City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-682-9201 Fire Department (Administration calls only) 3600 S. 20th Street Trafficway 913-682-3346 For Burn Permits: 913-758-2980

Leavenworth City Commission DON’T FORGET TO VOTE - Municipal elections take place April 7, 2015.

Meets 7 p.m. Tuesdays at City Hall. Each 2nd and 4th weeks are regular sessions, 1st and 3rd weeks are study sessions.

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

Mark Preisinger Mayor 913-775-2822 mpreisinger@firstcity.org

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

KDOT hosts meetings about Centennial Bridge

Kansas Department of Transportation engineers have identified a future need to replace the 60-year Centennial Bridge over the Missouri River.

In January, KDOT held two public open houses for information on the second phase of the Route 92 Centennial Bridge Study, which examines options for constructing a four-lane replacement bridge between Leavenworth and Platte County Missouri.

The Route 92 Centennial Bridge Study will use data collection, cost analysis and public input to determine options for constructing a bridge replacement.

This includes determining a preferred location, bridge type, associated costs, potential funding mechanisms and conducting a preliminary assessment of the potential environmental impact.

The study includes the preparation of an Advanced Preliminary Engineering Report, as well as a Tolling & Revenue Report. For more information on the Route 92 Centennial Bridge Study visit: www.ksdot.org/kcMetro/. According to information presented by KDOT, construction is likely several years away.

City Hall facade to undergo repair to prevent further roof damage Larry Dedeke Commissioner 913-651-3322 ldedeke@aol.com

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

Laura Janas Gasbarre Commissioner 913-758-1834 lgasbarre@firstcity.org

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

Black tarp was put into place in January along the facade of Leavenworth City Hall.

The tarp is a temporary measure to allow areas to dry until a construction project can take place. Water damage to the City Hall’s roof will require repair set to take place later in 2015. The roof and facade repair will replace a section of the roof and also replace some of the damaged terra cotta. Damaged parapet caps will also be replaced. This project is expected to bid in April.

The Leavenworth Fire Department along with other regional fire departments throughout the Kansas City area have qualified for a grant that will provide free smoke detectors to residents.

Fire Chief Gary Birch encourages residents in need of smoke detectors to call the Leavenworth Fire Department at 913682-3346 to receive free smoke detectors.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Fire Protection and Safety grant paid for the cost of smoke detectors. The grant pays for smoke detectors with 10-year guaranteed lithium batteries that are tamper proof.

Leavenworth Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Mark Nietzke says that means that residents who receive the grant-provided smoke detectors won’t have to change the batteries every six months. After 10 years, the smoke detector can just be thrown out.

Additionally, the grant provides for smoke detectors for the hearing impaired.

When a resident calls for a free smoke detector, the Leavenworth Fire Department will come and install it in person. Residents will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire.

The smoke detectors cannot be distributed to rental property landlords, duplexes, townhomes or apartment complexes where it is the landlord’s responsibility to supply the alarms per Kansas State Statute, #31-162.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, onethird of fire deaths result from fires in properties without

Leavenworth Firefighters install smoke detectors in a resident’s home in 2014 after a fire death in which there was no working smoke detector in the home.

First City Connection Newsletter

Fire Department provides free smoke detectors to residents

smoke detectors. The risk of death in home fires is cut in half when there is a working smoke detector in the home.

The association also reports that smoke alarm failures usually result from missing or dead batteries. The 10-year battery life of the grant-provided smoke detectors helps to resolve this problem.

Nietzke said that residents who have their own smoke detectors still need to remember to check their smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries as directed.

When a smoke detector sounds, get out and stay out.

Firefighters are available if residents have questions about their smoke detectors or aren’t sure if they are working or installed properly.

To receive a smoke detector, call 913-682-3346.

CVB Ambassador program aimed at promoting Leavenworth to tourists Tour Group Ambassadors n Volunteer to greet tour groups upon their arrival n Volunteer to farewell tour groups on their departure n Prep hospitality bags for overnight groups Frequency: 1-2 times per month What are the benefits for Ambassadors? n Community and customer service experience n Ability to earn badges n Recognition in media n CVB products (SWAG) n Ability to represent the Leavenworth community at exhibits and showcases.

What will the CVB provide to Ambassadors? n Free training (ongoing) n Vests for event ambassadors that will be returned after each event n ID badges n Graphics for ambassadors to share on their personal pages and websites n Feature of ambassadors on our website and social media channels For more information, contact: Tammie Ferguson, CVB Manager, (913) 682-4113.

Summer 2015

The Leavenworth Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is looking for Leavenworth community members interested in being a source of information about the community. Volunteers will help tourists learn about Leavenworth places, events and activities.

What is a Convention and Visitors Bureau Ambassador?

A volunteer who commits their time and skills to assist the Convention and Visitors Bureau in promoting the Leavenworth community at events, online and/or during group tour visits.

What types of Ambassador opportunities are there?

Event Ambassadors n Volunteer at major special events throughout the year or as needed n Capture moments through photos and video with their mobile devices n Hand out maps and Visitors Guides n Give visitors directions Frequency: Up to 3 hours per event Social Media Ambassadors n Share posts from the CVB to their personal social media n Check-in at event locations n Capture moments through photos and video with their mobile devices Frequency: 1-2 times per week or as desired

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Summer 2015

Project Updates

More Public Works projects in 2015

Second Street Bridge construction to close portions of Second Street, park trail Multiple construction projects this summer will require the closure of portions of the Three Mile Creek trail for the safety of the general public. n Second Street Bridge construction will close to traffic along Second Street just south of Choctaw for a period of 6 to 9 months. The bridge will be taken out and replaced and new sidewalks will be added on both sides. n Construction of a new parking lot at Stove Factory Lofts between the creek and the buildings, adjacent to the current parking at Leavenworth Landing Park. This roughly 100-space lot is being constructed as part of the economic development package to Foutch Brothers for the new lofts. It is funded by the Countywide Sales Tax. n Sanitary Sewer work is being done by a private company to prepare new living spaces for Stove Factory Lofts.

Three Mile Creek at the Second Street Bridge

SIDEWALKS Sidewalk repair is taking place in 2015 on the north side of Spruce Street from Lawrence Avenue west to 19th Street.

STORMWATER DRAINAGE: • Sherman Avenue west of Terrace Road • Lawrence Avenue North of Thornton • Along 10th Avenue • Marion between Garland and Spring Garden ADA RAMPS The City utilizes a state partnership each year to help pay for handicapped accessible modifications to sidewalks. Projects in 2015 include accessible ramps on Fourth Street from Limit Street to Pine, Linn Street to Pine Street and Martin Street to Rees Street.

Fourth and Poplar: The City is reconfiguring this intersection for semitrailer truck traffic. Work should take place later in the summer.

First City Connection newsletter

Leavenworth Library hosts summer activities for all

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Leavenworth Public Library 417 Spruce St. Leavenworth, KS Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

(Internet computers shut down 15 min. before closing.)

Plan to cool off this summer at YOUR Leavenworth Public Library. Movies, programs, science, engineering, crafts, and ...? Sorry, some things will just have to be a surprise.

We will have reading challenges for all ages for the months of June and July. This year the theme for children and teens is “Every Hero Has a Story.”

For adults, our theme is “Escape the

Ordinary.” Just imagine the fun we are going to have! Be sure to sign up for the challenges.

YOUR Library offers digital resources such as MiFi; a mobile wireless hotspot that patrons can check out, take home and use to log onto the Internet. We also offer Hoopla, a library’s version of Netflix with streaming video, music and audiobooks. You get five free check outs a month on hoopla. Stop in today to find out more, or check out our website, http://leavenworthpubliclibrary.org.

“Like” us on Facebook to keep up with what is going on at YOUR Library. Explore our Pinterest boards to find out what programs we have coming up.

Check out the Code Now classes and teach yourself HTML or maybe Alice.

We have coding for teens in the library if you want to learn with a group. Just talk to a youth services staff member to find out more.

YOUR Library is an amazing resource for entertainment and so much more.

Drop in today and explore. Spend time in the stacks reading or connect with others in the community by attending programs such as ‘Elementary Explorers,’ ‘Creation Station,’ ‘A Walk Through Military History,’ or one of the presentations by the Master Gardeners.

It is our pleasure to the staff of YOUR Leavenworth Public Library. As always, we look forward to talking books and more with you soon.

The City needs teams of volunteers to help accomplish our goal of picking up all the trash in Leavenworth in one day, April 18. For those who do not wish to volunteer, many other services are available for residents to assist in cleaning up your home or property.

Volunteer This year’s annual Citywide Spring Cleanup takes place April 18, 2015 with a kick-off 8:30 a.m. at Warren Middle School. Each year, more than 1,200 volunteers from scout groups, churches and civic organizations remove tons of trash from City of Leavenworth streets. Volunteers who sign up in advance will receive a free T-shirt and one-day pass to Wollman Aquatic Center. The City will assign volunteer groups to a grid on the City map and provide gloves and trash bags for volunteers as well as pick up bags of trash left behind. Join us at the kickoff for coffee, doughnuts and music.

To volunteer, contact Melissa Bower, mbower@firstcity. org.

Recycle Visit the City’s recycling center, Lawrence and Halderman Road (one block west of Leavenworth High School) open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, to recycle: • Tin & aluminum cans • Car Batteries & Rechargeable Batteries • E-Waste • Used Automotive Oil • Plastics • Glass — clear, brown or green • Paper products (cardboard, magazines, paper, etc.)

• Residents should remove all lids and neck rings and clean and rinse any cans, plastic bottles and glass items.

Shred Bring your bags of unwanted paper for free paper shredding offered by Citizens Savings & Loan and the City of Leavenworth. Shredding will take place 10 a.m. to

Volunteers in 2011 pick up trash as part of the Leavenworth Citywide Spring Cleanup. This year’s cleanup is April 18. Many services will be available to residents.

12:45 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Citizens Savings & Loan, 5151 S. Fourth Street and 1 - 2 p.m. at Citizens Savings and Loan, 312 S. Fifth St. Household Residents may dispose of items such as tires, furniture, metals, mattresses, appliances from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 18. Items considered household hazardous waste such as household cleaners, varnish, paint, paint thinners, pesticides, pool chemicals and automotive products

First City Connection Newsletter

Leavenworth Citywide Spring Cleanup to take place April 18

may be dropped off 8 a.m. to noon April 18. Site is behind the Municipal Service Center, Pennsylvania & Lawrence Avenues.

Yard Waste The Brush Site, 1803 S. 2nd St. will be available 8 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 for residents to drop off organic materials. The Brush Site accepts tree limbs, grass clippings, straw, hay, leaves and other organic materials from general yard waste.

Office of the City Clerk :

Summer 2015

Licensing & Misc. Services n The City of Leavenworth requires businesses and residents who have an Alarm System to have a permit. The cost of the permit is $15 per year. The license is valid from July 1 through June 30 each year. Letters to remind permit holders to renew are mailed in May. Permits must be renewed by July 1 to avoid a late fee of $35. Those without a permit risk getting fined for false 911 calls. n Trash bags may be purchased at the City Clerk’s Office at $6 per roll n Garage sale permits are required at a cost of $5. n All restaurants are required to have a Health Permit at a cost of $100 per year. n All Employees working at any Food Establishment must pay a $10 Food Handler Fee. n Massage Establishments - New Business $350 and Renewals $175. n Cereal Malt Beverage license renewals effective January 1, 2016 need to be submitted by December 1, 2015 for processing and approval. n Distributing flyers door-to-door requires a permit. n Door-to-door solicitors are required to purchase a license with the City. n If you encounter individuals soliciting at your home, ask to see a copy of the city license. n 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. n Haymarket Square located at 7th & Cherokee can be rented for any special events.

For more information, contact the Leavenworth City Clerk’s Office at 913-682-9201.

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Summer 2015 First City Connection newsletter

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Weatherization grants provide savings for summer and winter

Leavenworth resident Jennifer Abbott had a list of “hopes” for her new home including a new door and a few windows downstairs. With the help of a City program, she was instead able to get 7 new windows, two exterior doors and a storm door at no cost to her.

The City of Leavenworth facilitates a program with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development federal grant money called the Home Rehabilitation Assistance Program. To qualify for this program, the applicant must meet the low to moderate income guidelines established by HUD. Persons applying for the program must be the homeowner and living at the residence, live inside Leavenworth city limits, carry homeowners’ insurance and property taxes must be current as well as meeting the income restrictions. Also, prior assistance from the City of Leavenworth to the homeowner disqualifies the applicant from receiving further grant funds.

Mary Dwyer, Community Development Coordinator for the City of Leavenworth, oversees the grant program. She makes sure that applicants meet all the guidelines and assists with the application process. Once

applicants determine work that is to be done, they must get bids from three vendors approved by the City.

“The home rehabilitation program can be used for weatherization to cut energy bills, a double savings for homeowners,” said Dwyer. “You save once with the grant that pays for the project and again in lower energy bills. Insulation, doors, windows and storm doors or windows all qualify.”

Abbott said she got the lowest bid approved at $4,450 for a local Leavenworth company to do the replacement work on her home.

Without assistance, Abbott said she would have done much less work. She had priced out three of the windows downstairs at around $300 and wasn’t sure how she could afford a new front door.

Abbott’s home already feels warmer. She has noticed the furnace doesn’t go on as much and she’s looking forward to the energy savings on her next bill.

The work at Abbott’s home specifically falls under the category of weatherization assistance. The CDBG program will provide up to $6,000 for weatherization or minor exterior repair. For more information, contact Dwyer at 913-680-2628 or mdwyer@firstcity.org.

Code

Know The

Yard Maintenance • Grass and weeds must be kept shorter than 12 inches. All ground covers and vines shall be maintained to discourage undesirable creatures. Any noxious weeds are to be removed. Owners/occupants of properties abutting sidewalks, streets or public property shall maintain all vegetation so it does not interfere with travel or sight. Special care should be taken at intersections. Approximately 30 percent of overall code violations stem from weeds and tall grass violations. Only one notification per year is sent on a grass and weed violation. If the City mows your property, the charge will include the contractors’ fee and a city assessment fee: - $100 for 1st mow - $250 for 2nd mow - $500 for additional mows Drainage Swale A drainage swale is a low-lying landscape feature that allows drainage and water runoff. Drainage swales are to be maintained by the property owner.

Storm Damage of Trees Property owners have three months after a storm to remove all tree damage from a property.

Garbage and Trash Refuse, rubbish, garbage and household trash cannot be left in the yard and must be disposed of properly. This includes auto parts, appliances, furniture, building materials, tires, cardboard, plastics or any other collected materials. Tree trimming and fallen limbs must be disposed of within a week.

Police to offer free DARE camp The Leavenworth Police Department sponsors a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) camp each summer. The camp is free, but only open to the first 50 students who sign up. The day camp has activities with a focus on teaching children to avoid drugs and alcohol. The 2015 camp will be offered June 22-26 at Warren Middle School. Deadline to apply is June 15. Contact DARE Officer Johnny Sweet to apply, jsweet@firstcity.org.

Donations are welcome to help fund the program.