Winterspring2016city

First City Connection

INFORMATION FOR LEAVENWORTH’S RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES/ WINTER/SPRING 2016

Wall installed for flood protection

Changes to increase availability for home ownership & repair programs

Work is nearing completion on a 375-foot wall between the Riverfront Community Center and the Missouri River. The floodwall is approximately 1.5 feet above the base flood elevation, or about three feet above ground level. Underneath, contractors are also repairing and installing better pumps and storm drainage to prevent water backups that have previously caused flooding of the community center.

In previous years, sandbagging all along this area was completed to prevent flooding. As recently as 2011, 300 feet of sandbags were brought in during times of concern for flooding.

The Community Development Advisory Board approved changes to the City’s homeowner assistance and repair programs.

These programs are funded through Community Development Block Grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The changes are intended to make the programs more effective and increase availability to the Leavenworth community.

The Home Ownership Program is intended to assist low-income to moderate-income individuals and families in purchasing single-family homes within the City limits.

Changes to this program include: • Applicants outside the City limits can apply, however, the home purchased must be inside the City.

• Eligible homes must be valued at $150,000 or less.

Home Repair Assistance Program Application helps Leavenworth homeowners make repairs or handicapped-accessibility improvements. Applicants must meet low or moderate income guidelines. Changes to this program include: • Applicants can re-apply for funds after 10 years, or, if the original grant was under $3,000; the applicant can apply for a second grant of up to $3,000.

• Full window replacement is no longer included for the weatherization program.

• The applicant must live in the house for one year before the grant process can begin. To apply, call 913-680-2626.

INSIDE:

The new floodwall will only require sandbagging on the ends of the wall -- about 15 feet on one end and 35 feet on another end.

The City received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for $389,332. The City paid the design costs and must be responsible for any other costs above the grant funding.

A bid was awarded to Mega Industries for $494,830 at the Aug. 18 City Commission meeting.

The City cooperated with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and Union Pacific Railroad as well as FEMA for this project.

• What is a “Snow Emergency?” Page 2 • Economic Development, Page 3

• Dog Tag Registration, PAGE 4 • Police warn of scammers, PAGE 5 • Parks and Rec Activity Guide, REVERSE

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

Leavenworth City Commission

Economic Development City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-680-2604 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

Lisa Weakley Larry Dedeke Mayor Mayor Pro-Tem 913-682-6297 913-651-3322 lweakley@firstcity.org ldedeke@aol.com

Nancy Bauder Commissioner 913-675-7166 nbauder@firstcity.org

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

Charles Raney Commissioner 913-704-8439 charleyraney @rocketmail.com

Inspections City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-684-0378

Project aims to improve 4th and Marion for trucks

Leavenworth Public Library 417 Spruce St. 913-682-5666

Parks and Recreation Riverfront Community Center 123 S. Esplanade St. 913-651-2203

The City is tearing down this building at 4th and Marion streets for the purpose of improving the intersection for truck traffic. This intersection has become a problem with semitrailer trucks attempting a right turn on a narrow roadway. The City received funding from KDOT that will provide for 85% of this $1 million project. The City is also using Countywide Sales Tax to fund this project.

Planning/ Community Development City Hall, 100 N. Fifth St. 913-680-2626

Citizen responsibilities during a snow emergency

Municipal Court Justice Center, 601 S. Third 913-758-2900

Police (Admin calls only) Justice Center, 601 S. Third 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 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

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, www.lvks.org along with the Snow and Ice Policy Manual.

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 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.

Snow on sidewalks Property owners are responsible for removing snow from adjacent sidewalks and sidewalk ramps. Businesses are responsible for clearing sidewalks downtown. The

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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. Snow removal is necessary for safety, especially along major roads near schools and Fort Leavenworth, where children and Soldiers have heavy use of sidewalks.

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.

Economic Development

Stove Lofts Parking Lot: As part of the economic development agreement, the City is constructing a public parking lot behind the lofts on Choctaw and Esplanade streets.

Extended Stay Hotel: Property at Third and Delaware streets has been turned over to a developer for the purpose of building an extended-stay hotel. The City purchased a building on this site and demolished it in 2014.

Cereal Ingredients plans to add a minimum of 32 new jobs and invest $12 million in a major expansion of its facilities.

The expansion will provide for 81,000 sq. ft. of warehousing, maintenance and production.

OPEN! Hampton Inn was built by a private contractor at Fourth and Choctaw. The developer is receiving a 10-year, 95 percent property tax abatement from 2015-2025 for city, county and school district property taxes.

2111-2117 S. Fourth Street/Kansas Highway 7 A private contractor is in the process of constructing retail development on this site near Limit Street.

2701 S. Fourth Street/Kansas Highway 7 a private company is constructing a three-story building at this site near Price Chopper in Leavenworth.

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Resident Information Leavenworth Library leads to a lifelong love of learning The kids are now settled into their school routines and they are learning lots of new things.

The concept of childhood learning is commonly understood. What isn’t so clear is that learning takes place throughout a person’s life, and it is not confined to a formal classroom.

Technology has drastically changed how people learn. However, reading never go out of style no matter what method is used. Is there a topic you are interested in, a new job you just landed that requires more knowledge or a home improvement project you would like to do yourself? The Leavenworth Public Library contains books on hundreds of subjects. We have access to even more through the collections of other area libraries, online databases and e-books. Our Reference staff can help you find information on practically anything. Just ask, and let the learning begin!

Interacting with others offers the opportunity to explore and share interests. The Library partners with local experts to provide a wide variety of free programs. You can learn a lot of things you may not have thought about before by attending. Check out our calendar of events at www. leavenworthpubliclibrary.org for our upcoming schedule.

In this information age, we often take the Internet for granted. Most businesses and organizations communicate exclusively online. Some may argue that increased use of the Internet causes people to be isolated and withdrawn from society. But studies have shown that Internet use actually increases social interaction. And while interacting online is free, not everyone can afford a computer or an Internet connection at home. You can come to the library to gain free access to a world of information and socialization that can improve your studies, lead to a better job or add value to your life.

Learning enriches life no matter who you are. Albert Einstein said, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”

Here at the Library, we are here to help cultivate a lifelong love of learning that improves the lives of everyone in the community.

RIVERFRONT COMMUNITY CENTER ENTRANCE REOPENED: After an extensive project to replace crumbling sandstone and masonry on the exterior of the Parks and Recreation building at 123 S. Esplanade, the entrance was reopened in October.

City requires tags, registration for all dogs The 2016 Dog Tags will be available to purchase starting Friday, February 1, 2016. All dogs residing in the City must have a dog license. Puppies under 3 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 March 31st, 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 St. • Leavenworth Animal Control, 1720 S. 2nd St. • Dog & Cat Clinic, 1101 N. 5th Street • Pioneer Veterinary Hospital, 3525 S. 4th St. • Broadway Veterinary Clinic, 1116 N. Broadway.

• Hope Clinic, 728 Cherokee St. • Lowemont Veterinary Clinic, 33511 Santa Fe Trail, Easton, Kansas.

Adoptable Pets at Leavenworth Animal Control 2019 S. 3rd St. (Behind Price Chopper).

Call 913-682-0268.

Hours are Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Second Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

See the pets online at www.petfinder.com/shelters/KS122. html

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Police warn of scammers that target your loved ones CALL POLICE to ask about scams or for help: 913-682-4411.

One of the most common but preventable crimes is scamming others. These scams contain a lot of minor variances, however they all have several red flags in common.

• They promise you a large prize or payout but require you to pay something in advance to receive it. For example, one scam informed the victim that they won the lottery, however they had to pay their taxes in advance. After the victim paid the taxes, no winnings were ever paid. A variance to this scam replaces the “taxes” with a “processing fee” or other reason.

In the end, there is no money coming the victim’s way.

• Another variance of these scams threatens some type of consequence instead of a windfall. One popular scam is where the caller claims to be with the Internal Revenue Service. They tell the victim that they are behind on taxes and threaten to come and arrest them if they don’t send the money immediately. The IRS never calls to collect — all IRS business is done by mail in writing.

• Another variation is where the caller says that their loved one is in jail and they are collecting bond money. The caller may even attempt to represent themselves as the loved one. With a staged “bad connection” and a hard-of-hearing listener, it can be very convincing to some victims.

Get a call back number and call the agency back before wiring any money.

It is important to share this information with your loved ones — parents, grandparents, retirement communities, etc. so that they are not losing their lifelong earnings.

Once the money is sent, it is gone forever!

The vast majority of these scams originate outside of the U.S. and are virtually impossible to solve or prosecute. In general, those who are active on the Internet or social media are up to speed with these types of scams, however the criminals are most successful targeting the elderly or other vulnerable people.

Members of the Leavenworth Fire Department greet a busload of World War II veterans from the 7th Armored Division visiting Fort Leavenworth Sept. 11 for their 69th Reunion.

Licensing & Miscellaneous Services • Trash bags can be purchased through 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, 2016 need to be submitted by December 1, 2015 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 your trees down, ask to see the tree trimmer’s license.

BRUSH SITE HOURS AND CHRISTMAS TREE DISPOSAL

The Brush Site, located at 1803 S. 2nd. St, will switch to winter hours Dec. 1. It will be open Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during December, January and February. The first Saturday of each month is still no charge/free drop off for residents. The site will also be open for free Christmas Tree disposal on Dec. 26, 29, 30, 31 and Jan. 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Regular hours begin for 2016 on March 1, 2016.

Bill-pay program available for elderly who qualify The City of Leavenworth will pay your monthly sewer and refuse charges if you meet these 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.

Residents may sign up at the City Clerk’s Office, Leavenworth City Hall

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100 N. 5th Street. Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2016. You must provide a completed copy of your 2015 Federal Income Tax Return and/or 2015 Kansas Homestead Claim documents. Starting Tuesday, February 16, 2016, the City Clerk’s Office staff will start accepting applications for the Elderly Rebate Program.

Sakura:

Cherry Blossoms bring together Sister Cities of Leavenworth and Omihachiman, Japan

ABOVE and UPPER RIGHT: Flowers on cherry trees bloom in Omihachiman, Japan in April 2015.

BELOW: Leavenworth’s white cherry blossoms bloom along the Missouri River in April 2015. These were a gift from Omihachiman. The two communities are Sister Cities under a program founded during President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration to bring world communities closer together.

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.

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.

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, machin-

ery, 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.

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 park-

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Planning and Code Enforcement Call 913-680-2626 to report a violation or visit www.lvks.org. ing 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.

• No commercial vehicles or trailers (12,000 Gross Vehicle Weight), including but not limited to panel trucks, large equipment trailers, semi-trailers, etc., 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.